Contractually Yours Alpha (Riley)

Chapter Two Hundred and Thirty Seven

Chapter Two Hundred and Thirty Seven

KADIA'S POV

The meeting was tense. Voices rose higher and higher; it was unusual for a gathering of pack leaders to be this

chaotic.

Phil sat by my side, and Austin sat by Alexander. I would've thought it would be wiser for Daemon to be present, but if he wasn't here, it only meant Alexander didn't trust him enough to attend.

"When everyone is speaking, no one's listening," Alexander said, and all arguments ceased, the room falling into silence. "There is indeed an army of the undead; I've seen it with my very own eyes, and so has my Luna. Creatures that even bullets made of the finest silver cannot kill."

"How do you expect us to believe in the sudden appearance of these creatures? I've never seen any, and with all due respect, this sounds more like something out of a fantasy novel," Alpha Cain said.

"You are a man of your word, and if you say these creatures exist, then they most likely do. But if none of us have laid eyes on them, perhaps they aren't truly our concern," Gamma Timothy of the Onyx pack added. Derek-the one I had defeated when he challenged me-wasn't present, but he'd sent his beta, James, and his gamma, Timothy.

"If you choose to ignore my warning simply because you're too comfortable in your own little world, then so be it. The army of the undead are currently in the south; packs nearby are in grave danger."

"It's true," a voice called. It belonged to Haga, the dwarf and Gamma of the Moon Valley pack. He had once been my father's messenger. "I've seen them before."

There was silence, then one of the Alphas burst into laughter. "Where did you see these creatures, dwarf?"

Haga didn't seem offended. "I was sent by my Alpha on an errand, and I encountered them on my trip. It's true that these creatures can't be killed with silver bullets. In fact, their body part seem to have a mind of its own"

"Tell us, half-man. How did you escape the strong grasp of the undead?" Alpha Cain asks mockingly.

"Thankfully, I had been close to a fire and I set the creature on fire."

Fire. That was the only thing that could really kill them, but the problem was that there were too many of them and the ability to wield fire was limited to a few.

"If the half-man could take down the creature, then it shouldn't be a problem," Gamma Timothy said.

"He's as much a man as you and every other person here. I will not tolerate anyone referring to him as a half- man," I spoke up, my voice firm. Once again, the room fell silent. Some faces showed a flicker of irritation-of course, they were the fools who still clung to the outdated idea that women shouldn't have a voice in meetings like this. The mere thought of me challenging them had bruised their fragile egos, but they remained silent.

My eyes met Haga's, and he gave me a nod, which I returned.

A single soldier walked into the meeting room and bowed.

"Alpha, it's here," he reported to Alexander.

I had no idea what he was referring to, and just then, Daemon walked in. He was dragging a flesh-eater by a chain secured around its abdomen, holding it firmly as it struggled.

"This," Alexander said, "is a flesh-eater."

Daemon let go of the reins, and the creature charged straight at Alpha Cain.

Chapter Two Hundred and Thirty Seven

He was quick, as most Alphas were, and managed to land a perfect shot, straight into the creature's head. But the creature didn't stop-it kept charging, bringing him down to the ground. He managed to reach for his dagger, and with a swift motion, buried it in the creature's neck. Black blood poured over his face, and yet, the creature still

thrashed.

Daemon took the reins, forcing the creature away from Alpha Cain, who was now drenched in black blood:noveldrama

The whole room watched in a mix of amazement and horro

Alpha Aaron of the Windborne Pack helped lift Cain from the floor, where he had lain, still in shock.

"Still think this is something you can handle?" Alexander asked. This time, no one was brave enough to speak up -not after what they had just witnessed.

"Guide your pack, make plans, so you won't be caught unprepared.'

With that, Alexander dismissed the meeting.

Alexander and Daemon were in the middle of a conversation when I walked into his office.

My eyes trailed to Daemon, and a small frown tugged on my lips.

“Is this some kind of brotherly thing now?" I asked, unable to keep the annoyance from my voice.

"What?" Alexander asked, clueless.

"I think I should leave," Daemon said, rising to his feet.

"No. You'll stay. Why wasn't I let in on your plan? I felt like a fool back there."

No one told me Daemon would be bringing a flesh-eater for display.

"I didn't tell you because I wasn't sure Daemon would deliver."

"So you doubt me now?" Daemon asked, feigning hurt.

"Next time you have a plan like this, I want in."

"Okay," Alexander said. "And I'm sorry."

Just like that, the annoyance I'd felt vanished.

Of course, a knock on the door just had to end our little moment.

A patrolling soldier walked in. He bowed, and his eyes lingered on Daemon a moment too long. Daemon, being himself, smirked, exposing his fangs, and the soldier quickly looked away.

"We've caught an intruder-a woman who's been trying to sneak into the pack,"