Cruel Alpha, Season One (Wolves of New Eden #1)

2. HeavenHell

2

Heaven or Hell

Annalise

Okay, Annalise, relax. What’s the worst thing that could happen?

As I ask myself that question, I consider possible outcomes of tonight’s meeting. At the very least, being invited here was an attempt to pacify me, to shut me up. But no matter what happens next, my foot is in the door, and I’ve gotten someone’s attention.

Trembling with anticipation, I breathe deep and look around. It isn’t lost on me that I’m likely one of the few in my generation who will ever see the inside of this magnificent structure. Sure, we lay eyes on it every day—it would be impossible not to—but this, walking these very passages, is all a bit surreal.

Our people reside in the shadow of this formidable edifice, built atop a hill at the center of New Eden centuries ago. It serves as a constant reminder of the order within the clan—those in power being high and mighty, all others cowering at their feet. Rich, dark panels adorn the walls, and my eyes are drawn higher, to macabre chandeliers that dangle from thick beams. The fine details are prominent against the backdrop of a black-painted ceiling and tall windows. Velvet curtains pool in gentle heaps on the floor, adding to the dramatic aesthetic. Collectively, the formal setting leaves me feeling a bit intimidated, but perhaps that was the intent of the administration’s decorators—to make sure all who step foot inside this structure remain ever-aware of their insignificance.

My gaze shifts down to my cargo pants and tank top, and I can’t help but wonder if my aunt was right. While a gown would have definitely been way over-the-top, I’m starting to think I could’ve gone with an option that’s a bit less casual.

Don’t overthink it. You’re here to discuss your proposal, and you’re dressed the part. Relax.

The rhythmic thudding of my heart slows just slightly, but before it fully settles…

“Ms. Breedlove?”

A breath hitches in my throat when my name is spoken off to the left. Lost in thought, I ignored the sound of encroaching footsteps that preceded the voice. Now, as I hurry to my feet, I’m awkward when extending a hand in greeting.

“Y-yes, I’m Annalise Breedlove,” I stammer.

The gentleman in white stands before me, staring at my hand where it lingers in the air. He eventually reciprocates the gesture, but I’m left with the feeling he’s only done so to avoid making things even more awkward.

“Archibald Payne,” he says, his eyes narrowing into small slits.

“Pleasure meeting you,” I lie. In truth, his stoicism is something I could have lived without.

In the silence, I note the exact moment he scans my attire. Again, I’m reminded of my aunt’s plea that I wear something more suitable, and while it isn’t often that I agree with her, I suppose this is one of those rare occasions.

“Alpha Caspian will see you now.”

Hearing those words, I swallow the lump in my throat with a nod, reminding myself to breathe.

Archibald turns on his heels, heading toward the long, dark hallway straight ahead, and as I focus on the broad wooden doors at the end of it, I imagine the alpha seated there. I’m not one who often feels inferior, but this moment is pivotal. Any second now, I’ll be face-to-face with Alpha Caspian, and what I’ve worked toward these past several years will culminate with this golden opportunity.

Holding my breath, Archibald twists the knob and pushes the door, letting dim light seep into the hallway. First, I catch sight of nothing more than the corner of a large, mahogany desk. Then, I glimpse who’s seated behind it.

And he sees me, too.

There’s this gleam in Alpha Caspian’s dark eyes when they lock with mine. There’s almost a smile on his lips, but not quite.

“Your guest, sir,” Archibald announces, stepping aside so I’m free to enter.

As I take slow, reluctant steps, the alpha rises to his feet. My heartbeat can be felt behind my ears, and I’m perspiring a little, but I won’t back down. Not when I’m certain there will never be a chance such as this.

“Good evening, Ms. Breedlove. Thank you for joining me.”

His voice is like butter, smooth and even. It’s also deceptively calming—a winning combination I imagine he’s perfected over the years, having manipulated countless powerful officials into doing his bidding.

I offer a polite nod and remember how to speak. “Good evening, sir. I appreciate being invited.”

“The pleasure is all mine.” Slowly, that hint of a smile grows into an endearing grin.

He gestures toward a seat opposite his and doesn’t settle again until I’ve lowered onto the cushion. Now that we’ve gotten the initial greeting out of the way, there’s a fleeting moment that I actually see him, the most important man in our quadrant.

He bears a striking resemblance to his father, Alpha Evander, whom I’ve only laid eyes on either through the filter of a digital screen or in newspaper articles. They have the same slightly aquiline nose and broad jaw, Caspian’s seeming more prominent beneath a shadow of stubble. His hair is nearly as dark as my own, and he can’t be older than his late twenties. But as I sit in his presence, it’s no longer a mystery why I’ve heard his name whispered among eligible bachelorettes around New Eden. Whether it’s mention of his impossible height, the apparent strength in his solid arms, or the fact that he’s got the face of an angel. Not to imply that there’s even an ounce of sweetness or purity within him, but rather that he seems otherworldly.

