Chapter 32: Dominic’s Intended Mate
Chapter 32. Dominic’s Intended Mate
(Aria’s POV)
My focus at work was completely shattered after Dominic’s midday call. The invitation to Moon Valley Lodge kept intruding on my thoughts as I measured herbs and mixed remedies. I knocked over a jar of rare moon sage twice and had to apologize to my
Supervisor
“Focus, Aria,” I muttered to myself, carefully measuring dried wolfsbane for a fever remedy.
Despite my scattered concentration, I pushed myself harder, determined to finish my assignments early. I needed time to prepare for tonight’s gathering- mentally if nothing else.
invited to one of the most
The irony wasn’t lost on me that just yesterday. I’d been searching for a job, and today I was invit prestigious venues in the territory. By Dominic Blackwood, no less.
My wolf stirred restlessly under my skin, oddly excited by the prospect.
By the time I finished the last tincture, I realized I was running behind schedule.
“Just great,” I sighed, hastily cleaning my workstation.
I rushed out of the preparation room, nearly colliding with Mr. Fenton.
*Leaving so soon, Ms. Summers? he asked, eyebrows raised. “Your dedication on the first day is commendable.
“Thank you, sir,” I replied, offering a quick smile before continuing toward the exit.
When I finally stepped into the lobby thirty minutes later than planned, I froze.
Dominic Blackwood was leaning casually against the front desk, scrolling through his phone. Even in his relaxed posture, there was something undeniably powerful about him. His silver–gray eyes flicked up, immediately finding mine across the crowded
space.
Several female employees were stealing glances at him, their expressions a mix of appreciation and intimidation. None approached him, though a testament to his Alpha aura that commanded respect without effort.
I hurried over, suddenly conscious of my wrinkled work clothes and disheveled hair.
“I’m so sorry for making you wait,” I said, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “I got caught up with finishing some remedies.”
Dominic slipped his phone into his pocket, his lips quirking upward. “No need to apologize, I just arrived”
The receptionist behind the desk was staring openly, clearly wondering what connection the intimidating Alpha Blackwood had with the new herbalist.
“Shall we?” Dominic gestured toward the exit, seemingly oblivious to the attention we were attracting.
Outside, his sleek black SUV waited, engine humming softly. He opened the passenger door for me, a surprisingly gentlemanly gesture that made me blink.
“Thank you,” I murmured, sliding in.
The drive to Moon Valley Lodge was mostly silent, but not uncomfortably so. The setting sun cast a golden glow over everything. making the countryside we passed look almost magical. My wolf seemed to soak in the peaceful moment, temporarily forgetting our tumultuous circumstances.
When we arrived at the impressive structure of Moon Valley Lodge, I gaped at the imposing architecture. The building rose elegantly against the darkening sky, its stone façade illuminated by subtle lighting that highlighted its grandeur.
Reality crashed back as I glanced down at my simple green work dress.
“Dominic,” I began, anxiety creeping into my voice, Tm not dressed for this. And neither are you, actually
He wore a casual gray sweatshirt and jeans – comfortable but hardly appropriate for what was clearly an upscale event.
lic just smirked as he led me through the main entrance, nodding at the doorman who bowed deeply in response.
Blackwood,” the man greeted respectfully “Your guests have begun arriving”
¿? I
7 looked at Dominic questioningly, but he simply guided me past the main reception area to a private elevator.
iped a key card and pressed his thumb against a small scanner beside the button panel.
Teprints are in the security system?” I asked, surprised.
106 bed.
eyes twinkled with amusement. “You might say a regular.”
evator opened directly into what appeared to be a private suite one more luxurious than any hotel room I’d ever seen. not word:llow.
Dace was massive, with floor–to–ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the territory. Plush furniture in rich tones of benim opal and navy complemented the sleek modern design.
bme to my humble abode,” Dominic said, his tone light.
225 on Lezalc
walked to the windows, mouth slightly open at the sweeping vista below. “You… live here?”
of my residences, he replied casually. “It’s convenient for business in this area.”
(2014, fab,201
d slowly, taking in the opulent space with new eyes. This was a tangible reminder of just how wealthy and powerful
ic truly was. The Shadow Pack’s Alpha King didn’t just have influence he had an empire.
ad some options delivered for you,” he continued, gesturing toward a closed door that presumably led to a bedroom.
ingal dresses you might like. Choose whatever appeals to you.”
