II NINE

Nora's POV I noticed the way Elena's grip tightened briefly around the ring before she let her hand fall still under mine. I gave her a moment before speaking again."I want to say something and I need you to actually hear it," I said, turning slightly on the settee to face her. "Being someone's mate isn't a contract that erases the rest of who you are. You don't lose the right to disagree with him, or want space, or make your own decisions just because a bond settled into place. That's not how any of this is supposed to work.""I know that, when you say it out loud like that," Elena said, rubbing her thumb absently over the ring. "But it doesn't feel that simple when I'm actually standing in front of him. Every time I try to hold my ground on something small, it turns into this whole ordeal, and then I'm the one who ends up apologizing just to make it stop.""That's exactly the part that worries me," I said honestly. "A disagreement shouldn't cost you that much every single time. If

II TEN

Elena’s POVWhen I got home later that evening, I was shocked to how everywhere had been lit up and decorated. I walked closer and it looked like there was some kind of celebration going on. And of course, Kennedy was here again.Kennedy spotted me and crossed the grass quickly, taking both my hands in his, his face bright enough that I almost let myself forget the uneasy feeling I felt. "There you are," he said. "Your parents and I put this together this week. I wanted everyone to see how happy I am to be marrying you.""This is more than I expected," I said carefully, glancing past him toward my mother who near the pastry table laughing with a so much joy. "You really didn't have to do all this.""I wanted to." His smile widened, like he'd been waiting to say the next part all evening. "I had something sent over for you to wear tonight. It's laid out in your room. I think you're going to love it."He hurriedly pulled me towards my room and I just let myself go along with everything

ELEVEN

Cassian's POVAfter what felt like forever, I finally found the countryside territory exactly where my contact had described it. According to him, this was the little village where Elena lived with her parents. I followed his directions and found the warm looking house with a chimney that matches the description. This must be where Elena lived with her parents. I was a bit skeptical of my decision. Was this really proper of me?I couldn't force myself to leave without seeing Elena. I told myself I only needed a day. One day to see her, to understand what kind of life she'd built here, before I made any decision about what came next. I sat on a hill, looking down at the house. I was properly hidden but I could clearly see the house. I sat there, waiting to see Elena.She came from the house not long after sunrise. The sight of her, after all these months, hit me harder than I expected. I couldn't tear my eyes off her as I watched her move with a woven basket looped over one arm as s

II TWELVE

Elena's POV My mother had given me careful instructions about the wedding fabrics I needed before I left. I made my way into town that morning grateful for the excuse to walk alone a while, basket in hand, the market noise settling around me like something familiar and undemanding.I'd found the fabric easily enough at the shop near the square, the merchant wrapping the bolt carefully while chatting about the upcoming wedding season. I was making my way back through the thinning crowd toward home when a voice behind me stopped me mid-step. One I hadn't heard in months, but would have recognized anywhere."You still walk like you're trying to outrun someone." I heard that familiar voice that made my heart skip.I turned slowly, my heart doing something complicated and unwelcome in my chest as Cassian stepped out from the shadow of a narrow alley between two shops. His hands tucked in his pockets, watching me with an expression equal parts amusement and something more careful underneat

II THIRTEEN

Elena's POV"Cassian," I started, then stopped. I took a breath and tried again. "Whatever this is, between us... it can't become anything more."He didn't say anything right away. He just watched me, waiting for me to continue."I found my mate already, I'm sure you know about that," I said. "His name is Kennedy and we're probably getting married really soon."I braced myself. I expected him to argue. I expected anger, or at least some kind of protest from him. Maybe it was because I was used to Kennedy always arguing and disagreeing with me that I half expected every man to do the same. Instead, he just nodded slowly."Okay," he said. That was it. Just, okay.I blinked at him, confused by how easily he said it. "Okay?" I repeated. "That's all you have to say?" I mumbled, feeling a bit surprised by his words."What do you want me to say?" he asked, his voice gentle. "You found your mate. That's not something either of us can argue with. The bond doesn't care what I want."I stood the

All Chapters of Sold To The Ruthless Alpha Prince: Chapter 101 - Chapter 105

II NINE

II TEN

ELEVEN

II TWELVE

II THIRTEEN