Disturbingly so.

There’s a cold edge to him, and I swear his presence fills the expanse of this entire room. My nerves are frazzled and I’m honestly not sure I still have it in me to go through with this, to challenge the one man who, with a single word, could have my head impaled on the end of a stake.

And the rest of me discarded elsewhere.

Only, I already vowed that backing down isn’t an option, so I choose boldness over cowardice. That’s what my grandfather—the late Gideon Breedlove—would have done.

“Again, I appreciate being invited to chat with you this evening,” I speak up. “I’m sure you’re constantly bombarded by others requesting your time and attention, which is why I count it such an honor to be here.”

I pause, because it feels like a natural moment to breathe and give him the chance to respond, but he doesn’t. In fact, I’m not even certain he heard a single word I said. His eyes are focused intently on my shirt, and I’m being generous with this assumption, because I’m actually certain it’s my breasts that have his attention. He’s expressionless, breathing deep, so I decide to just continue.

“I, um… I’ve done a bit of research on the history of interactions between the clans. Well, as much as I’ve been permitted. As you know, resources are extremely limited. I’ve made do, though, because I understand the importance of being aware, being educated, Sir.”

I pause to breathe again, and I’ve noticed the man hasn’t even blinked. He’s definitely honed in on my chest, so I shift in my seat to draw his attention back to my eyes.

It works. For now.

“I think it’s perfectly fine for us to be on a first name basis, Annalise. Please, just call me Caspian,” he says, finally contributing to the conversation.

My heart shutters inside my chest and I’m not quite sure what to make of this encounter. Under different circumstances, I would only be honored to have the Clan Centauri Alpha being so casual, so friendly, but there’s something peculiar in the atmosphere. Within this vast space that suddenly feels small.

The slightest sense of relief fills me when Caspian chuffs a laugh, but that relief is short lived.

“Pardon me. I’m not typically so distracted, but… do you have any idea how lovely you smell?” The question sends my thoughts into a full-blown tailspin. “Well, of course it’s a scent only detectable to males, but certainly someone’s mentioned it before now.”

“I’m sorry, I don’t?—”

“It’s a pleasantly heady aroma, and I… I rather enjoy it,” he adds with a smirk.

He’s been anything but subtle within the last thirty seconds, but it’s only now settling in that I’m being objectified.

Blatantly.

“It’s your virginity,” he clarifies. “It expresses itself as a hint of cinnamon and lavender that, if I’m being honest, makes my mouth water. Here I was thinking that little tidbit of information was nothing more than a bargaining ploy. And yet, it’s completely true,” he adds. “How interesting.”

I’m speechless, keenly aware of my heart never having raced this fast in my entire life.

“How much have others offered for a chance to be the first?”

The question has tension spreading in my brow. “Excuse me? I don’t think I understand.”

Meanwhile, what I’m thinking is… I hope I don’t understand.

That smirk is back and the tip of Caspian’s tongue peeks out, wetting his lips.

“Pardon my candor,” he says. “It’s just that, it’s been years since I’ve found a woman to be so beautiful, so… fascinating. ”

His eyes focus on the green centers of mine, then move to my shoulder, where the ponytail my aunt loathes rests over my strap.

The grin slips from him. “What are the odds?” he asks. “That someone so stunning would manage to remain untouched all these years.”

Heat flashes in my cheeks, and I assume they’re red, but the next moment, Caspian confirms it.

“There’s no need to feel shy. Not with me,” he adds. “We’re both adults.”

Of all the emotions filtering their way through my system right now, disappointment is perhaps the most tangible. Sure, I’ve been hounded by men before, but I made the mistake of expecting more from our alpha. Instead, he’s proven to be just as obsessed with the idea of an untouched woman as every other guy in this quadrant. Hence the reason why, on more than one occasion, I’ve contemplated the idea of giving myself to some random person. Just to make being a virgin a non-factor. Just to alleviate myself of the burden it’s proven to be.

One less thing for a man to believe is his to take, his to control.

We’re plunged into silence and embarrassment washes over me. How could I be so stupid? So na?ve to come here with lofty expectations? The only thing I can think of doing to possibly offset the awkwardness is to trudge forward, attempt to get the conversation back on track.

“As I was saying, I have several great ideas that?—”

“Your interest in High Chamber affairs is rather adorable,” he croons. “Do you always ramble about nonsense when you’re nervous?” The question is followed by a breathy laugh. One that has anger spiking within me.

