Page 21 of Cruel Alpha: Season One

A former suitor, and before that, we were classmates.

It takes a moment, but Dimitri and Creed’s eyes eventually shift from me back to the stage. My heart is pounding so hard, I’m not sure I can take this, watching as the head of someone I’ve shared a few laughs and a few meals with is lobbed off.

But the alpha’s words ring inside my head.

Traitors?

Bombs?

Are these things true?

“As promised, I will make these executions brief, but I assure you that their souls will forever rot in hell,” Caspian declares, right before removing his suit jacket.

I breathe wildly, staring as the guard who escorted Brendan to the platform turns him to face Caspian. Brendan’s hands and feet are bound tightly, making it impossible for him to run as the guard holds his shoulders firmly. The crowd, growing restless, snickers as the front of Brendan’s pants darken with urine, likely as the reality of his imminent death finally sinks in.

Confusion washes over me as Caspian slowly rolls his sleeves to his elbows, holding Brendan’s terrified gaze. And that’s when I realize there’s no chopping block, no ax, and no executioner.

Only, I’m starting to think I’m wrong about that last part.

“The alpha… is going to kill him?” I don’t mean to sound so small when asking, but it’s too late to pretend I’m not shaken.

Dimitri glances down at me for a moment, smirking as he answers. “My brother isn’t like most alphas. On occasion, he enjoys getting his hands dirty. Especially when it comes to pieces of shit likethesethree.”

My heart pumps faster, and I don’t realize I’m clutching my fists until my palms sting where my nails nearly break skin. Caspian looks positively feral as his eyes glow the eerie blue of an alpha, and he calls his wolf forward. Not enough to fully shift, but enough that his forearm doubles in width and elongating claws distort his hand.

A deep groan rumbles in Caspian’s chest, and Brendan squirms, panting as our alpha stretches his arm high into the air. And then, half a second later, the crowd gasps. A spray of blood coats the faces and clothing of those standing in the front row when Brendan’s throat is sliced open.

I stare at Caspian, watching as he enjoys seeing the last signs of life leaving Brendan’s body. A mask of red covers the alpha’sface, and his pristine white shirt is now stained and ruined. An act this primal, thisviolent,is unheard of within Clan Centauri. But as I watch a subtle smirk form on Caspian’s lips, something tells me this is the dawning of a new day.

One in which I’ve been sentenced to life at the righthand of a monster.

“Let this be a lesson to youall,” Caspian shouts. “Endangerment to the wellbeing of Clan Centauri will not be tolerated. Those who defy me will be met with a violent end. Just as you’ve witnessed here tonight.”

Half the crowd cheers, singing the alpha’s praises, and the other are still in shock by the bloody show of power we’ve just witnessed. I can’t take my eyes off Caspian as I watch him revel in it all, but I wish I’d looked away sooner because I’m caught, locked in his stare when his gaze shifts to me.

He doesn’t look away, and I can’t help but wonder if this disturbing display was also meant for me. Doing away with Brendan and his co-conspirators could’ve been handled quietly and in private, but this feels like a message.

The alpha wants me to know he’s not above taking extreme measures if necessary, and as Aunt Geneva’s words are called to my remembrance, the last traces of doubt are erased.

If I don’t comply, if I don’t lay down my own will and surrender to his, I may be next, joining Brendan on the other side.

The thought of it sends a chill creeping down my spine. Because lucky me gets to have drinks with this beast tonight.

On his turf.

On his terms.

Alone.

9

Drinks for Two

Annalise

“Right this way, ma’am.”

My eyes flit to Archibald when he steps aside, extending his hand toward a set of large, wooden doors. They nearly stretch the entire height of the soaring ceilings. The walk here was eerie enough—with the candlelit corridors and near total silence—and now as I stand here, my pulse thrums at the hollow of my throat.

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