Chapter 50: Intended Mate
Chapter 50: Intended Mate
(Aria’s POV)
The aroma of expertly prepared werewolf cuisine enveloped me as I sat across from Dominic in the private dining room of Silver Moon. After the tense encounter with Alexander and Claire, I’d expected my appetite to vanish. Instead, I found myself ravenous. “You should try this,” Dominic said, gesturing to a platter of moonberry–glazed venison. “It’s their specialty.”
I took a bite and couldn’t suppress a small moan of appreciation. The rich, gamey flavor complemented by the tart sweetness of moonberries was divine.
“Good?” he asked, a knowing smile playing at the corner of his lips.
I nodded enthusiastically. “It’s incredible.”
My wolf stirred contentedly within me, satisfied by the protein–rich meal. The pregnancy had altered my appetite in unexpected ways, making me crave foods that nourished both me and my growing pup.
“Here, try the silver pine–infused mushrooms,” Dominic suggested, placing some on my plate before I could respond.
His attentiveness surprised me. Alexander had never paid such close attention to my preferences, even before Claire had reentered our lives.
“These are rich in nutrients that werewolves need,” Dominic explained, offering me a marrow–rich bone that wolves particularly favored for strength. “Especially female wolves.”
I wondered if he somehow suspected my pregnancy. But that was impossible – I’d been careful not to show any obvious symptoms around him.
“Their moon–seared lamb shank is mediocre,” Dominic commented after sampling the dish. “I could make a better version at home.”
I nearly choked on my water. “You can cook that?”
The thought of the powerful Alpha King standing over a stove, preparing a complex dish like moon–seared lamb, seemed almost comical.
Dominic’s silver–gray eyes twinkled with amusement. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me yet, little wolf.”
The nickname sent an unexpected warmth through me. My wolf perked up, strangely pleased by it.
After finishing our meal, Dominic leaned back in his chair. “How about we take a walk? There’s a mall nearby. It might help with digestion.”
“I don’t need to go shopping,” I replied, confused by the sudden suggestion.
Dominic’s expression became slightly sheepish. “Actually, I thought we might need to get you some clothes for tomorrow’s visit
to Shadow Pack territory.”
I stared at him, bewildered. “Shadow Pack territory? I thought we were just visiting your grandmother.”
“My grandmother lives in Shadow Pack territory,” he explained, as if this should have been obvious. “Did I forget to mention that?”
“Yes, you did!” I couldn’t believe he’d omitted such a crucial detail. “You didn’t say anything about going to Shadow Pack territory!”
Dominic chuckled, seeming amused by my distress. “Didn’t you agree not to be afraid of being ‘sold to pack hunters‘ by me?”
Iremembered our earlier conversation and narrowed my eyes. “That’s not what I agreed to.”
“My grandmother has been pestering me to bring home a potential mate,” he explained, his powerful Alpha scent betraying no
nervousness. “She’s threatening to travel across territories to ‘tear my ears off‘ if I don’t comply soon.”
“And you chose me for this charade?” I asked incredulously.
“Who better?” He shrugged casually. “You saved her life three years ago. She already likes you.”
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<Chapter 50: Intended Mate
+4 Points)
I remembered the elderly she–wolf I’d helped at the Neutral Grounds during a territory gathering. I’d had no idea she was Eleanor
Blackwood, matriarch of the most powerful werewolf family in the Northern Territory.
“Besides,” Dominic continued, “your circumstances are perfect.”
“My circumstances?” I echoed.
His expression softened slightly. “You’re severing your mate bond with Alexander, and you’re pregnant with his pup. Grandmother will understand why I couldn’t possibly pursue anything serious with you.”
My breath caught in my throat. He knew. Somehow, he knew about my pregnancy.
“How did you-”
“Your scent has changed,” he said softly. “And you’ve been eating foods pregnant she–wolves typically crave.”