“My interest in Clan Centauri affairs is the only reason I’m here. Isn’t that why you invited me?”

His brow arches when he scoffs, but then his head cocks when some measure of awareness flashes within his stare.

“Shit. You mean they actually sent you all this way without telling you?” His question has my stomach lurching toward my throat.

“Without telling me… what?”

I despise the smallness of my voice, but the words wouldn’t leave me any other way.

Studying me, Caspian leans back in his seat, casually letting his knees fall open as he scans me with hunger in his eyes. Never have I wanted to leave someone’s presence more than I do his, but I’m no fool. He’s bigger, stronger, and faster than me, which means I don’t stand a chance of leaving this room without his say-so. And even if by some small miracle I make it across the threshold, there would be an army of peeved wolves waiting to tear me limb from limb.

“Perhaps it’s time we get some things out on the table, so we both know exactly what this is,” he says. “To put things plainly, I’ve reached a point in my life where I’m ready to settle down, start a family, and I believe you’re a good fit for me. Believe we’re a good fit for each other, ” he corrects. “I’m virile, wealthy, powerful, and the blending of our bloodlines will yield formidable children.”

His boldness shocks me into silence, rendering me completely frozen.

“You may have heard, but I’m in the process of curating a selection of mates,” he continues. “I know, that’s somewhat of an unconventional thing to decide here in the North, but my appetite is what you might consider voracious, and I’ve always been one who requires a bit of… variety, if you will.”

Anger turns into pure fury, especially when he flashes a smirk, but I know better than to speak out of turn. Know better than to let the words I’m holding in come spewing out.

His brow twitches and the flicker in his eyes tells me I haven’t hidden my displeasure entirely.

“Ah, you’re concerned that I haven’t considered your status,” he says, revealing that he’s completely misread me. “Rest assured, Annalise. I’m aware of your worth, and I value it. You’d be special to me, my primary mate.”

Your prized possession is more like it.

Your fucking property.

“I was raised on your grandfather’s legendary stories. The fearless General Gideon Breedlove,” Caspian says with a nostalgic chuckle. “He and your father were household names. My own father was not one to esteem many men, but they were two of the few he deeply respected.”

He falls silent, and I have to bite my tongue, refraining from asking if this is meant to make me soften? Fall at his feet like I’m sure most other women have done? He may think he has me pegged, but I don’t give a damn about him or his respect. One visit, one encounter has shown me that.

“It’s come to my attention that, with your grandfather’s recent passing, the money has stopped.”

I fight against the shock that fills me, having my suspicion confirmed. The only way he would know that my grandfather sent a monthly stipend to my aunt and uncle for looking after me, would be if they were to tell him so themselves. Bile rises in my throat as the pieces begin to fall into place, the magnitude of this setup.

The betrayal.

“So you’re aware, you should know that I’ve given my word that I’ll take excellent care of you and your family,” Caspian insists, his tone sounding far too kind for the words being spoken. “All I ask in return is for your total devotion, the proper respect a man is to be shown, and that you honor my wishes where childbearing is concerned.”

My stomach turns at the thought of it. If he’s as barbaric as the majority of men in this quadrant, he desires to fill his mate’s womb with as many children as she can withstand.

Most often, ego is the only motivating force behind such demands.

He finishes speaking, and I’m completely gutted, realizing that the only family I have left sold me out, promised me to this chauvinistic pig. All for the chance to cash in on my misery.

I’m careful with my expression, giving nothing away while I process what’s just happened. In a matter of minutes, the foundation of everything I believed in has been ripped from beneath me, and I’m in an emotional freefall. However, another trait I’ve inherited from my grandfather is his stone-faced glare, even when his entire foundation has been rocked.

Like mine has been in this very instance.

When I nod slowly, I feel Caspian’s eyes on me. “I understand everything you’ve explained but forgive my silence. There’s just a lot to process.”

“By all means, take your time,” he says gently. “I must admit, I’m a bit surprised your uncle didn’t prepare you. Perhaps he suspected you might put up a fight, but he’ll be pleased to hear that you’ve been nothing but meek, a shining example of what a Clan Centauri woman should be.”

Betrayal burns within me, thinking of how Uncle Mitch pretended he had no idea about any of this. And my aunt, did she know? There’s a distinct way a person’s heart breaks when the one who does the breaking is their own flesh and blood. It severs deeper, takes much longer to heal.

If it heals.

“We can continue our conversation or, if you’d prefer it, I can have Archibald escort you to your room.”

My eyes stretch wide. “My room?”

