The Alpha's Contract Luna

Chapter 3: Mistake The savior

Chapter 3: Mistake The savior

(Seraphina's POV)

A cruel smile played on my lips as I watched the unconscious Alpha King lying before me. Finally, an opportunity had presented itself – one that could change everything.

I knelt beside him, examining his wounds. That fool Elara had already done most of the work, healing the worst of his injuries. Her silver healing light had left its mark, though she'd fled before completing the job.

"Always running away, aren't you, Elara?" I muttered under my breath, remembering all those years in the orphanage.

I tore at my own arm, dragging my nails through tender skin until streaks of crimson dripped onto the grass beneath me. The metallic tang of blood mixed with the forest’s earthy scent, sharp and nauseating.

With shaking hands, I smeared the blood across my shoulder and forearm, careful to leave marks that looked jagged, natural.

I winced exaggeratedly, as though the pain was unbearable. It was unnecessary theatrics—no one was here to see—but it helped me prepare.

Then, I leaned down to the Alpha King.

His face was slack, eyes closed, but even now he radiated raw power. Even in his weakened state, his aura rolled off him in waves, enough to make the air feel heavier.

“Poor Alpha King,” I murmured, brushing the hair from his forehead. My fingers trembled—not from fear, but exhilaration.

It wasn’t every day you had the most powerful wolf in existence lying helpless beneath your touch.

Adjusting my stance, I slid my arms beneath his shoulders. The weight of him was staggering as I braced myself, using every ounce of my strength to hoist him upright. My legs burned, my muscles screamed, but I didn’t relent.

With a deep growl, I began dragging him toward the nearest tree. My steps were uneven as I fought to pull him across the rough terrain, the effort leaving my breath ragged.

The wolf pack's boundary wasn’t far. It loomed in the distance, faint but visible under the moon. The thought of getting closer made my chest twist with a mix of fear and exhilaration.

If they found us like this—Rhysand injured, me bloodied and clinging to him—they wouldn’t question a word I said.

Even the mighty Midnight Sun wolves were bound to respect scenes that painted themselves.

My grip tightened on him, smearing my fake “savior’s wounds” further across his body. As I stumbled over a tangle of roots, his head lolled limply against my arm.

My eyes traveled over his features, taking in every detail of the mighty Alpha King. His face was flushed from the poison those attackers had used, and his breathing was slightly labored.

A bold idea struck me.

"Why stop at being just a savior?" I whispered to myself, excitement building in my chest. "This could be my chance to become the Alpha King's Luna."

The thought made my heart race. All those years of living in Elara's shadow, watching her effortlessly win everyone's favor while I smiled and played the dutiful friend – they could finally pay off.

I noticed his eyelids beginning to flutter. He was waking up. Perfect timing.

Quickly, I tore at my clothes, creating strategic rips that suggested a fierce battle. My fingers ran through my hair, messing it up artfully. I bit my lips until they were red and swollen, making sure I looked every bit the part of a warrior who had just saved his life.

"You'll wake up to find your true savior," I murmured, positioning myself beside him. "And poor Elara? She'll never even know what she lost."

I arranged my limbs carefully, making sure my self-inflicted wounds were clearly visible. The story would be simple – I had fought off his attackers, risking my own life to save him. By the time he regained consciousness, the lingering effects of the poison would ensure he wouldn't question my version of events.

His breathing changed, becoming more regular. Any moment now, he would open his eyes.

The corners of my mouth curled up into a satisfied smile. Everything was falling into place perfectly.

Let him wake up to find me, his brave rescuer, wounded but victorious. Let him believe I was the one who saved his life. After all, wasn't it time I got everything Elara had always taken for granted?

I watched his face intently, waiting for those eyes to open, ready to play my part in this deception to perfection. Soon, very soon, I would have everything I'd ever wanted.

The Alpha King would be mine.

(Rhysand’s POV)

Pain. That was the first sensation that pierced through the darkness. My head throbbed mercilessly, and every muscle in my body screamed in protest as consciousness slowly returned.

The last thing I remembered was being ambushed... smoke... and then...

“W-wake up…” The voice was soft. Broken. Trembling.

I tried to move, but my limbs felt like lead. My thigh throbbed with unbearable intensity, the wound deep and searing like fire.

"Don't move," the soft, feminine voice whispered. "You're still weak from the poison."

My eyes fluttered open, struggling to focus. Through the haze, I made out a figure beside me – a woman with delicate features and long blonde hair. She looked exhausted, her clothes torn and bloodied.

Her wide eyes glistened with tears as she leaned over me, her delicate features etched with distress.

"What... happened?" My voice came out hoarse, barely above a whisper.

She leaned closer, her silver eyes filled with concern. "You were attacked. I... I found you surrounded by enemies. I fought them off, but..."

Her voice trembled as she gestured to her own injuries.

Something felt off. My wolf instincts were screaming that there was more to the story, but the lingering effects of the poison made it impossible to think clearly.

My mind struggled to piece together the fragments of memory. There had been an ambush... smoke that dulled my senses... and then...

A flash of silver eyes in the darkness.

I frowned, trying to grasp at the memory, but it slipped away like water through my fingers.

"You saved me?" I managed to ask, studying her face.

She nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. "I fought them off as best I could. I'm not very strong, but... but I couldn't let them hurt you."

The sight stirred something uncomfortable in my chest. She looked so vulnerable, so violated...

A terrible thought struck me. "Did I..." I couldn't finish the sentence, the implication too horrifying.

Her silence spoke volumes. A single tear rolled down her cheek as she gave a barely perceptible nod.

My stomach churned. The evidence was there – the scars on her body, the smell of my blood mingling with hers, her torn clothes. The drugs must have sent me into a frenzy.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, disgust and self-loathing washing over me. "I'll compensate you for—"

"No!" she cut me off, shaking her head vigorously. "I don't want your money. This was..." she paused, her voice breaking. "This was my first time. I don't want to use this incident to threaten or demand anything from you."

Her words only made me feel worse. Here was this woman who had not only saved my life but had suffered such violation at my hands, and she was refusing compensation?

I forced myself to sit up, ignoring the pain that shot through my body. "At least let me know your name."

"Seraphina," she whispered, her silver eyes meeting mine.

Silver eyes...

Something about those eyes triggered a memory – another pair of silver eyes, belonging to someone else.

Elara.

My supposed mate through that ridiculous arranged marriage.

Gods, what a mess. I had just signed a contract marriage with one woman, and now...

"I am Rhysand," I said finally, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on my shoulders. "Alpha King of the Midnight Sun Pack."

Her eyes widened slightly, but she showed no other reaction to my status.

"I owe you a debt, Seraphina," I continued, struggling with the turmoil in my chest. "And what happened between us... I must take responsibility."

She looked away, her shoulders trembling slightly. "You don't have to—"

"I do," I interrupted firmly. "My position demands nothing less." Even as I said the words, I thought of the contract marriage with Elara. This would complicate things significantly.