My Fated Alphas Cruel Game novel Chapter 57

We stepped down from the stage and began weaving through the crowd of pack members. The energy around us was electric, conversations flowing like wine as people celebrated my official initiation. Gage appeared beside me with a cold bottle of water, and I accepted it gratefully. My throat felt parched from nerves and excitement.

Before I could thank him properly, Chloe materialized at my elbow with that bright smile of hers. She practically bounced on her toes as she tugged me away from Gage.

“Come on, you have to meet everyone,” she insisted, linking her arm through mine. “I want to introduce you to all my friends.”

I allowed myself to be pulled along, though part of me wondered what the point was. How long would these friendships last? Would they treat me like the outsider I truly was, or would this pack be different from my old one? Only time would tell.

Chloe dragged me from group to group, her enthusiasm never wavering as she made introductions. I tried to memorize names and faces, knowing I would be seeing these people regularly now that this was my home. The conversations were pleasant enough, though I kept them brief, moving from one person to the next without lingering too long.

What struck me most was how many of Chloe’s friends seemed fascinated by one particular detail about me. Their eyes would light up with curiosity when they learned I was living in the packhouse with Damien. I could practically see the wheels turning in their heads, wondering if there was something romantic happening between the Alpha and me. Their thinly veiled questions and knowing looks made it clear that my living arrangement was the subject of considerable speculation.

The massive scale of tonight’s party probably wasn’t helping matters. Normal initiations were simple affairs, not the elaborate celebration Gage had orchestrated for me. I could feel the weight of curious stares following me wherever I went, pack members trying to figure out what made me so special.

During one of my scanning glances across the crowd, I spotted Damien in what appeared to be a heated argument with a woman I didn’t recognize. Her voice was rising, drawing attention from nearby guests. Damien’s jaw was set in that dangerous

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57 Chapter 57 Stirring The Pot

way I’d come to recognize, his patience clearly wearing thin. Without warning, he grabbed the woman’s arm and physically dragged her away from the party area, presumably to continue their argument somewhere private where she couldn’t cause more of a scene.

He returned several minutes later, alone and looking thunderous. His timing was perfect though, as dinner was being announced.

I found myself seated at what was obviously the head table with Damien and Gage. Two older adults approached and took seats across from us, their body language screaming reluctance. The man in particular looked like he’d rather be anywhere else

in the world.

“Elena, these are Xander and Martha, our parents,” Damien said, his tone as flat and unenthusiastic as theirs appeared to be.

“It’s lovely to meet you,” I replied politely, though Xander’s response was nothing more than a dismissive grunt as he settled into his chair.

Martha leaned forward, her eyes sharp with curiosity. “So tell me, how exactly did you convince my sons to throw such an extravagant party for a simple pack initiation?”

“I didn’t,” I answered honestly.

Gage jumped in before anyone could respond. “It was entirely my idea. Elena has become like family to us, and we love having her here. She deserved something special after everything she’s been through.”

Xander’s eyebrows rose skeptically. “All this because she came here seeking asylum? Exactly how terrible was your old pack?”

“Terrible enough,” I said simply.

“And what does your former Alpha think about your little disappearing act?” Xander pressed, his tone taking on a predatory edge.

Damien’s voice cut through the air like a blade. “Don’t ever mention her old Alpha to my father. He’ll call that bastard and tell him exactly where you are.”

Xander’s lips curved into a cold smirk. “So you ran away from your Alpha. That’s typically punishable by death in most packs.”

“Not happening” Damien growled, his protective instincts flaring. “She’s under my protection now.”

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57 Chapter 57 Stirring The Pot

His father met his stare with open defiance, neither man backing down from the silent battle of wills happening across the dinner table.

I decided to stir the pot a little. “So help me understand something. How come your son is running this pack instead of you?”

Xander’s head snapped toward me. “Excuse me?”

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