Contractually Yours, Alpha by Giftemmy

Chapter One Hundred and Fifty Seven

"Is there anything else I should be aware of?" I questioned my advisors. Once again, they seemed to be holding something back-1 could tell.

"We worry about what will happen when the news reaches the other packs," Austin says, giving me a look that suggests I read between the lines and figure out what he isn't saying. When he realizes I'm not catching on, he speaks up. "There has never been a female Alpha before. There will be a lot of opinions- especially with you being the... Alpha Queen. The others might not accept this change,"

"We should be ready for anything. The other packs might see this change as a sign of weakness and think it's the best time to attack. The Nightshade pack might have been enjoying peace for years, but it would be foolish to think that that would continue."

"When they attack, we will be ready, we will go to war and I will take the front lines and prove to them how wrong they are."

Phil nodded, and with that, I dismissed them.

As I stepped out of the meeting room, I noticed something hadn't paid enough attention to before the looks the pack members gave me. These weren't the curious glances I had grown used to, but looks filled with hate and disgust; some even stared at me with clear disappointment in their eyes. I hadn't anticipated this, but I had to face

1. it.

I couldn't show any sign of weakness, even if my heart still ached for Alexander. I wanted to find him-to leave the pack and track him down, no matter how long it took. But that would mean leaving them exposed, without a leader. I couldn't do that, not in such critical times. I had to be there for them, even if most of them seemed to hate me now.

The soldiers bowed as I walked past them; they were loyal because they had sworn their loyalty to the pack, not necessarily because they loved me or saw me as a true leader.

The farther I went, the louder the murmurs grew, until a female voice rose above the rest-Sarah's.

when she found

was clear she loved him." Another woman cut in, and Sarah didn't seem to

felt like a fool for not seeing

an act; maybe it was all

would think you'd have run for

that they hadn't

find me, one way

found you. I

were curious, and you have to admit, they

a traitor-the same one who aided in the death of your own Alpha, my father?" I asked, my voice laced with anger I no longer bothered to hide. She fell silent. "I guess

can't deny this all turned out to be a win for you; I might not have gotten what I wanted but look at you.

7/2

One Hundred and

the Queen. This must really be a dream

me-you did it for yourself. But since your all-so-awesome plan failed, you had to make one last desperate move by spreading rumors," I said, stepping closer to

of all these people." She said, and I was aware of the people watching, Since it was late, there was

you're wrong,

react and slammed her face into the wall-hard. Bone crunched on impact, but I didn't stop. Again and again, I drove her into it. By the time I let go, her nose was broken and swollen, blood poured from her split lips, and a few teeth lay scattered on the ground. One of her eyes was already