Contractually Yours Alpha (Riley) novel Chapter 481

ALEXANDER POV

**PRESENT**

“Thanks for coming.” I said to Sebastian who had his arms wrapped around Kate’s waist.

They hadn’t been hard to find—maybe because they wanted to be found.

“It is my pleasure; I am glad you reconsidered.” Sebastian responded.

“I am glad to see you once again, Ethan.” Kate said. She didn’t seem to notice her slip; she had called me by the very name I abhorred.

Acting had never been difficult for me; in fact, it had become second nature. But for some reason, around these two, keeping my emotions in check felt like a struggle. Still, I had made a promise to get through this, and I intended to keep it.

“Welcome to the Nightshade pack.” I said, forcing on a smile that didn’t feel at all welcoming.

I led them into the pack house and straight to the meeting room.

“An apartment will be assigned to you—stay as long as you need," I said. Just as long as you keep out of my way and I don’t have to see you.

“Son…” Sebastian began, but he must have seen something in my eyes because he quickly corrected himself. ” Alexander. I know you hate us. You have every right to.”

I waited, expecting him to go on and tell me why he couldn’t visit, but he said nothing else, and I wouldn’t ask either.

“The last time you visited, you said you had something to tell me?”

That is the only reason you are here, so let’s skip to the point.

“Yes, I did. I have something to tell you, and I mentioned it also has to do with…”

“My ability to wield fire.”

“Yes. There is a little family history you need to know about. You had a brother–a half brother–and he was a demon.”

“I know all about Daemon and his sick, twisted love for his own mother–my mother.”

Riley hadn’t kept that a secret; she had told me everything about him and also how he gave his life for hers in the end. I didn’t think that was salvation enough for him, but he was dead, and so I couldn’t bring myself to bother.

“I’m glad she told you that. The last I knew about him was that he had been sent back to the Underground world… in other words, killed. But I don’t think he’s still down there.”

My head throbbed. I was never the superstitious type, and for a bleak moment, I wondered if this information had been worth knowing.