Page 11 of Cruel Alpha: Season Two
Archibald shoots a look toward him before continuing. “While I understand this may seem trivial in the grand scheme of things, I only mean to say that perhaps this will come as a much-needed distraction. Foreveryone,” he adds. “Not only will Annalise be lending her time to ironing out the fine details of the event, she’ll alsobe busy building bonds with her newsistersonce the alpha has made his new mate selections.I’m sure getting acclimated to there being other women in the home will take some getting used to.”
Well, shit. How the fuck did I not realize how time was winding down?
His words serve as a reminder of how things will be changing in the very near future.
“With so much happening, with so much on her social calendar, she won’t likely even notice the extra attention.”
“Good points, Archibald. Thanks for bringing it up,” Creed says as Archibald offers a nod then steps back, but the sound of Dimitri scoffing from his seat has all our attention shifting toward him.
“So, that’s it?” Dimitri says. “That’s the plan? Distract the biggest potential threat to our clan by giving her flowers to arrange? This is turning into a fucking shitshow.”
Another growl rumbles in my chest, and Creed steps in again. “What’s our next move? I mean,outsidethe estate,” he adds, clearly working to distract Dimitri and I from tearing out each other’s throats.
“The disbandment and destruction of thatdamnfaction is priority number one. Not only are they a blatant danger to the clan, I won’t continue to have my authority challengednorAnnalise’s character called into question. So, the sooner this issue can be resolved, the better.”
I pace as my head finally begins to clear.
“We won’t bring the full scope of this problem before the clan,” I add. “Not yet, anyway. If our people get wind of these incidents being more than just a one-off, news would spread to theotherclans, and that can’t happen. It’s imperative that we remain a symbol of power and status among the quadrants. With any luck, we’ll snuff this thing out before it gets out of control.”
“But what if it’s too late for that?” Dimitri asks, the grave look on his face replacing the anger I’d seen there a moment ago.
There aren’t many ways to answer that question, so I offer the only response that seems fitting.
“Then, I suppose we prepare for the worst.”
There’s a moment of silence where I believe the others are having similar thoughts to mine, imagining just how bad things can get. But in the present, there are more immediate issues to settle.
“Turning in?” Creed asks when I move toward the door.
“Eventually. But first, I have one last thing to get sorted.”
I close the door behind me and start toward the tower. It’s late, I’m exhausted, but if there’s anything tonight has proven, it’s that there truly is no rest for the weary.
6
A Fate Worse than Death
Caspian
Geneva and Mitchellstand when I enter the room, the heavy chains on their wrists and ankles clattering with the movement.
“Oh, thank the gods! We’re so grateful you’ve come,” Geneva gushes. “Your brother wouldn’t listen to reason.”
“He wasterriblydisrespectful,” Mitchell adds.
“You wouldn’tbelievethe things he said to us, the questions he asked…”
Mitchell nods in agreement with his wife before adding to her claim. “He treated us like common criminals! Having us hauledfrom our home with our neighbors staring. Do you have any idea the kinds of rumors that will be circulating after this?”
I stand there, staring at them both when they stretch their wrists toward me, expecting their shackles to be unlocked. A lesser version of myself would’ve already beheaded them off principle alone, but… their niece’s compassion is all that’s given me pause.
“She’s fine, by the way.”
They both frown, seemingly confused by my statement.
“Pardon me?” Geneva says, just as puzzled as ever.
“I’m talking about Annalise. She nearly lost her life, and I just thought you’d like to know she’s recovering.” I study their expressions, searching for any hint of concern.
