Billionaire Alpha's 99 Deadly Games

hapter 21

Over the past month, Aria had contemplated escape countless times.

But Lucas seemed to have installed some supernatural GPS in her DNA-no matter where she went, he materialized within minutes. The few times she had attempted to slip away had only resulted in

even tighter restrictions.

As punishment for her last attempt, he had "temporarily suspended" her contract with the Northern Alpine Dance Company. His explanation to the artistic director had been surprisingly tactful-they needed quality time after their lengthy separation. Once they were formally mated, she could naturally return to dancing

Yes. Mated.

During that meticulously orchestrated press conference, Lucas had not only announced her miraculous resurrection but also unveiled their upcoming mating ceremony, scheduled just four weeks later.

Aria had known nothing about this until she watched it happen live on stage, resulting in a confrontation afterward that changed absolutely nothing about his plans.

Today's excursion to the luxury district was supposedly to select mating ceremony accessories. The dress itself was already being custom-designed by three separate ateliers competing for the

privilege.

Having completed his transaction, Lucas returned to the private suite and gently took her hand. "Shall we?" he asked with that self-satisfied smile that made her skin crawl.

Aria maintained her practiced silence, allowing him to lead her from the boutique to the waiting car without resistance.

watched the territory blur past the

with Lucas Thornwood. The very thought

despite her best efforts, escape seemed impossible. Every exit was watched, every

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Billionaire Alpha's 60 15

Chapter 21

bond with the man who had methodically tortured her for years?

otherwise.

hands tightened in her lap until her knuckles turned white from the pressure. As the mating date approached, Aria's anxiety intensified

distress as typical pre-mating jitters, Lucas had cleared his afternoon schedule to take

to their destination, however, his phone lit up with what appeared

to continue to the restaurant as planned. "I'II join you as soon as I can," he promised, already scrolling through

the car, Lucas leaned in for what had become a customary goodbye

his lips to land on her cheek instead of their intended

before his practiced smile

frantically dug through her purse for antibacterial wipes, scrubbing at her cheek

stinging did she finally discard the wipe with

room stood nearly empty during the early dinner service, with Aria seated alone by the panoramic windows. Security personnel positioned discreetly at each exit remained a constant reminder of her captivity. These

closed behind them, Aria picked half-heartedly

placing an elegantly plated