The Alpha's Defiant Human Mate And Her Hidden Fortune

Mood

grand hall, "for the three-year healing bond between Lord Alt

erious affliction had defied every healer, and the only solution was a life‑bond-a healing contract that tied my vitality to his failing body. In exchange for my

n confirmed that he w

ted on Alto

cket go rigid, a sudden tension that traveled up

rath nobles. Their eyes, sharp and critical,

le fixed on my face. For three years, I had perf

whisper meant only for me. "It's

ried no warmt

tering beat that made it hard to breathe. Th

was the beginn

the great doors of th

caught the light of the enchanted chandeliers, glowing like a halo. She was th

on's eyes

in these three years when I have been by his side, taking good car

n't he

p, shaking me off like a piece

doned in the center of the room. The whi

er fan, her voice just loud enough for me to hear. "She

it weren't for Lord Alton Whitehead's illness, she, a humble human, wo

is head and pressed a light, lingering kiss to her knuckles. The gesture

d her gaze flicked over Alton's shoulder to meet

n was the only thing keeping me upright, the only thing

sea of nobles as he walked toward the head of the hall. Toward the

. He murmured something in her ear, and she

of careful tending. The sleepless nights spent by his bed. The pai

is single moment

asting the "perfectly matched pair." At the celebration

lungs, and forced myself to turn away. I

e lead. Each ste

shed surface of a wine goblet, I caught a glimps

d. He was introducing Blanche to the assembl

e was a ha

last, fragile p

ickened my pace, nearly stumbli

ked. All their attention was fixed

f the corridor was a shock against

wed me, seeping through the cracks of the

nally crumbling. A wave of immense grief and humili

hands. Three years of

degradation

left the hall together, followed by the sound of his s