The rest of the meal passed in tense silence. As the plates were cleared away, Alpha Donk leaned back in his chair, a satisfied smile on his face.
"Now then," he said, "I believe it's time we discussed the future."
"What do you mean?" I asked, dreading his answer.
Alpha Donk's smile widened. "Why, your future, of course. And Lily's. You see, I'm a man of my word. I promised to let Lily go, and I will. But you, Rebecca... you're far too valuable to release."
Panic rose in my chest. "No," I said, shaking my head. "You can't keep me here. I won't help you."
"Oh, but you will," Alpha Donk said, his voice silky smooth. "You've already proven that you'll do anything to protect those you care about. And now, thanks to your information, I have so many more leverage points."
He snapped his fi
