Page 33 of Cruel Alpha: Season Two

“Thank you for your time,” I say, flashing a dim smile as I place my hand on the doorknob, but I’m not quick enough. Jezebel calls out to me, and while Iamlistening, I don’t turn to face her.

“In your quest to do what’s right, do not forsake your own happiness, Caspian. Misery does not equate to honor.”

Her warning lingers with me, as I’m sure it will for the remainder of the evening. My objective has never been martyrdom, but these words are hauntingly true, nonetheless. Because if anyone knows of my displeasure with having to fall on my own fucking sword, it’s me.

18

The Guest

Caspian

Twice since myappointment with Jezebel, I’ve stood outside Annalise’s bedroom. Both times, I paced for at least five minutes, then walked away without having the courage to knock.

I’m the last person she wants to hear from, the last person she wants tosee, and I can’t fucking blame her. If I’m honest, I’ve had a hard time even looking atmyselflately.

“Congrats, Bigshot.”

I peer up from the document I’m using to distract myself when Creed’s strange greeting steals my attention.

“Am I missing something?” Confused, I arch a brow, holding Creed’s gaze as he and Dimitri step toward my desk, and then lower into the armchairs.

Creed seems shocked by my lack of understanding. “You mean no one’s told you yet? I thought Archibald would’ve been all over it, with him being such an avid military buff.”

“They’re honoring you with this year’s Commendation of Gallantry at the military ball,” Dimitri clarifies. “My guess is it’s because the clan’s stats have been fan-fucking-tastic lately. I know I haven’t supportedeverychange you’ve implemented, but… well done, Brother.”

The corner of his mouth lifts with a half-smile, and it’s the most genuine gesture of kindness I’ve seen from him in a while.

“Thank you.”

“But there’s one small dilemma,” he says. “Your invitation comes with a plus-one, not a plus-four. Good luck deciding which of your women to have on your arm that evening.”

And just like that, Dimtri’s back to his usual snarky, smug self. When he laughs, I want to lock my hands around his neck and squeeze.

“Speaking of our new additions,” he says, “I’m going to need resources funneled toward security. With the others moving into the estate soon, they’ll need their own detail.”

“They’re… moving in already?” The weight on my shoulders increases as that question leaves my mouth.

Dimitri’s laughter thunders again. “Don’t seem so surprised. This is what you wanted, isn’t it?”

I loosen my tie, feeling like I’ll lose my breath if I don’t. “Things are just progressing more quickly than I imagined.”

“If you’d like more time, I’ll hold them off for as long as you need,” Creed offers, and I’m nodding before he even finishes.

“Please. The longer the better.”

Beneath my desk, I tighten my fist, feeling the familiar buzz in my tendons that alerts me of an oncoming tremor. I’m aware of how my reluctance to bring the women to the estate contradicts the very reason behind the arrangements I’ve so carefully made. To Dimitri and Creed, I’m certain it sounds as though I’m biding my time.

Time I’m not even sure I still have.

“Consider it done,” Creed says. “But I should warn you, the ladies’ guardians—their fathers and grandfathers—have become quite involved in the process.”

Confused, I frown. “Involved? What does that even mean?”

He takes a breath, gathering his thoughts. “Well, for starters, Wilhemena’s grandfather, Supreme Arbiter Emory, has privately requested that Wilhemena be allowed to break protocol. He’s asked that you two begin the process of attempting to produce an heirbeforethe Soulfast Unity Rite is performed. Apparently, he has connections that would make it possible to bypass the need for the council’s involvement and validation of the heir’s conception.”

Creed’s statement lingers in the air unanswered, because I’m not even sure what to say. The idea of Arbiter Emory, a highly respected, high-ranking judge, evensuggestingthis—that I fuck and impregnate his granddaughter—simply to secure her status, sickens me. Whether he’s hungry for money, power, or both, I’m completely disgusted.

My mind immediately shifts to Annalise, hearing her accusations that the clan is inherently sexist and driven by the male ego. She’d probably be more appalled than I am by the idea of a man using his own granddaughter as a pawn, albeit a willing one.

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