My Fated Alphas Cruel Game novel Chapter 20

20 Chapter 20 Lightning Strikes

Elena’s POV 1

“I’m looking forward to it.” The words came out with more bite than intended. She stalked away with her pack of followers, radiating irritation like heat waves off summer

pavement.

I stayed put until they disappeared completely from view before making my move. The warehouse felt suffocating now, so I headed toward the forest trail that usually cleared. my head. But somehow my feet carried me in the opposite direction, straight to the packhouse.

Standing in the open field, I stared at the imposing structure. Tara was practically vibrating under my skin, her obsession with Alpha Marcus pulling me forward like a magnetic force. I couldn’t fight her animal instincts, even when common sense screamed at me to turn around.

The doorbell echoed through the house when I pressed it. Within seconds, the same omega who’d answered before appeared, but her entire demeanor had shifted. Gone was the cautious hesitation. She welcomed me inside immediately and guided me toward the library without question.

Marcus stood alone beside a heavy wooden table, an open book spread before him. Several more volumes lay scattered around, creating a chaotic landscape of research. His brow was furrowed in concentration.

“Hey,” I announced my presence.

His head snapped up, surprise flickering across his features. “Didn’t expect to see you here. Thought you’d avoid the packhouse unless absolutely necessary.”

“Guess you thought wrong”

“Apparently so. Come in.” He gestured toward the expansive room,

I stepped inside and my Jaw nearly dropped. The library stretched impossibly high, with floor–to–ceiling shelves packed with countless volumes. A rolling ladder provided access to the upper levels.

“Bigger than you imagined, right?” Marcus’s voice held a hint of amusement.

“Definitely. Though I’m surprised to find you buried in here instead of handling pack

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20 Chapter 20 Lightning Strikes

business.”

“Something bothering you? His green eyes studied my face intently.

“Why would you think that?”

“You look different. Angry, maybe frustrated.” He set down the book he’d been holding

“Nothing I haven’t dealt with before. Comes with the territory.” I shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant.

“Someone giving you trouble? I could handle it.” The offer came out protective, almost possessive.

“And raise suspicions? People would wonder why the Alpha suddenly cares about defending me.” The reality of our situation hung between us like a wall.

“Right. Good point.” His expression darkened slightly.

“So what’s all this research about?” I nodded toward the books covering every available surface. They all seemed to share similar themes, suggesting a focused search.

“Trying to track down information about an old treaty. Supposedly my ancestors made some kind of agreement with a vampire coven decades ago. Most people consider it pack legend now, but these diaries might hold the truth.” He gestured toward the

ancient volumes.

“Would you honor it if the treaty’s legitimate?”

“I’d have to. My word has to mean something.”

“Good answer,” I nodded approvingly.

“Surprised you feel that way, considering what my father put you through.”

“What he put both of us through,” I corrected firmly. Marcus’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t argue the point.

“If this treaty exists, I’ll need to arrange a meeting with these vampires.”

“Best of luck with that endeavor.”

“What do you mean?”

“Vampires aren’t exactly easy to locate, are they? I’ve never encountered one, but then again, I’ve barely left pack territory.” The lie rolled off my tongue smoothly. No way was I mentioning Julian’s unexpected visit to my trailer.

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