My Fated Alphas Cruel Game novel Chapter 11

11 Chapter 11 Garden of Shadows

Elena’s POVO

Going back inside was impossible now. The swelling on my cheek would give away exactly what Marcus had done, and my hair fell on the wrong side to provide any cover. The mark of his anger sat exposed for everyone to see.

I struggled to keep my rage contained during the party. Tears weren’t threatening to spill – instead, every fiber of my being screamed to destroy something. The fury coursed through me like liquid fire, demanding an outlet I couldn’t give it.

The garden fountain became my refuge. I settled onto its stone edge, staring into the rippling water as it caught the moonlight. The cool night air did nothing to soothe the burning sensation spreading across my face.

“That looked like it hurt like hell.” A voice emerged from the shadows.

I shot to my feet, heart hammering against my ribs. A young man about my age stepped around the corner, hands raised in a peaceful gesture.

“Who are you?” My voice came out sharper than intended.

“Gage. I’m staying right here in case he’s watching.” His eyes flicked toward the ballroom windows. “I’m guessing you got that bruise because you were talking to my brother.”

“Damien.” The name slipped out before I could stop it.

“Yeah. My older brother” Gage nodded grimly. “The one who’s supposed to inherit everything”

“What are you doing out here?” I asked, settling back onto the fountain’s edge.

“These events make my skin crawl. Since Damien doesn’t have a mate yet, I’m his backup heir. Which means I get dragged to every political gathering.” Gage’s frustration was evident. “All because he hasn’t produced any offspring.”

Gage remained in the shadows while I sat exposed by the fountain. The distance between us felt calculated, careful.

“You’re genuinely afraid he’ll come back out,” I observed.

“You obviously can’t go back inside with that mark on your face. He’ll check on you

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11 Chapter 11 Garden of Shadows

soon enough.”

“Of course he will. Can’t have me talking to, flirting with, or sleeping with anyone else.” Bitterness leaked into my words.

“You’ve got steel to stand up to Alpha Marcus like that.”

“Like I had any choice in the matter.” I let out a hollow laugh.

“Right. You didn’t.” His voice softened. “Hope you don’t mind me saying this, but you deserve better than him.”

“You don’t know anything about me.” The words came out defensive, automatic.

“True. But you’re still talking to me after getting punched for speaking to another unmated male. That tells me you’re not the monster he probably paints you as.” Gage’s voice carried genuine respect.

“I try not to be.” Something loosened in my chest at his words.

“How did you break your arm?” he asked, nodding toward my cast.

“Fell down the stairs.”

“Ah. The classic line.” There was no judgment in his tone, only understanding.

“It beats explaining the real story.” I traced patterns in the fountain’s stone with my finger.

“Never thought about it from that angle before.”

“Now you have a different perspective.” I met his eyes briefly.

“Our pack isn’t far from yours. If you ever need help, just reach out to us. Damien never turns away someone in trouble.” Gage’s offer hung in the air between us.

“Don’t have a phone.” The admission felt like another small defeat.

“How is that possible?” Genuine surprise colored his voice.

“That’s another story not worth telling.” I shrugged.

“Alright. But if you can make it to our territory on your own, we won’t turn you away.” His sincerity was almost painful to hear.

“Your brother won’t want that kind of trouble. I’m not worth the risk.”

“Why would you say that?”

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11 Chapter 11 Garden of Shadows

“Because it’s the truth. Like I said, you don’t know me.” The words tasted bitter.

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