Contractually Yours Alpha (Riley)

Chapter One Hundred and Ninety Seven

Chapter One Hundred and Ninety Seven

Derek had been taken away from the pack after our fight. A small part of me felt bad for him. In his pack, he had been worshipped, but now... everything was about to change-especially the fact that he would have to rule as an Alpha with only one arm.

If his story taught me anything, it was that we often fall toppreciate what we have. He had a pack, people who loved him, but like every other Alpha, he wanted

more.

He was an honorable man, and for that reason, I had let him go his way-even after his demeaning words about making me his 'whore' when he took over the pack.

"I have to admit. You did very well with the pack." Alexander praised, and I couldn't help the swell of pride I had felt in that instant.

We were currently in the bed, none of us wanting to leave the room or each other's company.noveldrama

"Most of the time, I didn't even know what I was doing.".

"Well, that makes the two of us. You were born a leader, Kaida."

"No, I wasn't. I might be the daughter of an Alpha, and I might have had big dreams, but being a leader isn't easy. Only now do I realize that I've been chasing the wrong thing for years. I don't want to be an Alpha. All I want is to be with you- by your side, forever."

Alexander kissed me once again. "You've proved yourself, not just to this pack but to the whole world."

"That doesn't make me an Alpha. You are the rightful Alpha."

"I don't see any rule that states two alphas can't rule a pack"

I laughed, thinking back to Derek. In a way, I was just like him-never content with what I had, always wanting more. I never wanted to be like the other girls. Sometimes, even wondered if being born female was some kind of mistake. But it wasn't. My destiny was by Alexander's side to support him at every step, and that, I would do.

"I want to be your Luna... if you'll haye me."

At that he chuckled. "Come on, you will always be my Luna and mate."

Mate.

The bond was gone, but strangely there was something stronger between us, and I liked it even better.

"There's something you need to know." Alexander began. I met my mother-well, she was a... ghost."

He paused to see if I saw him as crazy for talking about ghosts, but I believed him, and besides, I had seen much worse things.

"You did?" I asked, urging him to go

"Yes, and I know the truth now. My parents never intended to leave. My father had to go because technically his time was up, and my mother... well, she couldn't live without him, and so she died to be with him."

"Does that make you sad?" I asked.

"No. In a way, I get it. When you told me about the attack-how you were almost killed-I knew that if anything had happened to you, I would've blamed myself... and I wouldn't have wanted to live either."

I could tell he meant those words.

Chapter One Hundred and Ninety Seven

"Alexander... You cannot do that."

isn't worth living without you. Even when I was away I couldn't stop thinking about you-no matter how much I wanted to shove you out of my mind."

I was about to tell him that there was still so much to life, with or without me, but

that would be hypocritical because I would most likely do the same.

"Well, then thank goodness I'm not very easy to kill." I said to him with a smile. "Right. Thank goodness."

Chapter One Hundred and Ninety Eight

Chapter One Hundred and Ninety Eight

I watched as Aric's casket was lowered into the ground.

All the memories were buried along with him. Guilt ate at me, knowing he shouldn't be down there.

Many who knew Aric were also present. He had once been a beta to the Dawn pack, then a commander to the Nightshade Pack. He was loved by many, but the strangest thing about life was how fast people tend to move on.

Two hours later, everyone was gone, back to their lives. A few months from now, some would forget him. In a few years, others wouldn't even remember that a man named Aric had once lived among us. He'd be just another tombstone like the rest. No one was ever truly too important-life always moved on.

I stood before Aric's grave, eyes puffy and red, tears rolling down my cheeks, and Alexander stood beside me. His

eyes were on me.

"You know, he had a sister. I had no clue about her; she was the reason he betrayed me; he wanted to save her." I paused when I realized who I was talking to. "Sorry, I know you'd always hated him."

"I'd be a liar if I said I didn't, but anyone you care about, I am obliged to care about too. And anyone who jumps in front of an arrow to save your life... I owe him more than words can express. For what it's worth, I wish I was there to save him, and I failed for not being there."

"You didn't fail; if it hadn't been for you, many of us would have died." I said, thinking back to the number of rogues I'd seen. In my wounded form, I didn't think I would have made it alive.

"If it hadn't been for me, you wouldn't have had to face Derek; the rogues would never have attacked either. So, this is all my fault; you shouldn't feel guilty."

"I wonder if he was ever genuinely happy." I whispered more to myself.

The sun went down, and we had to return to the pack house As sad as it was, life had to move on-but I would never forget Aric, nor will I forget the sacrifice he made for me.

Alexander had to round up with work before joining me for the night. I was counting the minutes and seconds till

his arrival.

That's when a strange chill crept over me. I wasn't alone-just knew it.

"Hello, Kaida." Cynthia called.

"Get out."

She continued on like I hadn't said anything. "I can't say I wasn't disappointed. I mean, when I heard you defeated the strong and mighty Alpha Derek, I had thought finally you were taking the position you were born for. I mean, everyone is talking about it and how good of a fighter you are. But do you know what else they are talking about? The Blackwood wolf's dramatic entrance. Everyone is curious, and so am I.

What happens next? Would he leave, return to wherever he is coming from?"

"Not really. He is staying; the pack needs their Alpha."

She glared at me, then her lips curled into a smile. "I was considerate enough. We

made a deal I kept my part, and now I just have to make sure you keep yours."

>>

I know what she was about to do, she was about to use her magic' on me.

Chapter One Hundred and Ninety Eight

"Well, the deal is off." Another voice countered. A voice belonging to Alexander.

"I'd advise you to stay out of this, but knowing your obsession with her, you won't. Kaida will keep to our agreement-one way or another."

"Yeah, you're right about my 'obsession.' That's exactly why I'll do whatever it takes to keep her safe."

Alexander's eyes returned to that mesmerizing yet terrifying orange glow.

"I am blessed by the god of light-the god of fire. Your flames don't affect me."

"We'll see about that."

I didn't know exactly how he did it, but in an instant, Cynthia was engulfed in flames. At first, she stood still, unaffected but then the orange fire turned purple. Her eyes widened in panic as her skin began to burn away. A piercing cry tore from her lips.

"Stop!" she pleaded, all bravery stripped away. But Alexander had no intention of ending her torment anytime soon. Her skin burned away, her hair disintegrating into ash—until something shifted. She changed. She took another form-my form. "Please!" she begged, her voice now identical to mine.

Alexander faltered, and that was all the time she needed to vanish into thin air.