Chapter 79
Dominic’s POV
Dylan’s car disappeared around the corner, but I could still smell the Beta’s scent lingering in the air–expensive cologne failing to mask the natural musk of a wolf with ill intentions. Beside me, Rebecca trembled. I felt her pulse racing through our bond, her anxiety vibrating between us.
“He…he wanted to do what?” she whispered, voice breaking slightly. Her eyes darted to the corner where Dylan’s car had vanished, pupils dilated with residual fear. “Does Sophia know what kind of person he is?”
I tightened my grip on her hand, feeling the delicate bones beneath her soft skin. My wolf snarled inside me, a primal rage that this male had dared touch what was mine. I forced it down, swallowing the growl that threatened to
escape.
“I’ll handle this,” I said, keeping my voice deliberately even despite the fury still coursing through my veins. “Now, get in the car.”
I opened the passenger door. Rebecca slid into the leather seat, her shoulders dropping slightly as she moved into the safety of my territory. As I rounded the hood, my phone rang. The name on the screen made my jaw clench involuntarily.
After settling behind the wheel, I showed her the caller ID. “I need to take this. Sorry.”
Rebecca nodded, fastening her seatbelt. Her fingers trembled slightly, still not fully recovered from Dylan’s unwanted
attention.
“Collins, what is it?” I kept my voice flat, emotionless.
“Dominic,” came Elizabeth’s father’s voice, smooth and practiced. “Elizabeth mentioned you didn’t make an appearance at the dinner after yesterday’s board meeting…”
I started the engine, pulling away from the curb. My left hand gripped the steering wheel while my right reached for Rebecca’s, needing the connection to keep my temper in check. Her skin was cool against mine.
‘I had other commitments,” I replied, not bothering to elaborate.
“Remember our conversation from last year?” Collins continued, his tone suggesting familiarity we didn’t share. “Without my support, the board might not have been so unanimous in backing your CEO appointment.”
My fingers tightened around Rebecca’s. She squeezed back, her thumb stroking small circles on my knuckles. That small gesture of support made my chest tighten.
“I believe my continuation as CEO has very little to do with you,” I said, each word measured and cold. “Do not attempt to threaten me, Collins.”
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“How is Elizabeth doing?‘ he pivoted, voice now honey smooth. “She mentioned you two haven’t connected in some
time.”
“If you want to know about Elizabeth’s situation, you might try calling her directly.” I ended the call, jabbing the screen harder than necessary.
I gripped the steering wheel until my knuckles turned white. The rage I constantly battled–a companion since becoming Alpha heir–threatened to surface. I inhaled deeply, catching Rebecca’s scent–honeysuckle and rain- helping to center me.
Rebecca watched me, her green–gray eyes tracking the muscle that twitched in my jaw. “That was… Elizabeth’s father?‘
I nodded, eyes fixed on the road. “Yes. He thinks he can leverage past ‘help‘ to control me.”
Silence fell between us. I focused on controlling my breathing, on the feel of the road beneath the tires. After several minutes, I spoke again, voice lower.
“I went to see my parents at Sterling Manor this morning.”
The memory was still raw. The grand reception room at Sterling Manor, morning light streaming through floor–to- ceiling windows. Standing before my parents, their cold, calculating expressions so at odds with the opulent surroundings.
“The pack needs a Luna, Dominic,” my mother said, voice soft but unyielding. Her eyes never left mine, searching for any sign of weakness. “Elizabeth’s bloodline is pure. She would be perfect.”
My father stood by the fireplace, fingers tapping impatiently on the ornate mantel. “The Council has been asking questions about your intentions.”
My mother moved closer, her perfume–expensive and subtle–invading my space. “I’ve heard rumors about your… personal assistant.‘ Playing is acceptable, but don’t let it interfere with the pack’s future.”
Years of training kept my expression neutral despite the anger burning beneath my skin.
My father cleared his throat. “You’re approaching thirty, son. If you haven’t found your true mate by then, you’ll be able to bond with anyone. It’s time to prepare for a union with Elizabeth.”
“As the future Alpha,‘ I responded, voice controlled, “I will arrange matters as needed. You needn’t concern yourselves.
The memory faded. Rebecca was watching me, concern etched in the small furrow between her brows.
“Everyone wants to control my life,” I said, unable to keep the bitterness from my voice. “To decide who I should be with.”
Rebecca reached out, her fingertips light against my forearm. The warmth of her touch penetrated the fabric of my
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Chapter 79
shirt.
“You don’t owe anyone explanations,” she said quietly, conviction in her voice. “You’re the Alpha. Your choice
matters most.”
I glanced at her, something in my chest loosening at her words. Her eyes held no judgment, only understanding. ‘You always know what to say, don’t you?”
I caught her hand, bringing it to my lips. Her skin was soft against my mouth, her pulse quickening at the contact. “Thank you. Sometimes I forget why I keep fighting…”
“Because you want to do what’s right,” she said simply. “Not just what’s expected.”
I turned onto a less traveled mountain road, trees thickening on either side. Rebecca straightened in her seat, attention caught by the changing landscape.
“Where are we going?” she asked, watching as buildings gave way to wilderness.
“I want to show you something,” I replied, a rare lightness entering my voice. “A special place… one that only Alphas can access.”
“Can I go in there?” Her voice held nervousness, but also curiosity.
“You’re with me. Of course you can.” The smile I gave her was one few people ever saw–genuine, without calculation or restraint.
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