Contract With The Alpha King by Brey Mitchylle

Chapter 67

Fiona finally managed to slip away from the group, grateful for the excuse to escape the constant stream of questions and prying eyes. She moved toward one of the beautifully decorated tables, her attention drawn to the delicate arrangement of desserts. It gave her a moment to breathe. The table was a work of art, lined with an array of sweets that seemed almost too perfect to eat. There were miniature tarts topped with glossy fruits, delicate pastries dusted with powdered sugar, and rich chocolate truffles arranged like jewels. Fiona's eyes landed on a small, beautifully crafted slice of lemon cake, the icing smooth and decorated with tiny edible. flowers. She carefully placed it on a small plate, letting herself enjoy the distraction.

Just as she was about to head back toward Adrianna, a shadow fell over her. She looked up, startled to see a man standing directly in front of her. He was tall, his figure cutting an imposing presence in the dim light of the ballroom. His black hair fell neatly to his shoulders, and his piercing blue eyes immediately caught her attention. They were strikingly familiar, though she couldn't quite place where she had seen them before

The man smiled, his lips curling slightly as if he knew exactly who she was, but was amused by her uncertainty.

"Fiona Rosenthal, right?" he said, his gaze never leaving hers. He didn't wait for her response, as though it was already obvious. "I thought I recognized you. It's been a while."

Fiona's brows furrowed as she tried to remember where she had met him, but nothing came to mind. "I'm sorry, I don't think we've met," she said, her voice cautious as she shifted slightly, keeping the plate of cake between them like a barrier.

The man chuckled lightly. "You probably don't remember me much, considering the way we met, but I do remember you," he smiled. "Very well."

Fiona gave him a confused look.

"I am Nathaniel Wastin," the man made an exaggerated bow that made her take a single step back.

"W-Wastin?" She immediately recalled the Prince who was poisoned during practice, the very reason why she was sent to the dungeons. She recalled the Queen calling him the son of Alpha Wastin. "It was you?" Fiona asked.

Nathaniel grinned at Fiona's recognition, clearly amused by her reaction. "The one and only," he said with a playful flourish, straightening from his exaggerated bow. "I owe you a lot, you know. You're the reason I'm still standing here."

Fiona blinked, suspicion creeping into her expression. She remembered the incident well-the frantic chaos when Nathaniel collapsed during the practice rounds. She had been asked to help, but the situation had turned for the worse when she was suddenly arrested for something she didn't do. Yet right now, the man was standing before her like nothing happened.

Seeing the doubt in her eyes, Nathaniel's grin softened. "I know what you're thinking. The poison's still in me, unfortunately. But the fact that you were able to detect it saved my life. It gave my healers a fighting chance."

He reached for a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and offered it to her, but Fiona shook her head politely, declining as she took a small bite of her lemon cake instead. She chewed thoughtfully, still processing what he was saying.

Nathaniel took a sip of the champagne himself, watching her as if waiting for her to say something. When she didn't, he continued. "I decided to withdraw from the Rites," he said casually, as though it wasn't a big deal. "My body's healing, but I don't have the strength- physically or mentally-to continue. It's not worth risking my life over."

Fiona paused mid-bite, surprised. "That's... a shame," she said, choosing her words carefully. "But your recovery is more important." In fact, she was surprised to see him looking alive in front of her. That poison should have been with him since he was younger. How was he still alive?

expression serious for a moment. "Exactly. It was a hard decision, but it had to be made. I

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17:00 Sun, Dec 1

Chapter 67

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sincerity in his words, and while

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wanted to thank you," he

smile. "It's alright. You were in danger, and I just did

ever need anything, and I mean anything at all, my pack and I are willing to help you out. You just have to let me know." Nathaniel was about to say something else when a cold, condescending voice interrupted them. "I'm glad you're enjoying

were sharp, a smug expression lingered on his face. Nathaniel frowned at the intrusion, his posture shifting defensively as he glanced between Fiona and Zach. Fiona let out a quiet sigh before turning to Nathaniel and giving him a polite nod. "Excuse me, Mr. Wastin. This is something I need to handle alone." Her voice was steady, but there was a weight

eyes flickering with concern.

watched Zach.

firmly.

gaze lingering on Zach for a moment longer before he

he focused back on Fiona, his smirk deepening. "You certainly look the part

without flinching. "Stay

stepping closer. "You can dress up all

same-"

mocking smile. "Is that so?" Was this man stupid? "Tell me, Zach, do you really want to embarrass yourself by approaching your 'virgin' ex-wife at a royal event?" Her tone was a deliberate taunt,

fists clenched at his sides, his knuckles whitening. His jaw tightened as he glared at her, but Fiona didn't

hit me here, in front of all these people? Show

remained clenched, but he didn't move. For a moment, they stood there, locked in a silent battle of wills. The tension between them was palpable, thick in the air. Fiona didn't break eye contact, her expression daring him to make a move. She knew he wouldn't-not here, not with so many eyes watching.

felt like an eternity, Zach finally spoke, his voice low and seething with barely contained anger. "You're

Zach. But I'm not the

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