Alpha's Regret: The Hybrid's Royal Contract

Chapter 1 The Alpha's Betrayal Elara "I, Zack Blackwood of the Blackwood Pack, reject you, Elara Park, as my fated mate." WHAT THE HELL? My mate said this right after interacting with me! Getting rejected by your fated mate was the worst pain imaginable. It was not just heartbreak. It felt like someone was tearing your ch**t open and crushing your heart with their bare hands. My wolf screamed inside me. The sound was so painful I almost lost my mind. She fought and clawed like a trapped animal, desperate to break free. Every part of my body burned. My bl**d felt like liquid fire in my veins. My heart shattered into a million pieces. This was fate's cruelest joke. You found your other half, then watched them destroy everything between you. My wolf curled up in the corner of my mind, shaking like a hurt puppy. She had been so proud when we found our mate. Now she could only whimper in confusion and pain. Why? Why would he do this to us? But through the pain, one thought burned crystal clear in my mind: You just made the biggest mistake of your life, Zack Blackwood. And I was going to make sure you regretted it. ... I was Elara Park -a hybrid nobody wanted. My mother Nadia was a purebl**ded Alpha's daughter, while my father James was human. When my father was alive, our life was perfect. But after Dad died, Mom married Alpha Enzo Vance of The Amber Pack. For the first time, I was th**st into pack life, where I became an instant target. "Look, it's the half-br**d." "Her human bl**d makes her weak." The whispers followed me everywhere. My father's human heritage became a weapon other pack members used against me. At first, Mom tried to protect me. She was struggling too, trying to prove herself as Enzo's new wife. But two years later, she had my half-brother Anthony. Everything changed then. She became obsessed with being the perfect Luna. I became an embarrassing reminder of her past. The protection stopped. I was on my own in a world that would never accept me. I learned the truth early in life. I could attend pack meetings and wear nice clothes to events. But I would never be real family. Because I was a hybrid with weak bl**dline. But Zack Blackwood was different. He was the future Alpha of the Blackwood Pack. A born leader who got respect everywhere he went. At every gathering, the most powerful families pushed their daughters at him. BUT, his fated mate was me. The first time we scented each other at a territorial meeting, we both knew instantly. My wolf submitted to his power immediately. His eyes locked on mine across the room and wouldn't look away. We fell into what felt like a perfect relationship. Secret meetings, stolen ki**es, pa**ionate nights together. I thought he didn't care about my mixed bl**d. I threw myself into becoming worthy of him - studied pack politics, learned etiquette, trained harder than any purebl**ded she-wolf. The Moon Goddess had given us this bond – surely that meant I was destined to be his Luna. But it didn't matter. My eyes burned as I watched Zack, who was suffering through the mate bond rejection too. I forced the words through gritted teeth: "Why?" "I thought you always understood," Zack looked at me with eyes that had turned cold and distant. "You're a hybrid. Being my girlfriend temporarily was already an honor. How could you possibly think you deserved to be Luna of the Blackwood Pack?" "I've already chosen my Luna candidate. But don't worry – after I marry her, you can still be my mi**ress." So he'd been cheating. Planning this all along. If I'd had a silver kn**e right then, I would've stabbed him repeatedly. But I was too weak, too broken. I could only watch him get dressed and walk out of my life. After he left, the television was broadcasting news from the Council Gala. There was Zack at the head table, beside Selina Vance - my stepsister. The Vance family's golden wolf, their most prized bl**dline. Elegant, pure, powerful, she seemed custom-made for the title of "future Luna." The headline was beautifully crafted: "Blackwood Pack's Future Alpha Appears With Purebl**ded Luna Candidate, Marriage Alliance Imminent." I stared at the photograph, my body turning cold. Everyone was congratulating them. Everyone thought this was right. No one cared that Zack's true fated mate wasn't Selina, but me. Just as I was about to crush my phone, my mom Nadia called. Her voice was ice-cold, "Elara, you're twenty-three now. It's time you contributed to the family." I listened as she declared my fate: "Enzo and I have discussed it and arranged several matchmaking meetings for you. All respectable Alpha families, suitable matches." "If you don't cooperate..." she paused, her voice growing even colder, "you can forget about your father's hotel chain." My bl**d froze instantly. My birth