Chapter 112
Rebecca’s POV
:
42
The ceramic workshop had provided a welcome distraction, but as I returned to Dominic’s villa in the evening, reality settled back in. I placed Adrian’s cleaned coat carefully in my closet, making a mental note to bring it to class on Thursday when my bowl would be ready. The peaceful feeling from working with clay gradually faded as the hours passed with no sign of Dominic.
He had left for Sterling Manor that morning, promising to return for dinner. But as evening turned to night, my phone buzzed with a message instead:
[Still at the office. Pack business required immediate attention after meeting with father. Don’t wait up. Will be very late.]
I tried not to feel disappointed as I ate alone at the expansive dining table, the silence of the villa pressing in around me. The connection we’d shared the previous night seemed distant now, overshadowed by whatever mysterious pack obligations had claimed his attention.
When I finally drifted off to sleep, the bed felt too large, too empty.
Morning light roused me from fitful dreams. I reached instinctively for Dominic, but found only cold sheets and a
handwritten note on his pillow:
[Early meetings with council elders. Breakfast in kitchen. Will see you at office.]
No “good morning,” no gentle kiss goodbye–just business as usual. The distance left me feeling oddly hollow.
I stood before my closet, trying to decide what to wear. My fingers trembled slightly as I pushed hangers aside, each outfit suddenly seeming inadequate. Today I would see Dominic again after this strange disconnection, and the thought sent butterflies swarming through my stomach.
I paused, resting my forehead against the closet door. These feelings were getting stronger every day–this need to be near him, to hear his voice, to feel his touch. When had I fallen so deeply? And more importantly, why had 1 allowed myself to develop such intense feelings for someone who could never truly be mine?
“You’re being ridiculous,” I muttered to myself, finally selecting a modest knee–length skirt and a pale blue blouse. “He’s your boss. This is temporary.”
But the hollow ache in my chest argued otherwise. The connection between us felt permanent, immovable–like gravity. Yet every interaction with the werewolf world reminded me of the impossibility of our situation. An Alpha needed a proper mate, not a human assistant playing at belonging in his world.
My phone buzzed with a text from Raymond, Dominic’s driver, asking what time I wanted to be picked up. I hesitated before typing a quick reply that I’d take the bus today. I needed the extra time to compose myself, to find some equilibrium before facing Dominic. The bus would give me anonymity, space to breathe and think.
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20:38 Wed, Sep 24
Chapter 112
I checked my reflection one last time, smoothing my hair. “Just be professional,” I reminded myself. “Don’t let him see how much you care.”
42
In my office, I’d almost managed to steady my nerves when my phone vibrated with an unfamiliar text notification.
[Good morning, Rebecca. I’m near your office building for a meeting and wondered if you might be free for lunch. today? I’d like to discuss some course materials you missed from your late enrollment. No pressure.]
I stared at the message, surprised. Professor Lane–Adrian–had been nothing but professional during our ceramics
session, and the text seemed equally appropriate. Still, something about it made me hesitate.
After a moment’s deliberation, I replied: [Hello Adrian. I should be able to take a lunch break around 12:30. There’s a café called Meridian just down the block if that works for you?]
His response came quickly: [Perfect. I’ll see you there.]
I set my phone down, convincing myself this was purely academic. A professor helping a student catch up–nothing more. Yet a nagging voice wondered what Dominic would think. I pushed the thought away. I didn’t need his permission for a business lunch.
Meridian was busy but not crowded when I arrived. Adrian was already seated at a corner table, looking casual yet professional in a navy button–down with sleeves rolled to his elbows. He stood as I approached, offering a warm
smile.
“Rebecca, thank you for making time. I hope I didn’t interrupt your workday too much.”
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Mated by Contract to the Alpha
