My Fated Alpha's Cruel Game

Elena’s POV

Sleep had been elusive with Caleb waking me multiple times throughout the night, leaving me completely drained when morning finally arrived. I should have been up hours ago, but exhaustion had claimed me completely.

The sound of footsteps in the hallway barely registered until I noticed Gage’s familiar silhouette filling the doorway. His knowing smirk made my blood pressure spike instantly.

Damien’s muscular arm tightened possessively around my waist while his warm breath tickled the sensitive skin of my neck. Every inch of his powerful frame was pressed against my back, and I could feel the tension radiating from his body as he sensed the intrusion.

"If you don’t have something earth-shattering to tell us, then get the hell out of here." I snapped, refusing to lift my head from the pillow.

"Actually, I was searching for my dear brother in his own room. When I came up empty-handed, I figured I might find him somewhere more interesting." Gage’s voice dripped with amusement as his eyes swept over our tangled forms. "Looks like my instincts were spot on."

"Gage. Get lost." Damien’s voice rumbled against my ear, low and threatening.

"There’s your answer straight from the Alpha himself." I muttered, still refusing to acknowledge Gage’s presence with eye contact. My eyelids felt like lead weights.

"Fine, fine. You three can continue playing house in here. I’ll go assist Ryder with actual pack responsibilities." Gage chuckled as he retreated, closing the door with deliberate slowness.

"I’m beginning to think this arrangement might be more trouble than it’s worth." I sighed heavily.

"Don’t worry about him. I can always throw him out on his ass." Damien’s protective tone sent warmth spreading through my chest.

"Good to know." I mumbled against the pillow.

When we finally managed to drag ourselves out of bed later that morning, the thought of changing clothes seemed absolutely overwhelming. I remained in my comfortable pajamas, moving through the house like a zombie while juggling Caleb’s constant needs.

The exhaustion was becoming unbearable, weighing down every step I took. When my phone suddenly rang, cutting through the peaceful quiet, I glanced at the caller ID and felt my lip curl in disgust.

"Who’s calling?" Damien asked, immediately picking up on my shift in mood.

"Take one wild guess." I answered with barely contained fury before swiping to accept the call. "What do you want now, Julian?"

"Have you reviewed those documents I provided?" His voice carried that same manipulative tone that made my skin crawl.

"Yes, I looked them over." I replied curtly.

"Excellent. So when exactly will you be assuming control of Marcus’s pack?" The eagerness in his voice made me want to throw the phone across the room.

"When I actually find something worth believing in." I shot back.

"I’m not following your meaning." Confusion colored his words.

"Felix isn’t the only person who knows their way around computers. The information I uncovered proves the army has absolutely no intel on werewolf pack locations. Whatever sick game you’re running, take it somewhere else. I’m not interested in being your pawn anymore. Don’t contact me again." I ended the call with savage satisfaction.

"Beautifully handled." Damien’s approval made my heart skip.

"That manipulative bastard is really pushing my limits." I said through gritted teeth.

"Mine too. How many times has he violated our territory?" Damien’s protective Alpha instincts were clearly activated.

"That was his first time actually setting foot on pack grounds. Every other encounter happened when I left the territory." I clarified.

"Well, he better not make trespassing a regular habit."

"Do you still maintain connections inside Marcus’s pack?" I asked, suddenly struck by a wave of anxiety.

"Of course. What’s troubling you?" His immediate attention made me feel less alone.

"I need someone to check on my mother." The words came out smaller than I intended.

"You want an updated report?" He was already moving toward his office.

"I’m probably being paranoid. Your contact has been monitoring her situation every few weeks. But having her trapped in that packhouse terrifies me. I know Viviana’s patience won’t last much longer." My voice trembled slightly.

"I understand completely. Let me make that call right now." He squeezed my shoulder reassuringly.

"Thank you." Relief flooded through me.

Damien disappeared into his office, and I could hear the low murmur of his voice through the closed door. When he emerged minutes later, his expression was unreadable.

"There have been some major developments. Your mother is safe, and you don’t need to worry about Viviana targeting her." He said carefully.

"Why not? She’s the Luna and she despises me." I felt my anxiety spike again.

"Because apparently the Alpha and Luna don’t have what anyone would call a normal marriage." He explained.

"What exactly does that mean?" I demanded.

"They’ve never marked each other as true mates. Word around the pack is that Viviana spends every night at human bars with her friends, soaking up male attention. And she’s been sleeping around extensively." His words hit me like a physical blow.

"She’s betraying Marcus?" The implications were staggering.

"It’s not betrayal if they never consummate their marriage. They don’t share a bed at all." Damien’s expression grew increasingly serious.

"Which means she’ll never produce his heir. If Marcus discovers Caleb exists, he’ll come for my son." Terror shot through me like ice water.

"And I’ll fight him to my last breath before I let him touch that baby." Damien stepped closer, his eyes burning with fierce determination. The intensity of his promise made my heart race. He was telling me he would die protecting my child.