I felt my cheeks flush with embarrassment. I’d thought I was being discreet.
“Don’t worry,” he assured me, reaching across the table to pat my hand. “Your secret is safe with me. And it makes our charade more convincing. Grandmother will be sympathetic but ultimately disapproving of you as my mate.”
I considered his proposal. It wasn’t unreasonable. After all, he had helped me with my mate bond severance and provided me with a safe place to live.
“Fine,” I agreed reluctantly. “But I already have suitable clothes.”
“Let me be the judge of that,” he insisted, standing and offering me his hand.
The next morning, we set out for Shadow Pack territory in Dominic’s luxury SUV. I tugged nervously at the emerald green dress
we’d purchased yesterday, wondering if it was appropriate for meeting the Shadow Pack matriarch.
“Stop fidgeting,” Dominic said, his eyes briefly leaving the road to glance at me. “You look perfect.”
As we passed through the heavily guarded territorial borders, I noticed how different Shadow Pack felt from Storm Pack. The
forests were darker, the air cooler, and the wolves we passed exuded a silent confidence that even the Storm Pack’s elite
warriors lacked.
Dominic himself looked different here. Dressed in a perfectly tailored charcoal gray suit, he seemed more imposing, more regal.
Several passing wolves lowered their heads instinctively as we drove by, acknowledging the Alpha King in their midst.
“Are you comfortable?” Dominic asked, breaking the silence. “Hungry? We could stop at a local pack eatery if you’d like.”
“I’m fine,” I assured him, determined to play my part well. “Ready when you are.”
His lips curved in an approving smile. “Good.”
As we approached what must have been the Blackwood family compound, Dominic suddenly reached across the console and took my hand. The unexpected contact sent a jolt through me.
“What are you doing?” I whispered, startled.
“I thought you were ready?” he teased, interlacing our fingers firmly.
His touch sent an unexpected warmth through me. My palm began to sweat, and my wolf stirred curiously within me. The
sensation was disconcerting.
We pulled up to the main building where a sleek black luxury SUV with the Shadow Pack emblem waited. A young werewolf with the Blackwood family’s distinctive gray eyes leaned casually against it. He removed his sunglasses as we approached.
“Finally!” he called out good–naturedly. “I’ve been waiting over an hour, cousin!”
His scent marked him as family to Dominic, though he lacked the overwhelming Alpha presence that Dominic exuded.
When his curious gaze settled on me, he broke into a wide grin. “And who’s this pretty she–wolf?”
Dominic playfully growled at him. “Call her my intended mate, Ethan.”
Ethan Blackwood’s eyes widened momentarily before he recovered with a theatrical bow. “Welcome to the family, cousin–in–law!”
“This is Ethan, my younger cousin,” Dominic explained to me, his arm sliding protectively around my shoulders. “He lacks
manners but makes up for it with enthusiasm.”
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< Chapter 50: Intended Mate
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“It’s nice to meet you,” I said politely, feeling awkward under Ethan’s scrutiny.
Ethan opened the SUV door for us with a flourish. “Grandmother is eagerly awaiting your arrival. She’s been buzzing around the main house all morning preparing for your visit.”
As we settled into the backseat, Dominic continued to hold my hand. His fingers playfully toyed with mine, despite my shy attempts to withdraw.
“Be still,” he whispered, his breath warm against my ear as his Alpha scent enveloped me. “The act starts now.”
His touch sent my wolf into a strange, content state that confused my human side. I had to remind myself that this was merely a charade–a mutually beneficial arrangement between two people helping each other out.
So why did it feel so natural to have his fingers intertwined with mine?
My wolf seemed to have no doubts, settling into a peaceful state unlike anything I’d experienced before. It was as if she recognized something in Dominic that my human mind couldn’t–or wouldn’t–acknowledge.
“Ready to meet the family?” Dominic asked, his silver–gray eyes searching mine.
I nodded, suddenly aware of how close our faces were. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”
