Fated to the Alpha Who Killed Me (by Sherry) novel Chapter 191

Chapter 191

Violet’s POV:

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The video call request from Zane blinked insistently on my screen, his name glowing against the darkness

of my bedroom. My thumb hovered over the decline button, guilt tightening around my ribs like a vice.

But curiosity–and perhaps something deeper, something that whispered I owed Zane at least the courtesy

of acknowledgment–made me accept the call after several seconds of hesitation.

Zane’s face filled the screen, and I barely recognized him. His previously styled hair had been shaved down

to a military–style buzz cut. He wore a work jacket stained with cement dust, the fabric worn at the elbows.

Behind him, bare concrete walls and a narrow bed suggested dormitory living.

“Violet!” His voice cracked with excitement. “You finally unblocked me!” He ran a hand over his cropped hair

with a self–deprecating grin. “How do you like the new look? Very ‘Gamma warrior‘, right? My foreman says I

look like I just got discharged from boot camp.”

I managed a small smile despite the complicated emotions churning in my stomach. “It’s different. Very

practical for construction work, I imagine.”

“I’m doing an internship now–the university arranged it,” he explained, his enthusiasm undimmed despite

the exhaustion evident in his posture. “Working at a small real estate development company, mostly on–site

project management at construction sites. I just got my first real paycheck–the actual internship wage, not

just the probationary rate.” His pride was genuine and touching, the kind of simple joy that came from

earning something through honest work. “I wanted to use it to treat you to dinner, or buy you something

nice. You saved my life that night with those Rogues, and you’ve been so kind—”

“Zane.” I cut him off gently, my throat tightening. “You don’t need to spend your hard–earned money on me.

Save it. You need to build capital, not throw it away on expensive gestures.”

His face fell slightly before rallying with determined optimism. “But I want to! You’ve done so much for me

“Listen,” I said firmly but not unkindly, “I’m planning to return to Wildfire Pack territory soon for Full Moon

Day. Why don’t we meet up then? There are some things that I’d like to discuss with you.”

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17:24 Mon, Jun 8

Chapter 191

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The transformation was instantaneous. His gray eyes lit up with desperate hope that made me intensely

uncomfortable because I recognized it too well–the same pathetic eagerness I’d worn during years of

chasing Daemon’s attention.

“Really? That would be amazing, Violet!” His voice went up half an octave. “Just tell me when and where,

and I’ll be there!”

“Just take care of yourself until then, alright?” I said, guilt settling deeper into my bones.

“I will, I promise. Thank you, Violet. I’ll see you soon!”

The call ended, leaving me staring at my reflection in the darkened screen. When had I become this person

–someone who calculated emotional costs and strategic advantages, who used people’s feelings as leverage?

I stood, needing air despite the late hour. The hallway was dim, lit only by yellowed wall sconces. I pushed

open my door and nearly collided with Celeste and Riley descending from the floor above.

Riley’s features twisted into theatrical disgust. “Oh, wonderful. The second unpleasant encounter of the

evening. You know, if we’d known Daemon wasn’t home, we wouldn’t have bothered coming at all.”

I met Celeste’s gaze directly. Her expression cycled through surprise and wariness before settling into

something colder than her usual fragile–flower persona. There was no point in pretending anymore–not

after I’d made it clear I knew exactly what she was.

“Careful, Riley,” I said with a cold smile. “Your mouth is going to get Celeste in serious trouble one of these

days.”

Riley opened her mouth to respond, but Celeste’s hand shot out to grip her wrist hard. “Don’t. We’re leaving.

Now.”

The elevator chimed, and Kael stepped out, freezing when he registered our hostile configuration. “Celeste,

Riley. Violet.” His tone was carefully neutral.

“Kael, perfect timing,” Celeste said, recovering quickly though her knuckles were white on Riley’s wrist.

‘Daemon’s still waiting for us downstairs, isn’t he?”

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