My Contract with the Alpha Eleanor "Ellie" Wainwright, a young woman from a cruel and manipulative family, is forced to marry a feared and lonely Alpha, Victor Hartfang. Born without a wolf, she is considered an anomaly in her pack, a dead weight for her family and an object of contempt for the other members. Victor, Alpha of the powerful pack of the Dark Shadows, agrees to this marriage for mysterious reasons. Aloof, icy and dominant, he treats her like an outsider. However, behind his impenetrable facade, he hides a dark secret: his past is marked by betrayals and heartbreaking choices, and his own wolf is chained by a strange evil. Plunged into a new pack where tensions and challenges multiply, Ellie must navigate a world of domination, jealousies and political intrigue. Why did Victor really agree to this union? What did he hope to get from her? And why does her wolf seem to react so violently to her presence, oscillating between rejection and an almost unbearable attraction? As their unlikely bond begins to strengthen, a greater threat emerges. A rival pack, ancient enemies, and a forgotten prophecy threaten to upset their fragile balance. Can Ellie, devoid of lupine powers, prove she is more than a weak human? Will Victor dare to reveal her secrets before they destroy them both? And most importantly, what will happen when Victor discovers that Ellie may not be as "human" as she thinks?
Chapter 1 Chapitre 1
Chapter 1
Ellie clutched the paper between her fingers, the words printed on it burning like venom. His mother had thrown the document at him without a word, with that contemptuous look that she reserved for his "failures." Promise of marriage. A union sealed between her, Eleanor Wainwright, and Victor Hartfang, the Alpha of the Dark Shadows. The letters danced before her eyes, blurred because of the tears she refused to let fall. She felt a wave of nausea rise within her, but she pushed it back with force. To cry would be to prove them right. She wouldn't give them that satisfaction.
"You should be grateful," her mother called out, breaking the silence. "This marriage saves you from uselessness. »
Ellie looked up. "Grateful? You sell me like an object. You didn't even ask my opinion. »
Her mother shrugged, oblivious to the anger brewing in her daughter's voice. "You don't have to have an opinion. You are just a dead weight to this family. Without a wolf, without value. Victor Hartfang takes pity on you. You better thank the gods that he agreed to this alliance. »
Ellie clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. She wanted to scream, to throw in their faces everything she had been holding back for years. But she knew it wouldn't change anything. His father, silent until then, finally spoke.
"It's for the good of the pack, Ellie. For the sake of our family. Don't make things harder than they already are. »
He avoided her gaze, as always. A weak man, hiding behind his wife and his traditions. Ellie felt rage building inside her, rage that she had nowhere to channel.
"What if I refuse? » she finally blurted out, her voice trembling with the effort she put into not bursting.
His mother burst out laughing, a dry, cruel sound. "You don't have that luxury. You are nothing here. And you will be even less if you dare to challenge Victor. Do what you're told, and you can at least have some semblance of a future. »
Ellie looked away, unable to bear their contempt any longer. She had grown up under the weight of their judgment, their rejection. But this...this was a betrayal she hadn't seen coming.
That evening, she stood in front of the large wooden door of the Hartfang mansion. Her simple clothes contrasted with the cold richness of the place. Her heart pounded as the door opened, revealing a man she recognized immediately. Victor Hartfang.
He was exactly as they described him: imposing, with an icy aura that seemed to repel all human warmth. His steel gray eyes looked at her without any emotion. She felt naked under his gaze, reduced to nothing more than an object of exchange.
"Eleanor Wainwright," he said at last, his voice low and sharp. " Between. We have to discuss. »
She hesitated for a split second, but finally entered, feeling her back stiffen under the weight of his gaze. He led her into a living room where a fire was crackling in the hearth. But even this heat seemed artificial, unable to penetrate the frigid atmosphere he gave off.
"So, it's you," he said, sitting down in an armchair, eyeing her as if she were a rare and paltry curiosity at the same time.
She remained standing, refusing to show the slightest weakness. " Yes. And you are Victor Hartfang. The man who agrees to marry a woman he doesn't even know. For what ? »
A joyless smile touched his lips. "You are direct. It's surprising. To answer your question, this marriage is just a formality. Your parents see it as a strategic alliance. I see it as a contract. Nothing more. »
Ellie felt a shiver run down her spine. "And what do you want in return? Because I doubt it's just for my charm or my company. »
He raised an eyebrow, amused by her insolence. "You don't need to know. All you need to understand is that your life here will be different. I will not tolerate disobedience or insubordination. Do what you're told, and everything will be fine. »
"What if I refuse? »
A tense silence fell, then he stood up, slowly approaching her. His gaze pierced her, cold and implacable.
"You don't have that choice," he said, his voice almost a whisper, but so heavy with menace that it took her breath away. "This wedding will take place. Whether you like it or not. »
Ellie took a step back, feeling her courage waver. But she stood up quickly, refusing to show him her fear.
"Very well," she said finally, her voice steady despite the panic brewing inside her. "But don't expect me to be docile. »
Victor let out a short, heartless laugh. "We'll see how long this bravado lasts. »
He turned on his heel, leaving her alone in the living room. Ellie clenched her fists, swearing inwardly that she wouldn't let herself be crushed. If she had to live in this hell, she would find a way out. Whatever it costs.
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