Contract With The Alpha King by Brey Mitchylle

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20:47 Sat, Nov Chapter

23

Elijah faced his mother with the same calm demeanor he always maintained, his wine glass in hand. Queen Luna Lyanna sat across from him, her piercing green eyes locked onto his Beside her, Carissa sat silently, her posture stiff, clearly uncomfortable with the tension in the room.

"A mate!" Queen Luna repeated, her frown deepening. "Elijah, understand your desire for independence, but you're not just anyone. You're a prince, participating in the Rite of Kings. Your choices have consequences, not just for you, but for the entire kingdom. Why would you bring a woman here, one you intend to marry, without informing your father or me

Elijah sipped his wine, letting the rich liquid linger on his tongue before swallowing. He met his mother's gaze, unflinching, "Because it was a decision I needed to make on my own. I'm not a child, Mother I'm fully aware of the responsibilities I

carry

Queen Luna's expression softened slightly, but her eyes remained stern. "This isn't just about you, Elijah. The Rite of Kingst is about proving your worth, your ability to lead and to make alliances that will strengthen the kingdom. Bringing a woman here, one who hasn't been vetted, who comes from a family with its own complexities-this is not something to take lightly."

"I'm not taking it lightly." Elijah replied, his tone steady. "Fiona is not just any woman. She's from the Rosenthal family, yes, but she's also more than that. She's strong, intelligent, and capable. She's someone I've chosen because she complements me, not because of her family's status or connections."

Queen Luna's brow furrowed as she considered his words. "And what of Carissa?" she asked, glancing briefly at the woman beside her. "The Montego family has been a close ally for years. They've supported our kingdom in ways that cannot be ignored. Carissa herself is well-known and respected. You know the implications of your choice, Elijah."

Elijah didn't look at Carissa, keeping his focus on his mother "Miss Carissa and I have known each other since we were children, but that's all there is to it. She's a friend, and I value that friendship. But I'm not going to marry someone because it's expected of me. The Rite is about finding a true partner, not fulfilling old expectations."

Carissa remained silent, her gaze fixed on the floor, but a faint blush crept into her cheeks. Queen Luna sighed, a mixture of frustration and concern in her eyes. "You've always been stubborn, Elijah, but this is different. You're a prince, and with that comes the duty to ensure the kingdom's future. Marrying someone like Fiona-someone who brings uncertainty-could have repercussions we can't foresee."

glass down on the table with a soft thud, leaning forward slightly. "Repercussions?" he snorted

Luna's face tightened with anger, her usual composure cracking, "You-how could you- Her lips trembled, her brows furrowing deeply. "You seem to be saying that marrying someone else besides Miss Carissa is going to become at problem. It makes

spoke up, her voice soft and apologetic. "Please, Your Highness," she said, her eyes wide and pleading as she looked at Elijah. "I didn't mean for it to sound like a threat. I'm so sorry if it came across that way. I would never want to cause any

gaze back to his mother, ignoring Carissa's apology. "Father

Luna's eyes flashed with frustration. "And why not? Marrying someone like Carissa would strengthen your position It would

crossing his arms. "Even if I don't marry. I will still become King once I win the Rite of Kings. My position will be secure because of

t will be paying an official visit. I expect you to be kind to

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Sat, Nov 30

Chapter 21

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her mouth to speak, but no words came out. Elijah watched her for a moment, then stood

room, leaving his mother and

the tension that lingered from his confrontation with his mother. Regor stood

have. Your Highness, Regor answered, his

into the fire. "What do you think of my mother, Regor? Do

texts, certain wolves were destined to have only one

a healer that could heal him. This is where the

his secret-his curse-until he met

ways it never had before, his desire immediate and overwhelming. At first, he hadn't understood it. He had tried to