Fated to the Alpha Who Killed Me (by Sherry) novel Chapter 156

Chapter 156

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AG 79

I nodded and followed him back to the SUV. The warmth and fullness made my eyelids impossibly heavy. I

was almost asleep when his voice cut through the darkness.

“Has my mother contacted you recently?”

The question jolted me awake. “No. Why would she?”

“We completed the rejection,” I said coldly. “There’s no reason for her to contact me. I’m not part of your

family.”

“And I think Celeste will have opinions about your mother staying close to your ex–Luna.” I let sarcasm drip into my voice. “Might make things awkward when you’re building a new future with her.”

The temperature dropped. “Why the fuck do you keep bringing her up?”

“Bringing who up?”

“Celeste.” He bit out her name. “Every time we talk, you mention her.”

“I’m being practical.” Anger built in my chest. “You’re going to bond with her eventually. I’m making sure there are clear boundaries so your future Luna doesn’t think I’m clinging to my past.”

“Get out then.” His voice went cold as he unlocked the door. “Walk home. I’m sure that’s what you want–to freeze rather than accept help from me.”

I stared at him, but exhaustion was too heavy. “Fine. Just take me home. Please.”

He pulled back onto the road without another word. When we reached my apartment, I moved to take off his jacket, but his hand stopped me. “Keep it. I don’t need it back.”

I nodded and slid out. I made it to my apartment before the tears came, fumbling with my keys. Behind me, the SUV’s engine still ran–Daemon waiting to make sure I got inside.

The door opened and I stepped inside, sliding to the floor. My hands moved to my stomach, cradling the small life there.

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Chapter 156

“Just us,” I whispered, voice breaking. “It’s going to be just us, and that’s going to be enough.”

(

79

The next morning, I woke in my own bed with sunlight streaming through the windows and no memory of

getting there from the floor.

By noon, I was in Linda’s rental car, my suitcase in back as we headed toward the highway to City G. The

eight or nine hour drive meant switching off every few hours.

“So,” Linda said once we’d cleared the city limits. “I know you’re Aiden’s cousin. He mentioned it when

Patricia assigned us together.”

“He did?” I glanced at her, surprised. “I was hoping to prove myself on merit first.”

“You already have.” Her smile was genuine. “Your portfolio speaks for itself.” She paused. “I did my graduate

work at Lupine Sovereign University about six years ago.”

“I graduated seven years ago,” I said. “So we probably crossed paths.”

We fell into easy conversation about the university, about Silver Ridge versus City G, about the partnership

with Western Industries. Linda was sharp and professional.

“So,” she said after three hours, tone deliberately casual. “I noticed your mark is gone.”

My stomach tightened. “We completed the rejection a few weeks ago.”

Linda was silent for several seconds, hands tightening on the wheel. “Smart choice,” she finally said,

something bitter in her voice.

“What about you? Are you seeing anyone?”

“No, and I won’t.” She laughed harshly. “Men are… I don’t hold any illusions about them anymore. None of

them are worth it.”

“Sounds like you’re speaking from experience.”

Her jaw tightened, eyes fixed on the road. “Aren’t we all?” She changed lanes abruptly, clearly ending that

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Chapter 156

conversation.

79

We arrived at the hotel just before four PM, exhausted. After checking in and dropping our bags, we had

barely an hour before the business dinner Ashton Reed had arranged at Seafood Symphony, the hotel’s top-

floor restaurant.

I’d met Ashton on video calls–Western Industries‘ procurement director, mid–forties with an easy smile and

sharp business acumen. Tonight was our first face–to–face meeting.

The moment we stepped inside, the smell hit me. Rich, heavy seafood mixed with garlic and butter. My

stomach lurched ominously, but I forced a smile as Ashton stood to greet us.

“Ladies! Welcome.” He shook our hands enthusiastically, gesturing to platters already on the table. “I ordered their specialties. Garlic butter shrimp, lobster tail, king crab, oysters, steamed sea bass–hope you’re both hungry!”

The garlic shrimp was directly in front of my seat, the pungent aroma making bile rise in my throat. I sat

carefully, gripping the table edge as I tried to breathe through my mouth.

“This looks amazing,” Linda said smoothly, covering for my silence as she engaged Ashton about the

partnership.

I reached for my water glass with shaking hands, trying desperately to focus on anything except the platters of seafood. The oysters especially–their raw, glistening appearance made my stomach heave.

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