Semua Bab THE ALPHA’S HATED CONTRACT MATE: Bab 101 - Bab 105

HERAThe soft glow of moonlight seeped through the curtains as I stirred awake, sleep leaving my eyes gradually as I tossed. The bed felt colder than it should have, emptier, and my hand instinctively reached out to the other side. It was empty.A ripple of worry shot through me. Atticus wasn’t in bed. And it didn’t seem like he just slipped out, the bed was too cold for that.He has been out for a while.Sighing softly, I pulled on my silk robe, tying it loosely around my waist as I swung my legs over the edge of the bed. The events of the day flashed through my mind: the rogue attack, the council’s accusations, the unsettling revelations that I was a target for whoever was orchestrating all of this. Atticus must be worried sick for him not to be in bed. I thought he’d gone to sleep after putting me to bed. He made sure I slept in his room tonight for safety reasons. He’d been so tender, holding me close and stroking my hair until the tension in my body melted enough for me to dr

HERAI stepped through the heavy double doors of the council chamber, my heels clicking against the marble floor and my regal outfit flaying behind me as I strode forward. Every pair of eyes shifted to me. Some looked curious, others impassive, but Rowan… Rowan’s gaze carried a flicker of challenge.I stopped at the head of the table, opposite him, my chin tilted high.“You are rather early, Lady Hera,” his lips curled in a smirk, his voice dripping with condescension. “The Alpha isn’t here and we can’t start the meeting without him,”“Atticus won’t be coming for this meeting.” I simply responded. “But it was him who called for this meeting.” He retorted.I arched a brow, my stare locking with his. “Actually, Elder Rowan,” I said sharply, my voice slicing through the room like a blade. “I was the one who summoned you here. I used Atticus’ name because I know the likes of you wouldn’t respond if it had been mine.”The smugness on his face faltered ever so slightly, but he quickly re

ATTICUSI paced back and forth in my study, trying to find the right words for what I needed to say. It wasn’t every day I sought counsel—especially from someone who had known me since I was a boy.A knock at the door broke my thoughts.“Come in,” I called, straightening my posture.The door opened, and Kai stepped in, his stance firm but relaxed. Behind him, Elder Aaron followed, his expression neutral but his eyes sharp, always taking in more than he let on.“Elder Aaron,” I greeted, stepping forward.“My Alpha,” he replied with a slight bow, though his tone held a hint of warmth. Then, with a smirk, he added, “I see you’ve finally decided to call on me. I was beginning to think I have retired from being the Royal adviser without notice.”A laugh broke from me before I could stop it, the tension in my shoulders easing just a little. “I wouldn’t dare, Aaron. The council would fall apart without you.”“That’s what I like to hear,” he replied, clasping my hand in a firm shake. Kai ste