Chapter 18
Dominic’s POV
As I pulled into the private garage beneath Sterling Group, I made a decision. Before publicly stating that Rebecca was my partner, I would thoroughly investigate her.
“Sir,” Marcus said, entering my office with a file folder. “This is Elizabeth Collins‘ recent itinerary that Luna requested.”
I sighed, setting down my pen. “My mom had her followed? She’s always liked Elizabeth so much.”
Marcus gave me a knowing look. “Luna has her ways of obtaining information.”
I took the folder, flipping it open to find surveillance photos of Elizabeth entering a luxury hotel with another man–Duke Armstrong, according to the notes. I wasn’t surprised. Disappointed,
perhaps, but not surprised.
“Thank you, Marcus,” I said, closing the folder.
“Mother,” I called out as I entered the private garden behind the Sterling family estate. “I understand you’ve been following Elizabeth Collins.”
My mother, current Luna of the Silver Moon Pack, looked up from her roses with a perfectly composed expression. Her silver–streaked dark hair was pulled back in an elegant chignon, her posture regal even in gardening attire.
“Dominic,” she greeted warmly. “I don’t know what you mean.”
I held up the file folder. “This. The surveillance photos. Duke Armstrong.”
She snipped a rose before answering. “And what did the file contain?”
“You know exactly what it contained,” I replied, placing it on the stone bench between us. “Elizabeth has been seeing Duke Armstrong for at least three months.”
My mother removed her gardening gloves, her expression serene. “And this bothers you?”
“Not particularly,” I admitted. “She can see whoever she wants. It has nothing to do with me.”
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Chapter 18
“Then why waste time with her at all?” My mother’s eyes, the same deep blue as mine, fixed on me with familiar intensity. “You’ve been seen with her at three different social functions this month.”
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “I’m trying to assess her potential as a partner. Now I know she’s involved with Duke, which makes things simpler.”
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My mother studied me for a long moment. “You’ve never brought a woman home to meet me. Not in all these years.”
“Because none of them have been worth bringing home,” I replied honestly.
“And when you do find her? The one worth bringing home?”
I met her gaze steadily. “Then you’ll be the first to know.”
She nodded, apparently satisfied. “Six months, Dominic. In six months, you formally take over as Alpha and CEO. It would be better if you had a stable mate by your side when that happens.”
I twisted the obsidian ring on my finger–the symbol of my future responsibility. “I’m aware of the timeline, Mother.”
She touched my arm gently. “I only want what’s best for you and for the pack.”
“I know,” I said, softening slightly. “And I appreciate your concern. But my personal life is my own business. Please stop investigating women I’ve barely spoken to.”
“Very well,” she conceded. “But don’t wait too long. The right mate strengthens an Alpha, gives him balance.”
I nodded and turned to leave, but my thoughts weren’t on Elizabeth Collins or my mother’s meddling. They were fixed on a stubborn human with chestnut curls and defiant green eyes who had told the future Alpha of the Silver Moon Pack to go fuck himself.
Despite everything, I couldn’t help the slight smile that tugged at my lips as I walked back to my car.
Rebecca’s POV
Sofia’s apartment felt safe as we settled on her couch with cups of hot tea. Her living room was a reflection of her personality–vibrant throw pillows, framed fashion prints, and small potted
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Chapter 18
succulents on every surface.
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“I can’t believe you slept with Dominic Sterling,” Sofia said for what felt like the hundredth time. “And then told him to go fuck himself. Are you trying to get killed?”
