Promised to the Alfa's Son, Fated to Another

Chapter twenty

Elijah’s fury filled the office like a storm. His silver eyes glowed, his chest rising with the force of his restrained growl. Riley stood before him, head lowered, shoulders tense, every muscle ready to snap.

“Are you out of your mind, Riley?” Elijah’s voice shook the walls. “Taking Casey to work with you? Without even telling me?”

Riley’s jaw clenched. “I didn’t think it was breaking a rule.” His voice was calm, but beneath it, a growl vibrated. “I signed a contract with Neil Layton. He demanded her name as architect—”

“And you danced to his tune!” Elijah slammed his hand on the desk.

“It was the best project I’ve had in months,” Riley shot back, eyes flashing before he forced them down again. “If I had backed out, don’t you think it would have looked suspicious?”

Elijah’s nostrils flared. “And it never occurred to you that demanding Casey, days after her engagement to your brother, might be connected?”

Riley lifted his head, his wolf bristling. “Who in Red Moon even knows she’s Alfie’s bride?”

“No one!” Elijah roared, the power of an Alpha rattling in his voice. His son should have bowed instantly. Instead—Riley growled. Low. Defiant.

Elijah froze. A flicker of pride twisted inside him—his second son was no coward. But the Alpha in him burned with anger at the challenge.

“Do not test me, boy,” Elijah hissed, silver blazing in his stare.

Riley stepped forward, pulling the contract from his pocket, voice steady. “I’m asking you to be reasonable. This deal strengthens us. It’s clean, it’s profitable, and Casey is the only professional listed. I’d never endanger her. Never.”

Elijah took the papers, scanning them. Brilliant deal. Profits high. Risks minimal. Riley had done well. But that last sentence—it struck deep. Never endanger her. That wasn’t business. That was instinct.

Elijah set the contract down slowly. His wolf scented the truth. “What is between you and her?”

“Nothing!” Too quick. Too sharp.

“I am no fool, Riley.”

Riley exhaled heavily. “Even if there was… something… she’s with Alfie. I’ve backed off. I would never dishonor my brother’s name.”

Elijah believed him—because honor was etched into Riley’s bones.

The door swung open. Alfie entered, humming with confidence, his grin wide, his wolf smug.

“Perfect. Both of you here.” He dropped into a chair, eyes cutting toward Riley. “I’ve got a project I’ll need you to sign tomorrow. Big deal—southern pack. Profitable.”

“I’m busy,” Riley said flatly.

Elijah interjected smoothly. “In fact, Riley has already begun work on a new project. With Casey.”

Alfie’s smile faltered, his silver eyes narrowing. “Really?”

“Yes,” Elijah said firmly. “Your fiancée is already proving herself part of this family.”

Alfie’s jaw tightened, but he forced a laugh. “I see. Strange you didn’t tell me earlier, brother.”

“I wanted to speak with Father first.” Riley’s voice was sharp steel.

“I bet you did.” Alfie leaned back, smirking. “No matter. I just came from Casey’s place, actually.”

Riley’s body stiffened, his wolf clawing under his skin. “You two talked?” Elijah asked eagerly.

“Yes.” Alfie’s gaze locked onto Riley’s, taunting, cruel. “We found some… common ground.”

“That’s good news, isn’t it, Riley?” Elijah turned, oblivious to the sparks igniting between his sons.

Riley’s voice dropped, lethal calm. “And how exactly do you know you’ve found it?”

Alfie’s lips curled into a predator’s grin. His silver eyes burned, teeth flashing. “Because we kissed. And she moaned with pleasure against my mouth the entire time.”

Riley’s growl shook the room. His wolf was seconds from breaking free.