Jobbbbar I could respond. Dominic was already unbuttoning his sweatshirt, revealing a glimpse of toned muscle beneath.
robinwore heated instantly, and I spun around.
… go look at those dresses then, I stammered, practically fleeing to the bedroom
#plasti leaned against the closed door, my heart racing. My wolf stirred strangely, almost… interested? I pushed the feeling waibafocusing on the “options” Dominic had mentioned.
found wasn’t “several dresses. There were at least twelve gowns laid out on the massive bed, each more beautiful than psnistrit. Designer labels I recognized but could never afford peeked from their collars.
n’t be serious,” I whispered, running my fingers over the fine fabrics.
rying on three, I settled on a shimmering silver gown that draped perfectly over my curves while still being modest enough lobhatmfort. The delicate beading caught the light with every movement, giving the illusion of subtle moonlight.
WEI emerged from the bedroom, Dominic was standing by the windows, now dressed in an impeccably tailored black suit. newqu park color emphasized the breadth of his shoulders and the silver in his eyes.
anowyhined at the sound of my approach, and I watched as his expression changed. For a moment, he seemed speechless, his
nce traveling from my carefully styled hair to the silver heels I’d found to match the dress.
suoivido” I asked nervously, smoothing down the fabric “Is this appropriate?”
BHbpic cleared his throat. “More than appropriate,” he finally said, his voice deeper than usual. “You look stunning, Aria.”
Something warm unfurled in my chest at his compliment, and my wolf practically preened.
Thank you,” I replied, hoping my blush wasn’t too obvious, “You clean up quite well yourself”
nus
How yM
I
s quirked in that half–smile I was beginning to recognize. “Shall we join the others?”
nodded, taking a steadying breath as Dominic offered his arm.
Brand hall of Moon Valley Lodge was even more magnificent than I’d imagined. Crystal chandeliers cast prismatic light over beterthered werewolves, all dressed in their finest attire. The scent of expensive perfumes and subtle Alpha pheromones
mingled in the air.
how ins
As soon as we entered, heads turned. Whispers followed us as Dominic led me through the crowd, his hand resting lightly on the 3377 of my back.
nguished older werewolf approached, his salt–and–pepper hair perfectly styled.
“Dominic!” he greeted warmly. “1 was beginning to think you wouldn’t make it.”
“Councilor Richardson, Dominic nodded. “I wouldn’t miss it.”
The man’s curious gaze shifted to me, his eyebrows rising slightly. “And who might this lovely lady be?”
Itensed, uncertain how D Dominic would introduce me. Friend? Associate? The wolf he was helping divorce her mate?
“This is Aria Summers, Dominic replied smoothly, his hand tightening slightly on my waist. “My intended mate.”
My breath caught in my throat. Intended mate? My wolf jolted with surprise, and I struggled to keep my expression neutral despite the shock coursing through me..
The councilor’s eyes widened momentarily before he composed himself. “Welll This is certainly unexpected. Congratulations to you both.”
He moved on after a brief exchange of pleasantries, but others quickly took his place. Each time, Dominic introduced me the same way: his intended mate.
When we finally found a less crowded corner, I turned to him, my voice low but urgent.
“Dominic, why are you introducing me as your intended mate? Wouldn’t ‘friend‘ be more appropriate?”
He seemed unconcerned, sipping from a crystal flute of champagne he’d procured from a passing server.
“Does it matter?” he asked casually. “It serves our purpose.”
I wanted to argue that yes, it absolutely did matter, but this was his territory, his domain, I was just a quest, and an imposter at that
Fine,” I sighed, resigning myself to the charade. Tll try not to embarrass you.”
I began muttering under my breath, rehearsing names and faces of the people we’d met.
Dominic leaned closer, his breath warm against my ear. “What are you doing?”
“Trying to memorize everyone’s names,” I explained. “I don’t want to make a social blunder that reflects poorly on you
His low chuckle sent an unexpected shiver down my spine.
“You don’t need to memorize anything,” he said, amusement clear in his voice. “As my intended mate, you only need to accept their deference.”
I opened my mouth to respond, but the words died on my lips as I caught sight of two familiar figures entering the grand hall
Alexander and Claire had arrived, their entrance drawing almost as much attention as ours had. Claire looked radiant in a deep emerald gown that matched her eyes perfectly, her hand resting possessively on Alexander’s arm.
My smile froze on my face.
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