My Fated Alpha's Cruel Game

Elena’s POV

Chloe waited while I changed into something suitable for our trip downtown, right into the heart of pack territory.

The moment we stepped outside, every pair of eyes turned toward me. I tried my best to ignore the stares, but the weight of their curiosity pressed down on my shoulders. They were all wondering who this mysterious new girl was.

Our first stop was an upscale boutique that screamed expensive from the moment we walked through the door. I glanced at the price tag on the first dress I touched and immediately shook my head.

"We need to find somewhere else," I told Chloe, backing away from the rack.

"Why would we do that? We have Gage’s credit card. Actually, it’s the pack’s card. Living with those guys, I’m shocked they haven’t given you your own yet," she said, waving the plastic dismissively.

"Damien tried to. I wouldn’t accept it," I admitted.

"That explains a lot," she said, giving my outfit a pointed look.

The same worn clothes I’d brought from my old pack. The ones that had seen better days.

"I know I need new things. I’m planning to find a job soon."

"Aren’t you starting college tomorrow?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, why?"

"Because you won’t have time to work. Just let them pay for what you need. Trust me, they have more money than they know what to do with," she said.

"I’m sure they do, but they already know how I feel about charity," I replied stubbornly.

"Oh honey, stop being so difficult. You need help, and today I’m going to make sure you get it. We have to have you back at the packhouse by four, which gives us limited time. You need a dress for tonight’s event. You need proper clothes for college. You need textbooks. There’s a mountain of things you require that you can’t afford right now. The Alpha is covering everything, so let’s make it count," she said firmly.

"I’m really going to regret this," I muttered.

"Maybe, but you’d better adjust to it quickly. Those guys already look at you like family. The entire pack can see it, and you’ve barely been here a week," she said.

"I haven’t even officially met most of the pack yet," I pointed out.

"Exactly. If you were just any other asylum seeker, Alpha Damien would have set you up in the town hotel or a rental house. Instead, you’re living in the packhouse itself. That means they feel responsible for your safety. It’s actually a good sign," she explained.

"It feels strange. Nobody’s felt the need to protect me since my father died," I said quietly.

"Well, you’d better get comfortable with it, because those men don’t do anything halfway."

I had to admit she had a point there.

We spent hours hunting for the perfect evening dress, along with matching shoes and jewelry. Then we moved on to casual clothes suitable for campus life and the textbooks I’d need for my classes.

The shopping bags multiplied so quickly that Chloe had to call for one of the pack vehicles to transport everything back home. 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

We even stopped for lunch between stores, though I could barely eat with anxiety gnawing at my stomach over how much money we were spending.

We made it back to the packhouse just minutes before four, and the guys were already examining our purchases spread across the living room.

"I’m so sorry. You gave Chloe access to that card and she went completely overboard," I said, feeling heat creep up my neck.

"Is all of this for you?" Damien asked, surveying the bags.

"Yes. Clothes and textbooks for school," I confirmed.

"Then there’s nothing to apologize for. You needed a proper wardrobe and you refused to let me help before. I’m glad Chloe managed to convince you," he said.

The sound of commotion outside drew my attention to the window. People were everywhere, transforming the packhouse grounds into something magical. Tables and chairs appeared in perfect rows, while others assembled an elegant archway. Decorations bloomed across every surface, and I watched in amazement as the space became more beautiful by the minute.

Strings of lights began twinkling between the trees, and flower arrangements added splashes of color throughout the setting.

Everything was already looking absolutely perfect.

I needed to get upstairs and prepare myself for whatever this evening would bring.

After a long, hot shower, I emerged from the bathroom wrapped in a towel to find two women waiting in my bedroom. They directed me to sit at the vanity while one began working on my makeup and the other started styling my hair.

I kept my makeup natural with warm brown tones that complemented my features, while my hair was curled into loose waves that cascaded over my shoulders.

Once they finished and left me alone, I carefully slipped into the dress we’d chosen. The pale pink chiffon felt like silk against my skin, with its high neckline and delicate thin straps that wrapped around my arms. The back was completely open, and a subtle train flowed behind me as I moved.

Looking at myself in the mirror, I barely recognized the reflection staring back at me. For the first time in months, I looked like someone who belonged somewhere special.

The sounds from outside were getting louder, which meant the event would be starting soon. Whatever tonight held in store, at least I’d be properly dressed for it.

I took a deep breath and prepared to face whatever was waiting for me downstairs.