Contractually Yours Alpha (Riley) novel Chapter 579

Chapter One Hundred and Ninety One 

Chapter One Hundred and Ninety One 

A knock sounded at my door, and I walked over to let Aric in 

“I know what you’re about to say. I know you think what I did was dumb and reckless-” 

“I think you’re the bravest person I’ve ever known, Kaida. You’re willing to risk your life for a pack that doesn’t even deserve it. The plan might not be ideal, but it was a bold move–one not many would dare to make.” 

The sincerity in his voice told me he wasn’t just saying this–he truly meant every word. I swallowed the lump forming in my throat. Aric had always been my closest friendl; he knew me–sometimes even better than I knew myself. But maybe Cynthia was right. Maybe I was the selfish one. 

I never knew about his sister. I had always been too caught up in my own goals, and through it all, he had stood by my side. I knew how he felt about me, yet I had pushed those feelings aside like they meant nothing. 

“Thank you. That means a lot to me,” I said. My eyes drifted to the clock. 

I had exactly two hours thirty minutes to go. 

“Are you ready?” he asked. 

“As ready as I’ll ever be.” A thought crossed my mind. “Aric, if things get rough, I don’t want you to intervene.” 

A long silence stretched between us before he finally nodded. 

I expected him to leave, but he didn’t. Instead, he took a seat on the couch. 

I hadn’t realized how much I needed someone right now. But a part of me wished it were someone else— Alexander. 

“You know, I didn’t actually think he wouldn’t come.” I said, and we both knew who I was referring to. “I should let go of this stupid hope, but I can’t. Every time he does the opposite of what I expect, I still hold on. He knew about the war, he knew I was in danger–the whole pack is in danger–yet he didn’t care.” 

“You are strong Kaida, I believe in you and I think it’s time you believe in yourself too.” 

He was right, all my life I always had someone to lean on. My father, Aric, Alexander, but this time… I would have to stand on my own. 

Only representatives from both packs were present–around eighty in total. A barricade had been set up to keep the crowd out. Cameras were mounted on the trees, their red lights tracking my every move. To some, it might look like just a show, but for me, it was a fight for survival. 

Alpha Derek stood shirtless in the middle of the clearing, flexing his muscles. Maybe my leather outfit wasn’t the best choice. I stepped forward to join him. 

A bald man from the Onyx Pack walked ahead–he was the announcer. 

“We gather here today to witness a battle between Alpha Derek of the Onyx Pack.” The crowd roared. “And Alpha Kaida of the Nightshade Pack.“. 

The cheers from my pack weren’t nearly as loud. I didn’t let it get to me. I knew many of them were against this, though I could understand why. 

Alpha Derek practically towered over me. 

Scanning the small crowd, I spotted Aric and my advisors at the front lines, cheering. 

7/2 

Chapter One Hundred and Ninety One