Contractually Yours, Alpha by Giftemmy

Chapter One Hundred and Eighty Nine

Chapter One Hundred and Eighty Nine

I'd seen Aric fight before, seen him furious and full of rage, but I had never seen him completely lose himself. He moved with astonishing speed, lunging at her and landing a brutal punch to her face, the sickening crack of her nose breaking echoing through the room.

"You told me she was alive!"

"You fucking sicko!" Punch.

"You used me!" Punch.

Tears streamed down Aric's face, his pain sharp and consuming. Despite everything, I understood-losing a loved one was a pain that never truly faded. Everything he had done, every choice he made, was for his sister, driven by the desperate hope of saving her. It was what any big brother would have done he had fought for her, believing he could bring her back home.

struggling to believe what he had just done. I stepped to his side, ready. Cynthia wasn't the type to take a beating without striking back-I stood ready, expecting her

did nothing. Shock flickered across her face, but then, just like that, she was gone-vanishing into thin

She told me Rose was still alive. She deceived me, but I feel like the bigger fool; I

your

but that's when we heard the alarm system

They're here.

Phil was certain the Onyx Alpha wouldn't delay, and he was right. Still, a part of me had hoped for more time. I knew what was coming-I understood the cost of war. Even in victory, not everyone would make it. I would have to face the fallen, pack soldiers who had fought and died. There was another option-one I had refused to consider. If I married Alpha Derek, no one would have to die. I wouldn't have to carry the guilt of knowing I could have saved them but chose not

new plan was beginning to take shape in my mind, something completely different from

side almost instantly. "The soldiers have taken position and are ready to

them to hold

advisors rarely questioned me, but in moments like this, I

voice steady.