Delay 164_Mated by contract to the alpha

Dominic’s POV

 The ancient werewolf oath still lingered on my lips as I carefully positioned myself on the edge of Reba’s hospital bed. I’d whispered those sacred words to her sleeping form: “By the moon as my witness, my heart, my strength, my life are yours.” Words my father had spoken to my mother, and his father before him–binding words not meant to be taken lightly.

 I ced my hand gently on her abdomen, feeling the warmth beneath the thin hospital nket. My child. Our child. The realization sent waves of fierce protectiveness through me, my wolf rising closer to the surface than I typically allowed in public settings.

 Reba’s breathing remained steady, her chestnut hair syed across the white pillow. I traced the outline of her cheek with my finger, careful not to wake her.

 I settled into a half–sleep state beside her, my body maintaining its alertness even as my mind drifted. Each time Reba shifted in her sleep, my eyes instantly opened, scanning for potential threats before confirming she was merely adjusting her position. This vignce was instinctive–a biological imperative I couldn’t have suppressed if I’d wanted to.

 The vibration of my phone shattered the quiet hospital room. I reached for it immediately, checking the screen- unknown number. Normally, I wouldn’t answer such calls, but with the recent threats against Reba and her family, I couldn’t afford to miss potentially crucial information.

 “Sterling,” I answered, keeping my voice low to avoid disturbing Reba.

 “Dominic.” The voice on the other end was cool, controlled, and instantly recognizable. Elizabeth Collins. Her timing couldn’t have been worse.

 I moved toward the window, creating distance between Reba and this unwee conversation. “What do you want, Elizabeth?”

 “I’m asking you onest time, Dominic. Her voice carried the practiced poise of someone ustomed to getting her way. “If you agree to marry me, I’m willing to overlook how you humiliated me at the charity g.”

 I nearlyughed at the absurdity of her offer. Here, with Reba sleeping mere feet away–carrying my child- Elizabeth’s proposition seemed almost delusional.

 “We never had any realmitment, Elizabeth.” My tone was t, brooking no argument. “Stop harassing me.”

 “You’ll regret this, Dominic Sterling.” Her voice shifted from controlled to brittle, rage seeping through the cracks of her polished veneer. “No one treats the Collins family this way.”

 “Goodbye, Elizabeth.” I ended the call and turned to find Reba awake, her gray–green eyes watching me intently from the hospital bed.

 The morning light illuminated her face, highlighting the scattering of freckles across her nose that I’d grown to adore. She looked better than yesterday–some color had returned to her cheeks, though the shadows beneath her eyes remained.

 “Morning,” I said, returning to her side. “How are you feeling?”

 Reba nodded slowly, then took a deep breath. “Dominic, I have something to tell you…

 I sat beside her on the bed, taking her hand in mine. “You’re pregnant,” I said simply.

 Her eyes widened in shock, lips parting slightly. “How did you–did the doctor tell you?”

 I shook my head, a small smile tugging at my lips. “Your scent changed. It’s sweeter now, with a hint of something new. I brought her hand to my face, Inhaling deeply. “It’s the scent of life, Reba. Our wolves can detect it early,”

 “Oh.” Her free hand moved instinctively to her stomach. “I was so nervous about telling you. We’ve only just… and everything’s been soplicated…”

 “I noticedst night,” I admitted, cing my hand over hers on her abdomen. “When you were sleeping, my wolf sensed the change in you. It’s made my protective instincts even stronger.”

 Tears gathered in her eyes. “You’re not angry? We barely know each other, and this is all happening so fast.”

 I leaned forward, pressing my forehead against hers. I never thought I’d have a family of my own, Reba. This is a gift. The sincerity in my voice surprised even me. The Sterling bloodline had always been my duty, not my desire-

 until now.

 “What happened yesterday?” I asked, pulling back to study her face. “Why were you suddenly in pain on the street?”

 Reba’s expression clouded. “The doctor said it was emotional stress causing contractions. I have early signs of potential miscarriage.” Her voice trembled slightly. “After what happened with my parents at the hospital–my mother ming me for Jason’s death–I just couldn’t breathe. I had to get out of there.”

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Delay 164