Page 39 of Cruel Alpha: Season Two

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”

“Are you kidding?” she says with a quiet laugh. “That was a test, darling.”

My brow quirks. “A test?”

She nods but finishes the last of her coffee before answering. “Indeed. I needed to know you weren’t a robot like the rest of the women in New Eden. Thank you for being honest about your feelings, by the way.”

I nod, but my hands are quivering as I reach for the pitcher of water to pour myself a glass. My mouth is dry from the rant.

“It’s interesting to me that, despite all the truths you’ve just revealed about this place, despite the bullshit, you’ve still found a place in your heart for my nephew.”

I don’t respond. Actually, I’m pretty certain I look like a deer caught in headlights at the moment.

“Pardon my candor. One thing about me is that I’m not one to mince words. It’s been both a blessing and a curse,” she adds. “But if I’ve assessed your feelings incorrectly, feel free to?—”

“No, you’re not wrong,” I admit, and she offers a warm smile.

“I didn’t think so.”

There’s a short breadth of silence that allows me time to sip my water, feeling winded as though I’ve just run a marathon.

“My nephew is in love with you, you know,” Penelope says, and she sounds so sure of herself. As if these words are a fact, something she knows beyond the shadow of a doubt.

“No, I don’t think?—”

“It’s true,” she cuts in, and I stare as her mouth curves into a smile. “He hasn’t come right out and admitted it, but I fancy myself as somewhat of an expert on people. The things they can’t say, the things they can’t see inside themselves, I see it all plain as day. And my gift in this area is particularly strong when it comes to the men in my family. There have been many occasions in which I would’ve turned my back on them if I’d taken them at their word. But lucky for them, I can see into their hearts. And the heart always speaks much louder than the mouth.”

There’s a distant look in her eyes, and I can only imagine how stifling it must be as a woman born into this family. In some small, abstract way, I think this shared feeling connects us.

She stands from her seat, leaving her empty coffee cup for the staff to clear away.

“If you’ll excuse me, I must bid you farewell. There’s a pressing matter I should settle, but it’s been lovely meeting you.”

“You, too, Penelope.”

“Aunt Pen,” she corrects me. “We’re practically family now.”

Her welcome has, thus far, been the warmest I’ve received, and I’m curious how long she intends to stick around.

As she passes, her hand lands on my shoulder, and I’m surprised when she doesn’t immediately remove it.

“Feel free to take anything I say with a grain of salt,” she says, “but might I suggest that you begin making your mark here. Not only as the lady of the house, but as Alpha Regent. After all, your title does mean you outrank ninety-nine percent of the staff.”

My brow tenses as her statement settles in. Honestly, I thought of my title as more of a novelty, a show of good faith on Cas’s part, but… she’s right. It’s more than that. Somuchmore, actually.

“I’d start small,” she says. “For instance, the next time someone pushes you around, try pushing back. Only… pushharder.”

She squeezes my shoulder gently, then she’s off, sauntering toward the door without so much as a glance back in my direction. I’m not entirely sure of the reason behind her visit, but the estate already feels far less empty now that she’s here.

22

A life worth Living

Caspian

“She hasn’t mentioned how longshe intends to stay?”

I peer up as the question leaves Dimitri’s mouth, but before I can answer, the door swings open, and Aunt Pen rushes into the study.

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