Page 13 of Cruel Alpha: Season Two
I stare her down, considering how easily it would be to separate her head from the rest of her body, but again, it’s Annalise’s kindness that stops me.
“Do yourselves a favor and stay as far away from the High Chamber as you possibly can. I can’t guarantee I won’t kill you unprovoked the next time I lay eyes on you.”
I knock twice, letting the guard know I’m finished here.
It’s been a long night, but sometimes, taking out the trash can’t wait until morning. However, now that this business with the Larks is settled, I can finally get back to what truly matters.
The one bright spot in my dark, treacherous world.
Annalise.
7
The Stand
Annalise
Three weeks later…
I should probably begrateful for how easily things have gone back to normal following Elizabeth’s attempt to take my life. While, yes, I’m certainly happy to be alive, I’ve also grown increasingly exasperated with how the focus of the entire estate has shifted to preparing for the Spring Ball.
Like nothing happened.
Were it not for the added guard presence, you’d never know we’re on high alert. And the worst part aboutallof this is that Dimitri has been annoyingly present these days, lurking in the shadows. It seems like every time I open my eyes, he’s there.
Like now, as I lift my gaze from the table covered in seemingly endless fabric samples for dresses, and stationary options for the Spring Ball invitations.
A moment ago, Dimitri was content gawking from across the room. But he’s closer now, eyeing me like I’m a criminal. There’s no doubt he believes that, considering the discovery he made connecting my past to Brendan Cuthbert’s, but if his brother vouching for my innocence isn’t enough, I’m not sure he’ll ever be satisfied. I’d love nothing more than to storm right over and tell him exactly how deep my hatred for him runs, but I’ve been careful, minding my Ps and Qs. And seeing as how a violent outburst would only incriminate me further, I refrain.
Meaning, I’ve got no choice but to deal with the added guardsandDimitri’s assholery.
It’s also been strange being down to two ladies. However, Guinivere and Tabatha have stuck so close, you’d thinkthey’vebeen hired to guard me. I can hardly take a step without one of them in my shadow. I realized their love for me long before Elizabeth’s attempt, but they’ve become almost like my sisters in the three weeks since the attack. I didn’t realize how much I’d need that.
Especially now, on the eve of the night Cas’s new potential mates will finally darken the Estate’s doorstep.
Thinking about it, I glance toward the large clock mounted on the wall. By this time tomorrow, I will have laid eyes on the other women he intends to share his life with. Despite knowing his final selection won’t be made until the Spring Ball, the thought of it causes my stomach to twist every time it comes to mind.
I’ve considered it many times, whether I’m even capable of living a life like that, one where I’ll be forced to share my mate with others. And every time, the answer that screams at me from the heavens isno.However, that decision isn’t mine to make.
It’sneverbeen mine.
“What about this one? The teal flowers are nice. Don’t you—” Guinivere’s question cuts off with a gasp when she accidentally elbows a bottle of wine, sending it crashing to the floor.
Shards of glass and dark liquid spray everywhere, splashing the curtains and the back of the nearby settee. And because Dimitri chose to hover so closely, he’s hit in the crossfire as well. He hopped back a second too late, now his pants and shoes are soaked, and I can’t help but think he deserved it.
“Oh, my gods. I’m such a klutz,” Guinivere gushes, dropping to her knees the next instant, ruining her dress as she gathers large chunks of glass.
“It was a mistake. Things happen,” I assure her with a smile before grabbing a swatch of ugly fabric. It’s so bad it wasn’t even acontenderfor dress material, but it works perfectly to stop the mess from spreading further.
The redness on Guinivere’s face brightens as the servers who brought our dinner begin to scramble for rags.
“I’ve made such a mess,” she scolds herself, but before I’m given the chance to reassure her that it isn’t a big deal…
“Youfuckingidiot!” Dimitri’s voice booms, and I’m in shock as he takes Guinivere’s arm tightly, yanking her upright from the floor. “Next time, pay attention to what you’re doing. Clean this shit up before Ireallylose my temper.”
“I—it” Guinivere stammers as I quickly rise to my feet, crunching glass beneath my shoes as I stomp through the mess to reach Dimitri. His eyes shift from Guinivere’s to mine, half a second before I slap him so hard my hand will likely sting for days.
He releases Guinivere instantly, and I see his hand tighten into a fist. It honestly wouldn’t be a surprise if he swings at me.