father, James Park, had owned a boutique hotel chain-the Park Hotel Group. When my father died, I was only five. He'd made careful arrangements for me: He left me 45% of the shares-making me the majority shareholder. My mother received 30% of the shares. Another 15% went to an employee stock ownership plan, distributed among 25 core staff members, with restrictions against external transfers. The final 10% established a charitable trust for public welfare projects. Besides shares, father left me other assets: Park Manor, some investment accounts, and his personal collections. These properties were directly in my name but managed by my mother until I came of age. But there was a crucial condition-I must complete a formal marriage registration before my 23rd birthday, or management rights for all assets, including my shares, would permanently transfer to my mother. Now, I had just one month left until my 23rd birthday. My father had wanted to protect me, never imagining this condition would become my mother's greatest leverage against me. If I didn't marry according to their wishes, they could use various financial maneuvers to dilute my shares' value, reducing me to a shareholder in name only. I finally understood the truth. She never intended to let me truly take over my father's business. Those assets were just another card in her hand, tools to control and manipulate me. "You have 12 hours to decide," she said without any love in her voice. Just cold business. "Elara, don't let me down. You've already caused enough problems for this family. Stop being difficult." I sat alone in my tiny apartment and started laughing. So why should I keep letting everyone walk all over me? If they wanted to treat marriage like some business deal, fine. I'd use marriage to strike back. Hard. "I'll go through with your political marriage arrangement," my voice turned equally cold, "but when it's over, don't forget to return my inheritance to me, Luna Nadia." Chapter 2 The Contract Elara The next morning, I went to Moon Harbor. It was the most exclusive private c**b in town. My mother had set up a meeting with my "marriage prospect" there. My target was clear. Damian Sterling, second son of the Sterling Pack's Alpha. Not the heir, but pure bl**dline. Most importantly, rumor said he didn't care about his mate's bl**dline purity. In other words, he'd accept a hybrid. Everyone knew the rumors about Damian Sterling. Playboy, trust fund brat, the Sterling family's disgrace. Perfect. I smiled coldly. This kind of waste was exactly what I needed. He wanted a respectable wife for show. I needed a legal husband to get my father's inheritance back. A perfect deal where nobody got hurt. Because nobody would catch real feelings. Compared to those self-righteous Alphas who thought they were "saving" hybrids, I preferred honest ga**age. At least he wouldn't pretend to love me. And he wouldn't betray me for bl**dline purity when things got tough. The c**b worker led me to the top floor. "Suite 1012," she said. "Mr. Sterling is waiting." I nodded and memorized the number. The hallway had identical doors with fancy carvings and metal name plates. I walked down searching: 1008, 1009, 1010... My phone buzzed. Text from my mother: "Remember, this match matters for the family. Don't mess it up." I almost laughed. Family. Right. I didn't bother replying and just turned the phone off. If she wanted to use me to climb the social ladder, fine. But I wasn't going to pretend we were some loving family. 1012 should be just ahead... The hallway turned. I saw a door with voices coming from inside. This must be it. I took a deep breath and pushed the door open. The private suite was dimly lit. Sm**e, al**hol, and wolf pheromones filled the air. Men and women were scattered around what looked like a private party. Through the sm**e and wh**key scent mixed with strong Alpha pheromones, I could see couples fl**ting in the low light. I stood at the entrance, not sure who to approach. Then a woman's flirty laugh cut through the noise: "D! Pour me another!" I quickly found who I was looking for. He sat in the corner on a black leather sofa, lounging like a king with women around him. He looked tall and lean with broad shoulders and a narrow waist. His black T-shirt showed off defined muscles. Rolled-up sleeves revealed toned forearms with faint scars. His bronze hair looked messy in the amber lighting. Typical European features: high nose, sharp profile, strong jawline. His amber eyes looked drunk and unfocused as he played with a wh**key glass. Found him. Just like the rumors said. Aimless, promiscuous, completely hopeless. Exactly the partner I needed. I took a deep breath and walked toward him. "Damian?" Before he could answer, a female wolf beside him waved me away impatiently. Her tone was nasty: "Where did