Page 40 of Cruel Alpha: Season One

“Small and subtle?” I arch a brow. “While I’m certainsomeof those are from guests, I have a feeling most will haveyourname on the tags.”

He lowers his head with a laugh, and I’ll be damned if he didn’t just give me butterflies.

“It’s possible that you’re right,” he admits, “but there is one gift in particular I think we’ll both agree is in line with my claim.”

He reaches beside his chair and shows me a small bag. It’s a simple brown, paper bag with handles, piquing my curiosity.

“It doesn’t twinkle or shine like the trinkets and jewelry I plan to watch you unwrap this evening, but… I think you’ll like it just as much.”

I blink at him, trying not to feel overwhelmed before I’ve even peeked inside, but when I reach in and feel the coarse fabric and leather binding of a book against my skin, my heart races again.

I lift it out and scan the cover.

“The Complete Fairytale Collection of Joseph Terrell,” I say aloud, trailing the grooves of the embossed title with my fingertips.

“It’s a first edition. And it includes works that haven’t been published elsewhere,” Caspian adds.

I don’t miss the hint of nervousness in his voice. As though he isn’t entirely sure he made a good choice. But when I lift out of my seat just enough to hug him in his, I think he knows.

“This is absolutely perfect.”

The whispered words leave my mouth as his arms tighten around me. It never crossed my mind that he had the capacity to be so thoughtful, but I’m learning there aremanylayers to our alpha.

This time, when I return to my seat, the guests don’t even pretend they weren’t focused on us.

“I apologize for monopolizing the birthday girl’s attention. I suppose my excitement over her gift got the best of me,” Caspian explains.

“By all means, spoil her all you want. She deserves it,” Aunt Geneva chimes in, and it seems she can’t say anything right, because eventhisgrates on my nerves.

“Indeed, she does,” Caspian replies, finding my hand beneath the table again. Surprisingly enough, it calms me.

“Mitchel and I were pleasantly surprised by the announcement you made at the Starlight and Silk Soiree, Alpha Caspian. Alpha Regent is such a… aloftytitle to be bestowed on a Clan Centauri woman.”

My eyes dart to her when she makes the distinction. Not just a lofty title period, but rather a lofty titlefor a woman.

It isn’t until Caspian places his other hand on top of mine that I realize I’ve begun digging my nails into his flesh.

“Yes, well… I suppose this is a new day. And despite what she might think, I’ve been listening to Annalise’s argument for reconsidering some of the clan’s more… what’s that word you’ve used, darling?”

“Archaic.”

He smiles when I say the word with a hint of bite. “Ah, yes. I’ve begun reconsidering some of our morearchaictraditions.”

I’m filled with surprise to hear that he’s even entertained the idea, but the moment comes to a screeching halt when Uncle Mitch mumbles something under his breath to my aunt. It doesn’t take long to realize he’s attempting to stop her from speaking out of turn, but she ignores his plea and speaks anyway.

“Well, I wouldn’t call our traditions archaic,” she says. “I’m a firm believer in there being order. And having our men lead—in every sense of the word—has been what’s kept Clan Centauri at the apex of wolfkind for centuries. Forgive me for saying so, but I do implore you to be mindful of what fantasies you allow my niece to plant inside your head. She’s always been a bit of a… a dreamer, if you will. And let’s not forget that you’re her superior, head of this home. It’d be a shame for her oranyoneto poison your already flawless logic.”

You could hear a pin drop.

And as I slowly turn to face Aunt Geneva, I believe she realizes she’s just crossed the line.

“Leave.”

I’m calm when that single word escapes my mouth, but I can’t promise that will last.

“Sweetheart, I only mean that if?—”

My palm slams the table when I stand, shutting her up mid-sentence. “Leave!”

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