Page 29 of Cruel Alpha: Season One

Decorators shuffled in and out of the estate all week, lugging in various items I can easily spot as I scan the room—archways and columns, large floral arrangements, tall candelabras with flickering flames dancing with every slight breeze, new chandeliers, large sculptures, hand-painted frescoes and decorative moldings for the ceiling, lounge seating in the corners for casual conversation, black draperies to coordinate with tonight’s themed attire, and of course fine linen and over-the-top place settings. I was escorted through this space for my tour, but it’s been completely transformed for the soiree.

Or, according to Caspian, it’s been completely transformed for…me.

My maidens stand close, two at either side. Elizabeth and Winifred are nearest to me, which has been the case this entire week as they get acclimated to life within the estate. They’re no strangers to high society, but being part of the alpha’s world is high society tenfold.

The smooth ballad played by a live orchestra, along with the soft glow of what must be three hundred candles or more, all prove to be a bit disarming as I stand with my maidens. I’ve spent the last ten minutes pretending not to notice Caspian across the room. His tux is tailored and well-fitting, of course, and I swear I’ve somehow breathed a whiff of his cologne twice now, despite the distance between us making that impossible. He hasn’t looked in my direction even once. Not since we were escorted in together, and he briefly glanced over while complimenting my dress. His attention’s been focused on entertaining the handful of dignitaries currently hanging on his every word. I can’t help but think I’m intentionally being ignored. It’s as though hewantsme to notice him not noticing me.

Typical.

I force my gaze away, flipping open a black fan made of the same black silk as my gown, the tips of the pleated fabric trimmed in silver. Fanning myself gives me something to do with my hands, distracting me from the pull to glance in Caspian’s direction again.

“You look beautiful,” Winifred whispers from my right. “No need to be nervous.”

When she adds the last part, I realize my rigid body language might’ve given that impression, but it isn’t nerves I’m feeling. There’s heat building in the pit of my stomach because, as much as I’ve tried to put our alpha out of my thoughts, he still manages to wriggle his way into them somehow.

“Thank you,” I whisper back.

She nods in my peripheral vision before Elizabeth leans in to speak on my left. “How does it feel, cousin? Being the most important woman in all New Eden?”

The question, while asked innocently enough, sends a chill racing down my spine.

“It feels… like the calm before a storm.”

The smile slowly fades from Elizabeth’s face as her posture straightens. Her eyes are fixed on the surrounding crowd again, and I imagine my cryptic response has her mind racing. It was the most honest answer I could give, though.

“Ms. Breedlove?”

I turn toward the sound of the voice that’s just distracted me, and I’m greeted by a familiar smile. It’s warm and easy, just like I remember.

“Baron Maxamilian Fitzroy. How are you?”

His smile broadens, possibly at the realization that I’ve so easily remembered his name.

“I’m well,” he answers, “but please, it’s still justMaxto you.”

My fan stops when he takes the opposite hand to kiss it. Heat from his lips can be felt through my glove, much like the blast ofheat I’m suddenly feeling from the other side of the ballroom. I haven’t looked at Caspian in several minutes now, but there’s no question whether his eyes are onme.

“I—wasn’t expecting to see you here tonight.”

Max’s eyes find mine again. “I’ve been away for several months, but when Mother sent word, informing me of your new…status…making my way back to New Eden became a priority.” His smile feels a bit forced now, but it’s still polite.

I do recall his mother being somewhat of a busybody, so this doesn’t come as a surprise.

“Well, I?—”

Words escape me when my gaze flits toward the door, caught off guard by the sheer gall of my aunt and uncle showing up here. After what they’ve done, after how they betrayed me.

“You… what?” Max asks, prompting me to meet his gaze again.

“Sorry, I was just going to say that I’m probably the most shocked ofallby my present circumstances, but life’s like that, isn’t it? Unexpected?”

Max nods, and I do my best to give him my full attention, but that’s impossible as Aunt Geneva and Uncle Mitch slowly make their way over to me. Winifred and Elizabeth whisper excitedly amongst themselves, likely happy to see their parents, but I feel the complete opposite.

Disgusted. Frustrated. Angry.

A plan suddenly forms in my head, and just as quickly, I turn to Winifred and Elizabeth.

“I’m sure you two would like to catch up with your mother and father, why don’t you escort them to a table to have a chat?”

---