this little half-br**d come from? Can't you see D is busy? Get lost!" I ignored her and looked straight at him. "Hello. I'm Elara Park." He finally looked up. Those seemingly unfocused amber eyes suddenly showed something ancient and dangerous. Like a predator lying in wait that suddenly opened its eyes. When his gaze met mine, I felt a strange flutter in my ch**t. Not fear, not alarm... what was it? I'd just lost my mate bond. It couldn't possibly be... I shook my head hard, pushing away such crazy thoughts. I must be imagining things. But just as quickly, he went back to looking careless. He waved for everyone else to leave. His lips curved into a lazy smile: "Interesting. Not many people dare interrupt me when I'm 'working.'" He pointed to the seat across from him: "Sit down, Elara Park. Let me see what a hybrid lady who looks like she stepped out of elite private school wants from me in a place like this." When I actually sat in front of him, that uneasy feeling got stronger. I knew it. The rumors were wrong. This wolf was dangerous. He leaned back in his chair, looking lazy and casual, like he couldn't be bothered with anything. But when he looked at me, my wolf tensed instinctively. My breath caught. This wasn't ordinary Alpha pressure. It was something older, more terrifying. Almost like the aura of an apex predator. I steadied myself. I wouldn't back down. "Let's talk business, Damian." I pulled out a contract I'd prepared. "I need marriage registration to inherit my property. Simple contract. Marriage in name only, separate lives, divorce after one year. In exchange, you get a large payment when it's done." He seemed to see through my forced calm. His lips curved slightly with casual malice. "Are you in such a hurry to get married?" I hated how he looked at me, like a predator sizing up prey. I pushed the contract toward him. "Not marriage. A transaction," I said coldly. "I need a legal spouse. I don't care what you need. After marriage, we don't interfere with each other. No emotions, no crossing lines. You sign, I pay. Simple." I spoke fast and cold, trying to boost my own courage. I expected him to mock me or make things difficult. But he just looked down at the contract once, then laughed softly. That laugh gave me chills. The next moment, he picked up a pen and signed without hesitation. I was stunned. Too fast. So fast it seemed like he'd been waiting for this contract forever. I tried to grab the contract from him, but he stood up, holding it out of reach. I stumbled forward into his arms. A captivating scent filled my nose, making me dizzy for a moment. I looked up at him, feeling regret for the first time. But it was too late.He closed the document. His gaze locked onto mine. His voice was deep and sharp like a bl**e in darkness. "Elara," he said, "I hope you won't regret walking up to me on your own." In that moment, my heart skipped for no reason. Chapter 3 The Alpha King's Secret Author The drive to the werewolf mating registration office was quiet. Dominic gripped the steering wheel tight as his wolf paced inside him, restless and eager. He couldn't help but think back to the first time he'd seen Elara. Three years ago, right after the annual Alpha Academy lecture. The moment he laid eyes on her, something deep in his wolf stirred with desperate longing. Her scent hit him like a punch to the gut - bergamot and rain, completely intoxicating. His mind took seconds to process what his wolf knew instantly. He wanted her more than he'd ever wanted anyone. But Elara hadn't noticed him at all. Instead, her gentle eyes and hopeful smile were aimed at someone else. That ba**ard, Zack Blackwood, who smelled like lies and fake loyalty. In that instant, Dominic's wolf went completely wild with jealousy and rage. His eyes flashed gold as the need to challenge Zack and steal her away nearly took over. The urge to mark her, to replace Zack's claim with his own, was so strong he had to leave just to get control back. To fight his feelings for her, he threw himself into wild parties and meaningless hookups. He could go through the physical motions with other women, but emotionally and spiritually, it meant nothing. No matter how many women he was with physically, their scents smelled wrong and fake. His body could function, but his wolf hated every moment. His wolf rejected them all, whining and retreating deeper into his mind whenever another woman touched him. The pack council kept pressuring him with arranged marriages, parading eligible she-wolves before him like prize breeding stock. As the only remaining Alpha Royal bl**dline, they desperately needed him to produce an heir. Each rejection made his wolf more angry and protective of the mate he couldn't have. So he started an elaborate deception. He'd meet the council's chosen women, take them