THE CONTRACTED MATE

TER

a's

to relax after a long day

blic and formal gatherings, but it was hard. I fe

heard a knock at the door. I knew

" Aurora's voice was gentle

the door. "What do

see how the little omega was doing. You know, making sure you're not embarrassing R

will excuse me, I have some things to do, so please leave. I am

eeds the knowledge of table manners and lafy-like beh

is just being kind, Aurora. He knows I'm still lea

. You'll always be a mistake. You will never be good enough for Ryder. You are an om

e snap. "Aurora, why do you always have to be

s to tell you the truth, dear. And the truth is, yo

and that's all that matters. I am his mate, not you, not anyone else. If the moon goddess destined us to be

e me. And once he's done with you, he'll discard you like the trash you are. He mu

ot true,"

"We'll see about that, de

bond in front of the council... and you going back to your cry

down, and her eyes narrowed

me?" I asked, my voice steady, trying to keep my emotions in check."Why are you always whining

e nothing but a temporary distraction for Ryder. A plaything to amuse and please him until he comes to his sense

d screaming in my ear and let Ryder make his own decisions. He's not a child who needs to be told what to do. Maybe you and t

he repeated, her voice rising to a shout. "You think you can tell me what to do? You're nothing but

't let you bully me anymore. I won't let you make me feel like I'm not good enough. If y

spat, her voice cold, making the hair on the back of my neck stand up. "But mark my words, Kaida. I will be the one behind

d out of the room, leaving me fe

od up to Aurora,

ed of doubt. Would I ever be able to truly hold onto

eath and decided

hose me to be his mate and

ant to report Aurora? Do you think he will believe

ida