Page 5 of Cruel Alpha: Season One

He’s been anything but subtle within the last thirty seconds, but it’s only now settling in that I’m being objectified.

Blatantly.

“It’s your virginity,” he clarifies. “It expresses itself as a hint of cinnamon and lavender that, if I’m being honest, makes my mouth water. Here I was thinking that little tidbit of information was nothing more than a bargaining ploy. And yet, it’s completely true,” he adds. “How interesting.”

I’m speechless, keenly aware of my heart never having raced this fast in my entire life.

“How much have others offered for a chance to be the first?”

The question has tension spreading in my brow. “Excuse me? I don’t think I understand.”

Meanwhile, what I’m thinking is… IhopeI don’t understand.

That smirk is back and the tip of Caspian’s tongue peeks out, wetting his lips.

“Pardon my candor,” he says. “It’s just that, it’s been years since I’ve found a woman to be so beautiful, so…fascinating.”

His eyes focus on the green centers of mine, then move to my shoulder, where the ponytail my aunt loathes rests over my strap.

The grin slips from him. “What are the odds?” he asks. “That someone so stunning would manage to remain untouched all these years.”

Heat flashes in my cheeks, and I assume they’re red, but the next moment, Caspian confirms it.

“There’s no need to feel shy. Not with me,” he adds. “We’re both adults.”

Of all the emotions filtering their way through my system right now, disappointment is perhaps the most tangible. Sure, I’ve been hounded by men before, but I made the mistake of expecting more from our alpha. Instead, he’s proven to be just as obsessed with the idea of an untouched woman as every other guy in this quadrant. Hence the reason why, on more than one occasion, I’ve contemplated the idea of giving myself to some random person. Just to make being a virgin a non-factor. Just to alleviate myself of the burden it’s proven to be.

One less thing for a man to believe is his to take, his to control.

We’re plunged into silence and embarrassment washes over me. How could I be so stupid? So naïve to come here with lofty expectations? The only thing I can think of doing to possibly offset the awkwardness is to trudge forward, attempt to get the conversation back on track.

“As I was saying, I have several great ideas that?—”

“Your interest in High Chamber affairs is rather adorable,” he croons. “Do you always ramble about nonsense when you’re nervous?” The question is followed by a breathy laugh. One that has anger spiking within me.

“My interest inClan Centauriaffairs is the only reason I’m here. Isn’t that why you invited me?”

His brow arches when he scoffs, but then his head cocks when some measure of awareness flashes within his stare.

“Shit. You mean they actually sent you all this way without telling you?” His question has my stomach lurching toward my throat.

“Without telling me… what?”

I despise the smallness of my voice, but the words wouldn’t leave me any other way.

Studying me, Caspian leans back in his seat, casually letting his knees fall open as he scans me with hunger in his eyes. Never have I wanted to leave someone’s presence more than I do his, but I’m no fool. He’s bigger, stronger, and faster than me, which means I don’t stand a chance of leaving this room without his say-so. And even if by some small miracle I make it across the threshold, there would be an army of peeved wolves waiting to tear me limb from limb.

“Perhaps it’s time we get some things out on the table, so we both know exactly what this is,” he says. “To put things plainly, I’ve reached a point in my life where I’m ready to settle down, start a family, and I believe you’re a good fit for me. Believe we’re a good fit for eachother,” he corrects. “I’m virile, wealthy, powerful, and the blending of our bloodlines will yield formidable children.”

His boldness shocks me into silence, rendering me completely frozen.

“You may have heard, but I’m in the process of curating a selection of mates,” he continues. “I know, that’s somewhat of an unconventional thing to decide here in the North, but my appetite is what you might consider voracious, and I’ve always been one who requires a bit of… variety, if you will.”

Anger turns into pure fury, especially when he flashes a smirk, but I know better than to speak out of turn. Know better than to let the words I’m holding in come spewing out.

His brow twitches and the flicker in his eyes tells me I haven’t hidden my displeasure entirely.

“Ah, you’re concerned that I haven’t considered your status,” he says, revealing that he’s completely misread me. “Rest assured, Annalise. I’m aware of your worth, and I value it. You’d be special to me, my primary mate.”

---