Chapter 7
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I hadn’t seen Alpha Dominic all day, thanks to Julian’s careful planning. He had the audacity to invite Violet to lunch and the evening ball, but not me. It was clear he and Violet were doing everything they could to keep me from meeting Alpha Dominic. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands, because this was my only chance.
Gamma Grant was waiting for me in the hallway, looking handsome in gray suit with his slicked–back black hair. But there was a nervous energy to him, one I understood. Taking me to the ball was going against Alpha Julian’s orders, and that could have consequences for him.
“You look beautiful, Luna Blair,” he said, offering me his arm with a smile. I smoothed my dress and smiled back. “Thank you, Grant.”
It was time to face the music.
Grant hesitated for a moment, then added, “There’s good news for you. Alpha Julian has asked Beta Nash to take you to the ball.”
I let out a bitter laugh. I knew Julian too well–this was just another one of his tricks. Beta Nash had never come to find me or told me he would be my date. In fact, he would never show up, and then Julian would make excuses to Alpha Dominic about how I refused to come.
Grant nodded in understanding; his expression sympathetic. “I’d rather go with you, since I haven’t even seen Beta Nash.”
Grant looked at me with sympathetic eyes and patted my hand, “Don’t worry, Luna Blair. I’ve got your
back.”
I knew that. I appreciated his loyalty, even if it meant taking a risk for my sake.
As we walked toward the pack house hall, I gripped my formal dress tightly. “Grant,” I said as we neared the entrance, “here’s the deal. You know Alpha Julian doesn’t want me at the ball, and if you walk in with me, it’ll be a disaster for you. So, how about I go in first, and then you come in later?”
Grant relaxed immediately, his shoulders dropping. “Of course, Luna.”
I’d chosen a silver silk gown that shimmered under the lights. It felt elegant and sophisticated, especially with the blue topaz necklace Julian had given me before. I curled my hair and let it fall down my back. I was determined to walk in with my head held high, even if the world around me felt like it was falling apart.
When I entered the hall, an awkward silence fell over the room. Everyone turned to stare at me. I spotted Julian immediately–standing with Violet. My gaze flickered to her, and I couldn’t help but suppress a laugh. She was wearing a ridiculously short pink dress with an oversized bow on the front. But then my amusement faded when I saw her necklace. It was identical to the ruby necklace Julian had given me on our wedding day.
As soon as I walked in, an uneasy feeling crept over me. Why did it feel like someone was watching
me?
Julian was stunned when he saw me, but the expression on Violet’s face was interesting. She looked jealous. And when Julian’s eyes met mine, I could see admiration–and something darker–flicker there. When he started walking toward me, Violet grabbed his hand.
< Chapter 7
Fine, let him do what he wanted. I held my head high, ignoring them both.
I scanned the room for Alpha Dominic.
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At the far end of the hall, beyond the crowd, I spotted him. Standing tall and still, holding a drink, his eyes were focused on me. Dressed in a black shirt, gray pants, and black boots, he was undoubtedly the most handsome wolf in the room. The warriors around him looked impenetrable. I gave him a slight bow and walked toward him with a nervous smile. The warriors parted for me, and I heard audible gasps from other guests–a sign that no one was usually allowed near him.
“Alpha Dominic,” I said politely, my voice steady despite the racing of my heart, “it’s nice to meet you.” He smiled, a crooked, teasing smile that made my heart skip a beat. “The pleasure is mine, Luna Blair.”
I could feel Julian’s glare burning into my back as jealousy flared through our mate bond.
“Did Aria mention me?” Dominic asked, his voice smooth, his gaze never leaving mine.
“Yes, she did.” Then, Alpha Dominic suddenly leaned down and whispered something in my ear, so only we could hear. When he got close, a scent of cedar and sandalwood washed over me. His breath tickled my ear, and his words took me by surprise.
“Time is short, so let’s skip the small talk. I want to hear about your concerns right now,” he said with a
smile.
I blinked. How could he know what I wanted to talk about? The color drained from my face.
“Could we speak privately?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
“Of course. There’s a room upstairs reserved for my warriors. We can go there.”
I felt Julian’s eyes on me, burning with fury, but I no longer cared.
Five minutes later, I was sitting in the quiet, dimly lit room while Alpha Dominic leaned against the desk, swirling his whiskey, his eyes were fixed on me, intense and unwavering.
I didn’t waste time and said gently, “I know you’re here for the Blue Bay Project, but I’d like to state my request before we discuss that.”
Still drinking his whiskey, he kept his eyes on me. “Alright.”
“Alpha Dominic, you may have heard some rumors,” I said, catching my breath. “I want to end my marriage to Julian. But if I leave him, I also want to take back my pack. I need help handling the case with the Council of Elders.”
He tilted his head and smiled. “I can do that,” he said, “but what’s in it for me?”
I froze, shocked by his bluntness. His reputation as a playboy screamed in my head. “I–I’m sorry, Alpha Dominic, but I won’t repay you in the bedroom. If you’d like, I can compensate you with money after I get my pack back.”
He moved away from the desk and walked toward me. I stood up, craning my neck to look into his eyes. The scent of sandalwood and cedar from him was overwhelming.
“No, Blair,” he said in a low voice. “I don’t want money…” He stopped just inches away from me, his gaze darkening. He lowered his head, leaning close to my ear, and his voice was a seductive whisper. “I just want you.”
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I jerked my head back in horror. “Alpha Dominic-” I stammered, but my words caught in my throat. My hand instinctively reached for the mate mark on my shoulder that had been fading these past few
days.
He took a step back but kept his intense gaze locked on me.
“I’ll help you get rid of your unfaithful husband and his mistress. I’ll help you take back your pack, make them bow to you, but-” he paused, a wicked smile curling on his lips.
“You must sign a contract to be my Luna for one year after your divorce.”
The Thunderforge Alpha’s Contract fride
Chapter 8
