Chapter 21

"You're terminating the contract." He repeated. It wasn't a question.

I felt bad for dad, but now, he'd really have to find a way to pay off his debts. This man just ripped out a man's heart without blinking. I couldn't be with someone like him.

A dark cruel smile played on his lips.

"You have a copy of the contract with you. Go home and read it. When you're done, get back to me for the termination."He turned toward his car.

What was he talking about? "I already read the contract before signing it."

"I told you to read carefully." His eyes held mischief as they fell on me again.

Oh, saviors. What was he on about? He stepped into his already opened car, leaving me stranded there by the road.

I didn't see Jace at the club anymore, and when l tried to call him, his lines were unreachable.

I couldn't wait for him as I had a more pressing matter.

I hurried home, found the contract and took my time to go through the termination clauses. A shiver slithered down my spine when I found the one line l had missed. I could not terminate the contract. Only Jaris had the power to do so, when he sees fit.

All I could do was abandon the contract, which was a great violation that could lead to me being locked up.

He tricked me. I may have been careless and missed it, but he tricked me! Because why was he the only one with the power to end the contract?

I couldn't breath properly. This only meant that I was stuck with Jaris. For a whole year! How was I even sure I'd make it out alive?

Three days had passed since Jaris and I last saw.Two days ago, news of the Alpha King's death circulated like wildfire.

King Thaddeus had been a fierce but nice ruler. The news of his demise was a hard pill to swallow.

Every other activity was put on hold as a result of his upcoming funeral. The mating ceremony between Jaris and I also had to be shifted to a week time, and to be honest, it was the best news I'd heard in a while. If it could, I'd want it to be shifted to a year!

Today had been fixed to be the King's funeral. Only the families of Alphas could attend-it was only a measure to control the crowd since there would be a lot of important people in attendance.

I didn't want to go, but father insisted. And well,l figured it wouldn't be a bad time to get some fresh air. I was trying to source for what to wear when a call came in from a strange number.

"Hello?"

"Ms. Harper. Good morning. It's Kael."

Kael. Jaris' beta.

I became more at alert. "Hi, good morning."

"I'm calling on behalf of Alpha Jaris to inform you that a car would be there to pick you by two p.m.Alpha Jaris would love you two to journey to Brystara together."

Brystara. That was the home of the Alpha King.

Okay,he had to be joking.

"Thanks, but I don't wanna go with him."

There was a slight pause. "I'm afraid it isn't up for debate, Ms. Harper. He wants you to get ready before the car arrives."

The call went dead on me. Seriously!? I glared at the screen like I could send a punch to Jaris through it. Well, there was no part of the contract that said I was obligated to go everywhere with him.

I went back to the task at hand, searching for something to wear.

An hour later, I was fully ready to go.I didn't want to be tb last person they had to wait for.

Like always, I reached for the scan, feeling a crushing relief as I stared at the image. A sad smile touched my lips as I ran my fingers along the edges and surface. I never got to touch them, but I missed them so much.

Satisfied, I hid the picture and left the room. But right at my doorstep was Nora, her hands crossed, her eyes glaring at me.

"What did you do to Roderick?" She asked.

Goodness. "Why wouldn't he break up with you? Why wouldn't he see me anymore?"

I rolled my eyes. "Please, Nora. We're running late."

I tried to leave, but she stood in my way. "I'm talking to you!"

"Well, I don't know. Maybe it's because I look really beautiful now."

"Oh, please! Do you think you're more beautiful than lam?"

"I don't know. Why don't you ask your supposed boyfriend or fiance why wouldn't he leave me alone?"I forced my way away from her. "And please, Nora,tell Roderick to end things with me. I'm begging now."

Father was pleased to see me downstairs.

"You look lovely,my dear."

I managed a smile. "Thanks, father."

My stepmother was already prepared and gawked at us. Father led me outside to where our cars were waiting.

Surprisingly, or maybe not too surprisingly, there was an extra one out there.

The driver was beside it but approached me when l stepped out of the house.

"Good day, ma'am. I was sent to pick you up." He said with a bow.

The sight of it only pissed me off. Jaris was a control freak!

"I already told him I won't be going with him," I replied to the man.

Father looked at me with surprise."Lyric..."

"Let's just go. Please." I walked ahead of him, going into our own car.

I was yet to get over what he did to Matt. He killed that innocent boy for nothing and didn't even feel a single remorse.

I was determined to be away from him as much as possible, until the mating ceremony inevitably brings us together.

SOMEWHERE IN MYSTOPIA

The bartender refilled the woman's cup for the umpteenth time.

He watched as she emptied it in seconds, her eyes fixed on the screen ahead.

The bartender couldn't tell if she was interested in the sport being aired on the TV. She didn't strike him like the type that would be interested in such programmes.

She looked fierce, with a deep scar running down the left side of her cheek.

The young woman, though pretty, had the looks of someone that cared little for people.

The game finally came to an end, and she requested for her bill.

"Boring game, huh?" The bartender tsked as he waited for her to bring out her cash. "You should've asked me to switch to something more entertaining."

The woman only glanced at him-slowly-but didn't say a word. She handed his money to him.

"Gracias." The bartender said as he took her glass and turned to leave.

"I am looking for someone," the woman finally spoke,drawing his attention.

He turned around to see a picture now on the table.

"Have you seen her?"

The bartender shook his head at once. It was a lady with an ugly scar. He hadn't met anyone like that.

"Sorry I can't help you." Saying nothing, the woman tucked the picture back into her pocket.

"Who's she?" The bartender was curious.

The woman was already on her feet, dragging her weapon sheath. "She's someone that shouldn't live amongst us. Someone dangerous."