My Fated Alphas Cruel Game novel Chapter 10

10 Chapter 10 Garden of Shame

Elena’s POV

The ballroom sparkled with an intimidating elegance that made my stomach twist with nerves. Red and white dominated every surface, from the silk drapes cascading down marble columns to the elaborate floral arrangements that probably cost more than most people made in a month.

Dozens of Alphas and Lunas moved through the space like they owned it, which they probably did. Their confident laughter and easy conversations reminded me just how far I was from my comfort zone.

I had never been around this many powerful people at once. The weight of their influence seemed to press down on the room, making the air thick and suffocating. Marcus belonged here though. He slipped into this world like putting on a perfectly

tailored suit.

Within seconds of our arrival, a group of distinguished men approached him. They immediately launched into what sounded like serious business discussions, their voices low and urgent. I found myself standing there like an expensive accessory, something pretty to look at but not particularly useful.

Marcus would glance my way every few minutes, but that was the extent of his attention. Even though he stood only a few feet from me, I might as well have been invisible. When a waiter passed by carrying a tray of golden champagne, I didn’t hesitate to grab a glass.

Tonight was going to require liquid courage.

Since no one seemed interested in including me in their conversations, I decided to explore. The ballroom was massive, with intricate details everywhere I looked. Crystal chandeliers cast dancing shadows on the walls, and elaborate tapestries told stories l didn’t understand.

I wandered toward the food displays along one wall, though my appetite had completely disappeared. My nerves had taken care of that. The spread looked expensive and artfully arranged, but nothing about it appealed to me,

A voice beside me interrupted my wandering thoughts.

“You would think with all this money they threw around, they could have managed

13:00

1/4

<

10 Chapter 10 Garden of Shame

better food.”

I turned to see a tall, dark–haired man studying the same display with obvious disappointment.

“Right? You would definitely think so.” I couldn’t help but agree.

“None of it looks particularly appetizing.”

“Honestly, I would murder someone for a simple burger right about now.” The words slipped out before I could stop them, and I gestured toward the crowd. “Though I doubt any of these Lunas have ever heard of such a thing.”

He burst into laughter, and the sound was warm and genuine.

“You are definitely not like the other Lunas here,” he observed.

“And exactly how many Lunas have you had the pleasure of knowing?” I asked, curious about his perspective.

“More than I care to count. I’m Alpha Damien, by the way.”

Recognition hit me immediately. “Alpha Damien from the Obsidian Pack.”

“That’s right. I don’t believe you mentioned which pack you represent.”

“I’m Elena, from the Peak Pack Pack.”

His expression shifted slightly, becoming more cautious. “Alpha Marcus’s mate?”

“That’s me.”

“Well, damn. I apologize in advance.”

“For what exactly?” Confusion colored my voice.

“I really don’t want you getting into any kind of trouble because you were caught talking to me.”

“I feel like I’m missing some crucial information here.”

“You clearly don’t know about the complicated history between Marcus and myself,” he said carefully.

“No, I guess they must have skipped that chapter in werewolf politics class.”

“There’s quite a bit of bad blood between us. He’s not exactly what you’d call a fan of mine these days.”

13:00

2/4

<

10 Chapter 10 Garden of Shame

“Well, he’s hardly in a position to judge anyone. I’m sure half the people in this room would happily see him disappear.”

“They’re more terrified of him than anything else, actually.”

“Okay, now I know I’m missing something really good here.”

“It’s not some dramatic scandal or anything like that. We were friends once upon a time, but those days are long gone.”

“So does that mean you’re forbidden from talking to me or something?”

“Pretty much, yeah. And judging by the look he’s sending our way right now, I should probably make myself scarce. It really was nice meeting you though.”

He was nothing but polite as he excused himself, heading in the opposite direction from where Marcus stood. I couldn’t resist looking over at Marcus, and immediately wished I hadn’t. His stare could have melted steel.

He finished whatever discussion he was having with his group of business associates and began walking toward me. His movements were casual, almost lazy, with one hand tucked into his tuxedo pocket. But there was nothing casual about the energy radiating from him.

I watched his eyes flash that dangerous black color before returning to their normal shade. Without a word, he grabbed my arm and began steering me away from the ballroom.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify