Fated to the Alpha Who Killed Me (by Sherry) novel Chapter 31

Chapter 31

“He has both,” I murmured, almost too quiet for him to hear.

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“Why?” Zane dropped his head onto the sticky table. She chose me. Why did she change?”

I reached out, placing my hand over his where it clenched a fresh glass. I stopped him from pouring another

shot.

“Don’t be so pessimistic,” I said, my voice smooth and persuasive. “Think about the text, Zane. ‘Give me a

chance. That implies she hasn’t given him one yet. It implies he’s chasing, and she’s running. If she hasn’t

told you who it is, maybe she’s trying to protect you. Maybe she’s confused.”

I leaned in, my eyes locking onto his. “If you give up now, you hand her over to him. Is that what you

want?”

“No,” he groaned into his arms. “Never.”

*Then don’t assume the worst.”

He didn’t answer. His breathing leveled out as the Wolfsbane finally knocked him unconscious.

I signaled a waiter. “Help me get him upstairs. Put him in a guest room and charge it to the Blackwood

account.”

Once Zane was tucked into a bed, snoring softly, his phone was buzzing. Celeste was calling.

I let it ring until it went to voicemail. Then, I typed an address to Celeste.

***

The ride back to Blackwood Manor was a blur of cold wind and dark thoughts. When I walked through the heavy oak front door, Daemon was sitting on the leather sofa, a tumbler of whiskey in his hand.

My steps faltered.

“Luna!” Ruby wiped her hands on her apron, offering a grateful bow. “Thank you again for granting me that

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Chapter 31

half–day off this afternoon. I managed to get home and sort out the family matter.”

“Is everything resolved?” I asked, keeping my voice neutral.

“Yes, thank you. It took some talking, but things are much calmer now.”

I nodded slowly as the realization clicked into place. Of course.

That explained the phone call to Zane’s mobile. Ruby had gone home, comforted her crying daughter, and

smoothed things over. With her mother’s reassurance, Celeste had gained the courage to try and call Zane

to apologize.

I felt a twist of dark amusement. Daemon had been sitting here, likely waiting for the breakup to finalize,

unaware that I had inadvertently sent in the peacekeeper.

“You may go, Ruby,” I said. “We don’t need anything else tonight.”

Then I turned to Daemon. “Don’t forget that my father’s birthday banquet is the day after tomorrow. We need to have a gift prepared. Appearance is everything, isn’t it?”

Daemon set the glass down and walked toward me, stopping just outside my personal bubble.

“Speaking of gifts,” he said, his voice dropping an octave. “My mother mentioned the concentrated herbal

extraction you gave her. For her migraines.”

“She suffers from them. It helps,” I said simply.

Daemon studied my face, his gaze dissecting me. “You’ve never taken an interest in my mother’s health beyond polite conversation. What’s the angle, Violet? Are you trying to buy her favor so she forces me to

keep you?”

“A daughter–in–law caring for her mother–in–law is standard protocol,” I said flatly. “Don’t flatter yourself,

Daemon. I’m not trying to trap you.”

I took a step closer, invading his space for once. “I meant what I said. If you think I’m playing games, let’s call the Council tonight. We can schedule the Rejection Ceremony for tomorrow morning.”

Daemon’s jaw tightened. The muscle in his cheek ticked.

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Chapter 31

“Keep dreaming,” he spat.

He turned to walk away.

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“Why?”

The word stopped him. He paused, his back to me.

“Why won’t you let me go, Daemon?” I asked, my voice cutting through the silent room. “We both know you don’t want me. We both know there’s someone else out there you’d rather be with.”

I walked around him until I was facing him again.

“Are you afraid?” I whispered, a cruel smile touching my lips. “Are you scared that even if you chase her, she won’t want you? Are you terrified that your ‘True Mate‘ might actually love someone else, so you have to keep me here? Am I just your safety net, Daemon? The spare tire you keep in the trunk just in case the real

journey fails?”

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