Fated to the Alpha Who Killed Me (by Sherry) novel Chapter 116

Chapter 116

Violet’s POV:

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The Ember Grill sat on a corner in Riverside, wedged between a laundromat and a pawn shop. I pulled my

motorcycle into a spot near the entrance, killing the engine and pulling off my helmet.

Zane was already waiting outside, leaning against the brick wall in a plaid shirt and a thick brown jacket.

When he spotted me, his face lit up, but the smile faltered almost immediately.

“Violet,” he said as I approached, genuine concern creeping into his voice. “Are you okay? You look really

pale.”

I forced a smile that didn’t quite reach my eyes. “Just had a nightmare.”

His expression shifted to something softer, almost protective. “Oh man, that’s rough. You know what my

grandmother used to say? Put a silver knife under your pillow. Old werewolf folklore–supposed to drive

away evil spirits from your dreams.”

“I’ll try that. Thanks.”

He held the door open for me, and we stepped into the warm interior. The place was packed with working-

class wolves, the air thick with the smell of charcoal and barbecue sauce. Booths lined the walls, their red

vinyl cracked but clean, and a jukebox in the corner played classic rock.

“I know it’s not fancy,” Zane said quickly as we slid into a booth near the window. “But they have the best

ribs in the city, and I can actually afford to treat you here.”

“It’s perfect,” I said, meaning it.

The waitress came over–a middle–aged woman with kind eyes and flour on her apron. Zane ordered for

both of us, clearly a regular, and she gave him a maternal smile before heading back to the kitchen.

I watched him across the table, noting how different he seemed from the last time I’d seen him crying on

that bench. His eyes were clearer now, his shoulders less hunched.

“You seem good,” I said. “Better than before.”

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17:11 Mon, Jun 8

Chapter 116

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He shrugged, fingers drumming on the table. I mean, yeah. It sucked for a while, but I’ve been focusing on

classes, working some extra shifts. Staying busy helps, you know?”

The food arrived quickly, steaming plates of fall–off–the–bone ribs glazed in dark sauce, golden cornbread,

and coleslaw. Despite my lack of appetite, the smell was intoxicating. I picked up a rib carefully and took a

bite. The meat was tender, the sauce sweet and tangy with just enough kick.

‘I heard something, actually. About Celeste,” Zane said after draining half his soda,

My fork paused halfway to my mouth. “Oh?”

“Yeah, apparently she brought some lawyer boyfriend home to meet her parents. But it wasn’t Alpha

Daemon.”

I set down the fork. “I know. Daemon went to see her after. I was actually at her house when it happened.”

Zane’s eyes widened. “You were at Celeste’s house?”

“Her mom Ruby used to be a housekeeper at my estate. She’s really nice, offered to get me some herbal

medicine, so I went to pick it up.” I kept my tone light, casual, like it was the most normal thing in the

world.

After lunch, we rode separately to Crescent Falls Park. The famous waterfall cascaded over dark rocks into

the pool below, smaller in winter but still impressive. Most of the pond had frozen over, but there was still

open water where dozens of koi and goldfish clustered, their scales flashing orange and white.

Zane had brought a huge bag of fish food. We stood at the railing together, tossing pellets into the water

and watching the fish surge forward in a frenzy. The cold air bit at my exposed skin, but it felt good,

clarifying.

Then I heard a voice behind us. “Evan, look at the waterfall! It’s so beautiful!”

I turned. Evan Thorne stood about twenty feet away, a young woman in a cream–colored coat beside him.

She was pretty, with styled blonde hair and expensive boots. A hospital ID badge hung from her coat pocket.

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17:11 Mon, Jun 8

Chapter 116

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