Page 8 of Cruel Alpha: Season One

Annalise

Pacing fiercely for an hour straight,I’ve worn a path of flattened tufts into my rug. I’ve volleyed between two primary emotions—livid and devastated.

Both have me in a state of disbelief, completely blown away that those I call family are the cause of such a deep wound.

Forcing my feet to halt, I stand there, shoulders heaving as the reality of having so few options races through my head. But really, there’s only one choice I can live with.

I have to leave.

Only, is there even anywhere to run?

The question rings in my thoughts, but I settle on sorting out the details somewhere along the way. The clock is already ticking, and I can’t afford to hesitate.

At the sound of a muted thud, my head whips left. The noise came from my armoire, so I pull both doors open to find that an empty backpack that’s been stored there for months has fallen to the ground.

Maybe it’s a sign.

I stoop to pick it up, knowing I’m on borrowed time, but my focus shifts to the silver wolf keychain attached to the zipper—a gift from Cousin Winifred. The sight of it brings in another wave of sadness, knowing I won’t get the chance to tell her and Elizabeth goodbye, but the risk is too great. I was only given until tomorrow to sort out my affairs and return to him, the arrogant alpha who wouldn’t allow me to spend more than one night out of his sight.

My aunt and uncle have yet to return from dinner in the city, so there may still be time to slip out without having to cross their path. Holding on to this hope, I unzip the bag and place it on my bed before rushing around my room, gathering essential items to stuff inside.

I have absolutely no plan, no clue where I’ll go, and the idea of being a ship without a sail slows me down a bit. I breathe deep, racking my brain for suitable options, but none immediately come to mind. I’ll need to settle someplace off-the-grid, someplace Aunt Geneva and Uncle Mitch will never think to look.

SomeplaceCaspianwill never think to look.

Realizing that he will come for me one day, beyond the shadow of a doubt, is terrifying. He has resources and power I could only dream of, which means I’ll always be outmatched.

But I can’t let thewhat ifsstop me. At this point, I’ve got absolutely nothing to lose. So, I pack…

My senses are heightened, so when a car door slams in the driveway, I’m startled. Aunt Geneva and Uncle Mitch are back and I’m certain they’ll want to talk, make excuses for what they’ve done. Or maybe they won’t. For all I know, they feel justified in their actions. Like Caspian stated, they’ve deemed this arrangement necessary in order to secure a future for their family.

A family I realize may have never included me.

Grabbing the last of what I’ll need, angry steps move me toward the hallway after turning off my light. It’s a sobering thought to realize this may be the last time I leave this place, but I keep moving, trudging down the stairs. As luck would have it, the moment my foot touches the marbled tile of the foyer, the front door swings open, which means there’s no chance of sneaking out like I’d hoped.

Suddenly, you could cut the tension with a knife, and I purposely don’t meet my aunt and uncle’s gazes. Pretending they don’t exist, I head toward the cubby beneath the stairs and pull the small door open to retrieve my sneakers. So far, the cowards haven’t said a word, but it’s painful even being in the same room with them, knowing how little my happiness is regarded here.

Knowing how little I’m loved.

A rage-infused tear slips down my cheek as I stoop to tie my laces, but I use my shoulder to swipe it away, hoping they don’t notice how deeply this has affected me. Wanting this to be over as quickly as possible, I stand and adjust the straps of my backpack. Besides, it’s already after nine, and I need to cover as much ground under the cover of night as I can, so…

“Annalise, wait.”

My uncle’s request alone isn’t enough to stop me, which is why he and my aunt also shift their bodies to block the exit.The sunny shade of his button-down and her matching slip dress only infuriate me more.

“Move,” I warn, feeling both fists tighten at my sides.

Both stare blankly when that harshly-spoken word is hurled at them, but I’ve got no time for their delicate feelings tonight. Mine were completely disregarded with this deal they made with Caspian, so I have no reason to be careful with theirs.

“Please, Annalise. We can explain,” my uncle pleads, his eyes reflecting remorse I don’t believe is sincere for even a moment.

“How on Earth can you explain what you’ve done?” The strain of my voice is evidence of more tears threatening to fall, but I refuse to let them. “Did you know?”

Aunt Geneva places a hand on her chest when she realizes the question is meant for her. And being little more than the weak shell of the woman she once was, her gaze flashes toward my uncle. Whether she’s seeking his approval to speak or making a silent request that he answerforher, the reaction is more than I can take.

“You’re absolutely pathetic,” I grumble to myself, stepping toward the door again. If they won’t move, I’ll move them myself. Calling my wolf out of my mind’s shadows, I feel my strength growing, but three words stall me.

“I didn’t know,” Aunt Geneva rushes to say.

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