Mated To The Crippled Alpha-Chapter 158: Satisfying Gaze

I sat in the car, slowly sipping a cup of sweet fruit tea, the warmth seeping into my palms.

In my past life, I had worked like a beast driven by hunger and fear. Day and night blurred together. The only thing that kept me awake was cheap, bitter iced coffee that burned my throat and tasted like regret. I drank it not because I liked it, but because I had no choice.

Being given another chance at life felt like being released from a cage. I could finally enjoy small, soft things again sweet drinks, quiet moments, breathing without panic sitting on my chest.

After Monica and Lincy finished crying and arguing in the car, they finally settled down. The moment Lincy caught the faint smile on my lips, she rolled her eyes and sneered.

"Why are you here? What bad luck."

I didn’t bother correcting her. She had no idea what kind of night she was walking into.

I was in a good mood, so I let it slide.

When the car stopped in front of the Hale Residence, Lincy frowned in confusion. "Mom, why are we here? I just want to go home and shower."

Monica’s face stiffened for a split second. Of course she couldn’t tell Lincy the truth that their old territory was no longer theirs, that the doors she once walked through freely were now closed to her.

Lincy kept talking, oblivious. "And where’s my dad? Why didn’t he come get me?"

I crossed my arms and answered calmly, "What did you expect? A grand welcome? Drums, lights, everyone lining up to clap for you? Don’t flatter yourself."

Her face darkened instantly. "Riley, don’t think that just because you are Mated to someone powerful, you can act however you want. Watch yourself, or I’ll tell Dad and he’ll "

I almost laughed.

She had been locked up for a full day, yet not a trace of self-awareness had formed. Still loud. Still reckless. Still convinced the world owed her kindness.

If no one stopped her now, she’d grow into something far worse.

But I didn’t need to rush. Reality was already sharpening its claws.

"Enough, Lincy," Monica snapped under her breath. "Stop talking."

That was when Lincy finally sensed something was off. Her eyes flicked between Monica and me, suspicion creeping in.

I met her gaze without warmth. "Go take a shower in the guest room. Change into something clean. After that, come downstairs."

"Why?" she asked cautiously. "What for?"

"To sign some papers."

Her body stiffened. "What papers?"

I smiled faintly. "You’ll know soon enough."

I stepped out of the car and motioned to one of the housekeepers. "Take her upstairs."

As Lincy was led away, still confused and uneasy, I watched her back disappear into the house.

The pack always had rules.

And tonight, she was about to learn where she truly stood.

..

Later, I lounged barefoot on the sofa, wrapped in a soft gown, fully at ease in this territory.

I had earned this comfort.

Monica sat across from me, restless.

Lincy kept glancing at Theo standing behind me, her instincts finally screaming.

"Why are we here?" she asked again.

Theo dropped a stack of documents on the table.

"Sign."

Her face changed the moment she read the title.

"Mom?" she shouted.

Monica broke down and told her everything.

Lincy screamed, grabbed the papers, and ripped them apart.

"I’m not signing anything!"

I laughed quietly.

"That’s fine. If I can pull you out once, I can push you right back in."

I leaned forward just slightly.

"And next time, you won’t come out so clean. People inside don’t care who your family is."

Her face drained.

"Riley, you psycho! Where’s my dad? I want him now!"

She tried to call him.

Blocked.

"You can stop," I said calmly. "He chose his real family. From now on, don’t call him that. You lost the right."

Theo placed another copy on the table.

"You’re welcome to tear this one too," he said evenly.

"But whichever hand you use... I’ll make sure you remember it."

The room fell silent.

For the first time, Lincy understood.

She wasn’t the protected one anymore.

And I finally sat where I belonged.

Lincy was shaking, even though she tried to look brave.

Her eyes were wild, her chin lifted in stubborn defiance, but fear clung to her like cold air.

She struggled at first. Screamed. Kicked up a scene.

It didn’t matter.

Theo stood there like an unmovable wall. Calm. Patient. Heavy with pressure that didn’t need force. In the end, her hands trembled as she signed.

I could tell what she and Monica were thinking.

They still believed Grant was only angry for now.

That once his temper cooled, he would soften.

That they would be welcomed back like before.

They were wrong.

I didn’t need to rush. I only needed to wait.

When the moment came, Grant would have no path left to retreat. No excuses. No room to stand in the middle anymore.

As Lincy was escorted out, I transferred another small sum to her account.

Not kindness.

Just enough rope.

Someone like her burned money faster than breath. When it ran out, reality would finally catch up.

After they were gone, I turned to Theo.

"Keep eyes on them."

He nodded. "Already arranged. Mr. Lewis gave the order earlier."

Of course he had.

I looked out the window. Firecrackers popped faintly in the distance.

"It’s almost New Year’s Eve..."

The city felt restless. The air was charged. Even without seeing it, I could feel the shift coming.

In another life, this time of year meant exhaustion. Running errands. Cleaning up after Juilain. Arriving late to empty tables where no one noticed I was missing.

Back then, my presence never mattered.

This year was different.

By the time I woke, Lewis was already back.

I didn’t hear him enter. I only knew he was there because the space around me felt settled. Safe.

The moment I opened my eyes, his gaze was on me quiet, steady, warm.

I reached for him without thinking, wrapping myself around him, pressing close like it was the most natural thing in the world.

"You’re back?" My voice was still thick with sleep.

He smiled. "I used to think being busy was normal. Now I just want to finish faster so I can come home to you."

The words were simple.

They landed deep.

"Lewis," I whispered, "I think I’m actually looking forward to New Year’s Eve this time."

"Because you won’t be alone," he said.

He kissed me then not rushed, not hungry. Just sure.

My breath caught anyway.

I looked up at him, searching his face.

"Am I beautiful?"

His eyes didn’t wander. They claimed.

"You’re stunning."

I leaned closer, my lips near his ear, letting my breath linger there.

"That’s because I dressed for you."

His jaw tightened just slightly.

"And," I murmured, smiling, "it’s not just the holiday I’m excited about."

I shifted closer, slow and deliberate, letting instinct speak instead of words.

"I think," I said softly, "we can give it a try."

This time, when his arms came around me, there was no hesitation.

Only certainty.