Contractually Yours Alpha (Riley) novel Chapter 499

Chapter One Hundred and Seventeen 

ALEXANDER’S POV 

I couldn’t bear to look at her. I came home late and left earlwe hadn’t had a real conversation since we returned a week ago. She had tried starting one a few times but after noticing my lack of interest, she stopped trying. 

I should get over this and move on. After all, I had been with other women too—but that was before Kaida and I became more than just unwilling companions. What hurt me the most wasn’t the act itself, but the fact that she hadn’t said a word about it. I had waited for her to finally gather the courage to speak up, only to realize she was going to pretend nothing had happened–like she hadn’t broken my trust. And that was what annoyed me the 

most. 

I would have forgiven her, damn, I still would- if she spoke about it. 

I drowned myself with work, and of course it paid off; the pack earnings had increased significantly this past week. When I wasn’t working, I was drinking myself to death. Usually, women, liquor, and violence were my only ways to let off steam. But despite what Kaida had done, I couldn’t bring myself to go pay any of those women a visit… I just couldn’t do it. I let out a groan; she was messing with my head, and she didn’t even know it. 

I took another gulp of alcohol, the sharp burn of wolf’s bane stronger in this bottle. In a way, I was punishing myself just as much as I was punishing her with my silence 

The knock on the door drew my attention. 

I leaned back in my seat as Austin let Käte into my 

office. 

“Ethan,” she called out with a wide smile. I distinctly remember telling her never to use that name, but I chose not to correct her. I knew why she was here–to inform me they were leaving–so perhaps I could let it slide, considering they’d be gone soon anyway. 

か 

“Kate,” I acknowledged, but I couldn’t bring myself to return the smile. 

“Are you alright?” She asked; The softness in her voice annoyed me. Did she think she could pop out of nowhere and play the motherly role? 

“Why are you here?” I asked, not bothering to answer her question. 

www.* 

“I was… I wanted to talk to you.” About leaving? I didn’t say that part out loud–I let her continue. “I was wrong earlier. You are nothing like your father. Thane was a completely different man; Riley had brought some kind of softness into his once stony heart. But you are different; you have the ability to feel, you have more control than he or Slade ever had, and I believe you would make a better ruler.” 

In summary, she meant I was weak. Feelings made people weak; I was well aware of that. I didn’t have any response for her, but she didn’t seem to be expecting any. 

“We are grateful that you let us stay here; we wish we could stay longer, but unfortunately we can’t. We will be Teaving by nightfall tomorrow.” 

“Safe travels.” 

She stared at me, as if expecting more; I had nothing else to say, and slowly she nodded and rose to her feet before walking through the door and away from the office.