Reba’s POV


    I suppressed a sigh. “Adrian, I appreciate your concern, but my rtionship with Dominic isn’t up for discussion. We’re happy together.”


    Adrian’s expression turned skeptical. “Reba, I’ve seen how these powerful families operate. They have their own rules, their own hierarchy. Do you really believe you’ll ever be truly equal in his world? That you’ll be epted?”


    “Yes, I do,” I replied, meeting his gaze steadily. “Dominic has never made me feel less than him. Quite the opposite.”


    “For now,” Adrian conceded. “But what happens when the novelty wears off? When he’s pressured to choose someone from his own circle?” He reached across the table, his fingers brushing against mine.


    I pulled my hand away gently but firmly. “Adrian, I need to be clear. I’m with Dominic. Completely and without reservation. We have a connection that goes beyond anything I’ve ever experienced, and I’m not looking for


    alternatives.”


    He sat back, a flicker of frustration crossing his features. “I just don’t want to see you get hurt. These old families, they protect their own interests above all else. Sterling may care for you, but in the end, his loyalty will always be to his family, his legacy.”


    “You don’t know him,” I said, unable to keep a defensive edge from my voice. “Dominic has proven his loyalty to me time and again. He’s stood against traditions and expectations to be with me.”


    Adrian sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I can see I’m not getting through to you. But promise me one thing -if you ever need help, if things ever change, you’ll reach out to me<b>.</b><b>” </b>


    I stood up, gathering my purse. “I should get back to work. Thank you for your concern, Adrian, but I need you to respect my choices.”


    As I turned to leave, he suddenly rose and caught my arm. “Reba, wait. I didn’t mean to upset you.”


    “Please let go,” I said quietly, ufortable with his touch.


    Instead of releasing me, he pulled me into an unexpected embrace. “Just give me a chance,” he murmured, his arms tightening around me. “One chance to show you what we could have together.”


    I pushed against his chest, trying to create space between us. “Adrian, stop. This isn’t appropriate.”


    “Why not give me a chance?” he persisted, still holding me. “What does Sterling have that I don’t?”


    “Let go of me,” I said more firmly, growing increasingly ufortable. “I’ve made my choice.<b>” </b>


    “Reba-


    Thedy asked you to let go.


    Dominic’s voice, low and dangerous, cut through the cafe. I felt Adrian freeze, his arms still around <b>me</b>, <b>as </b><b>Dominic </b>approached with measured steps. The few other patrons in the café turned to watch, sensing the tension <b>crackling </b><b>in </b>the air.


    “Sterling,” Adrian acknowledged, slowly releasing me but not stepping back.


    Dominic moved to my side with fluid grace, his eyes shing with barely contained anger. Without warning, his fist connected with Adrian’s jaw, sending him staggering back against the table.


    “Don’t ever touch my woman again,” Dominic growled, his voice so low it was almost a whisper.


    I gasped, grabbing Dominic’s arm as he positioned himself protectively in front of me. “Dominic!”


    Adrian straightened, touching his split lip where blood was beginning to well. His eyes burned with a mixture of pain and defiance. “Violence. Of course that’s your answer. Proving my point about your kind, Sterling.”


    “My kind?” Dominic repeated, his tone dangerously calm. “And what kind would that be, Professor Lane?”


    Adrian’s gaze flicked between us. “The kind that thinks ownership is the same as love. The kind that collects people like possessions.”


    Dominic’sugh was cold. “You speak of possession while trying to take what isn’t yours. Reba has made her choice clear, yet you persist. Who’s really failing to respect her agency here?”


    I ced my hand on Dominic’s back, feeling the tension in his muscles. “Let’s go,” I murmured. “Please.”


    Adrian wasn’t finished. “She deserves better than being trapped in your world of pack politics and power ys. You don’t even see her as an equal–just another asset in your empire.”


    “You know nothing about us,” Dominic replied, his voice steady but vibrating with anger. “Reba is my partner, my equal in every way that matters.”


    “For now,” Adrian shot back. “Until you need to make an advantageous match for your precious bloodline. I saw Elizabeth Collins at your building earlier. Still keeping your options open, Sterling?”


    I felt Dominic’s body coil like a spring, and I tightened my grip on his arm, afraid he might strike Adrian again. “Dominic, he’s not worth it.”


    “Listen to her,” Adrian said with a mocking smile. “She’s trying to save you from yourself. But you can’t change what you are—a predator wearing a designer suit.”


    “You’re right about one thing,” Dominic said, his voice dropping to a dangerous purr. “I am a predator. And you’re


    <b>9:14 </b><b>Fri</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>26 </b>B


    threatening what’s mine.”


    Adrian’s eyes narrowed. “She isn’t yours. She’s her own person, free to make her own choices. And someday, she’ll see you for what you really are.”


    “That’s not possible,” Dominic replied with sudden, absolute certainty.


    “Why? Because you’ve manipted her into believing your fairy tale?”


    Dominic’s next words fell like stones into the tense silence: “Because Reba is carrying my child.”


    The color drained from Adrian’s face. His eyes darted to my midsection<b>, </b>then back to Dominic’s face, searching for any sign of deception. Finding none, he took an unconscious step backward.


    I felt heat flood my cheeks, but I stood tall beside Dominic, my hand finding his and squeezing it in silent support. We hadn’t nned to reveal my pregnancy publicly yet, but I understood why he’d done it.


    “You’re pregnant?” Adrian asked, his voice hollow.


    I nodded once, meeting his gaze steadily. “Yes.”


    Adrian’s shoulders sagged slightly. “I….. I didn’t know.”


    “Now you do,” Dominic said, his arm sliding around my waist. “So let me be perfectly clear: if you ever approach my mate or my child again, you will regret it.”


    Adrian stood silent for a long moment, processing this new information. Finally, he gathered his bag from the table, his movements stiff. “Congrattions,” he said tly, not quite meeting my eyes. Without another word, he turned and left the café, the bell above the door jingling discordantly in his wake.


    As the door closed behind him, I turned to Dominic, a mixture of relief and exasperation washing over me. “Did you have to hit him?”


    Dominic’s eyes, still glinting with residual anger, softened as they met mine. “He was touching you. My wolf couldn’t tolerate it.” He cupped my face gently. “Are you alright? You’re pale.”


    Chapter Comments


    1