He nods. “Yes, and in the coming days, I’ll arrange for you to have your pick of maidens to serve you. No mate of mine will ever lift a finger in our home.”

In… our … home?

Panic has my body warming, on the verge of breaking a sweat. But I remember the training I’ve memorized over the years and quickly cast a facade to hide my true thoughts.

“Thank you,” I say softly, now knowing he prefers women who make themselves small. “Your graciousness is deeply appreciated, but I wonder if it’s okay to make one small request.”

The faint smile he wore fades just enough to notice.

“What sort of request?”

“Well, as you can tell, this has all come as somewhat of a surprise to me. I’m unprepared,” I explain. “If you’ll allow it, I’d like some time to get my affairs in order back home.”

I’m nearly panting while I await his response, feeling completely at his mercy, and I hate every second of it.

“ This … is your home now,” he states, speaking the words through gritted teeth. “Anything you need, anything you desire, I’ll see to it that it’s at your fingertips.

I force a feminine laugh from my throat, pretending this macho bullshit is flattering.

“Yes, of course, but there are items of sentiment, mementos from my parents too precious to leave behind, and?—”

“I’m a reasonable man,” he interrupts, leaning deeper into his seat while he studies me. “This wasn’t the plan, but in light of your uncle’s deception, I’ll allow it.”

“Thank you.”

“One night and not an hour more,” he says coldly, shattering that smidgen of hope I dared to entertain.

My breath hitches, hearing the loud tick-tock of an imaginary clock counting down my fate. “Understood.”

“I’ll send my men to collect you in the morning,” he continues, making sure to hold my gaze. “After that, I won’t stand for you spending another night outside of this house.”

Anxious to leave this godawful place, I brace both hands on the chair and push off. But before I can stand…

“One quick thing. Since I’m bending the rules for you, I’ll need a bit of insurance,” he says. “A small token to guarantee you’ll be a good girl while you’re out of my sight.”

My gaze shifts toward Caspian, and I want to take off running when he beckons me toward him with his finger.

“Come,” he says, his tone sounding low and gravelly.

Once again, I’m aware of there being nowhere to run, and no one under this roof would be on my side even if I did. So, reluctantly, I do as I’m told.

As I round the corner of the large desk, Caspian’s eyes never leave me. The moment I’m close to where he remains seated in his chair, his hands engulf my waist, pulling me in his direction. My weight is easily shifted toward the flat surface in front of him, making his strength apparent.

“Sit,” he commands next, and I lower my bottom onto the desk, shoulders heaving in fear, anxiousness, and a million other feelings I can’t name.

Staring down on him, where he sits at eye-level with my torso, I gasp aloud when he grips both my knees, and then forces them apart.

Uncertainty fills me and a desperate, “Please,” falls from my lips.

He peers up from beneath dark lashes, annoyance in his gaze as he growls a single word meant to silence me. “Relax.”

I’m completely still as he leans into my space, and then draws a deep breath, inhaling the scent between my thighs. He breathes me in again, this time nearly burying his face into me as I ball both hands into fists.

“So sweet,” he groans, eyes rolling back as he releases an audible growl. It resonates from deep within his chest and there’s no hiding that I’m shaken, trembling from head to toe. He either doesn’t notice or doesn’t care, because the next second, he stands, towering over me at a height of maybe 6’5” or 6’6”, wedging himself between my legs. I’m trapped, held prisoner as his wicked shadow looms over my skin. I swear I’ve forgotten how to breathe, because my chest has completely seized, refusing to fill with air as that same rough grip brings me to him again.

So close that there’s no space between us.

“You and me? We’re going to have so much fun together,” he croons with a dark grin.

The next second, he lowers his mouth to my throat without warning, dragging his tongue up the length of my neck, effectively marking me with his scent. I can assume this is the insurance he spoke of. The effects will last an entire week and guarantees that no man within the clan would even dream of touching me.

Not with the harsh punishment that would follow.

The trail of saliva slowly cools in the air when he brings his lips to my ear next, speaking low and firm.

“Either fall in line and be treated like a queen, or rebel and force me to show what a beast I can be. Heaven or hell, Annalise… the choice is yours.”

My breaths come in small bursts, silently leaving my lungs. When his grip loosens, I’m allowed to ease away, but his gaze stays trained on me.

“When you make it home, don’t be too hard on your uncle,” he adds. “Mitchell is a man of limited means. At the end of the day, and for the right price, a good man will do what he must to provide for his family.”

I stop in my tracks halfway to the door, letting that sink in. Letting it settle within me that, until tonight, I thought I was family.

“One night,” Caspian repeats as I exit, coming to a firm conclusion.

Wherever I go from here, whatever happens next, I will never return to him.