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.

immediately, the room fell silent. Rio's playful demeanor faded, and he glanced down at

aren't facts, Carissa and I were never in that kind of relationship, and I thought you were smart enough to realize that While Elijah's face remained calm, something cold glinted in his eyes. "Was it she who told you these rumors?" He made sure

looked up, meeting Elijah's gaze with a

his tone matter-of-fact. "When we were

slightly, but the conversation had taken a more serious turn. She realized how little she knew about Elijah's past and the complexities of the world she

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the earlier case was

dynamics between Elijah and Rio. There was clearly a deep bond there, but also layers of unspoken history and unresolved

Elijah were sipping wine. "The Rosenthal Family... Aren't they known for their healing abilities? They're one of the oldest families in the Kingdom! Are you from

overstepped. "Of course, my apologies, Fiona. I didn't mean to keep you

gesture. Not long after, Rio offered them a quick bow before excusing himself. promising to come

large desk sat in the center, and a few comfortable chairs were arranged near a small table. The

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

Fiona accepted the glass, taking a small sip as she settled into one of the

of books. "Are there many people staying in your palace" she asked,

back in his chair, his gaze fixed on her. "Not many Only a few trusted people. They're

"us" was laden with implication, and the space between them seemed to shrink even though neither had moved. She could feel the heat of his gaze,

She met his eyes, a silent question in her gaze. Elijah didn't break the stare, the corner of his mouth

said, his voice soft but charged with meaning. "But for now, maybe we

a little faster. "May I ask you something?" she asked, switching

"Anything"

snooping into your private affairs but she cleared

well, I want to be prepared if any issues come

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hurried to continue. "I mean, the contract is clear.

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

tried to maintain her composure, meeting his gaze. T'm not running," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

but first."he said, his voice surprisingly gentle despite the fact that he was clearly teasing her. The realization only made her blush even more. "You need to know where our