My Fated Alphas Cruel Game novel Chapter 53

53 Chapter 53 Secret Worth Keeping

53 Chapter 53 Secret Worth Keeping

Elena’s POV

The wooden chair creaked beneath me as I settled onto the front porch of the packhouse. Damien took the seat beside me, his usual easy confidence replaced by an awkward silence that stretched between us like a chasm.

My gaze drifted across the training grounds where warriors sparred with fierce determination. Pack members moved through their daily routines with an enviable simplicity that made my chest tighten with longing. Their biggest worry was probably what to have for dinner, not the life–altering revelation currently burning a hole in my pocket.

The pregnancy test felt like it weighed a thousand pounds.

“Look, you’re carrying a child. That doesn’t have to change our plans.” Damien’s voice cut through my spiraling thoughts.

I turned to study his profile, searching for any hint of what he really thought. “You honestly believe I should keep Marcus in the dark about this?”

His jaw clenched, a muscle ticking with barely contained anger. “Normally, I’d say a mate deserves to know. But your situation isn’t exactly normal, is it? The bastard left you and your mother in that death trap of a trailer, practically gift–wrapping you for any rogue with a grudge.”

The bitter truth of his words settled in my stomach like lead. “I’m painfully aware of

that fact.”

“Marcus doesn’t deserve the title of father.” The venom in Damien’s voice surprised me with its intensity. “The man who abandons his pregnant mate doesn’t get the privilege of raising that child.”

“Maybe not, but he’s going to get his fairy tale ending anyway.” The words tasted like ash on my tongue. “He’ll marry that plastic princess Viviana and pop out a whole litter of future alphas to carry on his precious legacy.”

“Exactly my point.” Damien shifted to face me fully, his eyes blazing with conviction. “If your child is his firstborn, he’ll drag them into that toxic cycle. You’ll be forced back to that hellhole of a pack, watching him mold your baby into another version of himself. Is that really what you want? You’ve already severed the mate bond. You’re free from

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53 Chapter 53 Secret Worth Keeping

feeling his betrayals. Let him have his perfect little family with her. You and your child deserve so much better than the scraps he’d throw your way.”

The passion in his argument made my heart race. “You really want me to stay, don’t

you?”

“More than you know.” The confession hung heavy between us.

A strange warmth bloomed in my chest, chasing away some of the cold fear that had been my constant companion. “Then that’s what I’ll do. I refuse to let my child become a pawn in his power games.”

“They’ll have the chance to just be a kid. No pressure, no expectations beyond being happy and healthy.” The relief in Damien’s voice was palpable.

Curiosity got the better of me as I watched him relax for the first time since I’d dropped my bombshell. “Can I ask you something personal?”

“Fire away.”

“Why hasn’t someone like you found their mate yet? You’re everything Marcus pretends to be.”

His expression darkened, pain flickering across his features. “That’s complicated.”

“Damien, you know every sordid detail of my disaster of a life. The least you can do is share one secret with me.” I kept my voice light, but my eyes challenged him to trust me the way I’d trusted him.

He ran a hand through his hair, looking suddenly younger and more vulnerable. “I did find her. Unfortunately, she’d already chosen someone else.”

Anger flared hot in my chest. “She rejected you for some chosen mate? That’s complete garbage.”

“Life isn’t always fair.” His smile held no warmth.

“Do you know the guy she picked over you?” The question slipped out before I could stop it.

“His name is Julian.” The name hit me like a physical blow, and I must have visibly reacted because concern immediately creased Damien’s brow. “What’s wrong?”

My mouth went dry. “Julian as in the vampire who showed up at my trailer uninvited?”

“You’ve met him?” Shock colored every syllable.

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53 Chapter 53 Secret Worth Keeping

“He paid me a midnight visit while I was stuck in that tin can death trap. Though he claimed he wasn’t there to hurt me. Said his whole family survives on animal blood, not human.” The memory of those unsettling red eyes still made me shiver.

“Family?” Damien’s protective instincts kicked into high gear.

“That’s what he called his coven. I have no idea how many bloodsuckers we’re talking about.” I wrapped my arms around myself, suddenly feeling exposed.

“What did he want from you?” The dangerous edge in Damien’s voice would have made most people back away.

“He warned me to be careful. Apparently, he’d been watching me for who knows how long, which is absolutely terrifying when you think about it. His warning was cryptic as hell, but he did say I deserved better than Marcus.” I couldn’t help but smirk at that last part.

“Smart vampire.” Damien’s mood lightened slightly.

“Hey, what’s the serious discussion about?” Gage’s cheerful voice interrupted our conversation. My eyes darted to the pregnancy test that Damien was still clutching like a lifeline.

“Oh hell, that’s mine.” He practically launched it back into my lap, making me laugh despite everything.

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