Page 23 of Cruel Alpha: Season One

“Let’s get on with it then, shall we?”

“Yes, let’s,” I echo.

There’s this vein in the center of his forehead that’s been throbbing the last thirty seconds, and it excites me knowing I’m currently the source of his stress.

His eyes linger on me a moment, before slowly shifting to the fire. “You’ll need to know the details of our arrangement. I’m sure you can understand that I have certain expectations.”

“Oh, of course!”

His eyes dart toward me again, annoyance flaring in his expression, which means my sarcasm wasn’t lost on him.

“After breakfast tomorrow, I’ll introduce you to the staff,” he says. “The sooner you get acclimated to them the better. They’re the backbone of this home.”

I nearly scoff at his use of that word.

Home.

“Perhaps the most important person you’ll meet will be Mrs. Waverly. She’s a renowned dressmaker and wife to our head of security, Sir Thomas Waverly. She was brought on board just this week now that you’ll be living here. It only seemed fitting that you’d have your very own seamstress at your disposal. No mate of mine will ever want for anything.”

I feel his eyes on me, but I choose to keep mine trained on the fire instead.

“And speaking of dresses, you’ll want to keep in mind that your first event is fast approaching. Which means Mrs. Waverly will likely be in and out quite often this week, bringing in fabric samples for your approval, and?—”

“Wait… event?” My brow furrows.

He nods casually, sipping his wine. “Yes, the Starlight and Silk Soiree. It’s a… coming out party of sorts. It’ll be the first time I’ll present you to the clan as my mate.”

I can only scowl at him and, of course, he laughs.

“What’s the matter? Wait, don’t tell me. Among a myriad of other things, you also hate fancy dresses and luxurious gatherings in your honor?”

He’s teasing me and it’s patronizing as fuck. “What I don’t like is pretending,” I hiss. “This whole thing is one big farce.”

He turns away, arching a brow when he shrugs. “Nevertheless, the party is already on the social calendar, so as far as the coordinator, Lady Radcliffe, is concerned, it’s as good as etched in stone.”

Caspian’s lips part when he’s about to speak again, but pauses when I reach for the wine bottle and fill my glass to the brim. I set it down with a thud and prepare myself to listen to more of his bullshit.

“Why don’t I begin by listing your liberties,” he says. “You’re free to come and go as you please. I don’t believe it’s necessary to keep you locked away. Not only do I have eyes and earseverywhere, I’ve made it very clear what disobedience will cost you.”

His warning brings to mind what Aunt Geneva shared. That he’d do away with my entire family just to teach me a lesson. So, considering the consequences, no, locks and chainsaren’tnecessary.

“You’ll be afforded this privilege until you prove yourself unworthy of it,” he adds, and then moves on. “Starting today, you have an unlimited monthly stipend—for clothing, jewelry, and whatever else you might like to acquire. You’ll also never have to lift a finger. All cleaning and tending to your personal effects will be taken care of by the staff, and soon, you’ll be able to select your maidens. They’ll be tasked with keeping you company, but they’ve also been trained to wait on you hand and foot.”

He finishes and then pours himself more wine.

“And now, the rules.”

My heart sinks with his words, but I hope my expression hasn’t betrayed me.

“Rule number one: I demand your loyalty—your unfaltering, impeccable allegiance to me. As this clan’s alpha and ultimate authority, I’ll have it no other way. This decree is nonnegotiable,Annalise. And to avoid any possible confusion, this means I expect your complete support of my decisions, and you’re never to question my authority in the presence of others. Is that understood?”

I meet his gaze and find that cold stare is back. “Whatever you wish, Alpha.”

Again, my snide tone gets under his skin, and I love every second of it.

“Rule number two,” he practically growls. “I demand your obedience. Every command, everyorderI give, you’re to follow it without question, resistance, or hesitation.”

Sweat beads along my hairline, shaken by the sheer audacity of this asshole. “If you wanted a pet, why not send your minions to fetch you one? I’m certain whatever mutt you choose would be ahellof a lot easier to break than me.”

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