to bed, but secretly take pills to prevent pr**nancy. The women got paid well for their time, but never got what they really wanted - the chance to bear his puppies. Dominic only wanted one woman. Elara Park. The monthly council meetings became a ritual of harassment, their wolf scents thick with disapproval every time they cornered him about heirs and duty. Just yesterday, at 3 PM in the Royal Council Chamber. Twelve pack elders sat around a huge stone table carved with old wolf symbols. Their combined energy made the room feel heavy and hard to breathe in. Each elder was important in their own pack, connecting their people to the Alpha King. "Alpha King, you're thirty years old now!" The Chief Elder's wolf pushed forward, making his frustrated voice stronger. "As the only awakened Lycan royal bl**dline on this continent, you cannot keep waiting!" "Our enemies can smell weakness!" Another elder added. "If our royal bl**dline dies out, Lycan powers from other continents will attack immediately!" He slammed his fist on the table, the sound echoing like a challenge howl. "All wolf packs across North America will become slaves!" Twelve pairs of eyes stared at the throne carved with ancient wolf symbols. Their combined wolf energy pressed against Dominic like a physical weight. Their pressure would have made any ordinary Alpha give in. But Dominic just lounged lazily on his throne. His fingers tapped the precious gems in the armrests. Each tap was like a territorial warning. When their noise became unbearable, he stopped tapping. Dominic stood slowly, his true Alpha aura unfurling like dark wings. Instantly, crushing dominance flooded the hall. The ancient wolf magic in his bl**d pressed down on every werewolf there, forcing their wolves to submit completely. "I am the only Alpha King on this continent," his voice carried his wolf's deep growl. Each word was a territorial claim that echoed in their bones. "My mating decisions need no one's approval." To calm their wolves and prevent a real challenge, he gave them hope on purpose: "As for the heir issue... maybe an answer will come sooner than you think." At the time, he just wanted to s**t up the old f**ols and stop their wolves from doing something st**id. He never expected fate would bring Elara to him so perfectly. But here she was, about to become his Luna. A mindlink suddenly crackled in his head. It was Owen, his Beta. The man's mental voice sounded urgent and panicked. Alpha, the council found out about your lie. You... Owen 's thoughts were jagged with worry. We can stop this st**id act now,Dominic replied through the pack bond. His mental voice was warm with satisfaction. I found my Luna. What?! Alpha, you mean a real mate? Owen's shock hit the mindlink like a physical blow. His excitement bled through their connection. There's just one small problem. My mate thinks she married Damian Sterling, Dominic added. Please tell me I'm hearing things wrong, Alpha. Are you saying you stole Damian Sterling's fiancée? Owen's mental voice practically shrieked. She was always mine, Dominic said. Now stop fr**king out and make Damian Sterling disappear from public view for a week. Keep the Sterling family quiet too. Unless you want those twelve old f**ls bothering us constantly. Got it, Alpha. I'll put our best people on it right away, Owen responded. Make sure his scent doesn't go anywhere near my mate. I need to focus completely on courting my mate properly. Let her wolf recognize mine naturally, Dominic added. Completely understood. I'll make sure it's handled perfectly. Dominic looked down at the marriage contract in his hands. His wolf preened at Elara Park's signature next to his real name. His mate had suggested a contract marriage to him. The Moon Goddess herself couldn't have planned a more perfect beginning. He couldn't wait to see Elara's reaction when she found out she married the wrong man. Soon, the entire werewolf world would know who Elara Park belonged to. Chapter 4 It Was His Mother's Last Name Elara Werewolf mating registration was way more complicated than human marriage. We were not just binding our identities. We were connecting bl**dlines, inheritance rights, and mate status that the Council could recognize when needed. Dealing with all this paperwork took us almost half a day. After Damian and I finished signing, the system quickly created our mating certificate. I folded the thin paper carefully and put it away, feeling relieved. Then a wave of unreality hit me. Was I really married? No proposal. No vows. No moon ceremony. No pack blessings. Just a cold piece of paper and a husband I barely knew. But this paper could save my life. That was what mattered. I thought he would at least mention some conditions after we finished the registration. But he didn't. He just gave me his contact info, told