Contract With The Alpha King by Brey Mitchylle

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20:47 Sat, Nov Chapter

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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."

forward slightly. "Repercussions?" he snorted before looking at Carissa "Is that a

saying that marrying someone else besides Miss Carissa is going to become at problem.

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 trouble for you or

ignoring Carissa's apology. "Father promised me

would strengthen your position It would secure alliances that are crucial to our

chair, 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

Luna said, her voice lips. "I'm making the right choice for myself, Mother. Tomorrow, Fiona and t will be paying an official

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Sat, Nov 30

Chapter 21

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clenched into fists. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. Elijah

and walking out of the room, leaving his mother and Carissa in

warmth of the flames did little to ease the tension

they have. Your Highness, Regor answered, his

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

might not have wanted to acknowledge it, considering what it entails" Elijah's jaw tightened as Regor's words sank in. The prophecy had always loomed over him, a rare and ominous legend in their world-According to the ancient texts, certain wolves were destined to have only one true mate, a bond so profound and primal that their bodies would not respond to anyone else. It wasn't just about attraction or affection; it was a connection that went beyond emotion, rooted deep in their very being. Elijah had dismissed it as mere superstition-until his own body betrayed him, responding to no one else but

that could heal him. This is where the Rosenthals

had been his secret-his curse-until

He had tried to dismiss it as mere attraction, but the intensity of his reaction to her had only grown