Malevolent Penitentiary: The Alpha’s Prisoner Mate

Chapter 3

***Avery***

I didn’t dare show emotion, even though my wolf screamed the word “MATE” in my mind. It was a primal instinct that surged through me, but I had learned to suppress my feelings, burying them deep within the confines of my heart. The criminal I had become in this place was what the world saw—nothing more, nothing less. I couldn’t afford to appear vulnerable, not now, not ever.

As I stared at the male before me, the one the universe had deemed a gift to our kind, I felt a strange mixture of intrigue and wariness. He mirrored my own expressionless features, or perhaps he was just a master at maintaining a blank facade. I knew, without needing to see any emotion from him, that his wolf would have sensed me as his mate. Yet, whether he was exceptionally skilled at hiding any recognition or simply chose to ignore it due to my criminal record, I couldn’t tell.

“You will tell me everything from that night, in detail,” he commanded, his voice steady and authoritative. The words hit me like a cold wave, and I wanted nothing more than to curl up and hide. I couldn't revisit that night—not when it was all I could see whenever I closed my eyes or drifted into my thoughts.

I took a moment to gather my composure, a part of me wanting to refuse him outright. But a question crept into my mind, compelling me to tilt my head slightly without breaking eye contact with this enigmatic male. His brown hair and golden eyes seemed oddly familiar, yet I couldn’t place where I had seen him before.

“What does that night have to do with this death my sister speaks of?” I asked, maintaining my cold tone. I needed to keep my guard up, to remain detached.

He hesitated, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his features. “An Alpha had been murdered the same way you murdered Alpha Blain ten years ago,” he stated, his voice devoid of any emotion.

A smile formed at the corner of my lips, an involuntary reaction. “You don’t believe I killed this Alpha?” I challenged, a hint of defiance in my tone.

“Where were you two nights ago?” he pressed, his gaze unwavering.

I raised an eyebrow, curiosity piquing within me. “I do hope you’re not implying that I murdered this Alpha on the outside,” I began, allowing confusion to bubble within me, yet I kept my face neutral. “I’ve been in here for ten years. I haven’t killed anyone who hasn’t been imprisoned in here. You see, they don’t leave here alive, and there are many witnesses to the killings that occur inside these walls. I’m sure if you spoke to any of the guards, they would confirm that I was here two nights ago, putting someone’s head into the brick wall. If you hadn’t noticed why they took so long to retrieve me, I was in confinement as punishment for possibly killing the man. I’ll only find out once I’ve done my time for that.”

He just stood there, staring, as if weighing my words carefully.

“If that’s all,” I said, turning to leave.

“The Alpha died the same way you killed Alpha Blain,” he repeated, his voice firm. “Exactly the same way. Every detail written in the report of that murder matches this new one.”

I froze, my heart racing. The implications of his words settled heavily in the air between us. “If you cooperate, we can ensure your stay in here is a little more comfortable,” he added, desperation creeping into his tone.

I turned to face him once more, my brow raised in skepticism. “You might have heard the stories over the years,” I replied, my voice laced with sarcasm. I glanced at my sister, who stood nearby, her face a mask of concern. “Have you even spoken to any guards before having me dragged into this room?” I questioned, my eyes narrowing as I returned my focus to him.

I smirked as I looked back at him. “I think I’m comfortable enough.” I took a step back, ready to walk away.

Just then, the door opened, and two guards entered the room, their presence a stark reminder of my reality. They approached me, ready to escort me back to my cell.

Not a single word was exchanged between my sister and the mysterious man standing before me. I certainly wasn’t going to say goodbye as I was led away, my heart still pounding from the encounter. The weight of the moment lingered in the air, and I could feel the tension coiling inside me like a tightly wound spring.

As I walked back through the sterile hallways of the Malevolent Penitentiary, my mind replayed the conversation over and over. This man, who had just dropped a bombshell in my lap, knew the details of the murder from ten years ago. He was now investigating a new murder, the same murder. I had a sense that this might be my chance to prove my innocence. But if I played this right, I would want them desperate enough to get me out, and that thought alone was a dangerous game to play. But I have played many dangerous games in here to just be someone—who men three times my size, had come to fear.

I couldn’t shake the feeling that the male known as my mate was more than just an investigator; there was a depth to him that intrigued me. But I had to remain cautious. Trust was a luxury I couldn’t afford.

Once I reached my cell, I slumped against the cold concrete wall, allowing the familiar darkness to envelop me. The memories of my past loomed large, and the guilt of my actions weighed heavily on my conscience. I was a murderer, condemned for a crime I had not committed in the eyes of the world. But the truth was, I had become a different person since that night. The Avery who had walked into the palace library ten years ago was gone, replaced by a hardened shell that did what was necessary to survive in this unforgiving place.

This place had made me the very thing I was accused of and I couldn’t change that. I closed my eyes, the memories flooding back, and I fought against the urge to surrender to despair. The faces of my family flashed before me—how happy we were when my father was alive. If he was alive that day, I’m certain he would have fought for me. And a small part of me told me that had Giselle been there, she would have also fought for me. I wasn’t sure if my mate had brought her here to ask me questions or if something last had changed for her to be allowed to see me. The likely-hood of an answer was slim. I wasn’t sure if I would ever get another visit, but I knew one thing.. if a murder did a killing the same way- then I’m sure they would strike again. That would possibly make them desperate to get me to tell my story from that night. Since no one was willing to hear me out then, it was the only play I had at a chance.

The night of the Alpha's murder was a ghost that haunted me, a specter that never left my side. I had been so naive, so innocent, thinking that I could navigate the complex web of politics and power without consequence. But betrayal lurked around every corner, and I had learned that lesson the hard way.

I had made enemies from a lie, powerful ones. The trial had been a farce, a show for the nobles who wanted blood, and I had been the perfect scapegoat. A girl in the wrong place at the right time. The evidence had been fabricated, twisted to fit the narrative they wanted to tell. I had been a pawn in their game, and now I was paying the price.