Rebecca’s POV
420
Dominic tensed immediately. “She’s not some curiosity to be examined,” he growled, though his father couldn’t hear him.
I placed a calming hand on his chest. “It’s alright. They’re bound to be curious.”
+We’ll l
let Dr. Winters confirm everything is proceeding normally first,” he said firmly, pressing the intercom button. “We have an appointment this moming, Father. Perhaps this afternoon.”
“Very well,” Alpha responded, sounding amused. “Though I suspect Rebecca may be handling this transition better than you are, son.”
After disconnecting, Dominic paced the balcony, his protective instincts clearly in overdrive. “You’re not a science experiment for them to
marvel at.”
I caught his hand, stopping his movement. “I understand their curiosity. What’s happening to me hasn’t happened in generations, according to your father. Besides, I added with a small smile, “I’m curious myself.”
His expression softened. “How do you always manage to be so reasonable?”
“One of us has to be,” I teased, earning a reluctant smile in return.
An hour later, we made our way downstairs for breakfast. I’d grown accustomed to the grand scale of Sterling Manor, but still marveled at the history embedded in its walls–portraits of ancestors going back centuries, artifacts from pack history displayed in glass cases.
As we approached the main staircase, I caught the unmistakable scent of Marianne Sterling, along with several others rd come to recognize as Omega pack members – lower–ranking wolves who often served in household positions. Their voices drifted up, not quite whispers but clearly meant to be private
“…changing so quickly, one was saying. “My cousin in the Northern pack said he’s never heard of such a thing.
other replied. “Humans aren’t meant to possess our abilities.”
“It’s unnatural,” another
Marianne’s voice cut in, sharp and controlled “Whatever is happening, it doesn’t change her origins. The board may be fascinated now, but they won’t accept a converted human as Luna.”
ange calm settling over me. A month ago, such words would have hurt, made me feel insecure. Now, they simply I slowed my steps, a strange informed me of challenges I would need to address.
Dominic sensed my reaction, his hand finding the small of my back. “We don’t have to go down there,” he murmured.
“Yes, we do,” I replied quietly, “I can’t avold her forever. Besides, I’m hungry and eating for two, remember?”
We continued down the stairs, and the conversation below abruptly ceased. Five pairs of eyes turned toward us – Mariannes cool and assessing, the others a mixture of curiosity and wariness.
“Good morning, Mother, Dominic said formally, his hand remaining protectively at my back
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12:47 Sat, Sep 27…
Chapter 192
“Dominic, Rebecca,” Marianne acknowledged with a slight no. “I was just discussing the garden renovations with the staff
It was such an obvious He that I almost smiled. Instead, I met her gaze directly. “Good morning, Marianne. The east gardens are beautiful this time of year the lilacs are particularly fragrant from my balcony.”
One of the Omegas a younger woman with auburn hair – stared at me openly, then took an Involuntary step hackward. Her scent,” she whispered to her companion. “It’s almost like… one of us.”
The others reacted similarly, murmuring among themselves and creating more distance between us. Their behavior might have amused me if it didn’t so clearly demonstrate the challenge 1 faced in being accepted.
Marianne attempted to regain control of the situation. “A bit of werewolf blood doesn’t change what she is,” she said, her voice carrying just enough to reach everyone present. “The board may find it fascinating, but they understand the importance of pure bloodlines in leadership.
I felt a surge of something unfamiliar – not quite anger, but a calm, immovable certainty, When I spoke, my voice was steady and carried an authority that seemed to surprise everyone, including Marianne.
“As the future Luna of this pack, I look forward to working with you, Marianne, not against you. Your experience will be invaluable to me.”
an older man who served as head of household staff- The silence that followed was profound. Several of the Omegas lowered their eyes instinctively a gesture of submission I’d learned was deeply ingrained in pack hierarchy. Even more surprising was when one of them bowed his head formally.
ard to serving you, Luna,” he said, using the title that still felt strange to my
“We look forward
years.
Marianne’s expression remained composed, but i toward the dining room, her back rigidly straight.
ut I could smell her shock
ck and uncertainty. Without another word, she turned and walked
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12:47 Sat, Sep 2
Mated by Contract to the Alpha
