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Weight of Duty
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2024-11-05 03:43:15Related chapters
Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Bride Heartfelt Conversation
The echo of Ms. Gentle’s lecture on royal etiquette still rang in my ears as I returned to my chambers, grateful for the silence. I shut the door behind me, slipping off my shoes and settling onto the edge of my bed. The day had been exhausting, a swirl of rules and expectations to remember, all leading up to the Alpha meeting in just under two weeks. But in this quiet moment, I allowed myself a sigh of relief, knowing I’d handled today without incident.My eyes drifted around the room, half expecting Lucas to be there, but of course, he wasn’t. He’d been increasingly busy lately, the weight of his responsibilities pulling him away, and I was…well, thankful for it, in a way. Time apart gave me a chance to gather my thoughts, to remind myself of what I wanted from this arrangement. Though the brief encounters we did have kept replaying in my mind.A buzz from my phone pulled me from my thoughts. I picked it up and blinked at the name on the screen, a smile tugging at my lips. Ivy. My b
Last Updated : 2024-11-06Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Bride Preparation and Unexpected Moments
Amelia’s POVThe days before the Alpha meeting blurred together in a whirlwind of training and meticulous instruction. Lena and Cassidy had taken their roles as my guides with relentless energy, filling every spare moment with lessons. Lena, with her fierce determination, drilled me on the histories and alliances between packs, her tone often blunt as she warned me which Alphas might test me. Cassidy, on the other hand, brought a lightheartedness to our sessions, her laughter and encouragement softening the tension that sometimes felt overwhelming.“Remember, stand tall, shoulders back,” Lena instructed as I practiced my formal bow. “The moment you show doubt, they’ll seize on it. Confidence is everything.”Cassidy shot Lena an amused look. “We’re not sending her into battle, Lena.”Lena’s lips quirked up. “Aren’t we?” she replied, her tone deadpan, and we all laughed, breaking the seriousness of the moment.As intense as their lessons were, I could feel my confidence growing. Each da
Last Updated : 2024-11-09Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Bride Shadows of Last Night
Amelia’s POVThe first rays of dawn slipped through the curtains, and I opened my eyes to the faint light. My body felt like it hadn’t rested at all—maybe because it hadn’t. I’d tossed and turned through the night, flashes of Lucas leaning in, his warmth so close, replaying in my mind on a loop. It was ridiculous. One nearly-shared kiss, and here I was, wide awake, haunted by the memory of it.I groaned and threw an arm over my face, trying to shake off the sleepiness. The Alpha meeting was today, and this was my chance to prove I belonged at Lucas’s side. I’d spent days preparing with Lena, Cassidy, and Ms. Gentle, filling my mind with every rule and protocol I might need. Yet, here I was, on barely a few hours of sleep and with nothing on my mind but Lucas. He hadn’t returned last night, and a part of me—against my better judgment—wondered why. Did Queen Larissa keep him that long? Or was he as thrown off as I was by our almost-kiss?You’re thinking about it again, Snow’s voice chim
Last Updated : 2024-11-10Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Bride Among Queens
The grand chamber was already filling with Alphas and Lunas, their voices mingling into a low hum of conversation. My eyes darted across the room, catching sight of Lucas near the throne, standing tall among his council. But as our eyes met, he looked away almost immediately, his expression unreadable. A strange pang of disappointment hit me, sharp and unexpected, and I found myself longing to understand what he was thinking. Last night had left so many questions unanswered, and now…he was avoiding me?Determined to break the distance, I took a step toward him. But before I could get far, someone stepped into my path.I looked up to find a woman standing before me, her gaze both assessing and serene. She had a quiet strength about her, the kind of presence that filled the room without demanding attention. Her dark hair was pulled back into an intricate braid that framed her face elegantly, and she wore a gown of deep emerald green, fitted yet flowing, with delicate silver accents glin
Last Updated : 2024-11-11Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Bride Can we talk?
