Chapter 7
Elena’s POV
“Mr. Whitehawk has arrived.”
I turned.
A tall man walked into the drawing-room.
Marcus Whitehawk.
CEO of the largest corporation in the North, and Alpha of the Whitehawk Pack.
He had deep blue eyes, silver-white hair, and a powerful Alpha presence that filled the room.
We had been classmates at the academy, and his pack had always been the most loyal ally of the Astoria Royal Family.
“Elena,” he said my name softly. “I’m so sorry to hear about Gale.”
“Thank you for coming,” my voice was steady. “I have a proposal.”
“I’m listening.”
“Help me destroy the Blackwood pack,” I said, turning to face him fully. “In exchange, I will agree to be your mate.”
Marcus was silent for a few seconds.
“Elena, I need to be sure,” he said, his gaze serious. “I won’t have you bound to me by vengeance.”
“This isn’t just vengeance,” I cut him off. “This is justice. Adrian Blackwood used blood magic to deceive a royal bloodline for eight years. That is a blasphemy against the Moon Goddess. The Blackwood pack humiliated a royal child and caused his death. That is an unforgivable crime.”
My voice grew colder with every word. “They must pay.”
Marcus nodded.
“I understand,” he said, walking toward me. “In that case, I accept your proposal. On one condition.”
“What is it?”
“When this is all over, if you wish to leave, I will not stop you,” Marcus said gently. “I want a mate who comes to me willingly, not one bound by a promise of revenge.”
I looked at this man.
He was the complete opposite of Adrian.
Mature, steady, and respectful of my choices.
“Deal,” I said, holding out my hand.
Marcus took it, pressing a soft kiss to the back of my knuckles.
“Then, as of today, Elena Astoria-Whitehawk, I am your intended mate.”
We turned to face the floor-to-ceiling windows.
“Send an invitation to all of the Blackwood pack’s major investors,” I said to the butler. “Inform them that the Northern Royal Family is reassessing its investment strategy in the southern territories.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
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Chapter 7
+15 Bonus
“And one more thing,” I paused. “I want you to arrange Gale’s funeral. He will be buried with full royal honors.”
“Should he be interred in the royal crypt?”
“Yes,” my voice was soft. “He is my son. He is entitled to the glory of our house.”
Marcus placed a comforting hand on my shoulder.
“Adrian will find out.”
“I know,” I said, looking at him. “When Adrian learns the honors we are giving Gale, he will finally understand what he has lost. He will come.”
“I’m counting on it.”
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