<b>Chapter </b><b>79 </b>
Dominic’s POV
Dn’s car disappeared around the corner, but I could still smell the Beta’s scent lingering in the air–expensive cologne failing to mask the natural musk of a wolf with ill intentions. Beside me, Reba trembled. I felt her pulse racing through our bond, her anxiety vibrating between us.
“He…he wanted to do what?” she whispered, voice breaking slightly. Her eyes darted to the corner where Dn’s <b>car </b>had vanished, pupils dted with residual fear. “Does Sophia know what kind of person he is?”
I tightened my grip on her hand, feeling the delicate bones beneath her soft skin. My wolf snarled inside me, a primal rage that this male had dared touch what was mine. I forced it down<b>, </b>swallowing the growl that threatened to
escape.
“I’ll handle this,” I said, keeping my voice deliberately even despite the fury still coursing through my veins. “Now, get in the car.”
I opened the passenger door. Reba slid into the leather seat, her shoulders dropping slightly as she moved into the safety of my territory. As I rounded the hood, my phone rang. The name on the screen made my jaw clench involuntarily.
After settling behind the wheel, I showed her the caller ID. “I need to take this. Sorry.”
Reba nodded, fastening her seatbelt. Her fingers trembled slightly, still not fully recovered from Dn’s unwanted
attention.
“Collins, what is it?” I kept my voice t, emotionless.
“Dominic,” came Elizabeth’s father’s voice, smooth and practiced. “Elizabeth mentioned you didn’t make an appearance at the dinner after yesterday’s board meeting…”
I started the engine, pulling away from the curb. My left hand gripped the steering wheel while my right reached for Reba’s, needing the connection to keep my temper in check. Her skin was cool against mine.
‘I had othermitments,” I replied, not bothering to borate.
“Remember our conversation fromst year?” Collins continued, his tone suggesting familiarity we didn’t share. “Without my support, the board might not have been so unanimous in backing your CEO appointment.”
My fingers tightened around Reba’s. She squeezed back, her thumb stroking small circles on my knuckles. That small gesture of support made my chest tighten.
“I believe my continuation as CEO has very little to do with you,” I said, each word measured and cold. “Do <b>not </b>attempt to threaten me, Collins.”
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“How is Elizabeth doing?‘ he pivoted, voice now honey smooth. “She mentioned you two haven’t connected in some
time.”
“If you want to know about Elizabeth’s situation, you might try calling her directly.” I ended the call, jabbing <b>the </b>screen harder than necessary.
I gripped the steering wheel until my knuckles turned white. The rage I constantly battled–apanion since bing Alpha heir–threatened to surface. I inhaled deeply, catching Reba’s scent–honeysuckle and rain- helping to center me.
Reba watched me, her green–gray eyes tracking the muscle that twitched in my jaw. “That was… Elizabeth’s father?‘
I nodded, eyes fixed on the road. “Yes. He thinks he can leverage past ‘help‘ to control me.”
Silence fell between us. I focused on controlling my breathing, on the feel of the road beneath the tires. After several minutes, I spoke again, voice lower.
“I went to see my parents at Sterling Manor this morning.”
The memory was still raw. The grand reception room at Sterling Manor, morning light streaming through floor–to- ceiling windows. Standing before my parents, their cold, calcting expressions so at odds with the opulent surroundings.
“The pack needs a Luna, Dominic,” my mother said, voice soft but unyielding. Her eyes never left mine, searching for any sign of weakness. “Elizabeth’s bloodline is pure. She would be perfect.”
My father stood by the firece, fingers tapping impatiently on the ornate mantel. “The Council has been asking questions about your intentions.”
My mother moved closer, her perfume–expensive and subtle–invading my space. “I’ve heard rumors about your… personal assistant.‘ ying is eptable, but don’t let it interfere with the pack’s future.”
Years of training kept my expression neutral despite the anger burning beneath my skin.
My father cleared his throat. “You’re approaching thirty, son. If you haven’t found your true mate by then, you’ll be able to bond with anyone. It’s time to prepare for a union with Elizabeth.”
“As the future Alpha,‘ I responded, voice controlled, “I will arrange matters as needed. You needn’t concern yourselves.
The memory faded. Reba was watching me, concern etched in the small furrow between her brows.
<b>“</b><b>Everyone </b>wants to control my life,” I said, unable to keep the bitterness from my voice. “To decide who I should be with.”
Reba reached out, her fingertips light against my forearm. The warmth of her touch prated the <b>fabric </b><b>of </b><b>my </b>
12:12 Mon<b>, </b>Sep <b>22 </b>
shirt.
“You don’t owe anyone exnations,” she said quietly, conviction in her voice. “You’re the Alpha. Your <b>choice </b>
matters most.”
I nced at her, something in my chest loosening at her words. Her eyes held no judgment, only understanding. ‘You always know what to say, don’t you?”
I caught her hand, bringing it to my lips. Her skin was soft against my mouth, her pulse quickening <b>at </b>the <b>contact</b>. “Thank you. Sometimes I forget why I keep fighting…”
“Because you want to do what’s right,” she said simply. “Not just what’s expected.”
I turned onto a less traveled mountain road, trees thickening on either side. Reba straightened in her seat, attention caught by the changingndscape.
“Where are we going?” she asked, watching as buildings gave way to wilderness.
“I want to show you something,” I replied, a rare lightness entering my voice. “A special ce… one that only Alphas can ess<b>.</b>”
“Can I go in there?” Her voice held nervousness, but also curiosity.
“You’re with me. Of course you can.” The smile I gave her was one few people ever saw–genuine, without calction or restraint.
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