Alpha’s Regret After Putting Me In Jail novel Chapter 187

Chapter 187: A Necessary Cruelty

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Chapter 187: A Necessary Cruelty

Chapter 187: A Necessary Cruelty

(Celeste’s POV)

I stared at the half–eaten spicy ribs on my table, Lucas’s threat echoing in my ears. His words

had been clear – Matthew would suffer if I continued accepting his gifts.

“Nina,” I called, my voice steadier than I felt. “Please return this to Matthew.”

Nina looked at me with surprise. “The food? But you were enjoying it.”

“It doesn’t matter what I enjoy,” I said, wrapping the container carefully. “Matthew can’t continue risking himself for me.”

Nina approached cautiously. “What message should I give him?”

I took a deep breath, steadying myself. The words I needed to say tasted bitter on my tongue.

“Tell him the food wasn’t to my liking,” I instructed, each word feeling like a betrayal. “Say I

only accepted it out of gratitude for his past kindness.”

Nina’s silver–gray eyes widened. “Miss Celeste…”

My fingers trembled slightly as I closed the food container. I had to make this convincing –

not just to Matthew, but to anyone who might be watching.

“Also tell him that while I was merely Marcus’s claimed mate from the Winter Pack, I’m not

someone he should pursue,” I continued, fighting to keep my voice cold. “His attention could

ruin what little reputation I have left in the pack hierarchy.”

Nina’s face fell. “That seems unnecessarily harsh.”

“Add that there will be consequences if he persists,” I finished, unable to meet her eyes. “Make

it clear this is non–negotiable.”

My silver–scarred wolf whined softly inside me, distressed by the cruelty of my words. But I couldn’t risk Lucas following through on his threats. The Winter Pack heir had resources and

connections throughout the territory. He could easily damage Matthew’s standing with

Alexander.

“He’ll be hurt,” Nina said quietly.

“Better hurt than harmed,” I replied, thinking of Lucas’s dangerous expression. “My brother isn’t

making empty threats.”

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Chapter 187: A Necessary Cruelty

Nina sighed, accepting the container. “I understand, Miss Celeste.”

As she turned to leave, I caught her arm. “Nina, make sure you’re not followed. Lucas might be

watching.”

She nodded grimly. “I’ll be careful.”

After she left, I sank into my chair, a hollow feeling spreading through my chest. The small joy Matthew’s gifts had brought me was now tainted by fear and necessity.

I hated having to push him away, but I couldn’t bear the thought of him suffering because of me. Too many already had.

(Lucas’s POV)

I stormed out of Celeste’s quarters, my wolf raging beneath my skin. How dare she dismiss me like that? And how dare Matthew Sterling continue pursuing her after my explicit warning?

Pack members scrambled out of my path as I marched across the grounds. My destination was clear – the warrior quarters where Matthew would likely be reviewing training schedules

for tomorrow.

I would make an example of him. Humiliate Alexander’s second–in–command in front of his subordinates. Show him exactly what happened when he ignored the future Alpha’s

commands.

My claws extended unconsciously as I imagined the confrontation. I would strip him of his pride, maybe even damage his standing enough that Alexander would reconsider his position.

“Lucas!”

I nearly snarled at the interruption until I recognized Scarlett’s voice. My sister hurried toward me, her emerald eyes filled with concern.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, reaching for my arm. “You look furious.”

My anger ebbed slightly at her touch. Despite everything, I could never stay angry in Scarlett’s

presence.

“It’s nothing,” I muttered, retracting my claws with effort.

Scarlett studied my face carefully. “You were visiting Celeste, weren’t you?”

I remained silent, unwilling to burden her with my frustrations. She had enough to deal with, preparing for her marking ceremony with Alexander.

“I was actually looking for you,” she said, her voice gentle. “I was thinking we should ask

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Chapter 187: A Necessary Cruelty

grandmother to release Celeste from her confinement early.”

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Her words triggered something inside me. “Why? She’s perfectly comfortable in her assigned

quarters!

The moment I raised my voice, I regretted it. Scarlett’s eyes immediately filled with tears, and she retreated a step.

“I’m sorry,” I said quickly, softening my tone. “I didn’t mean to shout.”

Scarlett wiped at her eyes, looking fragile and hurt. “I just thought it might help improve things between you two. I hate seeing you upset after every interaction with her.”

Guilt flooded through me. How could I explain that my anger wasn’t directed at her?

“It’s not about the confinement,” I admitted, running a hand through my hair in frustration.

“Then what is it?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

“It’s Matthew Sterling,” I growled, the name reigniting my anger. “He’s still pursuing Celeste, sending her special meals, clearly trying to court her.”

Scarlett’s eyes widened with surprise. “Alexander’s second–in–command? That’s… quite bold of

hìm.”

“Bold? It’s inappropriate and disrespectful!” I exclaimed. “I explicitly warned him to stay away

from her.”

Scarlett placed a calming hand on my arm. “Did you catch them together?”

I shook my head, somewhat deflated. “No, but he sent her another meal today. Spicy wolf ribs.

She was eating them when I arrived.”

“Why does this upset you so much?” Scarlett asked, her head tilted curiously.

I paced a few steps, trying to organize my thoughts. “He’s a warrior, second only to Alexander

in rank. It’s inappropriate for him to pursue someone who was claimed by Marcus, the Alpha

King’s nephew.”

I didn’t mention how Matthew’s interest in Celeste stirred something protective and

possessive inside me. How watching her accept his gifts felt like a personal betrayal.

“You care about her,” Scarlett observed softly. “Despite everything.”

‘She’s connected to our pack,” I replied stiffly. “Her behavior reflects on all of us.”

–

– so brief I almost missed it before she smiled warmly.

Something flashed in Scarlett’s eyes – so brief I almost missed it

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“You’re a good brother, Lucas,” she said, squeezing my hand. “Caring for both me and Celeste despite how complicated everything has become.”

Her words soothed my anger, replacing it with a dull ache. “I wish she could see that. I wish

she understood I’m trying to protect her.”

Scarlett’s expression brightened suddenly. “Maybe there’s another approach we could take.”

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“Instead of forbidding this connection, perhaps we should provide alternatives,” she

suggested. “Arrange some potential mate options for Celeste. That way, she’d have proper

choices within our pack structure.”

The idea struck me with unexpected force. “I’ve considered that,” I admitted. “But she would