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.

suddenly said just as they started moving. "They are wondering

impossible not to hear the whispers, even from across the room. She could catch bits of conversation, the hushed tones

unique, and that made her valuable. But 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

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

Zach said, his voice low but smug. "Now you'll have all sorts of people coming to

her worth was tied to how many suitors would come knocking on her door. Just as she was about to retort, a series of

a deep roll of drums followed. The entire room seemed to freeze in anticipation, every guest turning toward the grand doorway where the Royals were about to make their

rang out, crisp and clear. "Presenting the Royal family of the Voss

high as she glided into the room. Beside her, Prince Marius Voss, dressed in deep navy, followed, his expression regal, his eyes scanning the

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their royal

her place her eyes sparkling under the glow of the chandeliers. And then the drums grew louder, the air in the room thickening with the anticipation