Dominic’s POV


    The moment I heard Reba had left the vi, I knew something was wrong. Diana had called me immediately, as instructed<b>, </b>exining that Ms. Brown had received an urgent call and left in a hurry, saying she needed to meet her


    friend Sofia.


    After what happened at thepany with Elizabeth, I wasn’t taking any chances. I’d had Raymond discreetly follow her for her protection, keeping at a distance to respect her independence while ensuring her safety. When Raymond reported that she and Sofia were being confronted by Dn, I dropped everything and headed there immediately, bringing Marcus and another Beta with me.


    As I stood at the entrance to the alley, the scene before me made my blood boil. Reba was on the ground, pain evident in her face, while Dn advanced on Sofia. The scent of Reba’s fear and pain hit me like a physical blow, triggering a surge of protective rage that nearly overwhelmed my control.


    “You’re wrong,” I said, my voice dropping to the register that carried the authority of my position. “I can.”


    Dn spun around, his face paling as he recognized me. Behind him, Sofia helped Reba to her feet, supporting her as she winced in pain.


    “Sterling,” Dn stammered, his previous confidence evaporating. “You… what are you doing here?”


    I didn’t answer immediately, taking a measured step forward as Marcus and the other Beta nked me. Raymond remained at the alley entrance, already on his phone, coordinating with our security team.


    “Teaching a lesson,” I finally said, my voice deceptively calm despite the fury churning inside me. “About respect.”


    Dn’s eyes darted around, looking for an escape route, but there was none. His partial transformation receded, the amber glow fading from his eyes as self–preservation instincts kicked in.


    I nced at my Betas and gave a simple nod. “Show him.”


    The two moved with the fluid grace of predators, crossing the distance to Dn in seconds. The first Beta seized his arm, twisting it behind his back before mming him face–first into the brick wall. Dn tried to fight back, but the second Beta delivered a precise elbow strike to his midsection that doubled him over.


    I watched coldly as they methodically administered the punishment, each blow calcted to cause pain without leaving permanent damage. Blood ran from Dn’s split lip and nose, his expensive clothes torn and dirty as he eventually crumpled to his knees.


    My <b>attention</b><b>, </b>however, was divided. While part of me needed to ensure Dn understood the consequences <b>of </b>his actions, my primary concern <b>was </b>Reba.


    Her face was pale, one arm wrapped protectively around her midsection where her ribs had been injured. The sight


    <b>9:01 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>B…


    of her in pain again sent another wave of fury through me, but I tamped it down, focusing on what needed to be


    done.


    <b>93 </b>


    When Dn was thoroughly subdued, I signaled for the Betas to stop. I walked over to Reba<b>, </b>crouching down <b>to </b>examine her for injuries, my hand gentle on her shoulder.


    “Are you hurt?” I asked, my voice softening considerably from the icy tone I’d used with Dn.


    She shook her head slightly. “Just my ribs. I think I’m okay.”


    Relief washed through me, quickly followed by renewed anger as I turned back to Dn. He was on his knees<b>, </b>blood dripping from his face, his breathing in ragged gasps.


    I approached him slowly, my posture rxed but radiating dominance. I crouched down to his level, meeting his frightened gaze.


    “If you and your entire family don’t want to be exiled from our territory,” I said, my voice a cold whisper meant only


    for him, “you’ll remember this lesson.”


    Dn spat blood onto the pavement. “My father will—”


    “Your father?” I cut him off, genuine amusement coloring my tone. “You dare mention your father to me?”


    The implication was clear. Dn’s father, while respected in the business world, held nowhere near the influence of my family in the pack hierarchy. The Hurst family were minor yers at best, their status derived mainly from financial sess rather than bloodline or strength.


    I straightened, nodding to Raymond. “Let him go,” I ordered. “This was a warning. Next time will be a deration of


    war.”


    Raymond hauled Dn to his feet<b>, </b>the man groaning in pain as he was forced to stand. “Get out of my sight,” I said dismissively. “And if you evere near either of them again, what happened today will seem like a kindness.”


    As Dn limped away, I turned my attention fully to Reba and Sofia, Sofia looked shaken but relieved, while Reba’s expression was moreplex–relief mingled with something that looked like… guilt?


    “Raymond,” I said, “escort Sophia back to her office.”


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