Page 11 of Cruel Alpha Daddy

It felt so good to finally give in to it. It made me wonder why I fought it for so long.

As I walk quickly away from the tent to the main camp, my stomach lurches in my guts, and I feel a sharp ache in my chest.

Bad memories are never too far away. They are always right there, waiting to reach up and strangle the hope from my heart.

My feelings changed almost overnight, and for one reason.

Kyle.

From the first moment he entered the pack, I could tell there was something different about him. He seemed to have an innate strength, a shred of goodness that no amount of darkness could destroy. I was drawn to it.

I thought maybe if I could be like him, then I’d be worthy of a real family… of love.

I pause at the edge of the trees, watching the camp. Women are sitting by the fires while children run and playbetween the tents. Towards the back of the camp, I can see men cutting up a carcass for a feast. I’m relieved that they managed to hunt something. Food has been a little scarce lately, which always increases tension in the pack.

When Kyle died, my world fell apart in a way it never had before. The loneliness and rage in me completely consumed my soul. This seemed the eternal proof that there was no hope in this world, and the right thing to do was shut down my heart so I could never connect with anyone ever again.

In the aftermath of Kyle’s death, I was grateful I left Fiona the way I did. I knew I’d done the right thing for both of us.

Jethro’s words were always persuasive, but when I sunk into a well of horrific loss and hopelessness, they began to sound like perfect wisdom. I did terrible things by his command, and perfect savagery became my nature.

Then I found out Kyle was still alive.

Even though I was angry and hurt, I was also relieved. I couldn’t wish him any harm. Those were confusing days for me. Finally, I decided I still wanted to be like Kyle. If he could save himself, so could I… and maybe save the rest of Sawpit Pack as well.

It gave me purpose. I am still grateful for that. Looking out over the pack now, I know I still want this for all of them.

They deserve safety and comfort. I have to do better for them.

“Hey, Rider!”

A groan slips out through my lips, but I suppress it as I turn towards the voice. Tobias and a few of his goons are advancing towards me, all of them still looking pumped from the hunt.

“Yes, Tobias?”

“We aren’t done talking,” Tobias says, stopping in front of me and folding his arms across his massive chest.

I stare at him with a dull, bored expression. He doesn’t scare me.

“I’m done talking to you,” I answer flatly.

His eyebrows shoot up, and his eyes widen. I hold back a grin.

Tough guys are so fucking easy to trigger.

“I want to talk about the girl,” he growls.

“What about her?” I narrow my eyes and harden my voice, glaring at him.

“We wanted to send a signal to Bailey’s pack. Seeing you back out has made me question your motives… and your strength. Some of us don’t like the way this pack is headed.”

“Are you calling me weak?” I ask, almost whispering.

Tobias grins, and I know that’s exactly what he’s saying. “It’s been a long time since we had any real fun,” Tobias says. “You stopped us from hitting gas stations and stuff—there’s been no violence or mayhem. We miss it. This pack has always been about taking what we need and fucking over everyone we can.”

I keep my eyes locked on Tobias’s and take a small step forward.

“Let me make one thing perfectly clear,” I whisper. “That bitch you brought back is a beauty. From the moment I saw her, I knew I wanted her to be mine. I don’t give a literal fuck what you do, but keep your paws off my luna. Do you understand?”

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