My Fated Alpha's Cruel Game (Elena and Marcus) novel Chapter 211

Chapter 211: Chapter 211 Impact Without Warning

Briar’s POV

The baseball bat trembled in Ruth’s grip before she finally lowered it to her side. Her shoulders sagged with relief, but her eyes darted frantically toward each window, scanning for any sign we might have been followed.

"Asher. What the hell are you doing here?" Ruth’s voice carried a sharp edge of panic.

"Looking for you. I need answers." Asher’s response was direct, unwavering.

"I can’t help you. You need to leave."

"I know Alpha Vanguard was planning to kill you. That’s why you ran. My parents helped you escape, didn’t they?" Asher pressed, and I caught the strange way Ruth’s gaze shifted to me.

"I’m Briar. Asher’s mate," I offered by way of introduction.

"She’s Elena and Damien’s daughter," Asher added.

The change in Ruth’s expression was immediate and dramatic. Her eyes widened with recognition and something that looked like hope.

"Listen, if you need help or a safer place to hide than being out here alone, my parents will take you in. You can return to their pack. They won’t turn you away," I said, meaning every word.

"That would mean declaring war against Elias," she replied, her voice heavy with the weight of that possibility.

"Have you forgotten who Briar’s parents are? They could handle him without breaking a sweat," Asher said with confidence.

"Why are you here? What made you come looking for me?" Ruth asked, though she was already moving toward the kitchen. We followed, settling around a worn wooden table while she continued her nervous surveillance of the windows.

"Because I believe Alpha Vanguard murdered my parents. I want the truth. My brother and sister have accepted whatever story he’s feeding them this week, but I can’t do that," Asher explained, his jaw tight with determination.

"Elias changing his story again. That’s exactly what I’d expect," she said, finally taking a seat but never fully relaxing.

"So my parents did help you get out?" Asher asked.

"Yes. I had no choice but to run. He was going to kill me. But now I’m living in constant terror, so I’m not sure which situation is worse," she admitted, her hands wrapping around herself protectively.

"And then he killed my parents because they helped you," Asher stated matter-of-factly.

"I only discovered what happened when they missed their regular check-in. They contacted me every six months without fail, and when eight months passed without a word, I called your father’s phone. Your brother answered instead. I couldn’t let him know it was me calling, but he told me about your parents’ deaths."

I studied her face carefully. "He didn’t recognize your voice?"

"No. I don’t think so. Why?" Ruth asked, and I could see the nervousness creeping back into her features.

"You were his Luna for years. I find it hard to believe he wouldn’t recognize your voice," I said gently but firmly.

She shot up from her chair and began pacing the small kitchen like a caged animal.

"What is it?" Asher asked, sensing her growing agitation.