Addicted To Her The Alpha'S Irresistible Contract Mate novel Chapter 20

20 Chapter 20 Loyalty to father or her alpha

Naomi’s pov:

I slipped through the side entrance of the mansion like a shadow.

Darius’s words echoed in my head. “One drop in his drink, and it’s done. Save your father, Naomi. Or watch him hang.”

The grand hallway was dimly lit, chandeliers casting long shadows on the marble floors. I held my breath, listening for any sign of Elias.

His scent lingered everywhere, smoky cedar, earthy spice but faint enough that he wasn’t nearby.

Good. I couldn’t face him now, not with this secret burning in my veins. I hurried up the sweeping staircase, my heart hammering like a drum. What if he caught me? What if he smelled the deceit on me? Alphas had keen senses; one whiff of my anxiety, and he’d pin me down, demanding answers with that mocking glare.

Reaching my room, I locked the door behind me, leaning against it for a moment to steady my breathing. The space was opulent, all dark woods and silk drapes, but it felt like a gilded cage. I pulled the vial from my pocket, its contents swirling ominously in the moonlight filtering through the window. Clear, odorless and deadly.

Darius had assured me it was untraceable, mimicking a heart attack. But could I really do it? End Elias’s life to save my father’s? The thought made bile rise in my throat.

I scanned the room for a hiding spot. The dresser? Too obvious. The bed? He’d find it if he decided to ravage me again. My eyes landed on the antique vanity, its bottom drawer lined with old jewelry boxes. I knelt, sliding the vial into a velvet pouch at the back, burying it under forgotten trinkets. There, Safe, for now. But the weight didn’t lift; it settled deeper, twisting my insides.

Stripping off my clothes, I collapsed into bed, the sheets cool against my feverish skin. Sleep came fitfully, haunted by nightmares that clawed at my mind.

In one, Elias lay convulsing on the floor, foam at his lips, his gray eyes accusing me as the poison worked its way through him.

“Traitor,” he gasped, reaching for me with weakening hands. Then the scene shifted to my father on the gallows, the noose tightening around his neck, his eyes bulging as the

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20 Chapter 20 Loyalty to father or her alpha

crowd cheered. And me, chained in a dungeon, Elias’s pack tearing me apart for my

betrayal.

I woke in a cold sweat multiple times, gasping, the room spinning. By dawn, exhaustion clung to me like a second skin, but I forced myself up. I had to act normal. One slip, and everything would crumble.

The next morning, I dressed carefully—a simple blouse and skirt, nothing to draw attention. Descending to the breakfast nook, I found Elias already there, sipping coffee while scrolling through his tablet. His presence hit me like a wave, that alpha scent wrapping around me, soothing despite everything.

Damn my omega biology. He looked up, his sharp features softening for a split second before hardening into that familiar granite mask.

“Good morning” I let out nervously.

He hummed, noncommittal, but I caught a flicker in his gaze, it was suspicious. Darius had warned me Elias was sharp.

“Sit,” he commanded, gesturing to the chair beside him. I obeyed, the pull of his authority instinctive. As I ate toast I could barely taste, he watched me, too intently. “You seem nervous, Naomi. Something on your mind?”

My pulse spiked. “No, j–just tired. Bad dreams.”

Half–truth. I met his eyes, willing innocence into my expression. He leaned back, crossing his arms over his broad chest, the faint scar on his jaw catching the light.

“Bad dreams about what?” His tone was casual, but probing. Like he was testing me.

Why does he look so different today? There was no ounce of softness in his eyes which I could sometimes see.

“Nothing specific. Just..this and that.” I deflected, taking a sip of coffee.

He didn’t push then, but the distance between us grew noticeable. Usually, he’d tease or touch me with possessive grip.

Today, he kept his space, even his pheromones were restrained. It hurt more than I expected, that rejection stirring the mate bond’s ache. Was this how it started? Him pulling away, me left adrift?

The day dragged on. I busied myself in the library, pretending to read while my mind

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20 Chapter 20 Loyalty to father or her alpha

raced. Escape without killing him? The idea tempted me. Slip out at night, flee to neutral territory.

But Darius’s spies were everywhere. One of them had followed me last night; I felt it. If I ran, they’d report back, and my father would pay.

No, I was trapped. The poison’s deadline loomed. Act soon, or lose everything.

By evening, tension coiled in my gut like a spring. Dinner was in the formal dining room. Elias sat at the head, me to his right, the long table emphasizing the gulf between us. Servants brought courses, soup, salad, steak but I picked at mine, my appetite was gone.

He poured wine, his movements deliberate. “So, how’s your family doing?”

My fork froze midway to my mouth. Why is he asking about my family? Does he know anything? He’s really starting to scare me.

“They…” I trailed off as I seriously didn’t know what to tell him.

He swirled his glass, eyes locked on mine as he waited for me to finish. “How’s your father doing? Where is he?”

Ice slid down my spine. My eyes widened in terror. Oh, he definitely knows something.

He set his glass down with a clink. He chuckled darkly, but there was no humor. “Why do you look so scared? All I’m asking you is about your father. As mates we should know a few things about each other?

Is it really just getting to know each other? Or is he playing something?

Suddenly, he reached across, his hand covering mine possessively. Warmth spread from the touch, omega instincts purring despite the fear.

Panic surged. Did he know?

His grip tightened, eyes locking darkly with mine. “It’s fine if you don’t want to tell. You’re my mate after all. You’re going to live with me for a long time. We can always have more time to get to know each other, right?”

I gulped heavily but nodded in fear.

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