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Chapter 33: A Messy Confrontation
Chapter 33: A Messy Confrontation
(Aria’s POV)
Alexander looked completely different from this morning. Gone was the disheveled, desperate man who’d grabbed my wrist in the parking lot.
In his place stood a dignified Alpha in a perfectly tailored charcoal suit that emphasized his broad shoulders. His amber eyes surveyed the room with confidence, his golden–brown hair neatly styled.
And Claire – she was absolutely radiant. Her emerald gown complemented her eyes and hugged her curves perfectly, making her pregnancy completely undetectable. Her auburn hair cascaded down her back in elegant waves, and her smile was dazzling as she clung to Alexander’s arm.
They looked… right together. The thought stung more than I expected.
I watched as they moved through the crowd, talking and laughing with an easy familiarity that spoke of their shared history. There was an indescribable understanding between them, a connection that Alexander and I had never achieved despite our mate bond.
My enhanced werewolf hearing picked up snippets of whispered conversations around us.
“Theard that Alexander abandoned his mating ceremony because of Claire,” a sleek blonde whispered behind her champagne glass. I think they’re getting their mate bond severed.”
Her companion, a distinguished older wolf with silver temples, leaned closer. “Why did I hear Alexander has already severed his
mate bond?”
“I heard that too,” another joined in. “Alexander didn’t even show up at the ceremony, and his Luna’s mother died from the
shock.
“His poor Luna is really pitiful…”
My chest tightened. So this was what the territory’s elite thought of me- pitiful. The abandoned mate. The failed Luna.
Though the failed mating ceremony had happened just days ago, it felt like a lifetime had passed. My world had completely
transformed in such a short time.
Alexander was now engaged in conversation with several pack dignitaries, I recognized a few territory council members and influential business owners. Claire stayed close to his side, playing her role as the Storm Pack’s Chief Healer perfectly. She kept the atmosphere light with her charming laughter and graceful gestures.
Despite her questionable status at such a prestigious venue, no one dared challenge her with Alexander by her side. They all seemed to have accepted her as his new choice, his future Luna,
“Do you know why I asked you to come tonight?” Dominic’s low voice suddenly whispered in my ear, his breath warm against my
skin.
I turned instinctively toward him and realized how close we were standing. Close enough that I could see my own reflection in his silver–gray eyes. My wolf stirred beneath my skin, her reaction to him still confusing and new
“Why?” I asked, taking a small step back to create some distance between us.
Dominic smiled, that half–smirk that somehow managed to be both arrogant and charming. He reached out and took my hand in his, his touch surprisingly warm.
“Come with me,” he said, his intense gaze focused entirely on me.
I didn’t know what he was planning, but as he led me directly toward Alexander and Claire, my heart tightened with anxiety. My back tensed, and my wolf seemed to curl in an herself, anticipating confrontation.
“Well, what’s happening here…” Dominic’s casual voice cut through Alexander’s conversation like a knife through butter.
He moved with the confident ease of someone accustomed to power, his casual demeanor tinged with arrogance. His
expression remained unreadable as he surveyed the group.
*Alpha Blackwood, I didn’t expect you to be here as well…” A high–ranking wolf who had been chatting with Alexander Immediately turned his attention to Dominic, his tone warm with respect. “It’s been some time since we last met…
Dominic smiled politely. “I was occupied with territory expansion before, but I’ve returned to focus on domestic matters.”
“I heard Alpha Blackwood has been developing new security protocols for our northern territories…” The conversation continued, but I barely heard the words.
I forced my lips into the most polite smile I could manage while feeling Alexander’s gaze boring into me. His amber eyes were fixed on me with an intensity that made me feel like he could burn a hole through my body.
Claire obviously hadn’t expected to see me at such an event. Her emerald eyes darted between Dominic and me, finally settling on his hand still holding mine. She narrowed her eyes slightly, then subconsciously hugged Alexander’s arm tighter, a smug smile appearing at the corner of her red–painted lips.
At that moment, Alexander abruptly shook off Claire’s hand. He stared at me with perverse anger in his amber
eyes.
“Aria, why are you here?” he demanded, his voice no longer the gentle, controlled tone he typically used in public. It was cold as ice, making several nearby werewolves flinch.
But I wasn’t afraid. Not anymore.
I glanced pointedly at Claire, who was trying to reclaim Alexander’s arm and looking embarrassed by his outburst. A sneer formed on my lips.
