Contract 11
Chapter
11
"Have you packed your bags?" Elijah asked for the umpteenth time as he looked at the one duffel bag Fiona was carrying. "You can ask Regor to-
"These are all the things I own," Fiona answered, a smile appearing on her face. "There is no need to delay." She looked at the mansion, and although she couldn't see anyone outside, she knew someone was observing them from inside the pack mansion. "How about you?" she asked. Elijah was here to build some alliances for the Rite of Kings. However, it was clear he had gained some enemies instead of friendships.
mansion
Instead of giving her a direct answer, Elijah pulled her into his tns, his grip firm but not forceful. Fiona stiffened at the sudden contact, her heart skipping a beat as he leaned in closer, his breath warm against her ear. His eyes, sharp and calculating, remained fixed on the but his voice was low and intimate when he spoke.
"I already have everything I want," he whispered, his words sending a shiver down her spine.
"What are you doing?" she hissed, trying to push him away. It was nighttime, but that didn't mean the darkness hid them Standing in a clearing in front of the pack mansion, they were visible to anyone in the surrounding houses.
"They are watching," he responded, his voice husky
Her eyes widened as her pulse quickened, a flush creeping up her neck as she registered the closeness of his body and the way his hand lingered on her waist. She was keenly aware of the warmth radiating from him, the solidness of his chest against her back. Every iota of her wanted to tell him to let her go, but her body seemed too intoxicated by his touch. She found herself leaning slightly into him.
Fiona was about to protest further, but before she could say anything, Regor appeared beside them, his presence a sudden reminder of their surroundings. "Everything is ready. Your Highness," he said, his tone professional but with a hint of urgency.
Elijah didn't immediately release her, but he did loosen his grip his eyes still locked on the mansion. "Good" he replied, his voice steady, though his hand remained on Fiona's waist.
Just as he was about to guide her toward the vehicle, Alpha Cris emerged from the mansion, flanked by Luna Kimberly and, to Fiona's surprise, her father, Lord Rosenthal. The three of them approached with measured steps, their expressions a mix of forced politeness and something Fiona didn't recognize. She swallowed, her lips pursed.
"Your Highness," Alpha Cris began. "We wish you luck in the Rite of Kings. Take care on your journey
Elijah responded with a low chuckle, his grip on Fiona tightening slightly as he pulled her closer. "Thank you, Alpha," he said smoothly. "I'm sure I'll do just fine." His tone was light, but the implication was clear, and Fiona felt a wave of discomfort wash over her at being used as a prop in this power play. However, she quickly recalled the contract she had signed
Fiona's father remained silent, his expression unreadable, while Luna Kimberly offered a tight smile that didn't reach her eyes. Elijah met their gazes with calm confidence, his stance relaxed as if the entire exchange was pething more than a formality. Elijah finally turned to Fiona and motioned toward the waiting 4x4 jeep. "Shall we?"
Grateful for the chance to escape the tension, Fiona nodded and quickly walked to the vehicle. Elijah followed, opening the door for her with a small, almost mocking bow. She climbed in trying to ignore the way her heart was still racing and settled into the seat as Elijah joined her
Regor took his place in the driver's seat, starting the engine without a word. As the jeep began to move, Fiona watched the pack mansion grow smaller and smaller in the rearview mirror.
Chapter 11 2639
The moment they left the large gates of the pack, Fiona let out a long sigh. She hadn't even realized she had been holding her breath until they left the territory.
"Did I make you uncomfortable?" Elijah's question surprised her. She stared at him and discovered that he was already looking at her. Despite his gentle question, there was some cunning in his eyes. It made her wonder what he was thinking at that very moment. Elijah's eyes remained on Fiona, a slight smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Did I make you uncomfortable?" he asked, his voice soft yet edged with something more-something that made her pulse quicken again. The way he looked at her was intense, almost as if he could see right through her, dissecting her every thought.
Fiona met his gaze, trying to steady herself. T... It was just unexpected, she replied, her voice betraying a hint of the unease she was feeling. There was a tension between them that she couldn't quite define, but it was there, simmering just beneath the surface.
Elijah leaned back slightly, his eyes never leaving hers. Unexpected, but not unwelcome," he murmured, his tone laced with a subtle challenge. The underlying meaning in his words wasn't lost on her, and she felt a flush creeping up her neck on
more.
She swallowed, trying to shift the conversation to safer ground. Tell me about the Rite of Kings," she said, her voice steadier now, though she couldn't entirely hide the curiosity-and the distraction-his presence was causing. From what she knew, the Rite of Kings was a competition for the next Alpha King. She knew the competition started months ago. If she was right, they were about to have the second stage of the competition, and that might be the reason why Elijah visited her pack.
Just as she expected, Elijah's expression shifted slightly, though his gaze remained just as penetrating. The Rite of Kings is a test, a series of trials designed to ensure that the next Alpha King is the most capable among us," he explained. "Strength, intelligence, leadership-they're all tested in different ways. Each prince is measured, challenged, and pushed to their limits. The competition is fierce, as you can imagine. But I believe you already know that, don't you?"
Fiona nodded, absorbing the information. She wasn't as involved in the politics inside the pack, but she had heard rumors about the prince being the top contender. In fact, there was a rimor that the king purposely announced the Rite of Kings five years earlier because he didn't want his son to reach the age of 30. After all, only the sons of alphas who were 25 to 30 years old could join the Rite of Kings. "And you're confident you'll win?" she asked.
Elijah chuckled softly, the sound vibrating between them. "Confidence is necessary, but it's not everything." Again, he leaned closer. "Strategy and adaptability are just as important. You see, Fiona, this isn't just about being the strongest or the smartest. It's about knowing when to push when to pull back, and when to use every tool at your disposal. He paused, his eyes gleaming with that same calculated edge. "Including those who stand beside you."
Fiona suddenly felt her throat go dry. She knew he was referring to her, to the role she would play in this competition- whether she liked it or not.
"And what about your competitors?" she asked, trying to keep the conversation focused on the competition rather than the charged atmosphere between them. She stared at him, looking straight into his eyes, trying her best to stay focused.Original content from NôvelDrama.Org.
Elijah shrugged, though his eyes darkened slightly. They're formidable, each in their own way. Is there a need to worry when I have you now?"
Fiona frowned slightly. "You make it sound like I'm a weapon," she said, trying to keep her tone light but unable to hide the seriousness behind her words
"A weapon? No, Fiona-" But before Elijah could finish, the car suddenly screeched to a halt, throwing both him and Fiona forward. They managed to brace themselves just in time, avoiding a collision with the seats in front of them. Elijah's eyes flashed with surprise, and he quickly regained his composure, his body tense and alert.
Before either of them could react further, Regor's voice cut through the sudden silence, grim and urgent. "Your Highness." He made a deliberate pause as he looked at Elijah. "Rogues-1 sell rogues nearby."