Alpha’s Regret After Putting Me In Jail novel Chapter 84

Chapter 84: An Unwelcome Gathering

Chapter 84: An Unwelcome Gathering

(Celeste’s POV)

The sharp sting of silver burns traced along my back, a constant, unwelcome reminder of Victoria’s betrayal. Each movement made the wounds throb, but I refused to let my pain show.

Weakness in this game was an invitation–an open door for another attack.

Nina walked silently beside me, her silver–gray wolf alert under her skin. She kept her gaze sweeping over the trees, her sharp eyes scanning every shifting shadow. Even in human form,

her protectiveness radiated in waves.

“We need to be careful here,” Nina murmured, her voice low yet firm. “Neutral ground or not,

this is Marcus.” She emphasized his name as if the two syllables carried venom. “He doesn’t

follow rules. Not when they don’t benefit him.”

“I know,” I replied, just as quietly. My tone didn’t waver, but the tight grip I had on the edges of my cloak said otherwise. “I’m not walking into this blind, Nina. He’s predictable. I’ll handle him. “Yet, I couldn’t help the tension knotting in my stomach as the word “predictable” stumbled in

my mind. Because that wasn’t entirely true.

This meeting wasn’t just an obligation–it was a test. Marcus was watching, waiting for a c***k, for a weakness he could exploit. I’d dealt with him enough to know that much.

The path to Silver Creek appeared untouched by tension. Birds called softly in the distance. The spring air felt gentle, brushing against the parts of my face not hidden by my hood. Cherry blossoms danced on the breeze, their delicate petals falling to litter the ground like soft, pink

confetti.

It was peaceful. Beautiful. Yet it made me feel uneasy. Silver Creek might be neutral territory,

but no part of the world was safe when Marcus was near.

“Do you trust this meeting?” I asked, my voice slicing through the calm.

Nina’s lips pressed into a thin line. She didn’t answer me right away, which said enough. Her

steps slowed, her body tensing. “No,” she said firmly after a moment. “And neither should you.

”

I nodded once, letting her unease settle against mine. Trust was a luxury I no longer allowed myself–especially now.

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Chapter 84: An Unwelcome Gat…

Before Nina could add more warnings, her sharp gray eyes flicked to the north. Her head tilted

slightly, her nostrils flaring. “He’s close.” Her words were quiet but sharp, like an unsheathed

blade.

I caught it then too–Marcus’s scent. Earthy and sharp, with an undercurrent of something

metallic and unsettling. It was faint at first, growing stronger with each step we took.

And then he emerged.

Marcus stepped smoothly out of the treeline, his tall frame moving with deliberate ease. He

didn’t hurry, nor did he hesitate. Every motion spoke of confidence, of control. His violet eyes

found mine immediately, bright and burning. They gleamed with an intensity that felt

suffocating–a predator who had cornered something, eagerly waiting to pounce.

“Lady Celeste,” he greeted, his voice dripping with his usual false warmth. “How radiant you look today.”

The compliment curled at the air like smoke, suffocating and insincere.

“Lord Marcus,” I returned coolly, nodding just enough to appear respectful without encouraging

him. My voice carried none of the politeness his did. “This meeting was unexpected.”

Marcus smiled faintly, though it looked more like a predator baring his teeth. “Was it?” he

asked, tilting his head slightly. “It shouldn’t have been. You are, after all, my priority.” He took

one step closer, and my wolf tensed instinctively at his approach.

The air between us felt heavier. My hand settled at my side, subtly closing into a fist beneath

my cloak. Nina shifted next to me, her movements so slight they were almost imperceptible,

but I could feel her tension simmering beneath the surface.

“I wasn’t aware my well–being had become a concern of yours,” I said coldly, ignoring the way

the weight of his presence made it harder to breathe. “You’ll forgive me if I’m skeptical of your… intentions.”

Marcus gave a soft laugh, though there was no humor in it. His violet eyes gleamed with

something darker, and his lips curved into a smirk that felt almost threatening.

“Concern is such a strong word,” he replied slowly, his tone lilting. “Consider it… curiosity.

After all, your injuries must be rather severe for the once–fiery Lady Celeste to carry herself so

cautiously.”

The mention of my injuries–the reminder of Victoria’s silver dagger slicing into my skin- made my wolf snarl beneath the surface. The burn along my back pulsed in protest, as if it could sense his words.

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Chapter 84: An Unwelcome Gat…

“I’m recovering,” I snapped, carefully keeping my tone steady. “Not that it’s any of your

concern.”

His smirk widened. “Oh, but it is,” he said, his voice dropping slightly as he took another calculated step forward. “Everything about you concerns me now, Celeste.”

The possessiveness in his tone made my stomach churn, but I refused to react. Instead, I met him with cold defiance, keeping my gaze locked on his, refusing to let the tension bubbling

within me show.

Before Marcus could press further, Nina growled softly beside me, her silver–gray aura flaring between us like a shield. The sound was quiet but sharp, a clear reminder that I wasn’t alone.

Marcus’s violet eyes flicked briefly toward her, but his attention didn’t linger. Nina might’ve

been projecting calm restraint, but to him, she was nothing more than an obstacle. Temporary.

Insignificant.

“You were rather brave to even accept this meeting in such a state,” Marcus continued, his

tone growing softer, though it carried a strange edge of mockery. “Is it courage that drives you,

my dear? Or something… else?”

“You seem to enjoy hearing yourself speak,” I remarked dryly, stepping slightly closer. My wolf

stirred uneasily, but I wasn’t about to back down. “Why don’t we get to the point of this

meeting, Marcus?”

He looked amused by my tone, his head tilting slightly in curiosity. “The point,” he murmured.

Yes. Let’s do that.”

Before I could ask what he meant, movement pulled my attention from the corner of my gaze.

Instinctively, my wolf bristled, and I straightened, my breath catching in my chest.

New scents filled the air–familiar ones. And with them, an ominous wave of dread built in my

stomach.