THE CONTRACTED MATE

i's

th strategy. We knew that Atlas was a formidable

, and desperate wolves are dangerous. He ... he rejected you, I know that.

hest. "I know. But we can't let him

p into a small smile

in my tummy. We would ge

he door. Ryder's eyes darted to t

t, voice replied. "I nee

rrowed, but he

arting between us. "I have information,

at is it?" I asked, my voi

Ryder. "He's planning somethin

ed with anger. "W

o some of the other wolves. They're planning a coup. I would have interru

ped. A coup?

er eyes. "They're planning to overthrow you, Ryder. They think you're weak, that you're not fit

is jaw clenched. "Who's

tell you that it's a group of wolves who are loyal to Atlas. They're angry about the way you've been leading the pac

knew that a coup would be a dangero

g me this?" Ryder asked, hi

barely above a whisper. "I believe you're the right l

ed at each other. I felt a pang of jealousy, but I push

aid finally, his voice low.

yder's face. "I'll do whatever it takes

lently. It was clear that Aurora had feelings for Ryder, and it was also clear that Ryder felt s

," he said, his voice low. "I

eaving his face. "I'll walk you

room, I couldn't help bu

my heart pounding in my chest. I had to ge

turned around, my eyes locking on Aurora's. But the sweet, lovely,

th hate. "An omega like you doesn't deserve a man like Ryder.

ce, but I kept my cool. "I don't know what

. "Don't play dumb, Kali. I know all about your plan.

Aurora wasn't just a council leader's daughter, she was a r

ed. "I'm just trying to help h

ng anyone, Kali. Least of all me. I know that you're just a paw

l. "Tell me, Kali," she said, her voice low a

acing. "Chose me for what?"

th me, Kali. You know exactly what I'm talkin

. And in that moment of hesitation,

voice dripping with mockery

me with a sense of panic and a question that echo

me that I have ne