“You two are here, why can’t I be?” I challenged, meeting his gaze steadily.
Alexander’s frown deepened, his anger obvious now. He stepped forward, reaching for my wrist.
“You’re coming back with me!” he growled.
But before he could touch me, Dominic had already moved, positioning himself between us and pulling me protectively behind him.
“Alexander, what are you doing? Dominic asked coolly. “You’re severing your mate bond, why are you still so possessive?”
As soon as these words left Dominic’s mouth, a ripple of shock passed through the crowd. The conversations around us died
down as everyone strained to hear
I could practically see the thoughts forming in their minds: What was happening? Mate bond severance? Could it be that the
woman with Alpha Blackwood was Alpha Reed’s soon–to–be ex–Luna? Then Claire Watson, whom Alexander brought tonight, was
his new intended mate? Ex–Luna and new Luna in the same room?
This was shaping up to be the territory’s most dramatic confrontation!
“Who said we’re severing our mate bond?!” Alexander growled through gritted teeth, his Alpha aura flaring aggressively
Dominic raised his eyebrows and nodded toward Claire. “Didn’t you bring your new intended mate here? Why hide it?”
“Dominic, stop talking nonsense! Alexander shook off Claire’s arm again as she tried to calm him. His face was flushed with
rage. “Aria is my Luna, Claire and I have nothing romantic between us!”
“Nothing?” Dominic chuckled, though his voice remained cold. “Do you believe that yourself?”
“You–Alexander began, but Dominic cut him off.
“Since your mate bond is being severed, just mind your own business,” Dominic said, holding my hand with a casual smile on his lips. “Do you know what a qualified ex–mate should be like? He paused, opening his lips slightly before delivering the final blow
“They should be like they’re dead to you.”
“Dominic, we haven’t. Alexander started to protest, but Claire suddenly grabbed his arm.
“Enough, Alexander,” she said in her usual gracious tone, though I could hear the strain underneath. “Everyone is watching, don’t
say another word.”
As she spoke, she forcefully pulled Alexander to a quieter corner. “Don’t make a scene at this kind of gathering,” I heard her reprimand him. “Dominic Blackwood is a shameless Alpha playboy. You still have to maintain the reputation of the Storm Pack!”
Watching Claire walk away with Alexander, a satisfied sneer appeared at the corner of my lips. To outsiders, Claire appeared completely like a proper Luna, but in reality, she was nothing more than a homewrecker!
“Well? How was that for a strategy? Dominic’s voice pulled me from my thoughts. He looked at me with a crooked smile that somehow made my heart skip “After tonight’s incident, every wolf in the Northern Territory will believe Alexander is severing your mate bond.”
I looked up at him, the realization dawning. This was his plan all along! Alexander didn’t want to sever our mate bond, but when public opinion solidified, even if he tried to deny it, the damage would be done!
A genuine smile broke across my face, and my anger instantly dissipated. “That’s brilliant,” I whispered.
Dominic looked at me directly, his silver–gray eyes containing what seemed like broken diamonds, shining like stars. There was something in their depths, something that made my heart tremble slightly… was it affection? Longing?
e curled his lips playfully
But when I tried to look closer, his expression had already returned to his usual nonchalant attitude. He and pinched my nose with his fingers.
“See? Are you reassured now?”
The overly intimate gesture made me smile uncomfortably, but seeing his casual expression, I quickly relaxed. I must have been imagining things.
Thank you, Dominic,” I said genuinely.
“Why so formal with me?” he teased.
I chuckled, and just as I was about to respond, I noticed a tall figure walking toward us.
“Ms. Summers, it’s been a while,” said the approaching man.
I looked at the well–dressed doctor with surprise. “Dr. Lewis? Why are you here too?”
Dr. Nathan Lewis smiled slightly, casting a somewhat awkward glance at Dominic. “Aren’t you here to watch someone’s
performance? This tactic of making rumors reality is quite impressive…
“What?” I looked at him with confusion, not understanding his meaning.
Dominic frowned and kicked him lightly. “What are you talking about? Go mingle elsewhere!”
Dr. Lewis dodged the kick with a laugh, clearly showing the two had a good relationship. I laughed as well, amused by their
friendly interaction.
But at that moment, I suddenly felt a sharp gaze cutting through the crowd and landing on me. The sensation was so intense it
was almost physical.
I instinctively looked up, scanning the room until my eyes m
my eyes met a pair filled with pure hostility–Claire Watson.
