Mated To The Crippled Alpha Chapter 66: Old Feelings

I let out a small laugh and lowered my eyes, playing the part.

"Yenik, how can you say sothing like that?" I said softly. "I’m already mated to an Alpha. I’m soone’s mate now."

He stepped closer, his voice dropping, heavy with confidence. "Riley, we’ve been through too much to end like this. Don’t you think I deserve more than mories? Do you really want to give yourself to a stranger? Especially soone like him." He scoffed. "He can’t even stand. Can he really protect you? Can he even be a real husband?"

I hesitated on purpose, letting doubt show. "But... this is the Hales’ estate. It’s crowded. Soone might see."

He waved it off, smirking. "No one’s watching. Everyone’s distracted. Just think about it."

I nodded slowly. "Alright. I’ll think about it."

Then I turned away.

When I glanced back, his expression had already shifted smug, sure of himself, like he’d already claid what he wanted.

Disgusting.

So much for love.

If Yenik had ever truly cared for Riley, he would never have betrayed her. This was never about feelings. It was about control. About reclaiming sothing he believed still belonged to him.

He didn’t want her heart.

He wanted ownership.

And if that was the ga he wanted to play, then I wouldn’t hold back.

I waited near the entrance, watching the flow of guests, until I saw her.

Sera Hudson.

Yenik’s younger sister.

From behind, she looked eerily like the old . That must have been why Julian had mistaken her that day.

"Riley."

She recognized instantly. Her face lit up. "It’s been so long! And you got bonded just like that? You’re still young. You didn’t have to rush."

I smiled gently. "Single or not, it didn’t change much in the end. I’m doing well now. That’s what matters. Co inside. It’s cold out here."

She had a softness about her. Calm. Gentle. But when she ntioned Julian, I caught the flicker in her eyes.

"Are things good with the Hales?" she asked. "Are you settling in?"

"Very well," I replied lightly. "I’m the youngest, so I get spoiled. Father even trusted to oversee tonight’s banquet."

She nodded. "That explains why tonight feels different. You look... stronger. Happier. You’ve moved on." She hesitated. "My brother owes you an apology. Grandpa always spoke highly of you. I heard he helped organize tonight for your sake."

I shook my head. "This banquet isn’t for . Or Lewis."

Her brows knit. "Then who?"

"Julian," I said quietly. "He hasn’t been well. Grandpa wants to lift his spirits. Tonight is ant to help him find soone suitable. Soone who might pull him back from the edge."

Her face fell. "But his mate... she just passed away."

"She did," I said softly. "It broke him. He’s been hospitalized more than once. I don’t think he’s ready, but Grandpa is worried. This might be his last hope."

I t her eyes. "Please don’t tell anyone. This isn’t public."

She nodded, then reached out and took my hand. Her grip was warm. Firm. Her gaze sharpened.

"Riley," she asked quietly, "how do you feel about how I’ve treated you all this ti?"

I blinked. "You’ve always been kind."

Her fingers tightened just a little. "Then I want to ask you for sothing."

I tilted my head. "What is it?"

She glanced around, then lowered her voice.

"I’ve had feelings for Julian for years. After the accident when he pulled from the wreck and stayed until I was safe sothing changed. I never said anything because he was already bonded. I kept it buried. But now that Elena is gone... I thought maybe I’d finally have a chance."

So I’d been right.

Sera Hudson had loved Julian all along.

I let out a slow breath before answering her.

"Sera, this won’t be simple. My father already has his eye on several high-status won for Julian. You know how the Hales operate. Once he decides sothing, the entire pack follows."

She tightened her grip on my hand. "Please, Riley. I’ve stayed silent for so long. I don’t want to lose him again. Help . I really want to stand beside him."

The urgency in her voice startled . I studied her face. She wasn’t asking on a whim. This was sothing she had carried for years.

"What exactly are you planning?" I asked.

She leaned in and whispered her idea. My eyes widened slightly.

"That’s dangerous," I said quietly. "If it goes wrong "

"I don’t care," she cut in. "I love him. Just this once. Help ."

I hesitated, then nodded. "Alright. I’ll try."

We walked back into the hall together.

Not long after, Camilla approached with a glass in hand, her smile sweet and false.

"Aunt Riley, you look gorgeous tonight," she said. "No wonder everyone keeps staring."

I raised an eyebrow. "That’s bold, coming from soone who was removed from the Hale circle. Who said you could still call that?"

Her smile cracked. "Don’t get too proud."

I smiled instead. "Life has a way of circling back. It teaches people when they least expect it."

She let out a sharp laugh. "I’m curious what lesson you think I’m learning."

I leaned closer. "You’re not the only one hoping to bind yourself to this family. If that’s your goal, you should rethink it."

Her eyes turned cold. "Even if I don’t make it in, you won’t stay either."

She really believed she was in control.

I didn’t answer. I turned and rejoined Lewis, who stood calm and steady among the guests. I smiled when needed, spoke when required, and let the night unfold.

Later, Theo leaned in and murmured sothing near my ear. I nodded.

"Lewis, I’ll greet a few more people," I said.

"Go ahead," he replied, trusting without question.

I moved through the crowd. My mother tried to enjoy herself, though my father hovered close, restless and possessive. The Morrigans kept their distance. Yenik didn’t.

He approached with a glass. "Riley, let’s drink together."

"I’m not great with alcohol," I said lightly.

"It’s just a gesture," he insisted. "A few sips."

I lifted the glass and pretended to drink. When he walked away, I turned and quietly spit it into the napkin Theo passed .

I wasn’t careless enough to let my guard down.

Across the room, Sera finally approached Julian. He looked tired, withdrawn. When she spoke, he barely reacted. His attention drifted.

Then Camilla stepped in.

Before she could say a word, Julian reached out and pulled Sera closer to his side. Camilla froze, shut out without explanation.

I caught Jane’s eye and gave a subtle signal.

Camilla’s drink was replaced shortly after. She was pregnant, so she avoided alcohol but tonight, she wouldn’t escape the effects.

My phone buzzed.

A ssage from Yenik.

Riley, co find . I miss you.

I didn’t reply. I simply moved in the direction he nad.

I knew Camilla was watching. I knew she’d follow.

Her plan was obvious. Catch alone with Yenik. Twist it into a scandal. Push out of the Hale territory.

What she didn’t know was that I’d already prepared the trap.

The mont she followed , Theo stepped in. One clean strike. She went down before she could make a sound.

"Take her to the dark guest room," I said quietly.

At the sa ti, one of the guards found Yenik. He was already waiting near the utility room, tense and eager. One whispered lie was all it took to move him.

He walked straight into it.

Camilla thought she was clever. She thought using Yenik would drag back into my past and stain my place here.

She underestimated how clearly I could see her moves.

Inside that room, chaos followed.

Disoriented and drugged, Yenik didn’t know who he touched. Camilla believed she was with Julian.

And Lincy?

She had no idea what storm was about to break.