The Bully Alpha's Defiant Slave

Chapter 7

Sandi

The moment I spotted my parents in the crowd, I bolted toward them like a shot. Their arms opened wide, and in an instant, we were tangled in a tight, warm embrace. For a moment, nothing else existed—just us, wrapped in silence and love. I clung to them, feeling the steady beat of their hearts and the familiar comfort of their presence. We stood there, locked in that perfect moment, until my father finally broke the silence with a whisper: “We are so proud of you.”

“Thank you,” I whispered, my voice thick with emotion.

My mother’s face lit up with a radiant smile. “Come on,” she said eagerly, grabbing my hand. “We’re taking you out to celebrate!”

I couldn’t help but laugh at her excitement as she practically dragged me toward my father’s sleek black Escalade. My dad unlocked the car, and the three of us climbed inside, buckling up in a rush. The engine roared to life, and in seconds, we were zooming toward a night I’d never forget.

When I saw where we were headed, I let out a breathless sigh of awe. “Wow,” I whispered, my eyes wide with wonder. The restaurant loomed ahead—luxurious, towering, and completely out of my league. I’d only ever driven past it, my curiosity stoked by whispers and rumors. Some spoke of it like it was a palace for the elite, a place only the rich and powerful could afford. And tonight, I was about to step inside.

My heart thumped wildly as I looked at my parents. “Are you guys for real right now?”

“We sure are,” my dad said with a proud grin.

“But… this place,” I stammered, staring at the glowing sign and the elegant facade, “it’s so expensive. It’s out of our league.”

My mother squeezed my hand gently. “We decided to treat you because we’re so proud of everything you’ve accomplished,” she said softly. “You deserve this.”

I hesitated, worry creeping in. “But… can you really afford it? I mean, I don’t want you to go broke over a fancy dinner.”

“It’s fine, sweetheart,” she reassured me. “Today’s about celebrating you. Don’t worry about the money.”

My father’s eyes gleamed with excitement as he rubbed his hands together. “Come on, let’s eat. I’m starving.”

Reluctantly, I unclipped my seatbelt, threw open the door, and stepped out. I stared up at the glowing entrance, feeling my pulse quicken with anticipation.

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**Alpha Kayden**

From my vantage point inside the pack-owned restaurant, I watched the crowd with quiet patience. This was no ordinary eatery—it catered to the most elite in our town, the ones who threw money around like it grew on trees. I had Liam and Caleb seated with me, waiting for the server to bring our lunch.

Suddenly, the doors swung open, and three humans entered. Instantly, my eyes locked onto the youngest woman in the group. She was striking—confident, with a radiant smile and an energy that drew my gaze like a magnet.

Beside me, Caleb whistled softly. “Pretty girl,” he muttered, eyes hungry.

Liam nodded, watching her like a predator eyeing prey. “She’s got strength. She’s fit. She’d handle the workload.”

I flicked through the photos laid out on the table, my focus sharp. One of the faces in the pictures stared back at me—the same young woman who’d just entered the restaurant. Her smile was bright, innocent, unaware of the eyes watching her.

“Is she on the list?” Liam asked, voice low.

“She is,” I confirmed, studying her.

Caleb leaned in, eyes flickering with interest. “She’s strong. Looks capable.”

I nodded, feeling the familiar rush of anticipation. I watched as she looked around, her gaze locking with mine. For a moment, I felt that primal twitch—Steel, my wolf, eager to take control. In our world, eye contact with a human, especially a potential target, was a challenge—a sign of defiance.

But she didn’t look away. She kept her gaze steady, unwavering.

Suddenly, her companion, seated beside her, turned in her seat. Her eyes widened in horror as she caught sight of us. “Don’t stare,” she hissed, voice trembling, before quickly turning away.

And just like that, her eyes were gone. The connection broken. But inside, something stirred—an emptiness, a gnawing sensation that I couldn’t quite shake.

---

Sandi

I couldn’t help but steal glances back at the table where the three men sat. The man I’d made eye contact with—he was the most captivating person I’d ever seen. His muscles rippled beneath his shirt, hinting at hours in the gym. There was a confidence about him that made my stomach flutter, and I couldn’t help but wonder if he knew just how good-looking he was.

I knew girls must throw themselves at him all the time. He had to be used to it—probably had to fend off admirers like me. But that only made him more irresistible. He looked… almost edible.

As I watched him, one thought kept echoing in my mind: I’d never seen him or his friends around town before. It was strange. They seemed… different. Foreign, even. Like they belonged to a world I’d only glimpsed in distant dreams or movies.

And still, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something about tonight was different. Something dangerous. Something I couldn’t quite put my finger on.