Contract With The Alpha King by Brey Mitchylle

Chapter 21

Fiona followed Elijah and Rio into the dining area, trying to shake off the lingering awkwardness from the conversation that Elijah had quickly de-escalated.

The room was surprisingly modest, not the grand hall she had expected. The rectangular table was made of dark wood, polished to a shine, with enough space to scat six to eight people. Elijah took the seat at the head of the table, guiding Fiona to sit

it on his right. Rio sat across from her, on Elijah's left.

She watched as a servant brought out a variety of dishes, all exquisitely prepared, and placed them on the table. The food looked delicious, but Fiona's appetite was dampened by the unscase she felt. They had been traveling for hours, and she was both hungry and tired, yet for some reason, she didn't think she could eat much today,

Opposite her, Rio had a mischievous grin plastered across his face. Earlier, after he made the comment about the woman named Carissa. Elijah quickly called him out for lying, and he apologized.

What surprised Fiona was that Rio was now acting like he hadn't said anything wrong in the first place. He picked up a bottl of wine and poured some into Fiona's glass. "You must try this," he said, pushing the glass toward her.

Before she could respond. Elijah's voice cut in. "She doesn't need that, Rio. We've been traveling for hours, and this is her first time inside the barrier."

Rio raised an eyebrow but didn't push further. Instead, he reached for a plate of food, offering it to Fiona. "Here, try some of this instead. I'm certain you'll like it."

Elijah's hand moved to intercept. "I'll serve her," he said, taking the plate from Rio. He carefully sliced a portion of meat and placed it on Fiona's plate, his movements precise and deliberate

Fiona glanced at Elijah, sensing the unspoken tension between him and Rio. She picked up her fork and took a small bite. the flavors rich but somehow distant, as if she were too distracted to fully enjoy the meal.

As they ate, Rio tried to engage Fiona in conversation. "So, Fion, what's it like outside the barrier? How's life in your pack?"

Fiona kept her answers brief. "It's different."

Rio nodded, but his eyes were probing. "Must be interesting to see both sides. What would you miss outside of this barrier?

Fiona smiled faintly. She lifted her eyes and met his blue ones don't think I'll be missing much.

"Oh, isn't that sad? What about your parents? You're from the Rosenthal Family, right? I think.. I think I've heard about them somewhere. 1-"

"Rio, what made you think I would be marrying Carissa?" Elijah interrupted him, finally breaking the tension from earlier that Rio had been trying to diffuse.

down at his plate. "I heard rumors. People talk, you know. Especially

enough to realize that While Elijah's face remained calm,

up, meeting Elijah's gaze with a serious expression. just thought...

admitted, his tone

room cases slightly, but the conversation had taken a more serious turn. She realized how little she knew about

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trying to lighten the mood with a joke or a comment, but the earlier case was gone. Fiona felt as though she was navigating a delicate dance, careful not to step

herself more intrigued by the dynamics between Elijah and Rio. There was clearly a deep

something crucial. "Wait a minute, he said. looking at Fiona with renewed interest. By now, everyone was done with their food, Rio was enjoying desserts while Fiona and Elijah were sipping wine. "The Rosenthal Family... Aren't they known for their healing abilities? They're one of the oldest families

realized he might have overstepped. "Of course, my apologies, Fiona. I didn't mean

politely, appreciating the gesture. Not long after, Rio offered them a quick

study. The room was spacious but cozy with walls lined from floor to ceiling with bookshelves filled with ancient tomes and modern volumes alike. A large desk sat in the center, and a

poured a glass of wine and handed it to Fiona. "I thought you might like something to help you unwind," he said, his voice low, almost

was a hot shower. Still, Fiona accepted the glass, taking

many people staying in your palace" she asked, her curiosity piqued by the

her. "Not many Only a few trusted people. They're discreet and don't

and the space between them seemed to shrink even though neither had moved. She could feel the heat of

a silent question in her gaze. Elijah didn't break the stare, the corner of his mouth lifting in a subtle,

his voice soft but

I ask you something?"

"Anything"

mean-I didn't want to sound like I am snooping into your private affairs but she cleared her throat. By now, she could already feel blood rushing through her face, She

to know about Carissa because... well, I want to be prepared if any issues come up. We do have a contract, after all.

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Fiona's cheeks flushed even more, and she hurried to continue. "I mean, the contract is clear. We can't be with someone else as long as it's in effect. Of course. if you want to be with someone else, we can end it first.

to the room. But before she could take a step, Elijah reached out and gently killed her back. With a swift motion, he guided her onto his lap, holding her close. Fiona's breath caught, her heart racing as she found herself suddenly so near him. "You don't

voice barely above a whisper. "I -I just want to go

gentle despite the fact that he was clearly teasing her. The realization only