Bound by Contract to the Alpha Chapter 138

Rebecca's POV

Dominic took my hand and led me to the center of the dance floor as the band began playing our first dance. His posture was perfect, his movements precise yet fluid as he guided me through the steps. His hand at my waist was firm and supportive, making me feel both protected and cherished.

"You're mine now," he whispered in my ear, his breath warm against my skin. His voice was deep and gentle, with an undertone of possessiveness that sent a shiver down my spine. "Just as I am completely yours."

I nodded, keenly aware of the eyes watching us. The pack members stood around the dance floor, their expressions ranging from open curiosity to cautious acceptance. They were evaluating me—this former human, now a "Gained One"—silently judging whether I could fulfill the role of Luna. But with Dominic's arms around me, their scrutiny seemed less intimidating.

As the dance ended, Dominic's father approached us, his face stern but his eyes showing a grudging approval. "The ceremony was dignified and appropriate," he said, which I had learned was high praise from him. His gaze lingered on me for a moment. "You carried yourself well, Rebecca."

"Thank you," I replied, standing a little straighter under his assessment.

After speaking with several pack members, I spotted Sofia and Raymond talking in a corner of the ballroom. They stood closer than propriety demanded, their hands casually intertwined. Sofia's face was animated, her eyes bright with an emotion I recognized immediately.

Curious, I made my way over to them. "When did this start between you two?" I asked, unable to hide my surprise.

Sofia's cheeks flushed, and she laughed a bit awkwardly. "Remember when Raymond drove us to the resort? We exchanged contact information then."

Raymond's usually stern face softened as he looked at Sofia. "We started dating a few weeks ago. Wanted to surprise you." His formal manner of speaking remained, but there was a warmth in his tone I had never heard before.

I looked between them, genuinely happy for my friend. "Looks like I'm not the only human who fell for a werewolf."

Dominic approached, holding two glasses of champagne. His eyebrows rose slightly at Raymond and Sofia's joined hands. "Seems we have similar taste, Raymond," he said, a rare teasing note in his voice.

Raymond showed a moment of discomfort, but his eyes remained fixed on Sofia with unmistakable tenderness. Sofia squeezed my arm gently. "Go talk to your father. I saw him heading to the garden. We'll catch up later."

I nodded, suddenly anxious about seeing my father. Dominic must have sensed my emotion through our bond because he placed a reassuring hand at the small of my back. "Would you like me to come with you?"

"No," I said after a moment. "I think I need to do this alone first."

---

The moonlight garden was quiet and serene, a welcome respite from the noise and energy of the reception. Stone pathways wound between carefully tended beds of night-blooming flowers. The air was cooler here, soothing against my flushed skin. I walked slowly, gathering my thoughts, wondering what I would say to my father.

"My little princess, you look beautiful today."

I turned quickly, my heart jumping at the familiar voice. My father stood a few feet away, his figure outlined by moonlight. His face showed signs of recent strain—new lines around his eyes, a slight stoop to his shoulders—but his smile was genuine and proud.

"Dad! You came!" The words came out half-choked as tears immediately filled my eyes. I hadn't realized how much I had needed his presence until that moment.

We embraced tightly, his familiar scent—cologne and mint candies—bringing a rush of childhood memories. He held me for a long moment, his hand gently patting my back just as he had done when I was a little girl. "How could I miss my daughter's most important day?"

When we separated, I looked past him, both hopeful and afraid to ask the question. "Mom... she didn't come?"

His face fell, regret evident in the downward turn of his mouth. "She... still needs some time, Becky."

I nodded, swallowing the disappointment that rose in my throat. "I understand," I said, though part of me wanted to scream that I didn't understand at all.

My father took both my hands in his, his eyes moving to my abdomen. "Did the doctor say everything's normal? Is the baby healthy?" His concern was evident in the furrow of his brow.

I smiled, placing one hand over my slightly rounded stomach. "Everything's fine. He's developing faster than normal children, but the doctor says that's to be expected."

"He?" My father's eyes lit up. "A grandson?"

"Yes," I confirmed, "we're going to call him Lucas."

My father's smile was bittersweet. After a moment, his expression turned serious. "Your mother is still troubled by Jason's situation... she hasn't been able to fully let go." The mention of my brother made my chest ache with old grief.

"I understand," I said softly, and this time I truly did. "Tell her I miss her, and when she's ready, I'll visit."

My father squeezed my hands tightly. "I'm proud of you, dear. Congratulations on your marriage. You've chosen a good husband. I can see how he looks at you."

Just then, I sensed Dominic's presence before I saw him. He approached quietly, his tall figure emerging from the shadows of the garden path. The moonlight illuminated his features—the strong line of his jaw, the intensity of his eyes as they found mine.

He extended his hand to my father with formal respect. "Thank you for coming, sir. It means a great deal to Rebecca." His voice was deep and sincere.

My father hesitated only briefly before taking Dominic's hand in a firm handshake. "Take care of my daughter, Mr. Sterling."

"With my life," Dominic replied simply.

I looked between them, these two important men in my life, and felt a swell of emotion that made it hard to speak. "I'm lucky to have both of you," I finally managed to say.

We walked back to the ballroom together, my father and husband on either side of me. The simple act of moving between them, connected to both, symbolized the bridge between my past and my future.

Dominic introduced my father to the guests, his voice carrying across the room. "Everyone, this is my father-in-law, Mr. Brown."

Raymond stepped forward immediately, shaking my father's hand with unexpected warmth. Other pack members approached more cautiously, nodding politely in greeting. I could see the wariness in some eyes—humans were still viewed with suspicion by certain pack members—but they respected Dominic enough to be civil.

I leaned against Dominic's arm, feeling suddenly overwhelmed by the day's emotions. "Thank you for accepting my family," I whispered.

He looked down at me, his eyes softening. He kissed my forehead gently, his lips lingering for a moment. "Your family is my family now, Rebecca. One day, your mother will understand too."

The music started again, a slower, more intimate melody, and Dominic led me back to the dance floor. This time, I moved with more confidence, following his lead without hesitation. Something had changed in me during the ceremony—a new strength and assurance that seemed to flow from the mark on my neck throughout my entire body.

"How does it feel, Luna Sterling?" Dominic asked softly as we turned slowly in the center of the floor.

I considered the question seriously. "It feels right," I answered finally. "Like this is where I was always meant to be." The truth of the words surprised me as I said them.

I felt the now-familiar warmth as my eyes flashed golden, my inner wolf responding to Dominic's presence and the acknowledgment of my new role. Dominic's expression changed subtly—a slight widening of his eyes, a tightening of his jaw—as he witnessed the change.

"You're magnificent," he said, his voice rough with emotion. "Do you have any idea how proud I am right now?"