Bound by Contract to the Alpha Chapter 133

Rebecca's POV

We walked through the spacious entrance hall where several servants, seeing us, quickly bowed their heads. I could feel their curious glances and slight fear—they must have heard about yesterday's events. Emily approached us, her posture ramrod straight, expression serious.

"Alpha, Luna," she greeted us, "Mrs. Sterling awaits you in her office."

Dominic's jaw tightened, but I squeezed his hand gently. "Lead the way, Emily," I said, my voice steadier than expected.

Through corridors and up stairs, we finally reached Marianne's private office. Emily knocked lightly, then stepped aside.

"Enter," Marianne's voice came from within, controlled and cool.

Dominic pushed the door open first, and I followed. Marianne sat in an elegant armchair, dressed in a sophisticated navy suit, her hair immaculately styled. Her gaze landed directly on me, cold and assessing.

"Have you come to apologize or to say goodbye to the pack?" she asked bluntly, hostility evident in her tone.

I felt my wolf growl within, an instinct to protect myself and my unborn child rising. But I kept my voice calm as I met her gaze.

"I'm sorry you've taken such a narrow position, Marianne," I said, my voice low but clear. "You, more than anyone, should understand the sanctity of the mate bond. As Luna, you teach the pack to respect this connection, yet you suggested I abandon it?"

Marianne's expression shifted slightly, but quickly returned to its cool mask. "You don't understand our world, Rebecca. The Luna position isn't just a title; it comes with responsibilities and sacrifices. I merely wanted you to recognize your limitations."

I stood straighter, feeling power rise up my spine. "I'm here to tell you that as Dominic's destined mate and the mother of your future grandson, I'm not leaving. Sterling Manor will be our home. I will learn, I will adapt, I will become the Luna the pack needs."

My voice grew stronger, gold flashing in my eyes. "Dominic is my destined mate, proven by this mark and every drop of blood in my body. My loyalty to him is beyond question."

Marianne's gaze fell to my hand as it protectively caressed my stomach, her expression complex and unreadable.

"I know you fear change," I continued, my tone softening slightly. "I know you want to protect your son and the pack. But for this innocent little wolf cub, for your grandson, would you harm his mother?"

I stepped closer, looking directly into her eyes. "I'm willing to try building a new relationship with you, Marianne. Not as rivals, but as family. For Dominic's sake. For our child's sake."

Silence filled the room as Marianne's expression shifted from shock to contemplation, and finally to something inscrutable. Dominic stood beside me, his presence giving me strength, but in this moment, I knew this was between her and me—woman to woman, mother to mother.

"You are braver than I expected, Rebecca Brown," Marianne finally spoke, the ice in her voice slightly thawed. "Perhaps you do have potential as Luna. Time will tell."

It wasn't acceptance, but it wasn't rejection either. It was a beginning, a foundation I could build upon. I nodded, acknowledging her words.

"Time will indeed tell. And I have plenty of patience," I responded, giving her a slight nod before turning to leave.

Dominic's arm circled my waist, guiding me from the room. As the door closed behind us, I felt relief and exhaustion wash over me simultaneously.

---

We climbed the stairs toward Dominic's suite to collect essential items. Though my conversation with Marianne had gone better than expected, we still decided to move to the villa. Even with this beginning, we both needed space and time to adjust.

"Your wolf showed great courage today, my Luna," Dominic said once we entered the room, his nose nuzzling my neck, inhaling my scent deeply. "I'm proud of you."

I leaned into his embrace, absorbing his warmth and strength. "I'm not even sure that was me. It felt like... something took over, gave me the courage to face her."

Dominic chuckled, his chest vibrating against my back. "That was your wolf, Rebecca. She's growing, becoming powerful. That's why my mother will eventually accept you—she can sense your potential."

I turned to face him, seeing the sparkle in his eyes. But then his expression grew serious.

"Tomorrow I need you to stay with Sofia for the day," he said, his voice low.

I frowned. "Why? Is something wrong?"

I could feel tension coming through our mate bond. Dominic took a deep breath, his hands resting on my shoulders. "Father and I need to meet with Ronald Collins to resolve the Elizabeth situation. Since she learned about your pregnancy and future as Luna, she's been trying to cause trouble. We need to establish clear boundaries."

Elizabeth. Just thinking about her made me uneasy. "Elizabeth still covets the Luna position. Will she be there?"

Dominic shook his head. "No, this is an Alpha meeting. But I'm asking you to go to Sofia's for my own focus, Rebecca. If you're there, my wolf will be distracted protecting you and the baby instead of concentrating on the negotiations."

I understood his concern and nodded in agreement. "Alright, I'll go to Sofia's. But please, if anything happens, contact me immediately."

"I promise," he said, leaning down to kiss my forehead. "Once this is handled, we can focus on preparing our new home and the wedding."

Our new home and wedding. The words sent a warm current through my heart. Whatever challenges we faced, we would face them together, as mates, as family.

---

Dominic's POV

I sat in the plush leather seat of our private jet, a glass of bourbon in my hand that I hadn't touched. Today's meeting required absolute clarity and vigilance. Father sat across from me, reviewing documents on his tablet, his expression calm but his eyes gleaming with strategic calculation.

"Your mother knows she crossed a line," he suddenly said, looking up at me. "The mate bond is inviolable, our most ancient law."

I made a noncommittal sound, setting down the untouched drink. "She still believes Rebecca is unsuitable as Luna."

"Yet Rebecca displayed true Luna qualities today," Father's gaze sharpened. "She challenged your mother with logic and firmness rather than violence. The Silver Shadow Moon Pack respects that kind of strength."

I looked at him in surprise, not expecting him to speak in Rebecca's favor. Father had always been stern, rarely offering praise.

"Yes, she did," I couldn't help feeling pride. "But Mother's suggestion nearly killed her and our child."

Father sighed, setting his tablet aside. "Your mother acted rashly, but her concerns aren't entirely unfounded. The challenges Rebecca will face as Luna far exceed what either of us can imagine. But," he paused, "her performance gives me confidence she can meet these challenges. Especially as her transformation progresses, her wolf will grow powerful."

I gripped my briefcase, feeling a tinge of nervousness about the upcoming meeting. "The Collins family needs to understand that their alliance with us cannot be predicated on interfering with my mate choice."

"They will understand," Father's voice carried unquestionable authority. "Today we make it clear that any threat to Rebecca from Elizabeth will be considered a challenge to the entire Silver Shadow Moon Pack."

The plane began its descent, and I looked out the window as the Collins estate came into view. Though impressive, it couldn't match the history and scale of Sterling Manor. The Collins were relatively new to werewolf society, their position largely dependent on their alliance with our family.

"Ready, son?" Father asked, standing to adjust his suit.

I nodded, following him toward the cabin door. Today's meeting wasn't just about Elizabeth's issues; it was a test of my authority as future Alpha. I needed to be firm yet fair, demonstrating my determination to protect both my mate and the pack.

After the plane touched down, we descended the stairs to find several Collins family Deltas waiting. They bowed respectfully, escorting us through carefully manicured gardens and fountains to the main building.

The door opened to reveal Ronald Collins, his expression blank, but I could smell the anxiety emanating from him.

"Sterling?" he said in surprise, staring at us in the doorway. "I wasn't expecting your visit."

Father walked straight toward him, his powerful Alpha presence causing Ronald to instinctively step back. "We need to talk, Ronald."

Ronald glanced nervously between us, trying to maintain composure. "Is this about our business agreements, or... something else?"