Fated to the Alpha Who Killed Me (by Sherry) novel Chapter 79

“Violet-

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“Thank you for the ride,” I said quickly. “It was really nice.”

“Wait-” He put the car in park. “I don’t care if you live in a palace. I don’t care about pack politics. I haven’t

had a conversation that genuine in forever. I meant what I said about wanting to see you again. Would that

be okay?”

“Maybe,” I said finally. “Let me think about it?”

“Better than a no.”

I climbed out. He waited until I’d entered the gate code before driving away.

I stood in the cold, staring at the empty driveway.

“Why do strangers treat me better than my own husband?” I whispered.

I pulled out my phone to text Sienna that I was home safely, then paused. A notification showed a bank

transfer–two thousand dollars from Zane. Again. I stared at the screen, then scrolled down to see his

message.

Hey Violet. I know it’s late, but there’s this stray dog near campus, hurt and scared. I was going to help him

tomorrow but I’m worried I’ll make it worse. Would you maybe want to come with me?

The request felt calculated. This was exactly the kind of thing I used to do–find excuses to be near

Daemon.

Tomorrow afternoon? 2pm at Riverside Park?

His response was immediate: Thank you, Violet. You’re always so kind to me.

I sent the promised text to Sienna, then made my way into the house. Shadow’s excited greeting echoed

through the empty foyer.

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17:06 Mon, Jun 8

Chapter 79

The next afternoon, Riverside Park was crisp and clear. Shadow sat on my padded arm.

I spotted Zane kneeling beside a bench, murmuring softly. As I got closer, I saw the yellow dog. Ribs

showing. One back leg bent awkwardly.

“Hey,” I called softly.

He turned, face lighting up. “Violet! You came!” He stared at Shadow. “Is he safe around dogs?”

“As long as the dog doesn’t attack me.” Shadow mantled his wings. The dog flattened its ears and whined.

“Easy. We’re here to help.”

I knelt carefully, extending my free hand. Moving slowly.

“You’re good at this,” Zane said.

“Growing up, we had lots of animals on pack lands,” I said. “Trust is earned, not demanded.”

Shadow clicked his beak softly. Then made a low, soothing sound. The dog’s tail gave a tiny wag.

We worked together. Zane had come prepared. First aid kit, water, dog food.

The dog let us clean the leg. When I produced treats, Zane fed them carefully. Something shifted in his

expression. Pride. Joy.

“What do we do now?” he asked.

“Animal rescue, fifteen minutes from here.”

“We?” Zane looked at me. “You’d help find him a home?”

“Why not? Everyone deserves someone who chooses them. Even stray dogs with trust issues.”

The words hung heavy. Zane’s expression shifted. More knowing. More sympathetic.

“Yeah,” he said quietly. “Everyone deserves that.”

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Chapter 79

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We got the dog to the rescue center. As we walked back out, I felt something ease.

“Thank you,” Zane said. “For showing up.”

“That’s what decent people do.”

“I don’t think you realize how rare that is.”

“Want to sit for a bit?” I suggested.

We settled onto a bench. Shadow stretched his wings.

“Can I ask you something?” Zane said finally.

“You can ask.”

80

“Do you ever wonder if love is supposed to be this hard? What if the person you’re supposed to love doesn’t

feel the same? No matter how hard you try?”

I looked at him. Saw the raw pain. He was asking about Celeste. But also asking my question.

“Maybe the real question is whether the person is worth the difficulty,” I said slowly. “There’s a difference

between normal challenges and soul–destroying work of trying to make someone care who’s decided they

don’t want to.”

“How do you know which it is?”

“Whether the other person is trying too. Whether they meet you halfway.”

“And if they’re not?”

“Then maybe you’re finally putting your energy somewhere it might actually matter.”

“Lately it’s like I’m just-”

“A placeholder,” I finished quietly. “I know how that feels.”

He looked at me. Making the connection.

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Chapter 79

My phone buzzed. Daemon’s name.

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Zane saw my expression change and started to stand. “You should get that. I should head back anyway-

“Wait,” I said, catching his arm. “Could you grab us some hot drinks? There’s a coffee cart by the entrance.

My treat.”

“Sure. What do you want?”

“Anything hot. Surprise me.”

As soon as he was out of earshot, I answered the call.

“Where are you?” Daemon’s voice was cold. Clipped.

“Riverside Park,” I said, keeping my voice level. “Why?”

“With who?”

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