Contract With The Alpha King
Contract 63

Chapter 63

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"Would you mind smiling just a little bit?" Zach whispered as he handed Elise a glass of champagne. He gritted his teeth as he added, "I know you don't wanna be here. But can you at least think about your father?" He leaned back and gave her a sweet smile. "I'm sure he

would be happy to see you dance with me."

Elise looked toward the dance floor. So far, the Royals hadn't arrived, but many of the Alphas and their Lunas were already enjoying the banquet. The grand hall was impressive, with towering columns lining the walls and chandeliers casting a soft, golden glow over the room. Long tables were set with extravagant dishes, and servers moved gracefully between the guests, offering trays of drinks. The guests, dressed in their finest attire, mingled, laughed, and danced, filling the room with a hum of conversation and clinking glasses. It was a scene of elegance and power, one that Elise was all too familiar with.

She hesitated, her gaze drifting over the crowd. She had been sitting alone for most of the night, sipping her champagne and trying to avoid Zach and everyone else. But Zach was right about one thing-her father wouldn't want the others to think that the next clan leader of the Rosenthal family was a hated interacting with other werewolves. She couldn't afford to appear weak or uninterested.

Reluctantly, Elise nodded. "Fine," she muttered, setting her glass down. "One dance."

Zach's smile widened, and he offered his hand again. This time, Elise took it, rising from her seat with a sigh. She straightened her posture, reminding herself that this was about more than just Zach. It was about showing strength, about keeping up appearances for her family.

As they stepped onto the dance floor, Elise plastered on the best smile she could manage.

"People have been asking," Zach suddenly said just as they started moving. "They are wondering about the next leader of the strongest clan of healers."

Elise gritted her teeth as Zach's words hung in the air. She already knew what people were saying. Her sharp werewolf senses made it impossible not to hear the whispers, even from across the room. She could catch bits of conversation, the hushed tones of those who were trying-and failing-to keep their curiosity discreet. What bothered her more than the words, though, were the eyes watching her. She could feel their gaze, filled with greed as if they were sizing her up for what she could offer.

Her healing ability was unique, and that made her valuable. But it also made her a target. She had known from a young age that people with bad intentions would always try to take advantage of her gifts. Her father had drilled that into her, warning her about the dangers of trusting the wrong people. And now, standing in the middle of this grand banquet hall, with so many eyes fixed on her, she felt the weight of that responsibility pressing down harder than ever.

Zach spun her in a smooth turn, his hand firm at her waist, guiding her with practiced ease. The music played on, the soft melody almost calming if it weren't for the tension swirling inside her.

"It seems like coming here was the right decision after all," Zach said, his voice low but smug. "Now you'll have all sorts of people coming to the pack, trying to marry you."

Elise's eyes narrowed, her jaw clenched tightly. She hated how casual he sounded, as if her future was something for others to decide as if her worth was tied to how many suitors would come knocking on her door. Just as she was about to retort, a series of musical instruments suddenly sounded.

A sudden blast of trumpets echoed through the hall, cutting off Elise's response. She snapped her head toward the entrance just as a deep roll of drums followed. The entire room seemed to freeze in anticipation, every guest turning toward the grand doorway where the Royals were about to make their entrance.

The herald's voice rang out, crisp and clear. "Presenting the Royal family of the Voss Clan!"

First to step through was Princess Monique Voss, her gown flowing in waves of shimmering silver, her dark hair styled high atop her head. She moved with grace, her head held high as she glided into the room. Beside her, Prince Marius Voss, dressed in deep navy, followed, his expression regal, his eyes scanning the crowd with mild disinterest. Both were greeted with polite applause as they made their way toward the center of the hall, each one exuding the authority and elegance

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Chapter 63

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expected of their royal status.

Next came Adrianna Voss, the youngest of the Royals, her bright red gown a stark contrast to the more muted colors of the others. Her smile was wide, almost playful, as she took her place her eyes sparkling under the glow of the chandeliers. And then the drums grew louder, the air in the room thickening with the anticipation of the final arrival. The herald's voice boomed once more. "Prince Elijah Voss!"

Elise felt Zach's hand tighten at her waist. Her eyes shot to the doorway, and there he was-Elijah, dressed in black, his figure commanding as he strode into the room with calm confidence. Every step he took seemed measured, and deliberate, as if he was fully aware of the weight his presence carried. But what made Zach still beside her wasn't Elijah's entrance. It was the woman walking beside him.

Fiona.

Elise felt Zach stiffen, his entire body going rigid. His surprise was palpable, his sharp intake of breath giving him away. He hadn't expected this. He hadn't expected Fiona-of all people-to be standing beside Elijah, her arm linked with his. The shock in Zach's eyes was undeniable as he stared at the pair.

Elise glanced at Zach, noting how his jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing as if he was trying to convince himself this wasn't real. But it was. Elijah and Fiona were walking together, side by side, as if they had always belonged like this. The crowd watched in stunned silence, as tension twisted on Elise chest.

"What the hell is she doing with him?"Zach's voice interrupted her stupor.

Elise didn't answer, her own mind spinning with questions she didn't have answers to. But one thing was clear: whatever this was, it wasn't going to end quietly.

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