Dominic’s POV
In the privacy of the car, Elizabeth couldn’t contain her excitement. She sat closer than necessary, her hand asionally brushing my thigh as she spoke about her ns for “our future.”
“I’ve already spoken with the interior designer about updates to your vi,” she was saying, her voice animated. “Nothing drastic, of course, just removing those awful minimalist pieces and bringing in something more traditional. And we should discuss the date for the iming Ceremony – the summer solstice would be perfect, don’t you
think?”
I made nomittal sounds, my attention on the city lights passing outside the window. My phone vibrated with a text from Marcus: [Final editplete. All systems ready.]
A slight tightening of my lips was the only outward sign of my satisfaction.
“What is it?” Elizabeth asked, her eyes quick to catch the subtle change.
“Just thinking about tonight,” I replied, the truth behind my words hidden in in sight.
She preened, taking my words as approval. “I noticed that human hasn’t been at work. Finally realized her ce, I
suppose.”
My hand tightened on my knee, knuckles whitening, tendons standing out beneath the skin. “Reba,” I said, her name emerging with unexpected softness, “is recovering from an unfortunate ident.”
Elizabeth’s smile turned smug. “idents happen when people don’t understand boundaries.”
I turned to look at her fully, my body still but tension radiating from me in waves. My voice dropped to a dangerous register. “Indeed they do. Tonight, Elizabeth, I think everyone will understand exactly where they stand.”
She misinterpreted my meaning entirely, leaning to rest her head against my shoulder. “I’ve waited so long for this recognition.”
I didn’t push her away, my body rigid beneath her touch.
The Silver Moon Shadow charity g was held in the grand ballroom of the Crescent Hotel, transformed for the evening with silver and blue decorations that echoed our pack colors. As Elizabeth and I entered, a hundred heads turned in our direction, conversations pausing as wolves acknowledged their future Alpha.
The men nodded respectfully, some lowering their eyes; the women lowered their gazes briefly before assessing Elizabeth with curious, sometimes envious expressions. Cameras shed, capturing our entrance. Elizabeth basked in the attention, her grip on my arm tightening possessively.
41
“Mr. Sterling, various pack members murmured as we passed, some adding, “Ms. Collins,” with new respect in their
voices.
I acknowledged each greeting with a slight nod. I guided Elizabeth through the crowd with practiced ease, stopping asionally to exchange greetings with key allies.
When the time came for speeches, I took my ce at the podium, surveying the gathered elite of werewolf society. Every major family was represented, along with journalists, photographers, and influential members of neighboring packs. The audience quieted immediately at my approach, attention focused on my presence even before I spoke.
“Wee to the Silver Moon Shadow quarterly charity g,” I began, my voice carrying effortlessly through the room without need for the microphone. “Tonight, we celebrate not only our contributions to worthy causes but also the core values that define us as a pack.”
I continued with practiced authority about tradition, honor, and the protection of those under our care. As <b>I </b>spoke, I noted Elizabeth at the side of the stage, her bodynguage revealing her anticipation, her eyes fixed on me with undisguised hunger.
“The strength of an Alpha lies not in dominance alone, but in the protection of those who cannot protect themselves,” I said, my gaze sweeping the room. “We are judged not by how we treat our equals, but by how we treat
those who are vulnerable.”
A few people shifted ufortably, perhaps sensing the edge beneath my words, the warning in my steady gaze.
“To speak more about the traditional values and responsibilities of an Alpha’s mate, I’ve invited someone who believes herself to be an authority on the subject.” I gestured toward the side of the stage, my movement deliberate andmanding. “Please wee Elizabeth Collins.”
Elizabeth glided to the podium, her face glowing with pride as she took her ce beside me. I stepped back, positioning myself where I could clearly see both her and the massive screen behind us. My expression remained neutral, but my eyes never left her, watching with the focus of a predator.
“Thank you, Dominic,” she said, voice honeyed with false modesty. “It is my profound honor to address you all tonight on a subject close to my heart.”
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<b>20:39 </b>Wed, Sep 24
Mated by Contract to the Alpha