Bound by the Alpha’s Contract:His Substitute bride

Ethan Cannon stood motionless beneath the crystal chandeliers,wearing a wedding suit tailored for someone else.The fabric hung slightly loose on his slender frame,a constant reminder that he was nothing but a last replacement. “Keep your mouth shut and your head down,”his father hissed.”Your brother fled like a coward last night.If you ruin this alliance with the Sebastian family,our pack and company are finished.Do you understand.? Ethan wanted to hate his brother for running but he envied him instead.Kevin had escaped and he had stayed behind to be sacrificed.The massive double door at the end of the hall swung open with a heavy groan.Silence swept across the crowd like a wave.Every head turned as Lucas Sebastian walked in.Lucas looked like the kind of Alpha people feared instinctively. He was tall,cold and beautiful in a dangerous way.He stopped directly in front of Ethan “You’re not Victor,” Lucas stated. His voice was low and terrifyingly indifferent. Gasps filled the hall. Ethan’s father turned deathly pale, sweat already beading on his forehead. “Mr. Sebastian , please forgive us,” his father stammered, bowing slightly. “There was a sudden… family matter. My younger son Ethan is actually a better match for you. His pheromone compatibility tests are higher and he’s more obedient…” Lucas raised one hand, instantly silencing the older man. His eyes never left Ethan’s. “Name,” he commanded. “Ethan,” Ethan answered. He kept his voice soft but steady, even as Lucas’s overwhelming aroma pressed against his sensitive glands, sending unwelcome warmth racing down his spine. Lucas leaned down, bringing his lips close to Ethan’s ear so only he could hear. “Little substitute,” he murmured, “do you have any idea what kind of cage you’ve just walked into?” Ethan should have looked away.Instead,he felt his pulse jump.He lifted his eyes and met that icy, predatory stare directly. “I know exactly what this is,” he whispered back. “One year business alliance.Public appearances as a loving couple. That’s what the contract says. Nothing more.” A faint, dangerous smirk curved Lucas’s lips. “Sign it.” The ceremony itself was brutally short.No heartfelt vows,no loving glances. Just two signatures on official documents and the cold weight of a platinum ring being pushed onto Ethan’s slim finger. Cameras flashed for the required press photos, capturing the image of a perfect Alpha Omega power couple while only a few people in the room knew the truth was far darker. By the time they arrived at the luxurious private penthouse on the top floor of the Sebastian Corporation tower, Ethan’s nerves were frayed to their limit. The space was breathtaking , floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the glittering night city skyline, minimalist black and silver decor, and a massive master bedroom that smelled overwhelmingly of Lucas’s scent. Ethan thought he would have at least a few minutes alone to collect himself but he was wrong. The door clicked shut behind them. For a few seconds, neither of them spoke.Ethan stood near the window, resisting the urge to fidget while Lucas slowly removed his cuff links with calm,precise movements. The silence felt intentional.Like Lucas was studying him.He had met powerful Alphas before, arrogant heirs, spoiled executives , men who relied on money to intimidate people.Lucas felt different, like he was worse than that.He was dangerous in a quieter way. Lucas walked in, already loosening his black tie with one hand.Ethan noticed faint scars crossing Lucas’s knuckles.They were old,faded and far too deliberate for someone born into luxury.For some reason that disturbed him more than Lucas’s cold expression.His presence had grown thicker in the enclosed space. “Scared yet?” Lucas asked, dark eyes watching him with unnerving intensity. Ethan shook his head.“The contract… Article 7 clearly states that physical intimacy is not required unless both parties agree. Tonight we don’t have to…” “I know exactly what the contract says,” Lucas interrupted. He stepped closer, towering over Ethan, one hand coming up to brace against the glass beside Ethan’s head. “One year of marriage. In public, you will be my perfect, obedient Omega spouse. You will smile adoringly at me during banquets. You will let me hold your waist. You will let the world believe I’m f*****g you every night.” His fingers brushed Ethan’s chin, tilting his face upward with surprising gentleness that still left no room for escape. “But right now,” Lucas continued, voice dropping to a husky whisper, “we’re not in public.” Ethan’s breath hitched sharply. He hated how his body responded.Lucas hadn’t even touched him properly yet and already his instincts were betraying him.He hated how quickly his body responded, Lucas hadn’t touched him properly yet, and already his instincts were betraying him Lucas’s nostrils flared. His eyes darkened further as he leaned in, lips hovering just above Ethan’s racing pulse. “Tell me, little substitute… Why does your scent make me want to throw the entire one-year contract out the window and claim you right here against this glass?” Ethan’s hands came up to press weakly against Lucas’s firm chest. He could feel the Alpha’s heartbeat,steady, powerful, and far too fast. His own body was growing warmer, knees weakening as the first hints of an unwanted heat response stirred. Lucas’s thumb traced Ethan’s lower lip slowly, possessively. “And more importantly…” the Alpha murmured, a dangerous glint in his eyes, “what are you hiding behind that gentle face, Ethan Cannon.” Before he could respond, Lucas’s phone vibrated sharply on the nearby table. The Alpha glanced at the screen, his expression shifting into something colder and more ruthless. His grip on Ethan’s chin tightened slightly. “It seems your dear family is already trying to contact me with excuses,” Lucas said. “But they’ll have to wait.” He tossed the phone aside and suddenly scooped Ethan up in one smooth motion, carrying him toward the enormous king-sized bed. “Lucas…” Ethan started, voice unsteady. Lucas laid him down on the black silk sheets, hovering above him with predatory grace. “Relax, little substitute,” Lucas whispered against his ear, lips brushing the sensitive skin. “The night is still young… and our contract has just begun.” Ethan’s heart slammed against his chest as Lucas’s fingers stopped over the first button of his shirt. “Tell me honestly,”he murmured “Did your family send you here to spy on me or to seduce me?”