Bound by Contract to the Alpha Chapter 113

Rebecca's POV

"People make mistakes," Elizabeth countered smoothly. "I was upset, but I've had time to reflect. Your secretary has been showing me some of our past projects. There was great potential there, Dominic."

I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from correcting her characterization of the last half hour. Dominic's eyes flicked to me, his expression softening slightly as he noticed my discomfort.

"Rebecca is an invaluable member of my team," he corrected coldly. "And she should be easing back into her duties, not running around retrieving files for someone who physically assaulted her."

Elizabeth's smile didn't waver. "Such strong words. She's been most helpful, though perhaps a bit... slow. I've been waiting almost an hour for a simple document request."

I felt a wave of dizziness wash over me, and I reached for the desk to steady myself. Dominic's hand immediately tightened at my back, offering support.

"Are you alright?" he asked quietly, his eyes scanning my face with concern.

I nodded, though the room seemed to be tilting slightly. "Just a little lightheaded. I'm fine."

His jaw tightened, and he turned back to Elizabeth. "Sterling Group is not interested in renewing any partnership with the Collins Group. Now or ever. And you are no longer welcome in this building. I've been courteous enough not to press charges for what you did to Rebecca, but that courtesy has limits."

Elizabeth's smile faltered slightly, but she recovered quickly. "Perhaps we could discuss this in private? I have an exciting proposition that might change your mind."

"There's nothing to discuss," Dominic stated firmly. "And after what happened last time you were alone with Rebecca, I'm not leaving her side while you're here."

"I'm not a threat," Elizabeth said with a hollow laugh. "It was a moment of weakness. Surely you understand those." Her eyes darted toward me meaningfully. "The Collins Group is willing to accept a much lower percentage than before. We value long-term relationships."

Dominic's expression remained unmoved. "My answer is no. And I'd like you to leave. Now."

Elizabeth's polite facade slipped, her eyes flashing with anger. "You're making a mistake, Dominic. Our families have been allied for generations. All this because of one human girl? What would your father say?"

"My father would say exactly what I'm saying," Dominic replied calmly. "That anyone who harms a member of the Sterling pack faces consequences. Rebecca isn't just 'one human girl'—she's my mate and future Luna. And you're lucky that all you lost was a business partnership."

The shock on Elizabeth's face at the word "Luna" was almost comical. Her eyes widened, darting from Dominic to me and back again. "Luna? You can't be serious. She's human!"

"Very serious," Dominic confirmed, his arm sliding around my waist. "Now, this conversation is over. Security will escort you out."

As if on cue, two large men in suits appeared from the elevator, clearly having been summoned by Vivian.

Elizabeth stood rigid for a moment, her face a mask of hatred and disbelief. Then she gathered her purse with jerky movements. "This isn't over, Dominic. The pack elders won't stand for this—a human Luna? It's unprecedented."

"Times change," Dominic replied simply. "Goodbye, Elizabeth."

I watched as she was escorted to the elevator, her back ramrod straight, dignity intact despite her humiliation. Only when the doors closed behind her did I let out a shaky breath, sagging slightly against Dominic's supportive frame.

"Take a break," he murmured, guiding me to my chair. "I shouldn't have let her get anywhere near you."

Vivian quickly brought me a glass of water. "I'm so sorry, Rebecca. She arrived while I was filing something, and by the time I realized who she was, she had already spotted you."

I took a grateful sip of the cool water. "It's not your fault. I just didn't expect to see her here after... everything."

"She won't be back," Dominic promised, his voice hard. His eyes softened as they returned to me. "Are you sure you're alright? That was a lot of stress you didn't need today."

"I'm fine," I assured him, though the dizziness hadn't completely subsided. "Just need to sit for a minute."

Dominic frowned, clearly not convinced. "Maybe coming back today wasn't the best idea."

"No, I needed this," I insisted. "I can't let her or anyone else intimidate me. I'm going to be Luna someday, right? I need to be stronger than that."

A small smile touched his lips. "You're already stronger than most wolves I know." He turned to Vivian. "I'm canceling my next meeting. And Rebecca should take an early lunch."

"Already done, sir," Vivian replied efficiently.

I rose carefully from my chair, gathering my purse. "I'll just go down to the café in the lobby. I need some fresh air anyway."

"I don't like the idea of you being alone after this," Dominic said, his protective instincts clearly in overdrive.

"The café is in our building, surrounded by your security team," I reminded him gently. "I'll be fine. You have work to do."

He hesitated, then nodded reluctantly. "Call me if you need anything. Anything at all."

"I will," I promised, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze before heading to the elevator.

As the doors closed, I leaned against the wall, finally allowing myself to feel the full weight of the encounter with Elizabeth. My hands trembled slightly as the adrenaline faded, leaving behind exhaustion and a lingering sense of unease. Whatever Elizabeth's agenda was, I doubted this would be the last we'd see of her. And next time, I would need to be better prepared.

---

I found a quiet café a block away, ordering a ginger tea and some plain toast to settle my stomach. The café was half-empty, peaceful compared to the morning rush, and I chose a table by the window where I could watch the world go by.

As I nibbled on my toast, I couldn't help replaying the interaction with Elizabeth. Her calculated attempts to exhaust me, the proprietary way she'd touched Dominic's arm, her dismissive attitude toward me—it all pointed to someone who viewed me as competition rather than Dominic's chosen mate.

"Penny for your thoughts?"

I startled at the familiar voice, looking up to find Adrian standing beside my table, a leather messenger bag slung over his shoulder and a coffee in hand. The university professor looked just as I remembered him—sandy hair slightly disheveled, intelligent eyes behind fashionable glasses, dressed in a tweed jacket that somehow managed to look stylish rather than stuffy.

"Adrian," I said, surprised. "I didn't expect to see you here."

"This café has the best espresso in the district. Mind if I join you?" He asked with a warm smile.

I hesitated. Adrian had made his interest in me clear during our previous encounters, and although I'd politely declined, he hadn't seemed ready to accept my relationship with Dominic. Still, it seemed rude to refuse such a simple request in a public place.

"Sure," I finally said, gesturing to the empty chair across from me.

He settled in, setting his coffee and bag on the table. "You look well, Rebecca. I heard you were taking some time off after... recent events." His expression turned sympathetic. "I was sorry to hear about your brother."

"Thank you," I said softly, looking down at my tea. "It's been difficult, but I'm managing."

Adrian nodded, studying me over the rim of his coffee cup. "And you're back at work now? At Sterling Group?"

"Yes, today's my first day back," I confirmed, taking another small bite of toast.

"Not drinking coffee today?" he asked, nodding toward my tea.

I shook my head. "Just feeling a little under the weather. Tea seemed safer."

His eyes narrowed slightly in concern. "I hope you're not pushing yourself too hard. After everything you've been through, you deserve some peace."

"I'm fine, really," I assured him. "Getting back to normal life is exactly what I need right now."

Adrian leaned forward, his expression earnest. "Have you given any more thought to what we discussed last time? About Sterling and his world?"