Chapter Twenty:

The gilded edges of the contract shimmered under the harsh fluorescent lights of Damon's office, reflecting in his avaricious eyes. He had reread the document a dozen times, each pass fueling his initial euphoria. A Royal contract! Designing a new training facility for the Royal Guard – the most prestigious project imaginable! It would catapult Robin Architecture into the stratosphere, silencing the whispers of his company's faltering finances and solidifying his position within the pack.

He envisioned the groundbreaking ceremony, the media attention, the influx of new clients clamoring for his ‘Royal Architect’ touch. He'd even imagined Elara, finally proud, finally seeing him as the successful Alpha he was destined to be.

But the euphoria was a fragile thing, easily shattered. And shattere……