The Bully Alpha's Defiant Slave

Chapter 9

Sandi

After we finished eating, I looked at my parents and couldn’t help but smile. “Thank you,” I said softly. “Thank you for bringing me here. It’s been a long time coming, and honestly, I’ve only ever imagined what this place was like. But seeing it in person—it's even better than I dreamed. And the food… wow, it was incredible.”

My mother’s face lit up with pride. “We knew how much you wanted to come here,” she said warmly.

“You’ve always had your eyes glued to this place,” I added, glancing at the restaurant across the parking lot. “Whenever we drove past, your face was pressed against the window, staring with such longing—like you were waiting for Santa Claus or something. It’s like this place has been calling to you since you were a kid. We figured today was the perfect moment to make that wish come true. We’re so proud of you, honey. You’ve grown into a beautiful, smart, capable young woman.”

My father’s eyes grew misty, and he fought to keep his voice steady. “Yeah, kiddo. We’re proud of you. More than proud.”

“Oh, stop it,” my mother teased, playfully swatting his shoulder. “You’re going to make her blush.”

He shot her a grin. “Come on, now. There’s nothing wrong with a father telling his daughter he’s proud. If you ask me, that’s in the father’s handbook.”

“Yeah, but—” she began, her tone half-scolding, “must you embarrass her in front of everyone?”

“Mom,” I said, rolling my eyes, “stop. He’s not embarrassing me. You are. Can we just enjoy today?”

She gave me a playful, innocent look. “Oh, honey, I’m just being honest. You know I’m proud of you. Why get so defensive?”

“Because today’s a big day for me,” I said softly. “Please, don’t ruin it, okay?”

My dad reached over, signaling for the check. As we stood and headed for the car, I stole one last glance back at the table where the handsome guy had been sitting. He was still there, and as our eyes met for a split second, a jolt went through me. A flicker of something — recognition? Danger? I couldn’t quite place it. Before I could dwell on it, my dad’s hand was on my shoulder, pushing me gently forward.

The door closed behind us with a soft thud, and we headed across the lot toward the car, my mind swirling with a strange mix of excitement and unease.

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**Alpha Kayden**

I watched as the girl and her family left the restaurant, her steps light and carefree. As she reached the door, her eyes unexpectedly locked with mine. I felt Steel stir within me—an instinct so primal, so fierce, it was almost impossible to ignore. Steel’s desire to assert dominance was fighting to surface, to remind her of her place.

“Of course she’s interested,” Steel muttered smugly. “We’re Alphas. Bitches can’t help but stare.”

I shook my head, trying to suppress Steel’s arrogance. “She has no idea we’re Alphas. She doesn’t even know we exist,” I reminded him. “We keep our presence hidden—only a select few even realize we’re here. Anyone who finds out… well, let’s just say they pay the price.”

Steel snorted. “They’re just fleas. We should crush them, like the parasites they are.”

I clenched my jaw. “No. Not yet. They serve a purpose. The pack’s servants, for example—they keep our world running smoothly. But if they step out of line—” I paused, voice cold—“Steel’s right about one thing. We don’t tolerate disrespect.”

Steel’s grin widened. “They need to learn their place. We should make an example of them.”

Before I could reply, Liam’s voice broke through, calm but alert. “Alpha, are you okay?”

“Yeah,” I said, forcing calm into my voice. “Just a bit of a conversation with Steel.”

Liam chuckled softly. “Bloodthirsty today?”

“Steel’s feeling aggressive. He thinks we should wipe out all humans,” I admitted, a smirk curling my lips. “His words, not mine.”

Liam and Caleb exchanged amused glances, their laughter quiet but knowing.

“Honestly,” I added, “Steel believes humans are no better than fleas—weak, diseased, and easily exterminated. That’s his view, and he’s not shy about sharing it.”

They both burst out laughing, shaking their heads at Steel’s relentless attitude.

“Still,” I said with a smirk, “they do serve a purpose. We need them—our pack’s survival depends on keeping the humans in the dark. Living in shadows is what keeps us safe.”

Steel growled softly, but I ignored him. Deep down, I knew the truth: humans fear what they don’t understand. Nightmares and legends keep them cowering, and that fear is our greatest weapon.

If only they knew the monsters lurking in the darkness, watching, waiting. But for now, we remained hidden—masters of stealth, predators in the night.