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.

While Elijah's face remained calm, something cold glinted in his eyes. "Was it

with a serious expression. just thought...

admitted, his tone matter-of-fact. "When we

realized how little she knew about Elijah's past and the complexities of the

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mood with a joke or a comment, but the earlier case

drew to a close, Fiona found herself more intrigued by the dynamics between Elijah and Rio. There was clearly a deep bond there, but also layers of unspoken

widening as if he had just remembered 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?

as he realized he might have overstepped. "Of course, my

after, Rio offered them a quick bow before excusing himself. promising to come

filled with ancient tomes and modern volumes alike. A large desk sat in the center, and a few comfortable chairs were arranged near

might like something to help you unwind," he said, his voice low, almost a

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

number of books. "Are there many people staying in your palace" she asked, her curiosity piqued by the silence that had

his gaze fixed on her. "Not many Only a few trusted people. They're discreet and don't bother me... or us. So, we

between them seemed to shrink even though neither had moved. She could feel the heat of his gaze, the tension between them growing despite the exhaustion that weighed on

glass down, her fingers lingering on the stem. She met his eyes, a silent question in her gaze.

said, his voice soft but charged with meaning.

I ask you something?"

"Anything"

your private affairs but she cleared her throat. By now, she could already feel blood rushing through her face, She was probably blushing like a

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

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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

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 have to run. Elijah murmured, his voice soft, but with a hint

she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "I -I

his voice surprisingly gentle despite the fact that he was clearly teasing her. The realization only made her blush even more. "You need