Bound by Contract to the Alpha Chapter 117

Rebecca's POV

Morning came with golden light filtering through the windows. I awoke to find myself nestled against Dominic's chest, his arm draped protectively over me. The mark on my neck tingled pleasantly, a constant reminder of our bond. I could feel his steady heartbeat beneath my cheek, the rhythm soothing and familiar.

Carefully, I slipped from his embrace and padded to the balcony that overlooked the ocean. The sun was just beginning to rise, painting the horizon with hues of gold and rose. I wrapped myself in a robe and leaned against the railing, breathing in the salt-tinged air. Below, the waves lapped gently at the shore, and seabirds were beginning their morning search for food.

A few minutes later, warm arms encircled me from behind, and Dominic's scent enveloped me as he pressed a kiss to the mark on my neck. I felt a pleasant shiver travel down my spine at the contact, our bond humming with contentment.

"Good morning, Mrs. Soon-to-be Sterling," he murmured, his voice still rough with sleep. His chin rested on top of my head, and I could feel the steady rise and fall of his chest against my back.

I smiled, leaning back against his solid warmth. "Good morning."

His hand moved to rest gently on my stomach, a gesture that had become familiar and comforting. His fingers splayed protectively over where our child grew. "Have you thought about names for our baby?" he asked, his voice soft with wonder.

I covered his hand with mine, our fingers intertwining. "If it's a boy, I was thinking Lucas. It means 'light-bringer.'"

"Lucas Sterling," Dominic tested the name, nodding in approval. I could feel his smile against my hair. "Sounds like a future Alpha."

"And if it's a girl?" I asked, turning slightly to see his face. The morning light softened his features, making him look younger, more vulnerable.

He was quiet for a moment, thoughtful. His eyes focused on the horizon, considering. "Elena," he finally said, his voice tender. "It means 'light,' like the light you've brought into my life."

A lump formed in my throat at the tenderness in his voice. His eyes, when they met mine, were filled with such love that it nearly took my breath away. We stood in silence, watching the sun rise fully above the horizon, casting its golden light across the water. The moment felt sacred, perfect in its simplicity.

"No matter what, boy or girl, this child will be the hope of Silver Shadow Clan," Dominic said softly, his voice vibrating with pride and determination.

Through our newly formed bond, I could feel his love, his protectiveness, his absolute commitment to our future together. The emotions flowed between us, strengthening with each passing moment.

"Our family," I whispered, leaning further into his embrace. "Our future."

He turned me in his arms, kissing me as the day's first light bathed us in warmth. His hands cradled my face with infinite tenderness, thumbs brushing away tears I hadn't realized were falling. Through our bond, I felt his silent promise—to love me, to protect me, to stand by my side through whatever challenges awaited us.

And for the first time in longer than I could remember, I felt completely, unreservedly happy. That happiness lingered with me even now, as our perfect getaway was coming to an end.

---

I stood at the window of the beach house, taking in the final glimpse of endless ocean stretching toward the horizon. The morning sunlight danced across the waves, creating a scene so beautiful it almost hurt to leave it behind. These three days had been like something from another world—the magical proposal on golden sand, the marking ceremony under the full moon, and waking up each morning feeling truly connected to Dominic in a way I never thought possible.

"This vacation has been like a dream," I said softly, fingers absently tracing the cool glass of the window. "I wish we could stay longer."

I felt Dominic's approach before his arms encircled me from behind, his chin coming to rest atop my head as he joined me in gazing at the view. Everything about him seemed more vivid to me since the marking.

"Every year on our anniversary," he promised, his deep voice vibrating against my back, "we'll return here. Just the two of us."

I smiled, my hand automatically finding the engagement ring on my left hand. The platinum band felt both foreign and completely right, the diamond catching the morning light in fractured brilliance. As I twisted it around my finger, my expression grew more serious.

"Everything's going to get complicated again when we go back, isn't it?" I turned in his arms to face him, searching his eyes.

His blue gaze was steady, a calm center in the storm I knew was waiting for us. "No matter what happens," he said, "remember that you're my mate now. After the bonding ceremony in two months, you'll officially become Luna of Silver Shadow Moon Pack."

Luna. The title still felt too grand for someone like me—a small-town girl who'd stumbled into this world of ancient traditions and primal power. I nodded slowly, trying to project confidence I didn't entirely feel.

Dominic leaned down to press his lips against my forehead, the gesture both tender and possessive. "Let's go home," he murmured against my skin.

---

The drive back to the city gave me too much time to think. Questions that had been easy to ignore in our beach paradise now pressed against my mind with increasing urgency.

"The bonding ceremony," I began, rubbing my temple as a mild headache formed. "What exactly will change afterward?"

Dominic glanced over from the driver's seat, his profile strong against the passing landscape. "The ceremony will take place during the next full moon, about two months from now. It's... different from a human wedding. More primal."

"And after that, I'll be Luna," I said, testing how the words felt in my mouth.

"Yes. The pack will recognize you as their Luna, my equal in leadership."

I frowned, staring out the window as we passed rolling hills that gradually gave way to suburbs. "But I barely understand your laws, your traditions. How am I supposed to lead a clan of werewolves when I'm just..." I gestured at myself, the words failing me.

"Just what? Human?" His voice was gentle but firm. "Being Luna isn't about physical strength or even knowledge of traditions. Those can be learned. It's about heart, compassion, seeing what needs to be done and having the courage to do it." His hand left the steering wheel to find mine, squeezing reassuringly. "Besides, you're carrying our future within you. There's no greater power than that."

At the mention of our child, my free hand instinctively moved to my stomach. Still no visible sign yet, but knowing it was there—growing, developing—filled me with both wonder and terror.

Suddenly, a sharp, unpleasant odor hit me. I wrinkled my nose, looking around for the source. "Do you smell that? Like... burned rubber or something?"

Dominic frowned, inhaling deeply. "I don't smell anything unusual."

"It's really strong," I insisted, feeling slightly nauseated by the intensity.

His expression shifted to concern. "Your senses might be changing due to the pregnancy and our marking. The baby carries my genes... it could be affecting you already." He checked the time on the dashboard clock. "When we get back, I want you to see Dr. Winters."

"I'm fine," I protested, though the headache was growing stronger. "It's probably just stress or—"

"Rebecca." The tone of his voice stopped my objections cold. "This isn't just about you anymore."