Contractually Yours, Alpha by Giftemmy

Chapter One Hundred and Eighty Eight

I was in the meeting room with Aric, going over the plan we had been working on, when I sensed her presence.

Empress Cynthia appeared out of thin air. I hadn't expected her to answer my call, and I certainly hadn't planned for her to be in the same room as Aric. But she was here now, and that was beyond my control.

"You couldn't arrive at the pack like a normal person, could you, Cynthia?"

"Now where is the fun in that?" she answered.

From the corner of my eye, I watched Aric, half-expecting him to lunge at her.

I couldn't believe what my life had become-I was working with the man who betrayed me and the woman who killed my parents. Though, with Cynthia, it was different. We both knew we weren't friends or allies. The moment I got the chance, I would kill her. And I would relish it.

“I almost can't believe my eyes," Cynthia said, her gaze drifting past me to Aric. "He's still alive-I could have sworn he'd be long dead by now. Maybe you finally realized you've always felt more for him than you were willing to admit."

I didn't give her words a second thought-she was only trying to bait me, and I wasn't about to fall for it. Still, I kept my eyes on Aric, expecting him to strike. I knew he hated her; I could see it in the way his body tensed. But he never moved. He just stood there, silent.

"I hadn't anticipated your arrival so soon."

news for me. I got curious and now, here I am. So spill, why am

here because I

news,' and from the slight frown tugging at her lips, I was certain she was already regretting her decision

allies. A war is coming, and I need all the help

get."

would ever assist you in a war against your

equally need my help in fighting

are you doing, Kaida? Our agreement was that you would play your part if I

her 'help' was the reason we were in

you will never get such help from me if the Onyx pack defeats

>>

happen? That I'd fly my soldiers over here on a goddamn plane to fight by your side? Some of them have never even been on a plane their entire lives. And we need our soldiers-we have our own wars

wasn't thinking about planes at all. I just assumed you had a

said, her voice clipped,

I might not be able to keep to my part of the

One Hundred and