<h4>Chapter 748: I’ll miss your presence</h4>


    "Your Highness, your luggage has been packed," Kavin said respectfully, lowering his head in a small bow.


    Dominick stood on the wide balcony overlooking the vast garden below. The evening breeze moved gently through the air.


    For a moment, he remained silent, recalling how the city of Gridlock had once been gued by disorder and corruption.


    "I may not return here for a long time," Dominick said thoughtfully. "The administration has stabilized now."


    He rested one hand on the railing as he continued.


    "The mayor appointed here was chosen by the Alpha King himself. Because of that, governance has improved considerably."


    His gaze remained fixed on the Alpha Prince.


    "The people are far happier now than they were in the past."


    Standing a few steps behind him, Evan nodded.


    "That’s true, Your Highness," he said. "Even the packworks here have be more organized and efficient."


    Dominick turned around to face them.


    "Yes," he acknowledged. Then he asked, "Have the travel arrangements been made?"


    Evan stepped forward slightly. "We will follow the royal protocol," he exined. "The private jet is ready to be used. The weather conditions are much better now, so the flight will be smooth."


    "Good," Dominick said after hearing Evan’s exnation. "You both may leave now."


    Evan and Kavin bowed respectfully before turning and walking out of the room, leaving him alone on the balcony.


    For a moment, Dominick remained still, looking out at the city below.


    ’I felt peace in Gridlock.’


    The past few weeks there had been calmer than he had expected. Away from the constant pressure of the capital, things had felt... lighter.


    But he knew that peace couldn’tst forever.


    ’The longer I stay here, the longer I remain away from my real responsibilities. Cas is about to be the father of three. He’ll need to give all his attention to Zilia for now. I have to make sure he doesn’t feel burdened by the work.’


    Just then, Jeniva’s pheromones enveloped the air around him. Dominick turned toward the balcony door.


    Jeniva stood there.


    "Your Highness," she said as she stepped inside, "I’ve packed my luggage as well."


    She walked a little closer before continuing.


    "AJ was airlifted to the capital earlier this morning. Although he has recovered, the wound hasn’t fully healed yet."


    "Evan informed me," Dominick replied calmly.


    He leaned lightly against the balcony railing. "You’ll receive your honor soon," he added. "After that, you should take some time to rest."


    Jeniva nodded. Then she walked a little closer to him.


    "Will youe to see me in the capital?" she asked.


    Dominick’s gaze softened slightly.


    "I was actually nning to ask for your address," he admitted. "If you allow me, I’d like to visit your ce."


    Jeniva hesitated. "The area where I live is very lively," she exined carefully. "People might see you there and—"


    "—and start gossiping about us?" Dominick finished her sentence.


    A faint smile touched his lips. "If that’s the concern, I’ll call you outside instead," he said reassuringly. "I won’t create problems for you."


    Then he added calmly, "If you want, I can invite you to the pce instead."


    "The pce? I don’t think it’s right for me to go there," Jeniva said, looking away. "The King, the Queen... everyone will be there. They’ll ask questions about us, and we aren’t even sure where we stand yet."


    <i>’I thought we were sure,’</i> Dominick thought, a sharp pang of disappointment tightening his chest.


    <i>’Why isn’t he saying anything?’</i> Jeniva wondered, her heart sinking.<i> ’I was hoping he’d tell me this is real, that he wants to take the next step.’</i>


    Dominick simply nodded after hearing her concern.


    "I didn’t think about that," he admitted. "Fine. We’ll meet somewhere outside your ce. Just call me whenever you’re free."


    His voice had returned to its usual calm and professional tone.


    Jeniva tilted her head slightly.


    "Shouldn’t I be saying that to you?" she countered lightly. "You’re the one who’ll be buried in work the moment you reach the capital."


    A faint smile appeared on her lips.


    "We can meet in the evenings, when you’re finally free from your duties. The capital has plenty of ces where people won’t notice us."


    Dominick gave a thoughtful hum in response.


    Then something seemed to cross his mind.


    "I was also wondering..." he began hesitantly, "if you would attend my sister’s wedding. I’ll send you the invitation."


    Jeniva didn’t take long to answer. "Of course I’lle," she said.


    After all, she had worked under him during the Gridlock mission. Her presence at the pce during the wedding wouldn’t raise any suspicion.


    "Then I should return to my room," she added.


    Jeniva turned to leave.


    But before she could take another step, Dominick reached out and gently grasped her wrist.


    The sudden contact sent a faint shiver through her body.


    His touch,bined with the subtle presence of his pheromones in the air, made her senses react in ways she couldn’t fully control. As a suppressive omega, she was especially sensitive to an alpha’s presence, his scent alone could unsettle the careful bnce she maintained.


    Ever since her wolf had acknowledged the bond with his, her body had begun reacting in unfamiliar ways. It was precisely why she had been taking suppressants, ensuring she could remain calm.


    Still, standing this close to him made that control feel fragile.


    "Stay," Dominick said softly.


    He stepped a little closer, his voice lowering as he leaned near her ear.


    "I think... I’ll miss your presence," Dominick continued quietly. "While staying in Gridlock, no matter the circumstances, I started finding a strange kind of peace when you were around."


    Jeniva slowly turned to face him.


    Their eyes met, and for a moment neither of them spoke.


    The closeness, his scent, the bond their wolves had already acknowledged, it all stirred something deep inside her.


    Before she could stop herself, Jeniva leaned forward and pressed her lips against his.


    The kiss was sudden, almost impulsive. The moment it happened, realization struck her<i>.</i>


    <i>’What did I just do?’</i>


    She quickly pulled back, her heart racing as she instinctively tried to step away.


    But Dominick was faster.


    Before she could retreat, his hand reached up and gently cradled the back of her neck, stopping her from escaping. His other hand steadied her as he leaned closer.


    Then he lowered his head and captured her lips again.