Contract With The Alpha King by Brey Mitchylle

Chapter 63

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"Would you mind smiling just a little bit?" Zach whispered as he handed Elise a glass of champagne. He gritted his teeth as he added, "I know you don't wanna be here. But can you at least think about your father?" He leaned back and gave her a sweet smile. "I'm sure he

would be happy to see you dance with me."

Elise looked toward the dance floor. So far, the Royals hadn't arrived, but many of the Alphas and their Lunas were already enjoying the banquet. The grand hall was impressive, with towering columns lining the walls and chandeliers casting a soft, golden glow over the room. Long tables were set with extravagant dishes, and servers moved gracefully between the guests, offering trays of drinks. The guests, dressed in their finest attire, mingled, laughed, and danced, filling the room with a hum of conversation and clinking glasses. It was a scene of elegance and power, one that Elise was all too familiar with.

She hesitated, her gaze drifting over the crowd. She had been sitting alone for most of the night, sipping her champagne and trying to avoid Zach and everyone else. But Zach was right about one thing-her father wouldn't want the others to think that the next clan leader of the Rosenthal family was a hated interacting with other werewolves. She couldn't afford to appear weak or uninterested.

Reluctantly, Elise nodded. "Fine," she muttered, setting her glass down. "One dance."

Zach's smile widened, and he offered his hand again. This time, Elise took it, rising from her seat with a sigh. She straightened her posture, reminding herself that this was about more than just Zach. It was about showing strength, about keeping up appearances for her family.

As they stepped onto the dance floor, Elise plastered on the best smile she could manage.

Zach suddenly said just as they started moving. "They are wondering about the next leader

to hear the whispers, even from across the room. She could catch bits of conversation, the hushed tones of those who were trying-and failing-to keep their curiosity discreet. What bothered her more than the words, though, were the eyes watching her. She could feel their gaze, filled with greed as if they were sizing her up

it also made her a target. She had known from a young age that people with bad intentions would always try to take advantage of her gifts. Her father had drilled that into her, warning her about the dangers of trusting the wrong people. And now, standing in the middle of this grand

her with practiced ease. The music played on, the soft melody

said, his voice low but smug. "Now

was something for others to decide as if her worth was tied to how many suitors would come

Elise's response. She snapped her head toward the entrance just as a deep roll of drums followed. The entire room seemed to freeze in anticipation, every guest turning toward

and clear. "Presenting the Royal family of the Voss

high as she glided into the room. Beside her, Prince Marius Voss,

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Chapter 63

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their

stark contrast to the more muted colors of the others. Her smile was wide, almost playful, as she took her place her