Contractually Yours, Alpha by Giftemmy

Chapter Two Hundred and Eleven

**BETA PHIL'S POV**

EARLIER... (MATE BALL)

I wasn't born into any of the 'noble' bloodlines. None of my ancestors had ever been part of the Alpha, Beta, or Gamma clans, so I never thought I could ascend to such a position. But if my mother were alive today, she would wear that same warm smile-the one that said, 'I told you so.' She had believed in me, even in times when I didn't share that belief.

Pack members stepped forward to congratulate me. I couldn't recall the last time I had felt this happy.

Then, I caught the scent.

Many years ago, I would have been overjoyed; many years ago, the thought of finding my mate-my other half- consumed me. But those prime years were gone, and now I saw how people were overly obsessed with the ideology of having mates. We didn't need mates to be complete; it was all a matter of the mind. I never needed one.

So why now?

Why now when everything was finally falling into place?

Abandoning my half-drunk glass of champagne, I rose and followed the scent. That's when I saw her. She had also come to a stop, and then our eyes met.

She wore a black top and an equally black skirt, with fishnet tights beneath and black shoes to match. Her skin was naturally pale, but I could tell the whiteness of her face was enhanced by makeup. Her eyes were painted black, and she had multiple piercings-on her nose, lips, eyelids, ears, and even her belly button.

it. Her dark brown eyes were huge and sad. She could

took a step forward. I

*Present*

think

have felt when I walked

he had no idea what I was going for.

once. The sound

the door. She had black hair, just like Selene's, but her eyes were

and

are. And I'm Rebecca Ashford.

small cottage, which I could barely

Phillip," Rebecca called out. "She'll

minutes. In

1/2

Hundred

Coffee? Tea?" she asked and I was about to turn her down but thought

of it.

do.

away. Please, make yourself

worn-out couch. When she entered, it wasn't Rebecca who