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.

the territory blur past the tinted windows, her expression betraying the desperation

had no desire to mate with Lucas Thornwood. The very thought made her physically

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

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Billionaire Alpha's 60 15

Chapter 21

to be forced into a mating bond with the man who had methodically tortured her for years? The legal implications seemed absurd

otherwise.

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

schedule to take her to dinner at an exclusive restaurant overlooking the pack

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

join you

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

instinctively turned her head, causing his lips to land on her cheek instead of their intended

darkening briefly in his expression before his practiced smile returned. Without comment, he

facade crumbled. She frantically dug through her purse for antibacterial wipes, scrubbing at her cheek with

and stinging did she finally discard

windows. Security personnel positioned discreetly at each exit

Aria picked half-heartedly at

miss," announced a server, placing an