Contract With The Alpha King by Brey Mitchylle

Chapter 108

One Hour Before Fiona Was Found

The hooded man mattered another string of incantations under his breath, his fingers tracing intricate patterns in the air. With each word, another shallow gash appeared on Fiona's unconscious body. The faint glow of magic lingered in the air, mixing with the metallic scent of blood.

"You're both lunatics, the hooded man said, shaking his head as he stepped back to survey his work "What kind of werewolf allows a Rosenthal- an outsider to dictate terms like this?"

Romero's face darkened as he leaned against the stone wall, made her terms very clear.

ans crossed tightly over his chest. "This is what she wanted," he said flatly. "She

"Terms" The hooded man scoffed. "More like a threat. She's lying there like a sacrificial lamb, and you're letting her. This doesn't sit right. Do you even understand what kind of leverage you've handed her? Why do you have to let her go back Romero's jaw clenched as his eyes flicked to Fiona's still form. "She's alive," he said firmly. "And this is her doing. I allowed it because it plays to our advantage."

"Advantage?" The hooded man's hands fell to his sides, his frustration evident in his abrupt movements. "You think this is an advantage? She's a Rosenthal, Romero. Do you really think you can control someone with that kind of blood? Her kind are traitors by nature." Romero pushed off the wall, his sharp gaze locking onto the hooded man. "That's why we're doing this. I don't trust her. She's dangerous, more than you understand."

"Then why keep

ep her alive the hooded man snapped. "Why play this game if you're so convinced she's going to betray you!"

Romero's expression twisted. He glanced at Fiona again, his shoulders tense. "Because I need her," he admitted reluctantly. "For now. She saved my life, but that doesn't mean I trust her. She's a Rosenthal. Betrayal runs in their veins."

The hooded man paced the room, his heavy boots echoing against the stone floor. "You're gambling with fire. She could turn on you the moment she regains her strength. What then?"

"Then I'll handle her," Romero said. "But right now, she's useful. Let the others see this-let them believe she's injured and vulnerable. It buys us time,

The hooded man stopped pacing, his hooded face tilting as he considered Romero's v words. "You're not doing this out of trust, are you? You're doing it to keep her under your control"

my territory, surrounded by my people. She may be a Rosenthal, but she's no longer calling the shots" So why, then, would he go along with this insane charade,

make it appear as though she'd been injured, allowing her to retum safely. But in doing so, she had handed him a secret she wouldn't want exposed especially not to the Prince. After all, how would the Prince react if he found out Fiona had used her abilities to heal the

himselft

had a piece of leverage that could twist Fiona's hand, forcing her to do his bidding when the time came. The hooded man glanced at Fiona, his lips curling in distaste. "And you're sure this is worth the risk? The villagers, the Royals-they'll

see her as an ally-weak, injured, but alive. And if she steps out of line. His eyes gleamed with

muttering under his breath as he crouched beside Fiona. He waved a hand, sealing the wounds enough to make them look raw but not life-threatening "You're playing a dangerous game, Rogue King. A

not a pawn," Romero said, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "She's

of the lingering glow of magic. "Don't say I didn't warn you. If this goes

hardened. "Then I bear the consequences. Just do

for a moment longer, then gave a short

none the wiser."

turned toward the door, his broad frame casting a long shadow over the room. "Good. Now

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2:49 PM DO.

Chapter 108

and Romero. Finally, he muttered something unintelligible and left, his

"A Rosenthal," he murmured, his tone laced with quiet contempt. "You

left the room, the door

Hour After Fiona

vlast

I'm right, she'll wake up in.... ten minutes." Her eyes flicked toward

"Leave," Eliah interrupted.

someone untrained in the art