Page 37 of Cruel Alpha: Season Two

“What’s the matter? Didn’t think I knew about that?” She smirks.

“Well, if you’re still running alongside the Fontaine family, I shouldn’t be surprised. Theyalwaysseem to know what cancers are eating away at the clan. Seeing as they’re one of them.”

“Ok, yes, the Fontaines have done their fair share of dirt, but they’re allowed to exist within this clan for a reason, Nephew.”

She isn’t wrong, but that doesn’t make it easier to swallow that, for decades now, we’ve turned a blind eye toward that family and all the nasty shit they’ve done. All because, on occasion, the nasty shit they’ve done… has been at the request of the High Chamber.

“Ok, fine. No Fontaines,” she says, rolling her eyes. “But what about Phaedra Bellrose. Her military power is unmatched and if anyone can persuade her to help, it’s you. Although, convincingher to extend her resources might require that you do her a favor in return.”

Aunt Pen winks when she finishes, and we’re both well-aware of what sort offavorPhaedra would demand. The kind that would require double layering condoms, then a scalding hot shower and a priest to cleanse my soul when it’s over.

“Pass.”

Aunt Pen laughs. “That’s it? Pass? Seriously? Are you sure you’re still in a position where that’s an option?”

I lower into my seat again, now that the tension between my aunt and me has waned a bit.

“Pass,” I repeat.

Aunt Pen shrugs. “Then, I’m sorry to say it, Nephew, but you’re running out of options. Keep turning your nose up at everyone who can help you, and you may look up to find yourself standing alone.”

Her words settle on my heart as she starts toward the door. While it feels as if we’re ending on a far more peaceful note than when the conversation began, I’m still glad to see her leave.

“I’ll have Archibald see you out.”

I’m just lowering my head when Aunt Pen casts a look over her shoulder and I peer up again. The smile she flashes signals trouble.

“No need,” she says. “I think I’ll stick around a while. Shake things up some. You can still call Archibald, though. I’ll need him to have someone prepare a room for me.”

Fucking hell.

“Sleep well, Nephew,” she says with a smile. “I’ll see you at breakfast, and remember… I take my coffee black.”

21

More than a Title

Annalise

“Mrs. Waverly will beby your room this afternoon for your final fitting. And I almost forgot! Lady Gilreath has a new hairstyle she plans to give a try for your tea with the Laurel Guild this week.”

Tabatha’s beaming with excitement as we head to the dining room for our breakfast spread. She and Guinevere love the glitz and glamor associated with this life. It only becomes more evident with each new dress or new piece of custom-madejewelry I receive. I smile to avoid dampening her mood, but it’s a push.

Guinevere sniffs the air and a grin spreads across her face. “Mmm… bacon, muffins, and coffee.”

We turn the corner, and the aroma of the fresh-cooked meal greets us when the dining room comes into view.

“Mrs. Fitzgibbons is the best cook in the world. Just don’t tell my mother I said that,” Tabatha teases, drawing a laugh out of Guinevere and I.

We step into the entrance of the dining room, and the laughter fades completely when we realize we’re no longer alone. A woman I’ve never seen before peers up, staring over the rim of her coffee mug as she sips. She’s seated at the head of the table in full makeup, a dress far too elegant for breakfast, and she’s noticeably unrattled by our presence.

Our eyes are locked while she takes another sip, then slowly lowers her mug to the table as we both stare in silence. Perhaps, if I were speaking to Cas, I might’ve known we had a houseguest.

“Ms. Breedlove, I presume?”

I offer a polite smile when I nod, but don’t say a word.

“Penelope Thornhill. Pleased to make your acquaintance.” She pauses to sip again, gesturing toward the chair beside her. “Please. Join me.”

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