Addicted To Her The Alpha'S Irresistible Contract Mate novel Chapter 40

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40 Chapter 40 Jealousy? Maybe

40 Chapter 40 Jealousy? Maybe

I hovered in the shadows of the grand hall, a tray of mead goblets balanced in my hands, playing the role of maid to perfection. The lodge buzzed with activity, omegas scurrying to hang garlands of wildflowers and evergreen boughs from the rafters, their scents a mix of excitement and sweat.

Torches were being lit along the walls, casting flickering golden light that danced across the carved wooden beams. Grandpa’s decree had set everything in motion, and Elias, reluctant as ever, had taken charge. I watched him from the sidelines, my heart twisting in ways I couldn’t untangle.

He moved with that alpha efficiency, barking orders at a group of betas hauling in long tables for the feast, but there was a tightness to his shoulders, a furrow in his brow that spoke of divided loyalties. Through the bond, I felt it—a faint echo of his turmoil, pack duties clashing with something unspoken, something that tugged toward me. Or was that just wishful thinking? Gods, why did I even care?

“Elias,” one of the uncles clapped him on the back. “You’ve got the allies coming? Silverfang’s borders are key and this engagement will seal the eastern flank.”

Elias nodded curtly, his golden eyes scanning a parchment map spread on a side table. “I’ve coordinated with their scouts. Ronan will arrive soon. It’ll strengthen the alliances, rogues have been testing the lines, but this shows unity.”

His voice was steady, but I caught the reluctance in the way he gripped the quill, ink blotting the page. He glanced my way briefly, our eyes meeting across the room. The bond flared, a warm pull that made my breath hitch, but he looked away first.

I swallowed hard, adjusting the tray to hide my trembling hands. Sympathy for Lucy warred with a flicker of jealousy–I’d once dreamed of something like this, a ceremony under the moon, chosen freely. With him? The thought sent a pang through me, unspoken angst knotting my chest. Did he ever feel that pull toward me, beyond the hate?

The doors swung open then, a cool forest breeze sweeping in, carrying the scent of pine and distant rain. An Alpha entered which I’m assuming is Ronan. A charismatic alpha, tall and broad–shouldered with sun–kissed hair tied back in a warrior’s braid, his eyes a striking blue that scanned the room with easy confidence. Beside him walked who must be his sister, elegant and poised, her dark hair cascading in waves down an

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40 Chapter 40 Jealousy? Maybe

welcomes, the alliances forged with hope instead of blood. I’d dreamed of that once, as a girl–a mate who looked at me with wonder, not wariness. With Elias? The bond hummed, pulling me toward him even now, but did he feel it the same? No, I’m just a burden, a secret to hide.

The angst gnawed at me, layers of unspoken questions: Why did he kiss me like that in the garden? Why warn me with concern in his voice? If he felt the pull, why bury it under hate?

As the group mingled, Jessy made her way to Elias, her elegant stride drawing eyes. She stopped before him, offering a warm and blushy smile.

“Elias Kingsley,” she said, her voice melodic and confident. “I’ve heard much about you, the young alpha who rebuilt his pack from ashes. I’m Jessy. Perhaps we could discuss those border disputes? Silverfang could use an ally like you.”

Elias nodded, his expression was neutral but I caught the slight tension in his jaw. “Welcome. Yes, the rogues are a mutual problem. We’ll talk about strategy after the ceremony.”

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