Contractually Yours, Alpha by Giftemmy

Chapter Two Hundred and Nine

Chapter Two Hundred and Nine

KADIA'S POV

My session with the soldiers had ended for the day. I needed a hot bath and enough food to feed a small village- preferably before I collapsed from starvation.

I was heading to the pack house when I spotted Phil. I'd been meaning to see him. For the past few days, he'd been a bit... absent, and that was-well, weird.

Ignoring my stomach's protests, I walked up to him, but he was so lost in thought that he didn't even notice me until I tapped him. He turned, looking a little startled before quickly masking it.

"Luna, sorry, I was just... caught up in my thoughts," he said.

I nodded, offering a small smile.

"That, I can understand." I paused, studying him. There were faint bags underneath his eyes, like he hadn't been sleeping well. His facial hair was a little overgrown. He looked exhausted-he'd been like this since the... announcement. Was it all too much for him?

"Phil, are you alright?" I asked.

"Yes, of course. Why?"

just-you've been distant these

busy, but I apologize if I made it seem that way," he said. But his eyes never

you about the plan before making

>>

"It's not that. I'm honored to be

let it go-I was never one to pry. But then I thought back to Aric. Maybe if I had been the prying type, I would have known more about his personal life. Maybe things would have been

been going through that... addiction?" He smiled. "How could I

if I tried to act brave. I never really understood how hard it was to rule a pack until then, but having you and Austin by my side made me realize it wasn't impossible. You've always been there-for me, for him, for the pack. I don't know what's bothering you,

silent for a while before he nodded. "I would keep that in

my disappointment as I walked

able to help

expecting to see Phil. But when I opened it, standing

was the last person I expected-or wanted-to

you?" I

1/2

Hundred

want to know if

"About what?" I asked.