Chapter 255
Rebecca’s POV
A
613
Cheers and applause greeted his words. When they subsided, Dominie continued, “I also wish to formally announce that Emily Taylor will lead the Collins territory as its Alpha, with the blessing of this pack and pending the final approval of the Council
This announcement was met with more measured applause-the Collins situation was still a sensitive topic-but I noticed heads nodding in approval. Emily had proven herself repeatedly, and her loyalty to Dominic was unquestioned.
As the celebration continued around us, Dominic led me out onto one of the balconies overlooking the gardens, now silver-washed in moonlight. The night air was cool against my skin after the warmth of the crowded hall.
“Happy?” he asked softly, his arms encircling my waist from behind as I gazed out at the moonlit landscape that was now, in some ways, our kingdom.
I leaned back against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart. “More than I ever thought possible,” I admitted. “Though I’m still getting used to people bowing to me.”
His chuckle rumbled against my back. “You’ll have plenty of time to adjust,” he said, his lips brushing the sensitive spot just below my ear. “We have a lifetime ahead of us.”
I turned in his arms, looking up into his face-the face that had once seemed so intimidating and was now as familiar and necessary to me as my own reflection. “Promise?” I whispered.
Dominic’s expression softened, his eyes reflecting the moonlight as he gazed down at me. He took my hand and placed it over his heart, covering it with his own.
“No matter how many moons rise and fall,” he said quietly, the words meant for me alone, “my heart belongs only to you, Rebecca. My mate. My Luna. My everything.”
Through our bond, I felt the depth of emotion behind his words-a love so profound it almost took my breath away. I stretched up on my toes, pressing my lips to his in a kiss that sealed our promise as surely as any ceremony could.
Six months later, I sat on the comfortable porch swing at Raymond and Sofia’s new home, my hand resting on the gentle swell of my stomach where our daughter grew. The day was warm, the scent of late summer flowers heavy in the air.
“I’m telling you,” Raymond said, gesturing expansively with a tall glass of lemonade, “retirement is the best decision I ever made. Well, second best, after asking Sofia to marry me.”
I laughed, studying my friend with genuine happiness. The scar on his temple had faded to a thin white line, barely visible unless you knew to look for it. He seemed more relaxed than I’d ever seen him, the constant alertness of a Delta warrior softened into something more peaceful.
“Sofia’s keeping you busy, though,” I observed. “I hear you’re taking all kinds of classes?”
Raymond groaned dramatically. “That woman is determined to expand my horizons,’ whatever that means. Cooking class I can handle- turns out I’m pretty good at it. But pottery? Drawing and wine? Kill me now.”
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14:33 Thu, Oct 2 M
Chapter 255
51
“The cooking class is definitely paying off,” I said, thinking of the delicious meal he’d prepared when Dominic and I had visited last week. ‘Softa mentioned you’re talking about opening a testaurant?”
He shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant, but I could see the excitement in his eyes. “Maybe. Just a small place, you know. Nothing fancy. He glanced toward the house. “Sofia’s out shopping. Said something about needing new curtains for the guest room, which was perfect curtains three days ago, but apparently now they’re ‘all wrong.””
I smiled, understanding completely. Sofia’s nesting Instinct had kicked into overdrive since their wedding two months ago-a beautiful, intimate ceremony that had left everyone in tears.
“How’s the Luna crown treating you?” Raymond asked, nodding toward my head. “Still giving you headaches?”
I sighed, shifting to find a more comfortable position. “Only when I have to wear it for official functions, which is more often than I’d like. I snuck out of Emily’s official investiture ceremony yesterday-don’t tell Dominic.”
Raymond laughed. “Your secret’s safe with me. But you know he probably felt your relief through that spooky bond thing you have.”
“Probably,” I agreed with a smile. “But he pretended not to notice, which is one of the many reasons I love him.”
“And how’s the little one?” Raymond asked, his eyes dropping to my stomach.
“Active,” I replied, feeling a flutter of movement as if my daughter had heard us talking about her. “Marianne-Mom, as she insists I call her now-is already planning the nursery redecoration. She says we need more pink.”
“And your dad? How’s he doing?” Raymond’s question was gentle, knowing the subject was still tender.
I sighed, thinking of my father’s small apartment in the suburbs where he’d moved after my mother’s death. “He’s… adjusting. He comes for dinner once a week, and Lucas absolutely adores him.”
“Do you ever…” Raymond hesitated. “Do you miss your mom?”
I considered the question seriously. “I’m sad she’s gone,” I said finally. “But do I miss her? The truth is, we were never close. Not like…” I gestured between us, indicating the easy friendship we shared.
Raymond nodded, understanding in his eyes. Before he could respond, the screen door banged open and James burst onto the porch, his face alight with excitement.
“Uncle Ray!” he called, skidding to a stop beside the swing. “Mom called and said we can go fishing tomorrow! Can we use your special tackle box?”
At seven years old, James had grown into a happy, energetic boy. The trauma of his parents’ separation and his father’s death had faded with time and the loving support of everyone around him, especially Raymond, who had taken on the role of surrogate uncle with enthusiasm.
“You bet, buddy,” Raymond said, ruffling the boy’s hair. “And Sofia made her special chocolate chip cookies this morning. They’re cooling in the kitchen.”
James whooped with delight and was about to dash back inside when a feminine voice called from the garden gate.
“James! Don’t run in the house!”
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14:33 Thu, Oct 2 D…
Chapter 255
A 200
I turned to see Olivia Parker making her way up the garden path, looking very different from the last time I’d seen her. Gone was the designer wardrobe and perfect makeup, replaced by a simple sundress and minimal cosmetics. Her hair was pulled back in a casual ponytail, and she carried a large tote bag over one shoulder.
‘Luna,’ she said as she approached, her head dipping in a gesture of respect that still felt strange coming from someone who had once
been my enemy.
“Olivia,” I acknowledged with a nod. How are you?
She glanced at James, who had ignored her instruction and was already inside, presumably in search of cookies. “Better,” she said simply. “Much better, thanks to you.”
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14:33 Thu, Oct 2 M
Mated by Contract to the Alpha
