Contract With The Alpha King by Brey Mitchylle

Chapter 121

*Lam glad thus Lady Firma is going to recover very soon," Carissa saad with a smile. She gestured for one of i

her servants to pour tea for both of them. This tea is something that my father received from the werewolves in

the Arabian countries. Please have some." Cansu's smile was as verente as the calm before a storm. She

gracefully lifted her teacup, her movements composed. How could someone lift a teacup like that Zach

wondered. While he had grown up anund the sons and claughters of Alplus, this was the first the had spoken

to wineone like Carissa who seemed tiso delicate vei intimidating at the stime.

"I must say, 40% remarkable how Lady Fiona hay managed to heal so many despite what she had been through,

despite her past." Carissa began, her eyes glanting as she glanced at Zach. "Not many could endure sinch pain

anil still think of others.

Zach'shrow furrowed as he stirred his tea absently. Tiona's always been.... determined, he saal carefully, unsure

of where this conversation was beadute Suspicwin lingered beneath his words, though he didn't voice it outright.

If she wasn't determined, she wouldn't have revealed their mamage troubles in frvant of the Prince and divorced

him

Carissa's lips curved into a soft smile. "Determinest, indeed, h's a rare quality. To have such selflessness and

skill-is no wonder the villagers revere her" She leaned slightly forward, her gaze locking onto Zach's. "You must

have seen it firsthand, how they look at her with such respect. It must have been... davalt, losing her"

zach stiffened, his fingers tightening around his teacup. "What's your point, Lady Carissa?"

Canssa tilted her head, her expression feigning innocence. "I only mean to say that such a gift as hers shouldn't

be taken for granted. Lady Fiona's alluses are extraordinary, wouldn't you agreet To heal so many, to bring hope

to people who had none-it's the kind of influence most can only dream of

Zach's jaw lightened, but he didn't interrupt. Her words, carefully chosen, struck a nerve. He couldn't deny the

truth in what she was saying. As a child, he had always marveled at the Rosenthal family's unique ability, a gift

he once believed was meant solely for the pack He had grown up thinking it would be a source of pride,

something that could elevate his own status within their ranks. But Fiona had ruined that luxion. She had

convinced everyone she hadhit awakened, pretending to be spathetic nobody. She had hidden her gift,

keeping it a secret until she revealed in here, far from the pack that should have benefited from her power

The memory burned, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth

Carissa took a sip of

of her tea, her eyes watching him closely over the rim of her cup. "Imagine what could be achieved if she had

the right partner by her side. Someone who understands her worth, someone who can help her channel her

potential to its fullest. Don't you think so, Mr. Yelchin!"

Zach set his teacup down with a soft clink "She has Prince Elijah now," he said, his tone flat but his words

betraying the bitterness that lingered beneath the surface. He hated hearing the Prince mention the word mate

over and over again. As if that wasn't enough, Elijah had even asked him torrall her Mrs. Voss now. "I don't see

how anyone else could help her channel her potential."

Carissa's smile didn't waver. She placed her cup down and folded her hands neatly in her lap. "Ah, but that's

where things become... interesting," she said, her gaze dropping momentarily as though in thought. "Trince

Elijah may be her mate, but is he truly her match? A mate's bond is one thing. but compatibility-ique

understanding-is something else entirely. | heard that Lady Fiona and you were once married"

Zach frowned, Iraning back slightly. "What are you trying to say?" Was she planning to mock him?

Cansu's eyes niet lus, her expression soft but calculating. "I simply believe that Lady Fiona deserves someone

who sees her for who she truly is. Someone who can support her ambitions, who shares her vision" She paused,

letting the weight of her words settle. "Not someone who might.... overiladow her?

Zach's suspicion flared again, but he couldn't ignore the undercurrent of agreement stirring within him. He knew

Fiona-knew her strengths, her desires Could Elijah trally give her the freedom to thrive! Or would his title and

status conline her?

arissa watched the flicker of doubt cross his face, her smile growing ever so slightly. "Of course," she continued,

her tone light as she picked up her pain. "These are just observations. But if you truly care for Lady Fiona,

wouldn't you want to ensure that her future is as bright as it could be?"

Zach's hesitation was clear, but he didn't respond immediately. Instead, he reached for his tea, his movements

slower this time, as though weighing her words. "And what exactly du you propose, Lady Carissa?" he asked

finally-

Carissa's eyes sparkled, and she leaned forward slightly, her demeanor remaining calm and composed. "Only

that you consider what you've seen, Mr. Yelchin Lady Fiona's abolitors and companion-they need someone who

will amplify them, not stifle them. Someone who can reinind her of where she truly belongs Soun risigh, Prince

Elijah will sit on the theme. Once that happens, Lady Fiora will surely sit next to him. However..." She smiled. "Is

that really something that Lady Fiona would want? Sitting on that thrNot being able to use her abilities

Being always wary of poison, of people who could rod her life while she's sleeping. Do you think she belongs in

that kind of... atmosphere?"

Zach's lips pressed into a thin line as he studied her. "And where, exactly, do you think she belongs?"

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Chapter 121

Cara's smile widened, though it remained as delicate as ever "With those who truly understand her, of course.

With those who can appreciate her for the rare gem that she is lut that what you want for her? To see her reach

her full potential, unburdened by expectations that don't align with her true self: | heard you hurt her once, and

that was the reason she gave up on you and your marriage. However, mistakes happen. We are not perfect.

Despite your past actions, it was you who grew up with Lady Fiona. You saw her struggles and would surely

understand what she truly

Wanted"

Zach didn't respond right away. Instead, he stared into his tea, the rippling surface reflecting the storm of

thoughts brewing within him. Carissa's words planted seeds of doubt and possibility, and though he remained

wary of her motives, he couldn't deny that her perspective aligned with sof his own frustration.

As the silence stretched between them, Carissa sipped her tea, her posture relaxed and composed. She had said

enough for now. The rest was up to Zach, and judging by the flicker of contemplation in his eyes, she had struck

the right chord.