Contract With The Alpha King by Brey Mitchylle

Chapter 1

Tonight, Fiona Rosenthal was not going to kill anyone.

She took a deep breath, staring at her reflection in the mirror. The declaration felt like a lifeline. "Not tonight," she few weeks. whispered as if speaking louder might shatter the fragile resolve she'd pieced together for the past The red dress she'd stolen from her sister clung to her bruised skin. She hated dresses that exposed her arms, but tonight it was perfect. The bruises on her arm were raw, ugly were just whit she needed. Let them see. Let them all see.

In the soft light of the bathroom, the bruises looked like shadows. They were the truth behind the lie she lived-a life of pretense, of enduring pain. She practiced her smile. It was hollow, empty, a smile that spoke of loneliness and the weight she carried This is just what she needed.

Satisfied with her appearance, Fiona left the bathroom. The sounds of laughter and music greeted her as she stepped onto the porch, a jarring contrast to the silence that usually filled the corners of her mind, silence born from too many nights spent alone too many bruises hidden beneath long sleeves.

The party was in full swing at the back of the pack mansion, but the front was quieter, occupied only by a few who greeted her in passing. She felt their eyes on her arm and neck, but as always, their gazes slid away. They ignored her. Just as they always did. They see only what they want to see, she thought bitterly, resentment rising in her throat like bile. A sigh escaped her lips she stared up at the moon, its silvery light casting an almost dream like glow over the mansion.

Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, especially the guest of honor, Prince Elijah, one of the Werewolf Princes. Fiona's

's gaze drifted toward the back of the mansion, where the music throbbed, blending with the chatter of the guests. It was going to be a long night..

Zachariah had, as always, outdone himself, ensuring there was enough food and drink to keep the party going until dawn. Everyone loved him for it-for his ability to make everything appear perfect. If only he could bring that same effort into their marriage. But that would require him to care.

Fiona turned away from the moon. The mansion loomed tall and imposing, a cold, gray monolith against the night sky. No flowers bloomed here. Zach's mother, Luna Kimberly despised them, claiming their vibrant colors clashed with the pack's darker nature. A world of gray, ruled by creatures of the night.

Her heels clicked rhythmically on the stone path as she walked toward the music, each step bringing her closer to him. Zach, her husband. The future Alpha. A predator cloaked in sheep's clothing. Anger simmered beneath the surface, threatening to boil over. The music grew louder as she approached the garden maze. Normally, she avoided this place-it was a claustrophobic labyrinth, its walls closing in on her, suffocating her. But tonight felt different. A strange sense of calm washed over her. Just another test, she told herself. Another trial to survive.

Despite her hatred for the maze, she knew it well. It had become a refuge, a place to hide from the man who was supposed to protect her.

A familiar seen hit her as she started walking deeper into the maze. His cologne. Of course, it would be him. She quickened her pace, anger bubbling up again. Why the hell was he here? Shouldn't he be with Prince Elijah? And how dare he bring her here? This was her home, her prison, and here he was, flaunting his infidelity.

The audacity of it made her fists clench as the rounded a corner She found them. Zach and his lover, lost in their own world. They look perfect together-a match made in hell. Her stomach twisted with a familiar ache. She wanted to scream, but the words lodged in her throat, choking her.

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Chapter 1

her way in the opposite direction Better to

sliced through the night, grating on her nerves. Even his

tone was carefully mochilated, innocent and confused. She wasn't surprised to see him alone. Mistresses were still taboo in the werewolf world. A part of her wished she was brave enough to confront him, but she wasn't. Not yet. "What are you doing here?" His eyes flicked to her dress, his eyebrows lifting in

a party? I thought-" she began, knowing full well where this

snapped,

blinked, feigning ignorance, even as a knot of dread tightened in her

he hissed, his eyes cold and angry. Since their marriage, Zach had never cared about the way she presented. herself. He never cared if she showed off her bruises. However, the fact that the Prince was here, changed everything. "I-what do you mean, change? You want me to change my clothes?" Fiona played the

innocence.

Fiona? Why would you wear something so-" He

she could see were

his pocket. On normal days, his words would have been enough to make Fiona move and do his

even more innocent. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice small "How could you talk to your wife like that?" Tears pooled in her eyes, the perfect

arm. Pain shot through her as his grip tightened, sending a jolt of

from surprise than anything else. Was he really losing control like this? Hurting me in front of everyone? He had been hurting her, but he only did it in private. Then he would tell everyone that she fell or hit something or some

fury. "Are you kidding me? Walking into a party dressed like a slut? We need to talk," he growled, dragging her toward the

flashed through Fiona's mind. Why does he care so much about the dress instead of

your mind?" he hissed, his

through Fiona. She couldn't let him take her back to the mansion!

exactly what you're doing trying to seduce that darn prince!" Zach's accusation struck her like

It's just adress!" she whimpered, desperately trying to free her arm She wanted to show off her bruises for everyone-including the prince-to see. Yet this damn man was talking about a

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