Bound by Contract to the Alpha Chapter 115

Rebecca's POV

I followed Dominic up to his office, my emotions still raw from the confrontation with Adrian. The way Dominic had appeared, defending me with such fierce intensity—it stirred something primal within me. Yet I couldn't deny the exhaustion creeping through my body, a constant reminder of the precious life growing inside me.

Once inside his spacious office, I sank onto the plush leather sofa, closing my eyes briefly as I gently massaged my temples. The dizziness had subsided, but a dull ache remained.

"I'm fine," I said, sensing Dominic's concerned gaze. "Don't worry."

He moved to the window, his silhouette powerful against the city skyline. The afternoon sun caught the angles of his face, highlighting the tension in his jaw. I studied him, wondering about the encounter with Elizabeth that had clearly affected him more than he was letting on.

"What did you tell Elizabeth?" I asked directly. "About the Collins Group proposal to work together again?"

Dominic turned, his expression neutral but his eyes betraying a hint of lingering anger. "I rejected it. Sterling Group won't be doing business with Collins Group again."

I nodded slowly, remembering the first time I'd seen them together at Oak Park. Even then, he'd been dismissive of her, though I hadn't understood why at the time. A puzzle piece clicked into place in my mind.

"There's more to it than her attacking me, isn't there?" I met his gaze steadily. "Why do you hate Elizabeth so much?"

Dominic's eyes darkened as he crossed the room to sit beside me. The leather creaked under his weight, and his scent enveloped me. His jaw worked for a moment, as if he was deciding how much to share.

"It's not just that she was seeing another wolf while pretending to court me," he began, his voice low, fingers absently tracing patterns on the leather between us. "And it's not only because she hurt you."

He paused, his shoulders tensing slightly. "We were in the same business course in college. There was a party one night. I had too much to drink—something I rarely do." His voice hardened. "Elizabeth followed me to an empty room and..." His jaw clenched, a muscle twitching along his cheek. "She tried to take advantage of me while I was barely conscious."

My breath caught in my throat. "She what?" The words came out in a horrified whisper as heat rushed to my face.

"I came to enough to stop her before things went too far," he continued, his expression hardening, eyes fixed on a distant point. "Even drunk, my wolf knew something wasn't right. I could sense my mate was out there somewhere, even though I hadn't met you yet."

Anger blazed through me like wildfire. My hands clenched into fists, knuckles whitening. My heart pounded against my ribs, and I could feel my face flushing with rage.

"I'll kill her," I whispered, the words escaping before I could stop them. "How dare she? How fucking dare she do that to you?"

Dominic's eyebrows rose slightly, a small smile playing at his lips though his eyes remained serious. "Little doe, how exactly do you plan to kill her? Perhaps I could be your accomplice."

His light tone didn't match the intensity in his eyes. I reached out, cupping his face between my palms, my thumbs stroking his cheekbones. His stubble was rough against my skin, and I could feel the slight tremor in his jaw.

"I'm not joking," I said fiercely, my voice trembling with emotion. "Maybe I don't have the strength to kill her, but Dominic, I would protect you. With everything I have."

He stared at me, something shifting in his expression—surprise, followed by a vulnerability I rarely saw. His eyes softened, the blue deepening as they searched mine. He nodded slowly, covering one of my hands with his own, his touch warm and steady.

"Thank you, little doe," he murmured, his voice rough with emotion. Then he leaned forward to press his lips against mine in a soft, tender kiss that made my heart ache with love for him.

---

In the afternoon, I tried to focus on my work, but my mind kept drifting back to Dominic's revelation. The thought of Elizabeth trying to take advantage of him made my blood boil.

By five o'clock, I was gathering my things to head home when Dominic appeared in my doorway, his tall frame filling the space. There was something different about him—a lightness I hadn't seen before. His posture was relaxed, shoulders less tense than usual, and his eyes held a secret anticipation.

"I have a surprise for you," he said, his blue eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Please tell me it's not more bad news about Elizabeth," I replied, only half-joking as I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.

His lips curved into a genuine smile that transformed his usually serious face. "Trust me, this is good news."

He pulled out his phone, tapped the screen a few times, then slipped it back into his pocket. "Your schedule for the next three days has been cleared."

"Cleared?" I echoed, confused, setting down the portfolio I'd been about to pack. "Dominic, I have meetings with the production team tomorrow, and—"

"All rescheduled," he cut in smoothly, extending his hand to me. His fingers wiggled slightly in a playful gesture I'd never seen from him before. "We need some time. Just us."

Something in his tone made my heart flutter. I placed my hand in his, marveling at how perfectly they fit together, how natural it felt to touch him. He led me to the elevator and down to the parking garage, where the car waited, engine already purring quietly.

"Where are we going?" I asked as he helped me into the passenger seat, his hand lingering supportively at my waist.

"You'll see," he replied, a rare playfulness in his voice as he closed my door and walked around to the driver's side.

---

One hours later, we pulled up to a modern beach house perched on the edge of a private stretch of coastline. The sun was beginning its descent toward the horizon, casting golden light across the waves that lapped at the pristine sandy shore. The house itself was stunning—glass and natural wood blending harmoniously with the coastal landscape, large windows reflecting the orange-pink sky.

"It's beautiful," I breathed as Dominic helped me from the car, my eyes wide as I took in the panoramic view.

"One of Sterling Group's vacation properties," he explained, taking my hand. His thumb absently stroked my knuckles as he spoke. "Currently reserved exclusively for us."

I gazed at the scene before me—endless ocean stretching to the horizon, private beach of pale golden sand, and not another soul in sight. Seabirds wheeled overhead, their calls mixing with the rhythmic sound of waves. The air was fresh with salt and something floral from the native plants lining the property.

"This is better than any vacation spot I could have imagined," I said, squeezing his hand.

Dominic led me through the house, each room more stunning than the last with floor-to-ceiling windows that framed the ocean view. The decor was minimalist but luxurious—all clean lines, natural materials, and subtle elegance. His hand never left mine as we explored, and I noticed how his eyes kept drifting to my face, gauging my reactions.

"The bedroom is upstairs," he said, guiding me to a spiral staircase of pale wood and glass. "Why don't you change into something comfortable? I'd like to take you for a walk on the beach before sunset."

In the master bedroom, I found my suitcase already unpacked, clothes hanging neatly in the closet. I smiled, wondering when Dominic had arranged all this. I selected a simple white sundress and a light cardigan for the evening breeze, then slipped my feet into sandals.

When I descended the stairs, Dominic was waiting by the door that led directly onto the beach. He'd changed into linen pants and a loose white shirt that made his tanned skin look even darker. My heart skipped at the sight of him, so different from the intimidating CEO in his tailored suits. His hair was slightly tousled by the sea breeze, and he looked younger, more carefree.

"Ready?" he asked, extending his hand, his eyes warming as they took in my appearance.