Page 10 of Cruel Alpha: Season Two

“Right. So, I’m assuming Dimitri has informed you about the paraphernalia we discovered in Elizabeth’s sleeping quarters? An also about Annalise’s connection to Brendan Cuthbert.”

I take a breath to dispel the flare of worry that tries to weasel its way inside my mind.

“He did. And as I stated with Dimitri, neither of those facts implement Annalise. Especially considering the fact that she sustained life-threatening injuries on account of these assholes.”

“All right, well, what do you suppose the next course of action should be?” he asks next, and I square my shoulders as I give a firm answer.

One I know they’ll hate and likely protest against.

“The best course of action is that there willbeno course of action.”

Dimitri clenches his fist where his chin rests on it, and he suddenly seems less comfortable in his seat than just a moment ago.

“And you’re certain that’s wise?” he gripes, keeping his eyes trained on me.

“Since this small detail seems to continuously be overlooked tonight, I’ll say it again. Annalise nearlydiedat the hand of a member of this…faction,” my voice booms.“If there were anything to point toward her innocence it’s that! So, yes, if anyone needs proof that she has no affiliation with them, this is it.Thisis your proof.”

My breathing is ragged and labored as I sit among the men I trust most in this world. But, tonight, it’s difficult to tell them apart from any others. I’m not one to tolerate being challenged. However, given the circumstances, it feels necessary that I endure this. This isn’t about me.It’s about Annalise, and I’ve come to learn that there isn’t much I wouldn’t do for her.

“You’re making a mistake. This is an act of gross negligence against the clan,” Dimitri grumbles.

“Well, tough shit,” I snap. “This is my final word on the matter, so I believe we’re done here.”

I stand to my feet, and he does the same.

“So, is this how things will be moving forward? You making piss-poor decisions for the clan all because some bitch has your balls in a vice? Can’t you see it, Cas? She has you mesmerized, dangling her virgin pussy under your nose,” he balks. “For the love of the gods, Brother! This decision requires that you think with your head instead of your dick for once. This isn’t about you; it isn’t about Annalise. It’s about the entirety of the clan.”

It's a miracle I’ve even let him finish his statement, but as soon as the last syllable leaves his mouth, my wolf erupts from the shadows of my consciousness, and I no longer see Dimitri as my brother.

He’s a threat to my reign, a threat to my authority, a threat to my mate.

“No!” Creed shouts, putting himself in harm’s way to step between Dimitri and me. A growl tears from my throat. It’s a feral sound that signifies the moment my humanity has taken a backseat, and instinct rules me. “Dimitri, if this is how the alpha wants the situation to be handled, then this is how it will be handled,” Creed asserts, passing a harsh look toward my brother as his hands remain on both our chests. “

As he stares at Dimitri, my brother eventually stands down. Then, Creed’s gaze shifts toward me.

“I understand this is a sensitive subject, but would you at least agree to us keeping a closer eye on Annalise for the time being? As a compromise? It could serve two purposes,” he says. “It would offer her greater protection, and if her intentions are ever called into question again, there will be someone from our side of things to vouch for her.”

I hate this. Everything about it, actually. I’m the alpha, and I don’t fucking compromise. But as I take my ego out of the equation and consider his proposal, I can admit that it’s probably for the best. For the very reasons that Creed cited.

“Fine,” I seethe.

“I’ll do it. I’ll keep an eye on her,” Dimitri steps up, still brooding from having to submit. “As beta, I’m in charge of overseeing security, which means there’s not a single wolf more qualified. Besides, per the order of our clan—an order not evenyoucan override—this is my call.”

My heart races and the edges of my vision turn red. I step closer to him, and not even Creed can hold me back.

“Have it your way,” I growl. “But I swear to you, if even a single hair on herfuckinghead is harmed, I’ll hold you personally responsible, Brother. And believe me, I will not hold back.”

There’s a glint in his eyes when he smirks. “Nor would I expect you to.”

There’s a long standoff and the tension in the room is suffocatingly thick.

Creed volleys a look between us. “Then it’s settled.”

His statement is followed by more silence, only ending when Archibald clears his throat.

“Gentlemen,” he cuts in, “for what it’s worth, over the next several weeks, the lady of the house will be up to her chin in planning for the Spring Ball.”

“This fucking guy,” Dimitri grumbles, dropping back down into his seat.

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