Chapter 19: The Mated She–Wolf
Chapter 19: The Mated She–Wolf
(Aria’s POV)
My heart sank as I looked at Dominic across the table. His silver–gray eyes held genuine regret as he explained his friendship with Alexander. Of course they were close. The two most powerful Alphas in the Northern Territory would naturally have connections.
“I understand,” I said quietly, unable to hide my disappointment. 1 shouldn’t have asked
I made to stand, but Dominic’s warm hand caught mine, stopping me.
“Why so serious? His unexpected teasing tone made me look up in surprise. A playful smile curled the corners of his lips. “1 didn’t say I wouldn’t help you.”
“But you just said-
1 said it puts me in a difficult position,” he clarified, his thumb tracing small circles on my hand that sent unexpected tingles up my arm. “Not an impossible one.”
Hope flickered back to life inside me. “You’ll help me?”
“On one condition.”
I held my breath, waiting. With Alexander refusing to sign the severance a anything.
agreement, I was desperate enough to accept almost
“You need to accompany me to Shadow Pack territory Dominic said, his expression turning serious again. “My grandmother has been asking to meet you.”
“Your grandmother?” I blinked in confusion. “Why would she want to meet me?”
Dominic’s smile returned, softer now. “She’s been curious about you for some time. Says she has something important to discuss.
“Is that all?” I couldn’t hide my surprise at the simple request.
“That’s all,” he confirmed. “Eleanor Blackwood doesn’t ask to meet just anyone. If she’s requesting your presence specifically, it must be important.”
I barely hesitated. Til go
Relief washed through me so intensely I nearly cried. With Dominic’s help, I might actually be free of Alexander. Free to make my own decisions about my future, about this pregnancy.
“When do we leave?” I asked, unable to keep the eagerness from my voice.
Dominic lifted his wine glass. Tll make arrangements for this weekend. Three days from now.”
I raised my glass of water, clinking it against his. “Thank you, Dominic. I don’t know how i’ll ever repay you.”
His silver eyes gleamed in the soft lighting. “Let’s start with you enjoying that wolf–apple pie you ordered.”
The tension broken, I laughed – the first genuine laugh I’d managed since before my mother’s death. My wolf stirred contentedly within me, sensing that we were one step closer to freedom,
After finishing our meal, we stepped out of the private dining room into the restaurant’s main area. The hostess nodded respectfully to Dominic as we passed, several diners turning to watch us with obvious curiosity
“Blackwood!
The familiar voice made me freeze mid–step. My wolf’s hackles rose in immediate alarm, her protective instincts flaring around our unborn pup.
Alexander stood near the entrance, with Claire clinging to his arm like she belonged there. Her emerald eyes gleamed with satisfaction as she leaned into him, a possessive smile on her perfect face.
I instinctively ducked behind Dominic’s broad frame, pressing close to his back. His scent–pine forests after rain with hints of cinnamon–enveloped me, masking my own pregnancy–altered scent.
“Reed,” Dominic acknowledged coolly, his body subtly shifting to shield me more effectively. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”
Alexander approached, his amber eyes scanning Dominic with undisguised curiosity. “Just taking Claire to dinner. She’s had a difficult day.
Claire’s tinkling laugh grated on my nerves like nails on glass. “Alex, we should ask Dominic if we could use his private dining. room. You always said he keeps one booked here.”
I suppressed a growl at her familiarity with my mate. Ex–mate, I forcefully reminded myself, my nails digging into my palms.
“That’s my personal space,” Dominic replied, his tone remaining casual despite the tension I could feel in his muscles. “Reserved for specific company.”
Claire’s gaze shifted, trying to peer around Dominic’s large frame. “Speaking of company… is someone hiding behind you?”
My breath caught painfully in my throat. I pressed my forehead between Dominic’s shoulder blades, willing myself to disappear The wolf inside me bristled, ready to face them, but the woman – the pregnant woman – wasn’t prepared for this confrontation.
“Blackwood, you sly wolf, Alexander said, his voice taking on a teasing edge that did nothing to mask his growing suspicion. “Hiding a female? That’s not like you”
I felt Dominic straighten, his Alpha aura expanding slightly. The subtle display of power made several nearby diners glance away nervously, some even shifting in their seats.
“Some situations require discretion,” he replied evenly
I gathered my courage and started to step out from behind him. If this confrontation was inevitable, I’d rather face it head–on. But to my surprise, Dominic shifted again, keeping me hidden.
“Come on, Dom, Alexander pressed, his curiosity clearly piqued, “Who is she? Someone I know?
I could practically feel the wheels turning in Alexander’s mind, his wolfs instincts trying to parse the scents despite the restaurant’s neutralizing features.
“If you must know, Dominic said with measured patience, “she’s a mated she–wolf seeking counsel on severing her mate bond.”
My eyes widened at how close to the truth his answer was. Technically, he wasn’t lying. My heart pounded so loudly I feared
Alexander might hear it.
Alexander’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “You’re helping someone sever a mate bond? That’s… unexpected”
“The circumstances warrant intervention, Dominic replied coolly. “Her mate has been… neglectful”
The subtle accusation wasn’t lost on Alexander, His jaw tightened momentarily before he forced a smile that didn’t reach his
eyes.
“Well, you’ve always had a soft spot for damsels in distress,” he commented, trying to keep his tone light though his scent sharpened with irritation. Though I’m surprised you’d interfere in another wolf’s mating. That’s not typically your style.”
Claire tugged on Alexander’s arm, her perfect features arranged in a pout that made me want to slap her. “Alex, I’m starving. We
should get our table.”
I bit my lip hard enough to taste blood, my wolf snarling at her obvious manipulation.
*Introduce me to your mystery woman once she’s free of her mate,” Alexander said to Dominic, his wolf’s scent betraying his suspicion despite his casual words. “Maybe we could arrange something.”
The audacity of his suggestion – while Claire hung on his arm, no less–made my blood boil. Did he really think he could discard
one mate and simply find another so easily?
“I don’t think she’d be interested, Dominic replied coolly. “She has standards.”
Alexander’s eyes flashed momentarily with anger at the insult, his amber irises taking on a dangerous glow. But he quickly
masked it with another smile. “Your loss. Or hers, rather.”
He turned to go, then paused. “By the way, have you seen Aria recently? She’s… taking some time away. I’m concerned about her
state of mind.
The false concern in his voice made me want to claw his eyes out. My wolf growled softly within me, her rage barely contained.
“I’m sure Luna Summers is perfectly capable of managing her affairs, Dominic responded neutrally. “Now if you’ll excuse us…”
With a smooth movement, he guided me toward the exit, keeping his body between Alexander’s curious gaze and my trembling
form.
“Enjoy your evening,” he called over his shoulder, a clear dismissal,
We made it outside, and I finally took a deep breath of the cool night air. My hands were shaking from the near encounter.
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