Amelia’s POVThe hall buzzed with low voices, each Alpha and Luna seated around the grand table. I tried to stay calm, even as my thoughts kept drifting back to last night. The almost-kiss with Lucas haunted me, making it nearly impossible to focus. I hadn’t slept much; the memory kept replaying in my mind, clouding my thoughts even now. I caught myself glancing across the room, but Lucas wouldn’t meet my eyes. His focus was everywhere but on me, his face a stoic mask that only deepened my confusion.I shook off the distraction, reminding myself of the importance of today. This wasn’t just any gathering—it was the annual meeting where regional matters were debated by the most powerful Alphas and Lunas. My mind raced through the names and packs I’d memorized with Cassidy and Lena. I was here to represent Lucas’s pack, and I needed to keep my composure. Yet, my heart wouldn’t stop its restless beating.I was pulled from my thoughts as the council doors swung open. In walked Ethan, the o
Last Updated : 2024-11-13Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Bride Unbroken Resolve
Amelia’s POVI stood rooted in place, every nerve in my body pulled taut. Ethan’s gaze was steady, a mix of questions and unspoken words in his eyes. There was a part of me that wanted to turn and walk away, to close the chapter he’d ripped apart without a second thought. But the years between us, the hurt and unresolved feelings, kept me grounded to the spot.Across the room, I could feel Lucas watching. His intense gaze reached me even through the chatter and movements of the other Alphas and Lunas mingling around us. His eyes were unreadable, his expression giving away nothing, but I could feel the weight of his attention. It was like a thread, tugging at me to remember where I belonged now and who I was here to support.Ethan cleared his throat softly, his expression tense but open. “Amelia,” he repeated, his tone almost gentle. “Can we talk? Just for a moment?”The way he said it, like we were nothing more than old friends catching up, stirred a mix of anger and something deeper
Last Updated : 2024-11-14Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Bride An Unexpected Scene
I paced back and forth in my chambers, my mind racing over everything that had happened today. Every detail replayed in my head, refusing to settle. I’d managed to connect with some of the Lunas—Luna Lara especially. I hadn’t expected to find such easy conversation with anyone, let alone a council member, but she’d been kind, even encouraging me.Still, Luna Margot’s cold stares and cutting remarks lingered, and I could feel her disdain like a chill in the air every time I crossed her line of sight. It was clear she had something against me, though I couldn’t quite understand why. Just when I thought I’d handled myself well enough in the meeting, the topic of the territory dispute came up again. I thought I’d said my piece on it earlier, but King Luther had praised my perspective and put me in charge of drafting an agreement. I still couldn’t believe it.“You did well today,” Snow murmured, her voice warm and steady in my mind. “You’ll find a solution for this. You’re smart and capabl
Last Updated : 2024-11-15Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Bride Unspoken Tensions
Lucas POVThe council chamber emptied out, voices dwindling to murmurs as the Lunas and Alphas dispersed. I stayed behind, my back stiff against the high-backed chair as I watched Amelia leave without so much as a glance in my direction. Her absence was immediate—palpable, even—and it made my chest tighten.I hadn’t meant to avoid her during the meeting, but every time I so much as glanced her way, the memory of last night threatened to overwhelm me. The way her breath had hitched, the way her lips had parted, the way her eyes had locked on mine— For one fleeting moment, I’d thought—hoped—that she wanted it as much as I did. That she wanted me, like that night we shared.But then the knock had come, shattering the fragile intimacy. Mother’s servants had said my mom summons me, and Amelia had pulled back, her expression guarded, unsure. The way she’d stepped away from me, her eyes clouded with hesitation—it had cut deeper than I wanted to admit.“She didn’t mean it,” Titan growled, his
Last Updated : 2024-11-19
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Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Bride Secret Investigation
