Page 84 of The Alpha's Cursed Queen

“It’s not what he wanted, but whom. He said—Alice, he threatened that if you don’t resume your role as the lawyer representing us in the collaboration, the deal is off.”

My eyes fly open in shock. “He can’t do that! He can’t tell you who can represent you and who can’t!”

“I don’t think this is about legal issues anymore, Alice. It’s personal. I—” Her voice hitches. “I was thinking about telling my father that this project can’t work. I don’t want to put you in the same room as that man, but—”

“Don’t worry.” I smile faintly. “This collaboration is very important to you, Katherine. I know you’re going to try to apologize next, but don’t bother. I’ll come through for you.”

“But Darian—”

“Don’t worry about him, either.” I spin my chair around and gaze out the window. “I’ll figure it all out. He came by my office, as well. We exchanged a few words.”

“What did he want with you?” I can hear the protective edge to her voice, and I want to laugh.

“No idea.”

When I don’t say anything further, Katherine asks, “What are you hiding from me, Alice? You know you can tell me anything.”

I wet my lips. “I admit, there are certain things about myself that I’m not being very honest about. I wish I could tell you the truth, but—”

She makes a sound of understanding. “When the lies begin to unravel—”

“—they unravel to no end,” I finish my friend’s thought. “There are two people I trust in this world, Kat, and you are one of them. But there are certain things I have to conceal, for both my safety and yours. So, I need you to trust me when I tell you I can’t tell you.”

She chuckles. “Some wordplay there.” But the humor fades from her voice as she asks, “You’re not in any danger, are you? I can get you out of the country, no questions asked, if need be. And even if not out of the country, I can hide you someplace where nobody will find you. I have those resources, Alice.”

“I may have to take you up on that.”

“Alice, about the project—”

“It’s fine, Katherine,” I tell her firmly. “There’s a dinner meeting tomorrow night, correct? I’ll be there. I’m not going to let Darian Kassel intimidate me. I can handle him.”

By the time I hang up, I’m simmering with rage. He threatened to screw over Katherine? That’s just so typical.

As I get to my feet, I refuse to admit to myself that finding another reason to be angry with Darian almost makes me feel relieved. However, I am still reeling from what he said to me and what Mary told me. I don’t want to forgive, and I don’t want to forget.

How can anyone expect me to move past the most horrific moments of my life?

No. Even if I accept that Darian isn’t planning on hurting me, that doesn’t mean I’m going to trust him. Being burned by him once was enough for me.

*****

The dinner to celebrate the collaboration between Acme Intech Corporation and Pinnacle Group is a formal affair. It’s black tie, even, and I put on a modest, black, sleeveless dress with a short jacket that goes with it and covers my back and arms.

When the witches cast their magic on me, physical scars were left—scars that have never healed, for some reason. That is why I’ve always kept my upper back covered.

When I enter the hall, Katherine is the first to see me, and she looks relieved. Hurrying over, she takes my hands in hers. “I owe you so much for this, Alice.”

“Oh, shut up,” I laugh. “I can handle a little uncomfortable situation for you. No big deal.”

She gives me a knowing look. “I know it’s more than an uncomfortable situation, and I’m very grateful. But they haven’t arrived yet, so you can relax for a while.”

I find a corner to hide in. Usually, I would be socializing and networking, but today, I just don’t have the strength. However, I’m dragged away by one person then another as more and more guests recognize me. It’s not the worst thing. The distraction helps.

I make sure to stay away from the entrance. When Darian and his team arrive, I know it immediately, as a lot of people move toward him. I choose to take the opportunity to head out of the hall to get a few minutes of silence.

I’m still reeling from the events of yesterday, and the last thing I need is for Darian to approach me. He’s going to be busy with the Pinnacle Group employees for now; so, sitting outside in thegarden, I finally relax. I would rather be home with my daughter. I’ve barely spent any time with her these past several days, and she has noticed it. She’s young but perceptive.

Almost as if Mira can sense me thinking about her, I hear my phone ring, and my lips curve into a soft smile when I see the caller ID.

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