Chapter 162: I Like You
Chapter 162 of "Mated To The Crippled Alpha" introduces the scene: When Lewis heard my words, something bright flashed in his dark eyes.It was sudden, like... Keep going!
When Lewis heard my words, something bright flashed in his dark eyes.It was sudden, like light breaking through heavy clouds.
"Are you... serious?" he asked, carefully. Almost afraid.
That hesitation pulled at my chest.
Iâd been with Julain for years, yet he had never once paused like this. He had grown up adored, protected, placed at the center of everything. The Hale name had always wrapped around him like armor. He never doubted that he would be chosen.
Lewis was different.
The distance he carried wasnât arrogance it was hunger that had learned to stay quiet. Even his feelings for me had been held back, buried deep, controlled by instinct and caution.
Power followed him everywhere, but affection never had.
So when I said those simple words, they landed harder than I expected.
I squeezed his hand and met his gaze.
"Yes. I like you."
His arm tightened around my waist instantly, protective and steady.
"Elena," he said softly, "Iâve never done this before. If I mess up, tell me. I wonât always get it right, but I swear Iâll learn. Iâll be good to you."
Something warm spread through my chest.
Smiling, I teased, "Youâre already doing just fine."
After that, there was nothing left unsaid between us. The air felt lighter. Safer. We stayed wrapped in that quiet closeness for hours until my phone rang.
It was the maid.
"Miss RIley, please come quickly. Ms. Lincy is causing trouble at Mrs. Gardnerâs place. We canât calm her down."
The warmth vanished instantly.
Lincy again.
My mom hadnât been feeling well, and of course, Lincy chose now to lose control.
I drove straight over.
The moment I stepped inside, the sound hit me glass breaking, furniture scraping, Lincyâs shrill voice cutting through the house.
"You witch! You stole my father! You ruined my life! If I canât live well, neither will you!"
I almost laughed.
If Lincy had even a little sense, she would have come crying. Playing the victim. Pressing on Grantâs guilt.
Instead, she charged in like an animal cornered, all noise and no plan.
I took out my phone calmly and started recording.
Then I walked forward.
Lewis had already arranged protection. Two men stood between Lincy and the door, solid and unmoving. She could scream all she wanted she wasnât getting inside.
My mom stood nearby, pale, one hand pressed to her temple.
"Keep going," I said coolly to Lincy. "Once youâre done, weâll talk about paying for what you broke."
Inside, I knew this wouldnât save her. It would end her.
The moment she saw me, her fury spiked.
"RIley, you snake! Iâm Dadâs daughter! Who do you think you are, treating me like this?"
I folded my arms and let the guards block her path.
"Lincy," I said evenly, "without me, youâd still be locked up. Seems comfort has made you forget where you stand."
Her breathing turned sharp.
"Your mother was never more than a kept woman," I continued. "Some people played along and called her Mrs. Gardner. But there is only one woman who belongs in this house and thatâs my mother."
I stepped closer.
"And you? You barged into her territory like you owned it."
The words hit exactly where they hurt.
I watched her face twist, denial cracking. She had always believed she was entitled. That belief was the only thing holding her together.
Lincyâs laugh was sharp, ugly.
"Youâre the illegitimate one," she snapped, eyes burning. "If your useless mother had known when to let go, Dad would have bonded with my mom years ago. You wouldnât even be standing in this house acting like you own it."
Something hot stirred low in my chest. Not anger exactly. Something deeper. Older.
Before I could speak, a heavy voice cut through the room.
"Who," Grant said slowly, "are you calling illegitimate?"
The air shifted the moment he stepped in.
Lincy didnât notice. She never did. Sheâd been waiting for him, counting on his presence like a shield.
"Dad!" she cried, rushing toward him. "Youâre finally here. Do you know what sheâs been doing to me? My mom and I have suffered so much, we "
The sound came fast.
Her words died as Grantâs hand struck her face.
Lincy staggered back, clutching her cheek, eyes wide like sheâd just woken from a dream.
"Dad... you hit me?"
Grant didnât soften. His presence filled the room, heavy and unyielding.
"Look at this place," he said coldly. "Who gave you permission to turn my home into a battlefield?"
Lincy opened her mouth again, but no sound came out.
She still didnât understand. She thought things were the same. Thought the past still protected her.
It didnât.
Whatever advantage she and her mother once had it was gone. Quietly dismantled. Piece by piece. Not with shouting. With exposure.
Grantâs patience with her had never been loyalty. Just habit. And even that was wearing thin.
Lincy ruined what little remained.
"Donât you care about me anymore?" she cried. "About my mom?"
I stepped forward before she could spin the story further.
"Enough," I said.
My voice didnât shake. That surprised even me.
"Dad," I continued, meeting his eyes, "letâs end this now. Who do you stand with? Who is your true mate? And who doesnât belong here?"
The room held its breath.
"If you choose them," I added quietly, "then my mother and I will leave. We wonât stay where we arenât protected."
Grant turned to me instantly. "RIley, donât talk like that. Your mother is my only wife."
I didnât back down.
"Then why does she think she can walk in here and destroy our space?" I asked. "What are we supposed to do about this? Call the authorities?"
The moment the word left my mouth, his expression changed.
"Thatâs not necessary," he said quickly. "Sheâs already had enough trouble. Do whatever you think is right. Just donât involve them."
That was all I needed.
"Good," I said. "Then donât expect mercy."
Lincy froze.
Her confidence collapsed like glass under pressure.
"I Iâll leave," she stammered.
She tried to move, but the guards stepped in smoothly, blocking her path. No shouting. No force. Just presence.
I walked toward her slowly, letting each step land.
"Leave?" I said softly. "You think this is a place you can wreck and walk away from?"
I glanced at the shattered vases and broken tiles scattered across the floor.
"You like breaking things," I continued. "So youâll clean them."
Her eyes darted down.
"Pick up every piece," I said. "Carefully. Take them outside."
She swallowed hard.
"And when youâre done," I added, voice dropping, "youâre going to kneel on what you broke."
Her head snapped up. "What?"
I didnât raise my voice.
"I said kneel," I repeated. "And stay there until I decide youâve learned."