The Lycan's Contract Bride

**Aria's POV**Today was supposed to be my twenty-fifth birthday celebration at the pack house. Instead, I'm watching my fated mate, Marcus, announce his engagement to another woman in front of everyone I know."Luna Celeste Blackthorne has graciously accepted my proposal," Marcus declared, his arm wrapped around the waist of the most powerful Alpha's daughter in North America. "Our union will bring unprecedented strength to the Silvermoon pack."My wolf howled in agony as the mate bond stretched and tore. Two months ago, our Alpha was killed by rogues, leaving the position open. Marcus, my mate of three years, had sworn we'd rule together. But power called louder than our bond.The Blackthorne family controlled half the werewolf territories. One word from Alpha Blackthorne could make Marcus the next Alpha instantly. So Marcus made his choice - her, not me.I stumbled toward the bar, my vision blurring with unshed tears. The bartender, a young omega, gave me a sympathetic look as I or

**Aria's POV**Volkov Industries occupied the top twenty floors of the tallest building in the city. As I entered the marble lobby the next morning, I felt severely underdressed in my simple black dress."Miss Aria?" A well-dressed woman appeared. "I'm Sarah, Mr. Volkov's secretary. He's expecting you."The executive elevator required a special key card. As we rose, my nerves grew. What was I doing, negotiating a marriage contract with a man I'd met two days ago?The elevator opened directly into Dimitri's office - a massive space with panoramic views of the city. He stood by the windows, phone to his ear, speaking rapidly in Russian.When he saw me, he ended the call immediately."Aria. You came.""I need to know exactly what this arrangement entails," I said, trying to sound businesslike.He gestured to a sitting area with leather couches. On the coffee table was a document."A prenuptial agreement," he explained. "One-year marriage contract. You'll live in my residence, attend publ

**Aria's POV**The kiss was fire and demand, nothing like the gentle mark he'd given me. His hands tangled in my hair as he pressed me against the terrace railing, and through our bond, I felt his hunger, raw and overwhelming.When he pulled back, we were both breathing hard."That wasn't part of our agreement," I whispered."No, it wasn't." He stepped back, running a hand through his hair. "I apologize.""Do you?"His eyes met mine, still silver. "No."Before I could respond, James appeared. "Sir, there's a situation."Dimitri immediately shifted into business mode. "What kind?""The Blackthornes. They've filed a formal challenge.""To our marriage?""To you, sir. Personal combat. Winner takes pack rights."I gasped. "They can't—""They can," Dimitri said grimly. "It's old law, but valid.""You don't have to accept," James said."If I don't, we lose all standing in pack territory." He looked at me. "Including protection for your family.""Marcus is a skilled fighter," I warned."It's