Page 31 of Cruel Alpha: Season One

Still smiling, Caspian raises his hand to quiet them.

“We appreciate your warm welcome, and your acceptance of the union that is soon to come. No, Ms. Breedlove won’tlawfullybe my mate until the Soulfast Unity Rite takes place, but I preferred to introduce her to the clan as my chosen mate sooner rather than later.”

His mention of the ceremony pulls me from my thoughts for a moment, thinking of how, in recent years, the Unity Rite has begun to overshadow the traditional institution of marriage. Mostly, this has been in favor of nixing the sometimes long, drawn out customs of a wedding ceremony, which are usually performed out of sentiment, in favor of the efficiency of the Unity Rite.

And now that I’m thinking about it, this may also be a testament of how the clan has shifted in favor of efficiency above sentimentin general.

“There have been whispers on the wind from those questioning my decision to take more than one mate,” Caspian says. “So, if you’ll all oblige, I would like to speak on this publicly while I have everyone’s attention.”

The crowd grows more focused, andIgrow more uncomfortable. This topic is a bit of an awkwardly sore spot for me. On one hand, I’d just as soon havenoneof Caspian’s attention, but if I’m forced into bondage with him, I can’t help but wonder what others have made of this soon-coming arrangement. One where I will not be his one and only, but one ofmany.

Forcing the thought from my head, I listen intently.

“Let it be known that my decision to share my life with more than one woman is in no way a reflection of Ms. Breedlove, nor does it imply an inability to… hold my attention,” he says, his gaze sweeping toward me. “My council can attest to the fact that this plan has been in place for quite some time now, even prior to Ms. Breedlove being chosen.”

The statement brings a question to mind. I’m wondering, when exactlywasI chosen? At what point did he become aware of my existence?

“Believe me when I say that I am truly humbled by her presence,” Caspian adds, and for a moment, I’m just as smitten by him as the crowd. “It’s becauseof her heart for this clan, and her general good nature, that I’ve made a decision.”

Caspian signals to Archibald offstage. Then, based on the looks of confusion on Creed and Dimitri’s faces, I’m guessing this is completely off script.

Archibald steps forward with a dark box in hand. Every guest, like me, waits with bated breath as Caspian takes thevelvet box, and then faces me. But when he opens it, revealing a necklace, those breaths return to me in a rush. It’s beautiful—a large yellow stone surrounded by countless diamonds, fixed on a gold chain. It looks familiar, and only takes half a moment to remember where I’ve seen it. A portrait hangs in the foyer of the estate. It’s of the alpha’s mother. And this necklace… was hers.

I meet his gaze and only now realize I haven’t closed my mouth in several seconds. The reaction seems to please Caspian. I suppose because he’s managed to render this smart-mouthed, sharp-tongued girl silent for once. While most would argue that I’m currently tongue-tied because of the piece’s monetary value, it’s actually thesentimentalvalue that’s done it.

“Do you accept my gift?” Caspian asks quietly, so low I’m certain no one’s heard him but me.

You could hear a pin drop while we stand there, staring at one another over this priceless family jewel. My heart races, wondering what the hidden meaning is behind it, but there’s a level of transparency in his eyes I haven’t often seen. It’s enough that I nod, accepting his offer, without feeling that I’ll later regret it.

He smiles again, and I suck in another breath when he steps behind me as he unclasps the necklace. Then, the next moment, he’s secured it around my neck, and it rests against my chest. Once he returns to stand before me, he takes both my hands.

“It seemed only fitting that the jewel in my crown should wear the most precious jewel in my collection,” he says, and the crowd gushes. “And it also seemed fitting for Clan Centauri’s new Alpha Regent.”

And just like that, the guests’ gushing becomes a symphony of gasps from all directions.

“Caspian.” He meets my gaze when his name falls from my lips in a breath. “You—I…”

He smiles, seeing me stammer. But it’s a fitting response for being told that I am now our clan’s second in command. No, the title doesn’t hold much weight while our alpha is yet alive, but should misfortune befall him tomorrow, I would be among those leading our people. It’s a symbol of his faith in me.

It’s a symbol of his trust.

Trust that, before now, I didn’t realize existed.

There’s a light in his eyes when he leans close, whispering against my ear. “Once our guests have gone, I’d like to have a word with you.”

He doesn’t wait for a response. He simply places a kiss on my cheek and holds me to his chest. While I’m certain I should pull away… my eyes fall closed the moment his lips meet my skin.

The thing about men of power and status is that, once you have their respect… their hearts are soon to follow. And whether I like it or not, hatred is no longer the only feeling I have toward him.

My captor. My alpha. My mate.

13

Stalemate

Annalise

The estate is eerilyquiet now that the orchestra has played their last note, and the guests—full of wine and exquisite food—have all leftthishome to return to their own. My steps echo across the pristine floor of the drawing room as Archibald latches the door closed behind me.

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