Chapter 21

Chapter 21:

“You’re terminating the contract.” He repeated, his voice steady. It wasn’t a question.

I felt bad for Dad, but now he’d really have to find a way to pay off his debts. This man had just ripped out a man’s heart without blinking. I couldn’t be with someone like him.

A dark, cruel smile played on his lips.

“You have a copy of the contract with you. Go home and read it. When you’re done, get back to me for the termination.” He turned toward his car.

What was he talking about?

“I already read the contract before signing it p>

“I told you to read it carefully.” His eyes held mischief as they locked on me again.

Oh, saviors. What was he on about?

He stepped into his already open car, leaving me stranded by the road.

I didn’t see Jace at the club anymore, and when I tried to call him, his lines were unreachable.

I couldn’t wait for him. I had a more pressing matter.

I hurried home, found the contract, and took my time to go through the termination clauses. A shiver slid down my spine when I found the one line I had missed. I could not terminate the contract. Only Jaris had the power to do so, when he saw fit.

All I could do was abandon the contract, which was a major violation and could lead to me being locked up.

He tricked me. I may have been careless and missed it, but he tricked me! Why was he the only one with the power to end the contract?

I couldn’t breathe properly. This meant I was stuck with Jaris. For a whole year! How was I even sure I’d make it out alive?

Three days had passed since Jaris and I last saw each other. Two days ago, news of the Alpha King’s death spread like wildfire.

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King Thaddeus had been a fierce but kind ruler. The news of his demise was a hard pill to swallow.

Every other activity was put on hold due to his upcoming funeral. The mating ceremony between Jaris and I also had to be postponed for a week, and to be honest, it was the best news I’d heard in a while. If I could, I’d want it shifted for a year!

Today was set for the King’s funeral. Only the families of Alphas could attend—it was a measure to control the crowd since many important people would be there.

I didn’t want to go, but Father insisted. And well, I figured it wouldn’t be a bad idea to get some fresh air.

I was trying to figure out what to wear when a call came in from a strange number.

“Hello p>

“Ms. Harper. Good morning. It’s Kael p>

Kael. Jaris’ beta.

I became more alert. “Hi, good morning p>

“I’m calling on behalf of Alpha Jaris to inform you that a car will be arriving shortly. Alpha Jaris would like you to join him for the journey to Brystara together p>

Brystara. That was the home of the Alpha King.

Okay, he had to be joking.

“Thanks, but I don’t want to go with him p>

There was a slight pause. “I’m afraid it isn’t up for debate, Ms. Harper. He wants you to be ready before the car arrives p>

The call went dead on me. Seriously p>

I glared at the screen as if I could punch Jaris through it. Well, there was no part of the contract that said I was obligated to go everywhere with him. I went back to the task at hand, searching for something to wear.

An hour later, I was fully ready to go. I didn’t want to be the last person they had to wait for.

As always, I reached for the scan, feeling a crushing relief as I stared at the image. A sad smile touched my lips as I ran my fingers along the edges and surface. I never got to touch them, but I missed them so much.

Satisfied, I hid the picture and left the room. But right at my doorstep was Nora, her arms crossed, her eyes glaring at me.

“What did you do to Roderick?” she asked.

Goodness.

“Why wouldn’t he break up with you? Why won’t he see me anymore p>

I rolled my eyes. “Please, Nora. We’re running late p>

I tried to leave, but she stood in my way. “I’m talking to you p>

“Well, I don’t know. Maybe it’s because I look really beautiful now p>

“Oh, please! Do you think you’re more beautiful than I am p>

“I don’t know. Why don’t you ask your supposed boyfriend or fiancé? Why won’t he leave me alone?” I forced my way past her. “And please, Nora, tell Roderick to end things with me. I’m begging now p>

Father was pleased to see me downstairs.

“You look lovely, my dear p>

I managed a smile. “Thanks, Father p>

My stepmother was already prepared and gawked at us. Father led me outside to where our cars were waiting.

Surprisingly, or maybe not so surprisingly, there was an extra car out there.

The driver was beside it, but he approached me as soon as I stepped out of the house.

“Good day, ma’am. I was sent to pick you up,” he said with a bow.

The sight of it only pissed me off. Jaris was a control freak!

“I already told him I won’t be going with him,” I replied to the man.

Father looked at me with surprise. “Lyric p>

“Let’s just go, please.” I walked ahead of him and got into our own car. I was still shaken by what he had done to Matt. He killed that innocent boy for nothing and didn’t feel a shred of remorse.

I was determined to stay as far away from him as possible, until the mating ceremony inevitably brought us together.

SOMEWHERE IN MYSTOPIA

The bartender refilled the woman’s cup for the umpteenth time.

He watched as she emptied it in seconds, her eyes fixed on the screen ahead. The bartender couldn’t tell if she was interested in the sport being aired on the TV. She didn’t strike him as the type to care about such programs.

She looked fierce, with a deep scar running down the left side of her cheek. The young woman, though pretty, had the looks of someone who cared little for people.

The game finally came to an end, and she requested her bill.

“Boring game, huh?” the bartender tsked as he waited for her to bring out her cash. “You should’ve asked me to switch to something more entertaining p>

The woman only glanced at him slowly, but didn’t say a word. She handed him the money.

“Gracias,” the bartender said as he took her glass and turned to leave.

“I am looking for someone,” the woman finally spoke, drawing his attention.

He turned around to see a picture now lying on the table.

“Have you seen her p>

The bartender shook his head immediately. It was a woman with an ugly scar. He hadn’t met anyone like that.

“Sorry, I can’t help you p>

Saying nothing, the woman tucked the picture back into her pocket.

“Who’s she?” The bartender was curious.

The woman was already on her feet, dragging her weapon sheath.

“She’s someone who shouldn’t live amongst us. Someone dangerous p>