Contractually Yours Alpha (Riley)

Chapter Two Hundred and Six

I couldn't take my eyes off her.

"Care for a dance?" I asked her and she nodded. It didn't seem like she enjoyed parties much.

I took her hand and led her to the dance floor, aware of how people kept their distance. Seriously, what did they think? That I'd take their heads off just for bumping into me on the dance floor?

This was getting ridiculous. But I couldn't dwell on that thought any longer-Kaida was staring.

"We match," she said, motioning to my black tuxedo with its dark blue vest and tie. Maybe that wasn't entirely a coincidence. "And you look really hot in that tuxedo, but then again, when do you not?" Her cheeks reddened. Kaida could be a badass fighter, but she wasn't always as confident when it came to... well, other things.

I stepped closer, letting her feel the subtle shift of my arousal. "Giving me compliments like that in public is dangerous."

She let out a breathy laugh, her cheeks still flushed. I saw the need flash in her eyes. I had been contemplating leaving with her, maybe to the nearest empty room, when a voice sliced through my thoughts.

"Alpha," Austin called, giving a small bow before turning to Kaida. "Would you do me the honor of a dance?" he asked. It was then that I noticed the others were exchanging partners as well.noveldrama

"Of course," Kaida says, taking his hands.

I had to take my next dance with a brunette. I recognized her almost instantly. Lara. The brunette whore who had once been my favorite, also the very same woman I'd offered wine spiked with wolfsbane when she became too bothersome.

My eyes trailed back to Kaida and Austin-this was all his fault.

Lara wore a smile-I'd expected a frown, maybe a scowl, but no, she had a goddamn smile on her face. We danced for a few minutes, and her smile never faltered. I knew exactly what she was doing.

"Okay. I think I owe you an apology.".

"Sorry, I didn't catch that," she responded. Of course, she'd make me say it again.

"What I did to you was wrong, and I apologize."

"Good. You're forgiven."

Unlike the others, she didn't seem afraid that I would set her aflame for the slightest misstep.

We danced on.

"I appreciate what you did... I mean with Kaida."

"Believe me." Lara lowered her voice, "She is a natural." She replied, her smile widening, and I couldn't help but wonder if she was another person I should keep Kaida away from. But then she paused, stopping mid-dance.

"Lara." I called. "Are you okay?"

"Do you smell that?" she asked. I was about to ask, 'What smell?' when I realized what it must be.

Her mate.

I let go of her hands. "I think your mate is here."

Chapter Two Hundred and Six

"How... I mean, are you sure?" she asked, and for a moment, she looked like a child-a very hopeful child. I had only known one part of Lara, the whore, but now I could see more to that.

"Pretty sure."

"But what if he doesn't want me?" She was freaking out, muttering out possibilities.

"You won't know unless you go to him." I said, surprised at myself-since when did I become a pep talker?

"I'm a whore; not many would want me as a mate, and maybe I shouldn't have one. Whoever he is, he deserves better."

"Yet you came to the mate ball. I believe you wanted this more than you're willing

to admit. Go find him." I urged, and she nodded before taking off.

I politely turned down the other girls who, probably encouraged by the fact that Lara had made it through the dance unharmed, decided to approach me. Given how shaky they were, turning them down was probably the best

move.

I returned to the throne-like chair, where I had a perfect view of everything happening around me. But of course my eyes searched for one person, and I found her. Kaida.

She was dancing with another soldier now, one of the men she had trained. Why did they always have to be around her? But then she turned, and I caught sight of the wide smile on her face. Goddess, she looked so beautiful when she smiled. She said something I couldn't quite catch, then burst into laughter.

I watched as many discovered their mates; the atmosphere was filled with joy, excitement, and anticipation. I had never understood what was so special about the annual mate ball until now. I imagined how it would've been if I had met Kaida here. How wide her smile would have been if I'd walked up to her the moment I laid eyes on her and claimed her, as most did here. Instead, I had taken her back to our room and threatened her. I remembered how scared she had been-she

hadn't expected that. I had humiliated her. I really was an asshole.

She might not realize it yet, but I had robbed her of a moment that could've been magical.

Then, she made her way toward me. Kaida joined me, taking her place beside

me.

"Want some wine?" I offered, but she shook her head.

“So," she began, “What were you talking about with Lara? It must have been interesting, judging by how seemed so... invested in whatever you were discussing."

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