My Fated Alpha's Cruel Game (Elena and Marcus) novel Chapter 79

Chapter 79: Chapter 79 Hidden Alpha Blood

Elena’s POV

Days stretched by before Julian finally reached out with arrangements for the meeting. The tension in our house had been thick enough to cut with a knife while we waited. When the call came, Damien immediately insisted on accompanying me, and Gage and Ryder refused to be left behind. There was no way they would allow me to walk into vampire territory alone, regardless of the neutral ground agreement.

The drive took us deep into disputed land, where pack boundaries blurred and old treaties held fragile peace. The meeting location was an old farmhouse that looked like it had been abandoned for decades, its weathered boards and sagging roof making it appear more like a haunted relic than a diplomatic venue.

Several cars were already parked in the overgrown driveway when we arrived. Damien stepped out first, positioning himself protectively in front of me before I could even exit the vehicle. His entire body radiated tension, every muscle coiled like he expected an ambush at any moment.

We made our way through the creaking front door and followed the sound of voices toward the back of the house. The kitchen had been transformed into a makeshift conference room, with a massive wooden table surrounded by chairs. The assembled group fell silent the moment we entered, their collective gaze shifting from Damien to me with an intensity that made my skin crawl.

Every vampire in the room seemed to be studying me like I was some rare specimen under a microscope. Their unblinking stares made me want to retreat behind Damien, but I forced myself to stand tall and meet their scrutiny head-on.

"Please, sit," one of them said, gesturing toward the empty chairs.

Damien claimed a seat and immediately pulled out the chair beside him for me, his movements deliberate and protective. As I settled in, my eyes fell on a blonde girl sitting close to Julian, her scent immediately identifying her as the werewolf who had shattered Damien’s world.

The recognition hit like a physical blow. This was Tessa, the mate who had rejected him for a vampire.

"Elena, allow me to introduce my family," Julian began, his voice carrying the formal tone of someone conducting business. "Malakai, Dante, Silas, Wren, Evie, Petra, Clara, Tessa, and Felix."

Each name felt like a weight settling on my shoulders, but when he said Tessa’s name, I felt Damien’s entire body go rigid beside me. She was touching Julian’s arm possessively, and I could practically feel the waves of pain and fury rolling off my companion.

Without thinking, I reached under the table and found Damien’s clenched fist, wrapping my fingers around it. The gesture seemed to surprise him, but gradually his tension eased, some of the fight draining from his posture.

"I believe you already know Damien, Gage, and Ryder," I said, keeping my voice steady despite the charged atmosphere.

"Surprised you didn’t bring your entire pack as backup," Tessa said, her tone dripping with mockery as she directed her words at Damien.

"I don’t need an army to handle you," Damien replied, his voice deadly quiet.

"Enough," I cut in before the situation could escalate further. "We’re not here for a reunion. You claim to have information about me, and I’m tired of Julian’s riddles and half-truths. I want everything laid out clearly."

Dante leaned forward, apparently impressed by my directness. "You don’t waste time on pleasantries."

"Time seems to be something I’m running short of lately. The sooner we finish this conversation, the better for everyone involved," I said.

"How far along are you?" he asked, his gaze dropping to my still-flat stomach.

"A few weeks," I answered reluctantly.

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