me I could call if I needed anything, then left like nothing happened. It was too calm. His casual attitude made me nervous. I started wondering if he already knew who I was. If he understood what this marriage meant to me. But I had no time to think about it. I had more important things to do. I immediately called my mother and lawyer. This time, I didn't argue angrily like before. I didn't try to get her approval. I simply told her in a calm voice: "I married Damian Sterling. It's time to return the inheritance rights that father left me." A long silence came from the other end. Then Nadia's voice, clearly holding back rage: "Oh... married so quickly? Fine. However, Elara, about the property matters, we need to confirm some things..." "Confirm what?" I stayed calm. "Father's will is very clear. If I complete a mating registration before my 23rd birthday, I can get back the property management rights. Now I'm married. According to legal procedure, it should be transferred to me." "But darling, with the Sterling family's current situation... Damian's position... we need to evaluate whether this marriage has legal validity..." "Mom," I cut her off, my voice stronger than ever, "don't try to play word games with the will. I hired the best legal team. Every clause has been carefully reviewed. Damian Sterling is a legally recognized adult male. Our mating registration fully meets legal requirements.Most importantly, he was one of your recommended candidates. How come your pure bl**dline didn't give you a decent memory?" "Elara, what kind of attitude is this? I am your mother!" "Mother?" I laughed coldly. "Would a real mother use her daughter's inheritance as leverage? Would she stand by and watch her daughter get humiliated by her stepsister without lifting a finger?" "Everything I've done has been for the pack's benefit..." "For the pack's benefit? Or to make sure Selina can marry into the Blackwood family and secure your position in the Vance pack?" I pushed harder. "My whole life, you've treated me like a pawn, a tool, a doll to control. Now that I'm playing by your rules, you want to change them?" Nadia's tone got sharp when I hit her weak spot: "Don't forget who raised you! Without the Vance pack, do you think you'd be where you are today?" "Is that so?" My voice got colder. "Then don't forget that without my father's money, would the Vance pack's business be where it is today? How much profit have you taken from Park Hotel Group all these years?" "Those were all legitimate investment returns..." "Legitimate?" I scoffed. "Then me getting back my rightful property management is equally legitimate. Mother, you can't profit from my father's estate while denying his heir control, can you?" Heavy breathing came from the other end. Clearly Nadia was speechless. "Since this is how things are," I continued, my tone ice cold, "I hope you'll keep your promise. Tomorrow my lawyers will handle the property transfer procedures. If there's any interference..." I paused on purpose, letting the threat hang in the air: "I will sue everyone involved, including you and your husband, and anyone trying to steal my father's estate. Trust me, I have both the ability and the determination." "You dare threaten me?" Nadia finally dropped her mask. "You'll regret this! You ungrateful..." I hung up. Looking at the "Call Ended" on my screen, I suddenly felt incredibly light. Finally, no more pretending. No more seeking her approval. No more wanting her motherly love. No more compromising myself for that tiny bit of fake warmth. Next, I did something else important. I got rid of everything related to Zack. Messages deleted. Call history erased. His scent in my apartment completely removed. Even the leftover pheromones on the sheets, carpets, and sofa were all replaced. Just as I finished dealing with everything and was ready to leave my old apartment, a black car stopped downstairs. An older driver respectfully opened the door for me, bowing as he spoke: "Mrs. Wolfe." The driver's way of addressing me made me pause. Wolfe? I remembered Damian's last name should be Sterling. But then I thought maybe this was a new identity he took after leaving the Sterling family name. Given his position in the Sterling family, getting disowned wouldn't be surprising. Or maybe it was his mother's last name? I didn't think much about it. These details weren't important to me anyway. But Damian Sterling had a terrible reputation. If he weren't the Alpha's son, he would have been banished long ago. That was why he became the other party in this arranged marriage. Yet as I slid into the luxurious leather seats, breathing in the scent of expensive cologne and polished wood, how could someone so ignored still have a personal driver and luxury car? Chapter 5 Shattered Bonds Elara I immediately called Damian . He picked up on the second ring, his voice slightly breathless like he'd been running. "Hey, what's up?" "I asked you some questions," I said, not letting him dodge it. "Did you change your last name because you got kicked out of your family? And what's with the fancy car and driver?" There was a brief pause, then his careless laugh. "Oh, that. Yeah, I stopped using Sterling a while back. Honestly? I got sick of being associated with that pack. " I frowned, twisting a strand of hair around my finger as I processed his explanation. His tone was casual, maybe too casual. But the explanation made sense in a weird way. Rich families and their complicated politics were beyond me anyway. "And the car?" "Like I said, borrowed from a buddy. He's got more money than sense, and he owed me a favor. I couldn't let my new wife ride around in some beat-up Honda, could I? It would make us both look bad." I rubbed my forehead, deciding to let it go. Whatever his real story was, as long as he helped me get my inheritance back and stuck to our deal of staying out of each other's business, I had no reason to dig deeper. "Fine. Just... next time give me a heads up about stuff like that, okay? I don't like surprises." "Got it. Anything else, Mrs. Wolfe?" The way he said my new name made something flutter in my ch**t, though I couldn't figure out why. "No, that's it." After hanging up, I told the driver to take me back to my apartment near Blackwood Pack territory. This place had been the setting for my secret relationship with Zack. Now, looking at these buildings, I felt nothing but disgust. Every block in this neighborhood was Blackwood territory, and I wanted no connection to them anymore. Just as I reached the apartment building, someone called out to me. "Elara!" I turned around, my keys already in my hand, ready to make a quick escape. An anxious figure was rushing toward me. Lisa. She was the housekeeper Zack had hired to take care of our little love nest. A sweet woman in her fifties who'd always treated me kindly, probably thinking I was going to be her Alpha's Luna someday. "Miss Elara, are you okay?" Lisa's face was flushed from running, her gray hair slightly messy. Her eyes were filled with sympathy and concern. "I heard about the Alpha's Luna announcement on the pack news..." I forced a smile. "It's over, Lisa." "Over? What's over?" Lisa grabbed my arm with both hands, her grip surprisingly strong for such a small woman. Surprise flashed in her eyes. "But... but what about you two..." "There is no 'but' anymore," I gently pulled my arm free. "I'm married now." "What?!" Lisa's mouth dropped open so wide I thought she might catch flies. "What did you say? Married? To who? When did this happen?" "To someone decent," I replied, shifting my weight from foot to foot, eager to get this conversation over with. "The point is, I've moved on. Could you do me a favor? Please give Zack a message for me. From now on, we have zero connection. And he'd better not show his face around me." Lisa's eyes filled with tears, like she was mourning the end of a fairytale she'd believed in. "But Miss Elara, he loves you so much..." I almost laughed at that. "No, Lisa. He doesn't. Trust me on that." With that, I turned and walked into the building, taking the stairs two at a time to avoid any more painful conversations. Packing up took me nearly two hours. I moved through the small space like a tornado, grabbing everything that was mine. I'd built up quite a collection in this apartment. Clothes, books, toiletries... each item carried memories of the past. Every piece I touched made my ch**t tight, but also made me more determined to leave it all behind. I packed them all into boxes, planning to toss everything in the dumpster. If he could throw away what we had so easily, then I could throw away these reminders just as fast. After clearing out the last item, I wheeled my suitcase toward the building exit, my heels clicking loudly on the marble floor. Only to spot a Blackwood family car parked outside. My heart stopped. I knew that car way too well. It was Zack's go-to ride. The same one that had dropped me off after our hidden encounters. My hands clenched into fists at my sides. After his public display with Selina, he still had the nerve to come find me. The car door opened with a soft click that somehow sounded loud in the quiet street. The familiar figure stepped out. Zack Blackwood wore a dark gray suit, perfectly tailored to his broad shoulders. "Elara." He said my name like a prayer, like it still meant something coming from his lips. He walked toward me, his voice low and gentle, just as it had been the countless times he'd whispered sweet lies in my ear. But now, hearing my name from his mouth made me want to throw up. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &3&