Chapter 252
Rebecca’s POV
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52
I gently pushed his face away and said with a smile, “Now is not the time to think about this. I’m too dirty and need to take a bath.”
Thirty minutes later, I stepped out of the shower, wrapping a plush towel around my body and using another to squeeze excess water from my hair. The hot water had washed away the dried blood and the scent of the confrontation, but nothing could erase the memory of what had happened. I had killed a man-a werewolf-who threatened my family. And somehow, despite the gravity of that act, I felt strangely at
peace with it.
As I slipped into a pair of comfortable leggings and a soft sweater, I felt Dominic’s presence before I saw him. Our connection had deepened dramatically since I’d healed his silver wound. Now, I could almost feel him like a physical extension of myself, his emotions flowing into me like a gentle current.
I felt his desire pulse through our bond-hot, insistent, and tempting. A small smile curved my lips as I turned to find him leaning against the doorframe, his eyes dark with hunger as they traveled over me.
“Not now,” I said with a light laugh, gently pushing past him. “We should check on Raymond.”
Dominic caught my hand, pulling me back against his chest. “Later, then,” he murmured, his lips brushing my ear. “We have much to celebrate, little doe.”
I turned in his arms, pressing a quick kiss to his lips. “Raymond was injured protecting us. We need to make sure he’s okay.”
Dominic nodded, his expression softening. Through our bond, I felt his concern for Raymond mingling with pride in my priorities. “You’re right. Let’s go.”
“Raymond’s in the best room we have,” Dominic assured me as we walked down the hushed corridor. “Dr. Winters is personally overseeing
his care.”
We reached a door at the end of the hallway, and Dominic knocked once before pushing it open. The room beyond was spacious and well- appointed. Raymond lay propped against pillows, his head wrapped in white bandages, but his eyes were clear and alert.
Sofia sat beside the bed, her fingers interlaced with Raymond’s. Her eyes were red-rimmed and puffy, clear evidence she’d been crying, but she managed a tired smile when she saw us.
“Finally,” Raymond said, his voice stronger than I’d expected. “Some company that’s better than the hospital food.”
I moved to his bedside, relief washing over me. “How are you feeling?”
“Like I got hit by a truck,” he replied with a wry grin. “But Dr. Winters says my thick skull saved me. No permanent damage.”
Dominic clasped Raymond’s shoulder, a gesture that carried more emotion than words could express. “You did well, old friend.”
At those simple words, Sofia suddenly burst into tears. She clutched Raymond’s hand tighter, her shoulders shaking with the force of her sobs.
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Chapter 252
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“I almost lost you,” she cried, burying her face against his chest. “Don’t you ever do that to me again!”
Raymond’s expression softened as he wrapped his free arm around her, drawing her closer. “Shh,” he whispered, pressing his lips to her hair, “I’m not going anywhere.”
I felt my own eyes grow damp as I watched them. Through our bond, I sensed Dominic’s understanding-he knew exactly how Sofia felt. The terror of almost losing someone you love was something we both understood all too well.
Raymond glanced up at Dominic, a meaningful look passing between them. With a slight nod, Dominic moved to the bedside table and opened the drawer, retrieving a small blue velvet box.
My breath caught as I realized what was happening. Dominic passed the box to Raymond, who took it with a slightly trembling hand.
“I’ve been planning this for too long,” Raymond said, his voice suddenly husky with emotion. “And after everything that’s happened, I don’t want to wait another day.”
Sofia pulled back, confusion written across her tear-stained face. Raymond flipped open the box, revealing a stunning emerald ring surrounded by tiny diamonds.
“This ring has been ready since Dominic and Rebecca got married,” Raymond said, his eyes never leaving Sofia’s shocked face. “I’ve been carrying it around, waiting for the perfect moment. But I realize now that the perfect moment is any moment with you.”
Sofia stared at the ring, fresh tears welling in her eyes. “How did you-I never even knew you were-‘
“0
“Sofia Rodriguez,” Raymond interrupted, his voice steady despite the emotion in his eyes, “will you marry me?”
For a moment, Sofia seemed frozen, her eyes darting between Raymond’s face and the ring. Then, with a sob that was half laugh, half cry, she nodded vigorously.
“Yes,” she managed to say. “Yes, of course, yes!”
Raymond slid the ring onto her finger, and Sofia threw her arms around his neck, careful of his injuries but unable to contain her joy. I felt my own tears spill over, and Dominic’s arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me against his side.
“About time,” he murmured against my hair, and I could hear the smile in his voice.
52
One month later, the Sterling estate hummed with activity as preparations for the succession ceremony reached their peak. Wolves from all corners of the territory moved with purpose, carrying decorations, preparing food, and ensuring security was flawless for the night’s
events.
I stood in what would soon be my official chambers as Luna, allowing Marianne to drape a traditional silver-white robe over my shoulders. In the month since the confrontation with the Collins family, Marianne and I had developed a tentative but growing bond. As the current Luna, she had taken it upon herself to guide me through the ancient traditions I would need to uphold.
“This robe has been worn by seven generations of Lunas,” she said, her fingers smoothing the shimmering fabric. “The silver threads woven through it symbolize the connection between the Luna and her pack.”
I ran my hand over the intricate embroidery that decorated the sleeves and hem-ancient symbols I was still learning to interpret. “It’s beautiful,” I said softly.
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Marianne stepped back, appraising me with a critical eye. “Yes,” she said after a moment, her voice holding unexpected warmth. It suits
you.”
Through the open window, I could see Dominic in the gardens below, deep in conversation with several Betas. Over the past month, he had been meticulous in managing the transition of power, both within our own territory and in the Collins territory, which now had Emily as its interim leader pending Council approval.
As if sensing my gaze, Dominic looked up, our eyes meeting across the distance. Even from here, I could feel the pull of our bond, stronger than ever. He smiled-that rare, genuine smile that transformed his usually stern features-and I felt my heart flutter in
response.
“He’s different with you,” Marianne observed, following my gaze. “Happier. More balanced.”
I turned to her, surprised by the admission. “He’s changed me too,” I said honestly. “I never imagined I could be this person.”
Marianne nodded, understanding in her eyes. “That’s how it should be between mates. You strengthen each other.” She picked up a brush from the vanity table. “Now, let me help you with your hair. The ceremony begins at moonrise.”
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Mated by Contract to the Alpha