Amelia's POVI slammed the door of my chamber behind me, my breaths coming out fast and uneven as I leaned against the solid wood. My heart was racing, the echoes of my argument with Lucas still fresh in my mind. His sharp tone, his unyielding protectiveness—it was suffocating.I ran a hand through my hair, my fingers trembling. Why did he always have to act like I was incapable of taking care of myself? I wasn’t some fragile porcelain doll he needed to shield. I paced the room, my emotions tangled in frustration, anger, and something I couldn’t quite name.“He doesn’t trust me,” I muttered, my voice breaking the silence. “Or maybe he just doesn’t see me as anything more than his responsibility. A duty tied to the stupid contract that binds us together.”Snow stirred in the back of my mind, her presence steady and calm as usual. But this time, she wasn’t silent.“Amelia, maybe he has a point,” she said, her tone gentle yet firm. “Lucas isn’t just trying to control you. He’s trying to
Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Bride Wolfsbane
Amelia’s POVThe silence in Lucas’s office stretched thin as we sat across from each other, the weight of the rogue’s death lingering between us like a shadow neither of us could shake. My thoughts churned, frantic, as I replayed everything from the dungeon in my mind.Poison. Deliberate, calculated, and merciless. Whoever was behind this wanted to send a message. And that message was clear: they wanted me dead.I tapped my fingers restlessly on the armrest of the chair, each rhythmic beat feeding the tension in the air. Lucas stood near his desk, arms crossed, his shoulders tight with restraint. He hadn’t said much since we left the dungeons, but the storm brewing behind his eyes told me everything I needed to know.He was angry. Not just at the rogue’s death, but at me.“Amelia,” he said finally, breaking the silence. His voice was low, measured—too measured. “You’re not going to let this go, are you?”I stiffened, meeting his gaze head-on. “Someone just orchestrated an attack on me
Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Bride Poison!
Amelia’s POVThe infirmary was too quiet, despite the low murmur of voices around me. The antiseptic smell stung my nose, and every tiny noise seemed amplified in the stillness. I sat on the edge of the bed, my side aching as the pack doctor examined the wound that rogue had inflicted. Snow was already working to heal me, but I could still feel the throbbing pain radiating from my ribs.I hated this. Hated being the one sitting injured while everyone else stood around, watching me like I was fragile.Lucas was closest, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. His gaze hadn’t left me since we entered the room, and his expression was unreadable. I didn’t need to guess what was running through his mind; I could feel his tension like a second pulse.The others—Lena, Cassidy, and Ivy—stood near the doorway. Ivy’s lips were pressed into a thin line, while Lena shifted uncomfortably. Cassidy kept glancing my way, her worry evident. They were trying to hide it, but guilt radiated off t
Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Bride Protective Instincts
Lucas's POVThe forest was alive with the sound of wolves, their howls echoing through the trees as the hunting festival reached its peak. Yet, amidst the triumphant cries, my chest tightened with a feeling I couldn’t ignore.Something’s wrong, Titan growled in my mind, pacing restlessly.I scanned the clearing, watching as wolves darted between the trees, their movements fluid and focused. Ivy’s reddish-brown coat caught my eye as she paused near Cassidy’s sleek brown form. Lena wasn’t far behind them, her agile frame weaving through the underbrush. But one figure wa s missing—Snow.I stopped cold, my breath hitching.Where is she? Titan demanded, his voice sharp. Amelia wouldn’t leave the group.The weight of his words settled heavily on my chest. Snow had been with the others when the hunt began, staying close to Ivy and Cassidy. She wasn’t reckless. She wouldn’t have wandered off alone.I shifted back into my human form and approached the girls, urgency tightening my throat. “Where
Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Bride Into The Woods
Amelia’s POVThe palace courtyard buzzed with excitement as the hunting festival began in earnest. Wolves of all sizes and colors moved about, some already in their wolf forms, their sleek fur catching the sunlight. The air carried a heady mix of anticipation and primal energy.I lingered near the edge of the gathering, my nerves tugging at me. Snow was unusually quiet, her presence simmering just beneath the surface of my mind.You’ll be fine, Ivy’s voice broke into my thoughts through the mind link, her tone cheerful. She was beside me, her grin as bright as the sun overhead, her auburn hair glinting in the light.You sound awfully confident, I replied, forcing a smile as I glanced at her wolf form.That’s because I am, she shot back with a playful tone. It’s just a hunt, Amelia, not a battlefield.Snow’s voice cut through my thoughts like a knife. Nothing about this is friendly. Stay alert.I frowned but kept my thoughts to myself.Lucas stepped into view, and the noise in the cour
Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Bride Accidents Happen
Amelia’s POVI woke to the soft glow of morning light filtering through my curtains, the gentle calm of the palace whispering promises of a peaceful day. But something in me felt off, an uneasiness I couldn’t shake. Snow had been restless all night, her presence a sharp edge in the back of my mind.We need to stay alert, she said, her voice clear and firm.“For what?” I whispered as I stretched, sliding out of bed. “Everything seems fine.”Snow didn’t answer, but her silence carried a tension that set my nerves on edge.After a quick wash, I dressed simply in a loose tunic and leggings, something comfortable for moving about. Today, preparations for the upcoming hunting festival would likely be in full swing. Lena and Cassidy informed me about the hunting festival. It's an event that basically shows off your wolf and skills, especially the male wolves. The unmated ones. I didn’t know much about what was expected of me yet, but anything to distract me from the creeping dread would help
Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Bride Storm on the Horizon
Sabrina’s POVThe door slammed behind me, the echo ringing through the lavish halls of my chambers. I didn’t care who heard or saw—I was seething. My blood boiled as I stormed deeper into the room, tearing at the necklace around my throat and flinging it across the room. It clattered against the vanity, the delicate chain breaking as it fell.“It’s not fair!” I screamed, yanking at the drapes, sending a vase crashing to the floor. The shards sparkled mockingly up at me, only fueling my rage. I grabbed the nearest cushion, hurling it toward the fireplace.Lucas. Always Lucas, standing by her. Protecting her.It should have been me.I kicked a stool out of the way, breathing heavily as my thoughts spiraled. That wine had been perfectly placed, the servant perfectly directed—yet somehow, it had all gone wrong. And not only did it go wrong, it backfired so spectacularly that I was the one humiliated.My hands curled into fists. Amelia. That simpering, wide-eyed little imposter. She should
Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Bride Foiled by Fate
Amelia’s POVI walked Ivy back to her chambers, promising we’d head to dinner together later. Her face lit up with excitement the entire way. Seeing her this happy made my heart lighter than it had been in days.As I stood outside her door, watching it click shut, I couldn’t help but smile. Ivy was in awe of everything here, and I didn’t blame her. Her chambers were grander than anything we’d ever seen growing up, with carved furniture that seemed alive and a chandelier that caught the light like diamonds.“I still can’t believe this is my life,” she’d said, spinning in place to take it all in.“Get used to it,” I had replied with a laugh, though deep down, I wasn’t sure I had.The smile faded as I walked back to my own chambers, my thoughts shifting. The moment I closed my door behind me, the tension crept back in, winding itself around my chest. I leaned against the cool wood for a second before pushing off and heading to the window.Lucas. His name hovered on the edge of my mind, r
Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Bride Do I Trust Him?
The sound of footsteps echoed in the quiet as Ivy swung open the door, her cheerful expression freezing at the sight of Lucas standing in the hallway. His presence, as always, seemed to command the space, even in silence. His dark eyes flicked past Ivy and locked onto me.“I need a moment with Amelia,” he said, his voice steady but clipped.Ivy glanced over her shoulder at me, her brows knitting together. I could see the question in her eyes—Do you want me to leave?I gave her a tight nod. “It’s fine, Ivy. I’ll meet you in the dining hall later.”She hesitated for a moment, then stepped aside. “I’ll see you in a bit,” she said, casting Lucas a wary look before heading down the hallway.The door clicked shut behind her, and the room suddenly felt smaller, as though his presence was sucking the air out of it. I folded my arms across my chest, meeting his gaze with as much resolve as I could muster.“What do you need?” I asked, my tone sharper than I intended.Lucas’s jaw tightened, and
