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.

now he stared at his trembling hands, as if 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

Shock flickered across her face, but then, just like that,

Rose was still alive. She deceived me, but I feel like the bigger fool; I should have known, but of course,

did what you had to do to save your sister, and I forgive you for that. Everyone

to say something, but that's when we heard the alarm system

They're here.

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

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

and Phil were by my side almost instantly. "The soldiers

them to hold

My advisors rarely questioned me, but in

my voice steady. "Tell them to hold