<b>Chapter 76 </b>


    Reba’s POV


    Heat pooled in my belly at his tone. He approached the bed deliberately, his expression growing more intense with each step. I could see the hunger in his <b>eyes</b>–different fromst night’s anger, but no less powerful.


    ‘I believe I require some form ofpensation for this… oversight,” he said.


    I knew he was ying, trying to lighten the mood afterst night’s intensity, but my body responded anyway. My breath caught. My skin flushed. “What kind ofpensation did you have in mind?” I asked, my voice embarrassingly breathless.


    Dominic sat on the edge of the bed, close enough that I felt heat radiating from his body. “I’m sure we can think of something, he said, his hand reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear.


    The gentle touch contrasted with the memory of his fierce possessionst night. This was Dominic showing me his human side again–controlled, gentle, considerate.


    I leaned forward, surprising myself with my boldness, and wrapped my arms around his neck. My breasts pressed against his chest through the thin fabric of my nightgown. “I guess that depends on what you want, Mr. Sterling.”


    His eyes darkened. His hands came to rest on my waist, warm and strong. I could feel the restraint in his touch, the careful control he was exercising. There was no anger in him tonight, no need to prove his dominance or im me.


    This was different–a mutual desire.


    I woke to the gentle sensation of being enveloped in warmth. Dominic’s arms wrapped around me, his chest pressed against my back. Unlike the night before, when he’d imed me with such intense possession, his touch now was tender, almost apologetic.


    “Good morning,” he whispered, his lips brushing against my shoulder where faint marks still remained from Steve’s


    attack.


    I turned to face him, my pulse quickening as I noticed the soft gold flecks dancing in his usually stern blue eyes. His gaze traveled to the healing scratch on my cheek, and I saw regret wash over his features, his jaw tightening slightly.


    “How does it feel<b>?</b><b>” </b>he asked, voice low and sincere. “I was too rough with you before.”


    –


    <b>The </b>memory of his dominating presence flooded back how he’d pinned me against the wall, how his eyes had glowed in the darkness, the raw power he’d unleashed to show me the depth of our connection. My skin tingled at the memory. He’d been wild, unleashed – showing me exactly what it meant to be with an Alpha. But now, in the gentle morning light, he was being so careful with me.


    ‘It’s <b>okay</b>,” I assured him<b>, </b>reaching up to touch his face, feeling the slight stubble against my fingertips. “I know you were trying to protect me, to make me understand.”


    <b>12</b>: Mon, Sep


    He caught my hand and pressed a kiss to my palm. I felt the warmth of his breath against my skin, sending a shiver down my spine.


    ‘I never want to hurt you, Reba.”


    The way he said my name, so different from the possessive “little doe” he often used, made my heart pound harder. This was a side of Dominic I hadn’t fully seen before vulnerable, regretful, gentle. My throat tightened with emotion I couldn’t quite name.


    –


    He lowered his head to my shoulder where the worst of my injuries had been and, to my surprise, began to lightly lick the healing wound. I gasped at the unexpected contact<b>, </b>my body tensing then gradually rxing as the strange sensation soothed the lingering pain.


    I rxed into his ministrations, my breathing slowing as I felt the slight sting of the wound fade under his attention. My fingers threaded through his hair, feeling its softness. His tenderness was a stark contrast to the forceful passion of the previous night, but somehow both sides felt equally true to who he was<b>. </b>


    When he finally pulled back, his eyes had darkened slightly. “Better?”


    I nodded, unable to speak past the lump in my throat.


    Standing before the bathroom mirrorter that morning, I stared in amazement at how quickly my injuries were healing. The deep scratches on my shoulder had already closed into thin pink lines, and the mark on my cheek was barely visible.


    “Dr. Winters<b>‘ </b>medicine is incredible,” I murmured to myself, carefully touching my face, half–expecting to feel pain


    that didn’te.


    But I knew it wasn’t just the medicine. Dominic’s attention – that strange, intimate wolf healing – had elerated my recovery. <b>I </b>carefully applied a lightyer of foundation over the faint mark on my cheek, blending it until it disappearedpletely.


    I slipped into a light blue sundress I’d purchased during my shopping trip. The wide straps and modest neckline perfectly concealed the healing wounds on my shoulder. Looking at my reflection, I paused, studying the woman staring back at me. Despite everything I’d been through, I looked… peaceful.


    For the first time in days, I smiled at my reflection and meant it.


    Diana was arranging fresh flowers in the dining room when I came downstairs. She looked up and a warm smile spread across her face.


    “Good morning, Miss Brown. You look lovely today,” she said, setting avish breakfast on the table <b>yogurt</b><b>, </b>pastries, and coffee that smelled divine.


    –


    fresh fruit,


    “Thank you, Diana,” <b>I </b>replied, taking a seat. “This looks amazing.”


    <b>12:11 </b>Mon<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>22 </b>


    She poured coffee into a delicate cup and ced it before me. “You seem well–rested,” she observed, her eyes twinkling with knowing. “Your color has returned.”


    Heat crept up my neck and into my cheeks. My ears burned with embarrassment as I remembered that the entire household would have heard Dominic and mest night. Werewolf hearing didn’t allow for much <b>privacy</b>.


    <b>‘</b>Yes, I… slept very well, I managed, focusing intently on buttering a croissant, avoiding her gaze.


    Diana’s smile widened. “It’s good to see you recovering so quickly. Mr. Sterling was very concerned.”


    I sipped my coffee, savoring its rich vor to distract myself. “He’s been very kind.”


    163


    Diana paused in her arrangement of lilies and turned to face me fully. “It’s more than kindness, Miss Brown. You’ve changed him.”


    I looked up, my spoon ttering against the saucer. “Changed him?”


    She nodded, her expression serious. “I’ve worked for Mr. Sterling for five years<b>. </b>I’ve never seen him like this <b>– </b>worried about someone else’sfort, bringing gifts, staying home instead of workingte.” She adjusted her apron<b>, </b>seeming to consider her next words carefully. “The entire house feels different with you here.”


    “Different how?” I asked, genuinely curious, leaning forward slightly.


    “Warmer,” she said simply. “It’s as though you’ve brought life into rooms that were just… spaces before.”


    I didn’t know how to respond to that. Had I really made such an impact? Before I could formte a reply, my phone chimed with a text message.


    It was from Sophia: [Lunch today at 12? The new ce near Sterling Tower. Can’t wait for you to meet Dn! He’s


    AMAZING!]


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