ALPHA KONAN'S POV

I paced round the room, my mind full of conflicting thoughts. I remembered how Elyan, my wolf, reacted when I first saw Madeline's bare body. It was supposed to be one mistake, one indulgence, but now she carried my child.

Revenge would have to wait to wait.

I needed her and the baby to strengthen my position in the pack. She would be useful as a fake mate to quiet the pack elders who were concerned about me not having a mate or children. Announcing her and the baby at the next pack meeting, which was only a few hours away, would be the best way to handle things. It was an opportunity I couldn't afford to squander.

"Dan," I called.

"Yes, Alpha Konan?" he answered from behind the door.

"Summon Madeline here." I ordered.

"The servant girl from earlier today?" he asked.

"Dan, is there any other Madeline in this mansion?" I replied coldly.

"Sorry alpha Konan. I will get her right away," he said.

"Hurry!"

I sat behind my desk, drumming my fingers on it. Elyan became awake and alert again. I paused, closed my eyes, and listened to my own heartbeat. Elyan's presence grew stronger, and I could feel him pushing forward.

"What is it Elyan?" I asked. What's making you come forward?"

He said nothing. My eyes closed briefly, focusing on the sound of my heartbeat as i prepared for the encounter ahead.

Just then, a knock at the door broke my concentration.

"Who is it?"

"Madeline, Alpha Konan," came her soft reply.

"Come in," I ordered.

She stepped into the room, avoiding my gaze as I stayed behind my desk. I cleared my throat and started.

"It's been confirmed. You are carrying my child. As the alpha of this pack, I will take full responsibility for you and the baby till it's born. And also to ensure stability in the pack, I am making you my contracted mate. The papers on the table are for the contract. I have signed my part, now it's your turn.

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MADELINE'S POV

The words hit me like a slap. Contracted Mate? I walked over to the table and picked up the papers. Alpha konan's offer to make me his mate was completely unexpected. I never saw this coming. I couldn't wrap my head around what this one mistake was causing.

I began to read. The contract was suffocating. Each clause was another chain around my life. I would no longer be a servant, but only under strict conditions. A proper room for me and the baby. Restricted diet and tonics. Obligations to appear at pack events as his "mate". Forbidden from speaking to any man. And once the child turned one, I was to leave, never to see my baby again.

Every part of the contract made me feel like my future was slipping away. I couldn't accept it.

I looked up at him. "This contract isn't fair," I said with a shaking voice. "I won't sign it."

Alpha Konan frowned. "Madeline," he growled. "You don't have the right to refuse. This contract isn't up for negotiation."

"This contract is unfair! I am carrying your child, but this is not how it should be. You want to make me miserable during and after the pregnancy?" I asked, trying to hold back tears.

I saw red in Alpha konan's eyes. It was terrifying. In an instant, he was standing in front of me, grabbing me by the neck, and slamming me against the door.

"Madeline, don't test me," he snarled. "What did you think was going to happen when you told me this? Did you expect to be treated like a princess? Did you think everyone would do whatever you wanted? This is as kind as I will be because you are carrying my child. Otherwise, what would i be doing with a ruse like you?"

He squeezed tighter, making it hard for me to breathe. My wolf wanted to step in and protect me, but I suppressed it. I knew if I pushed too hard, I could die in his hands. I felt his power, and it was too much for me.

Finally, he let go, and I fell to the floor, gasping. He threw the papers and a pen at me.

"Sign it," he barked. " And get out of my study. You are lucky I am giving you this chance."

There was no point fighting him. I had no choice but to sign. My hands were shaking as I picked up the pen and scribbled my name on the contract. It felt like I was signing my own fate.

I slowly got up and started to leave, my legs unsteady.

"Stop! I don't want my new mate leaving my study looking so weak. Get yourself together before you go. A servant will come to prepare you for the pack meeting. I am going to announce the pregnancy and you as my new mate to the pack elders. What do you think princess?"

He grabbed my chin, forcing me to look at him. I felt my neck crack under his grip.

It's fine by me, Alpha Konan," I said through tears. Your wish my command."

"Good," he said with a smirk. "That's more like it. I hope we both have a smooth time working together, without any more defiance."