Bound by Contract to the Alpha Chapter 136

Rebecca's POV

"This is perfect!" I twirled in front of the mirror, watching the silver gown shimmer under the boutique's lights. The material flowed like liquid around my body, accommodating my small baby bump while emphasizing my shoulders and collarbone where Dominic's mark would be visible during the ceremony.

Sofia excitedly snapped photos with her phone. "This is absolutely 'Modern Luna' magazine cover material! The combination of traditional silhouette with contemporary details is exactly what we need."

Emily reluctantly adjusted the hem of my dress, her expression professional but slightly uncomfortable. "I'm a pack Delta, not an etiquette maid. Is this really necessary?"

"Yes, it is," I smiled at her through the mirror. "And I appreciate your help, Emily."

My phone rang with Dominic's special ringtone, and I felt a wave of unease wash over me. Through our mate bond, I could sense something was wrong—a faint disturbance that made my hand tremble slightly as I reached for my phone.

"I need to take this," I said, stepping away from the fitting area. "It might be important."

"Dominic?" I answered, my voice quiet but urgent.

His voice came through, controlled but with an undercurrent of tension that only I would recognize. "Rebecca, I need you to come back to the villa. Now."

My heart sped up. "What's happened? Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," he assured me, though I could tell he was holding something back. "I'll explain everything when you get here. Marcus will send the car for you."

I ended the call, feeling cold despite the boutique's warm lighting. "We need to go back to the villa," I told Sofia and Emily. "Now."

Sofia's expression shifted from excitement to concern. "Is everything okay?"

"I don't know," I admitted, carefully removing the wedding gown. "But Dominic wouldn't call unless it was important."

The ride back to the villa was tense with unspoken questions. Emily sat beside the driver, her posture alert and protective, while Sofia held my hand, offering silent support. I focused on the mate bond, trying to gauge Dominic's emotional state. I could sense his controlled anger and concern, but no immediate danger.

When we arrived at the villa, I immediately noticed the increased security presence. Several Deltas I recognized from the pack were patrolling the perimeter, their faces grim and watchful.

Inside, the tension was palpable. I could hear Marianne's muffled sobbing coming from the study, and my enhanced senses picked up the complex mixture of anxiety and grief permeating the air.

"What's going on?" I asked as Marcus approached us in the foyer. "Where's Dominic?"

Marcus's expression was serious, his usual diplomatic smile absent. "He's at the medical center with Mr. Collins. There's been an incident with Elizabeth Collins."

I felt a chill run down my spine. "What kind of incident?"

"She attacked Dominic," Marcus said bluntly. "Under our laws, attacking a future Alpha is the most serious offense, typically punished by banishment."

I sensed there was more. "But that's not all, is it? She's hurt?"

Marcus nodded. "Critically. Her brainstem was damaged during the struggle. She's in an irreversible coma. The Collins family has arrived at the hospital."

My protective instincts flared. "Where's Dominic? Is he alright?"

"Physically, yes," Marcus assured me. "He's handling the medical arrangements and legal implications. He asked that you wait here where it's safe."

I nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. This wasn't just about Elizabeth's injury—this was a potential crisis for the pack's stability and Dominic's leadership. Politics and ancient laws were now in play.

"I'll wait in our room," I decided, needing space to process this information. "Please let me know the moment Dominic returns."

As I climbed the stairs to our bedroom, I felt the weight of what had happened settling onto my shoulders. Elizabeth had attacked my mate—tried to harm the father of my child. My wolf stirred protectively within me, a low growl vibrating through my consciousness.

I placed a hand on my stomach, feeling the reassuring movement of our baby. "It's okay," I whispered. "Your father is strong. He'll come back to us."

---

I must have fallen asleep waiting for Dominic. When I opened my eyes, the room was dark except for the moonlight streaming through the windows. I immediately sensed his presence in the adjoining bathroom—the sound of running water and the comforting scent of pine and amber that was uniquely his.

I sat up, pulling the throw blanket around my shoulders. "Dominic?"

The bathroom door opened, and he emerged with damp hair, wearing only pajama bottoms. The sight of him—safe and whole—sent a wave of relief through me. But I could see the fatigue in his eyes and the tension in his shoulders.

"I felt you return," I said softly. "Even through the walls."

Dominic sat on the edge of the bed, water droplets still clinging to his hair. "She killed a wolf, Rebecca. I thought it was an accident."

The raw pain in his voice made my heart ache. I moved closer, placing my hand on his. "Tell me."

"Elizabeth confessed before she attacked me. She was planning to target you next. She could feel our mate bond growing stronger, and it drove her mad."

I shuddered at the thought, instinctively placing my free hand over my stomach. Dominic noticed the gesture, his expression softening as he placed his large hand over mine, connecting him to both me and our unborn child.

"This isn't your fault," I told him firmly.

"I should have seen the signs," he said, his voice low. "Her obsession, her increasingly erratic behavior. If I had addressed it sooner..."

"You couldn't have known she would go this far," I argued gently. "What happens now?"

Dominic sighed, the weight of leadership heavy on his shoulders. "She'll remain in specialized care. The pack will cover the expenses—it's our way. Ronald is devastated, but he understands the legal implications within wolf law. Elizabeth attacked a future Alpha unprovoked. The consequences would have been severe even if she hadn't been injured."

I moved behind him, wrapping my arms around his broad shoulders, pressing my cheek against his back. "I'm sorry about hearing that."

He turned, cupping my face in his hands, his eyes searching mine. "The thought of losing you terrifies me, Rebecca. I've lost too much already. I couldn't bear losing you and our son."

The vulnerability in his voice touched something deep within me. I leaned forward, pressing my lips against his in a kiss that began as comfort but quickly deepened with need. His arms encircled me, pulling me closer, his warmth surrounding me like a shield.

Our connection intensified as clothing was discarded, our bodies finding comfort and reassurance in each other. Every touch was both a promise and a claim—a reaffirmation of the bond that Elizabeth had tried to destroy. I felt his wolf reaching for mine, and my emerging wolf responded with equal intensity.

Afterward, Dominic held me tightly against his chest, his heartbeat strong and steady beneath my ear. His fingers traced lazy patterns on my skin, occasionally passing over the mark on my neck, sending pleasant shivers down my spine.

"I promise to protect you better," he whispered into my hair. "Both of you."

I traced the scar on his jaw, a remnant from when Catherine had left him. "I promise to keep myself safe," I replied. "But you have to promise me the same. This baby needs his father."

As if in agreement, our son kicked gently inside me, making both of us smile. Dominic placed his hand on my rounded stomach, his expression filled with wonder.

"He's strong," he murmured. "Like his mother."