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.

glanced down at

that While Elijah's face remained calm, something cold glinted in his

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

his tone matter-of-fact. "When we

cases 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 had entered. She

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earlier case was gone. Fiona felt as though she was navigating a delicate dance, careful

between Elijah and Rio. There was clearly a deep

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 in the Kingdom! Are you from the Rosenthal Family? Hold on! never heard that- "We can discuss family histories another time, Ric. We're both really

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

them a quick bow before

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

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

would help her unwind was a hot shower. Still, Fiona accepted the glass, taking a small sip as she settled into one of the

around the study, taking in the sheer number of books. "Are there many people staying in your palace" she asked, her curiosity piqued by

a few trusted people. They're discreet and

pulse quicken. The way he said "us" was laden with implication, and the space between them seemed to shrink even though neither had moved. She could

set her glass down, her fingers lingering on the stem. She met his eyes, a silent question in her gaze. Elijah didn't break the stare, the

the palace," he said, his voice soft but charged with meaning. "But for

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

"Anything"

expression. "I-I mean-I didn't want to sound like I am snooping into your private affairs but she cleared her

took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. "I just wanted to know about Carissa because... well, I want to be prepared if any issues come

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raised an eyebrow, his smirk growing as he listened to her stuttering explanation. Fiona's cheeks flushed even more, and she hurried to continue. "I mean, the contract is clear. We can't be with someone else

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

she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "I -I just want to go to

want, but first."he said, his voice surprisingly gentle despite the fact that he was clearly teasing her. The realization only made