Page 9 of Cruel Alpha: Season Two

She pulls away when I stroke the side of her face, misplaced anger filling her eyes right before they flood with tears.

“You’d think that wouldn’t you? That she’d given me proof of her claim? But the thing is, my only reason for not questioning Elizabeth was that she’s family. That was it. Nothing else,” she admits. “I should’ve known better. If there’s one thing the Larks have shown me time and time again, it’s that being blood means absolutely nothing.”

She’s full-on sobbing now, and as a man who’s admittedly not well-versed in handling emotions, I’m not sure what to do. My instincts tell me to get closer, so I drop to one knee in front of her, reaching for her hands when she tries to hide her face.

I can’t imagine what it was like being raised by her aunt and uncle, but based on what I know, what I’veseen,she deserves more. Especially seeing as how I’ve witnessed her love for them being completely unconditional. She wasn’t wrong to blindly trust Elizabeth, because we shouldallbe able to trust that blindly. But unfortunately, when it comes to the Larks, they aren’t deserving of that kind of loyalty.

“I don’t blame you if you don’t trust me,” she says, and I accidentally let out a quiet laugh.

She peers up at the sound of it, and I swipe a tear from her cheek.

“Annalise, you’re one of the most honest, kind, and trustworthy people I know. Why the hell would I ever stop trusting you?”

Her brow gathers in confusion, and I laugh again.

“Because!” she scoffs. “I just told you that I believed Elizabeth’s lie, and?—”

I kiss her, which shuts her up, and the softness of her lips is a welcomed distraction from all that’s gone sideways today. By the time I manage to tear myself away from her, some of the tension has left her face, her shoulders. She searches my eyes, though, and I know she still needs an answer.

“I still trust you because I like to think of myself as an intuitive man,” I say with a smile. “And I’d also like to think that my heart wouldn’t betray me by letting me fall for you if this wasn’t real.”

She’s silent. Completely. But her eyes shine with a light I haven’t seen before, and it’s the only indication I haven’t said too much. A fact that’s confirmed when she leans forward, pressing her mouth to mine again. As much as I’d like to stay, I can imagine Dimitri, Creed, and Archibald have grown impatient.

“Bathe. Rest. I’ll be back as soon as I can.” I stand and remember another issue that needs resolving. “I’ll also be payingyour aunt and uncle a visit. Dimitri’s held them here, leaving their final judgment in my hands.”

Annalise nods, but when I turn to make a quick stop in the bathroom to draw her bath, she squeezes my hand.

“And what about Winifred?” she asks. “I know what Elizabeth’s done is unforgiveable, but… I don’t believe Winifred had a hand in this.”

I stare at her, seeing how concern fills her eyes.

“Winifred is safe. She’s in a cell much like the one your aunt and uncle are being held in, but she’s unharmed.”

Relief washes over Annalise, and I’m reminded again how her family doesn’t deserve the space she reserves in her heart for them.

“I’ll be back as soon as I can,” I say again. “Open that door for no one other than Jezebel.”

She nods, and I kiss her forehead, then I feel her eyes on me as I cross the room to her ensuite. I’m only there long enough to light two candles, fill the tub with warm water, and then pour in a few drizzles of bubble bath. When I return and place my hand on the doorknob to leave, it’s written all over her face that she’d rather I stay. However, for her sakeandmine, it’s best that I head to the study to put this issue to bed.

Sooner rather than later.

5

Heavy is the Head

Caspian

Three setsof eyes shift my way when I enter the room—Dimitri, Archibald, Creed. Before approaching the door, I’d heard the murmur of quiet conversation, but the moment I twisted the knob, silence.

“Don’t stop on account of me,” I say, taking slow steps toward my desk.

Creed clears his throat as I lower into my seat. “We were just discussing High Chamber security. Not…” His voice trailsoff when he sees I’m not buying it. “How’s Annalise? I’ve been concerned.”

The change of subject isn’t suspicious at all.

I’m not surprised Creed would ask, though. Being much less of a brute than my brother, I believe his concern is genuine. Still, I’m on edge, feeling defensive, so I keep things brief.

“She’ll live. Now, Dimitri tells me you three have a grievance to air, and… I’m listening,” I add with a sigh.

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