Chapter 8
Elijah observed Fiona’s tense expression as she tried to absorb his words, “If and only if Carrie loses the baby,” Elijah began, his voice calm but with an underlying seriousness. “It will be proyen that the child she carries belongs to Zach. His claim to the Alpha position will further weaken. But they could easily blame you for what happened.”
Fiona didn’t need to be reminded of that possibility. The moment Regor informed her about Carrie’s condition, she suspected that someone had schemed behind her back. The question was, who? Was it Zach? Alpha Cris? Or perhaps her very own father?
“But that is none of our business, right?” Elijah continued, breaking her thoughts. “The Rosenthal family is known for their healing abilities, and a werewolf like Carrie has an extraordinary capacity to heal her own body. I don’t understand why we have to worry about such menial things,” he added, his tone almost dismissive.
Fiona nodded, trying to push aside her anxiety. “I apologize,” she murmured, feeling a bit foolish for letting her worry show.
Elijah studied her for a moment, then, with a slight smirk, he pulled out a scroll from within his coat. “I believe it’s time formalize our agreement,” he said, handing it to her.
Fiona blinked in surprise as she took the scroll from him. “A written contract?” she asked, her fingers brushing over the parchment-
Elijah nodded. “Yes. It’s imbued with magic. Once we both sign it, the contract will burn itself, but its terms will bind us. We must honor every word, or we will suffer the consequences, he explained, his eyes locked on hers.
Curiosity piqued, Fiona carefully unrolled the parchment and began to read the contents. Her eyes skimmed over the legal jargon until she reached a particular clause. “In public, both parties agree to act as a loving, married couple, displaying affection as needed to maintain the illusion.”
Her cheeks flushed at the implications, and she found herself blushing furiously. She was so focused on the words that she didn’t notice Elijah had moved closer to her, He leaned in to read over her shoulder.
“Is there something in the contract that bothers you?” Elijah’s voice was low, teasing, and dangerously close to her ear.
Fiona shivered involuntarily, trying to maintain her composure N–No, it’s just.. I didn’t expect this level of detail,” she stammered, her face growing hotter by the second.
Elijah chuckled softly, the sound sending a ripple of heat down her spine. “Well, we do need to be convincing,” he murmured, his breath warm against her skin. “After all, everyone will be watching us closely.”
Fiona swallowed hard, her heart racing. She could feel the heat radiating from his body as he leaned even closer, his shoulder brushing against hers. The proximity made it difficult to think clearly, let alone focus on the contract.
“You’re blushing.” Elijah observed his tone teasing. “Are you embarrassed about pretending to be in love with me?”
Fiona shot him a glare, though it lacked any real venom. “Of course not” Acting affectionate in public was not the problem. The clause that followed it, however…
Again, she swallowed as her eyes darted towards the rest of the cause.
*Both parties must share the same sleeping quarters at all times. This includes sleeping in the same bed, regardless of personal preferences or discomfort.
That is understandable.
*If either party finds themselves unable to control their physical desires, they are not to deprive themselves of sexual acts with each other. Mutual satisfaction is encouraged to maintain the appearance of a passionate relationship
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20:45 Sat, Nov 30
Chapter 8
Mutual Satisfaction? Sexual acts? He told her he was impotent and now, he was talking about sexual acts? She swallowed inwardly as she recalled the bulge from earlier.
The thought of it made her face so hot, she felt like she was about to explodel
Elijah, noticing her reaction, leaned in closer, his voice a low whisper. “It’s important that we appear convincing, wouldn’t you agree?”
She swallowed hard and forced herself to keep reading.
“II agree with the terms,” Fiona said.
Elijah’s smirk widened, and he leaned in even closer, his lips almost grazing her ear. “Good,” he whispered, his voice sending a shiver through her. “Because I think you’ll find that I’m very convincing when it comes to acting like a devoted husband.
Fiona’s breath hitched. She quickly averted her gaze, trying to focus on the contract. But the words seemed to blur together as Elijah’s presence overwhelmed her senses.
“Shall we sign?” Elijah asked, his voice still low and suggestive, as he reached out to take the quill.
Fiona hesitated for a brief moment, then nodded, trying to push aside the flurry of emotions swirling inside her. “Let’s do it,” she agreed, though her voice trembled slightly.
Elijah dipped the quill into the ink and handed it to her, their fingers brushing in the process. The contact sent a spark through her, and she quickly signed her name on the dotted line, trying to ignore the fluttering in her stomach.
Elijah took the quill next, his eyes never leaving hers as he signed his name with a flourish. The moment he finished, the parchment began to glow with a soft, golden light before it disintegrated into ashes, leaving no trace behind.
“It’s done,” Elijah said, his voice almost a purr as he met her gaze “We’re officially bound by our contract, Fiona,”
Fiona nodded.
“Then…” Elijah leaned closer. “Shall we seal it with a kiss?”
“Ah?” she blinked, wondering if he was serious.
In response, he lifted an eyebrow before he started talking about the contents of Clause 5: Morning and Evening Kisses.
To ensure the development of genuine chemistry, both parties are required to share a kiss every morning upon waking and every night before retiring to bed. This is to foster a natural connection and familiarity between the parties.”
Fiona froze. Her eyes widened as she heard him say. “We haven’t exactly kissed in the morning as we have yet to sign the contract then but is there a valid reason, we shouldn’t kiss before the sun sets?”
Fiona did not know what to say.
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