Dominic’s POV
The moment I heard Rebecca had left the villa, I knew something was wrong. Diana had called me immediately, as instructed, explaining that Ms. Brown had received an urgent call and left in a hurry, saying she needed to meet her
friend Sofia.
After what happened at the company with Elizabeth, I wasn’t taking any chances. I’d had Raymond discreetly follow her for her protection, keeping at a distance to respect her independence while ensuring her safety. When Raymond reported that she and Sofia were being confronted by Dylan, I dropped everything and headed there immediately, bringing Marcus and another Beta with me.
As I stood at the entrance to the alley, the scene before me made my blood boil. Rebecca was on the ground, pain evident in her face, while Dylan advanced on Sofia. The scent of Rebecca’s fear and pain hit me like a physical blow, triggering a surge of protective rage that nearly overwhelmed my control.
“You’re wrong,” I said, my voice dropping to the register that carried the authority of my position. “I can.”
Dylan spun around, his face paling as he recognized me. Behind him, Sofia helped Rebecca to her feet, supporting her as she winced in pain.
“Sterling,” Dylan stammered, his previous confidence evaporating. “You… what are you doing here?”
I didn’t answer immediately, taking a measured step forward as Marcus and the other Beta flanked me. Raymond remained at the alley entrance, already on his phone, coordinating with our security team.
“Teaching a lesson,” I finally said, my voice deceptively calm despite the fury churning inside me. “About respect.”
Dylan’s eyes darted around, looking for an escape route, but there was none. His partial transformation receded, the amber glow fading from his eyes as self–preservation instincts kicked in.
I glanced at my Betas and gave a simple nod. “Show him.”
The two moved with the fluid grace of predators, crossing the distance to Dylan in seconds. The first Beta seized his arm, twisting it behind his back before slamming him face–first into the brick wall. Dylan tried to fight back, but the second Beta delivered a precise elbow strike to his midsection that doubled him over.
I watched coldly as they methodically administered the punishment, each blow calculated to cause pain without leaving permanent damage. Blood ran from Dylan’s split lip and nose, his expensive clothes torn and dirty as he eventually crumpled to his knees.
My attention, however, was divided. While part of me needed to ensure Dylan understood the consequences of his actions, my primary concern was Rebecca.
Her face was pale, one arm wrapped protectively around her midsection where her ribs had been injured. The sight
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Chapter 137
of her in pain again sent another wave of fury through me, but I tamped it down, focusing on what needed to be
done.
93
When Dylan was thoroughly subdued, I signaled for the Betas to stop. I walked over to Rebecca, crouching down to examine her for injuries, my hand gentle on her shoulder.
“Are you hurt?” I asked, my voice softening considerably from the icy tone I’d used with Dylan.
She shook her head slightly. “Just my ribs. I think I’m okay.”
Relief washed through me, quickly followed by renewed anger as I turned back to Dylan. He was on his knees, blood dripping from his face, his breath coming in ragged gasps.
I approached him slowly, my posture relaxed but radiating dominance. I crouched down to his level, meeting his frightened gaze.
“If you and your entire family don’t want to be exiled from our territory,” I said, my voice a cold whisper meant only
for him, “you’ll remember this lesson.”
Dylan spat blood onto the pavement. “My father will—”
“Your father?” I cut him off, genuine amusement coloring my tone. “You dare mention your father to me?”
The implication was clear. Dylan’s father, while respected in the business world, held nowhere near the influence of my family in the pack hierarchy. The Hurst family were minor players at best, their status derived mainly from financial success rather than bloodline or strength.
I straightened, nodding to Raymond. “Let him go,” I ordered. “This was a warning. Next time will be a declaration of
war.”
Raymond hauled Dylan to his feet, the man groaning in pain as he was forced to stand. “Get out of my sight,” I said dismissively. “And if you ever come near either of them again, what happened today will seem like a kindness.”
As Dylan limped away, I turned my attention fully to Rebecca and Sofia, Sofia looked shaken but relieved, while Rebecca’s expression was more complex–relief mingled with something that looked like… guilt?
“Raymond,” I said, “escort Sophia back to her office.”
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