Mated by Contract to the Alpha Chapter 149

Rebecca's POV

I stood by the window, gently rocking Lucas in my arms, watching the morning light play across his tiny features. His eyelashes looked like golden fans in the sunlight, his blue eyes—Dominic's eyes—blinking curiously at the world. I breathed in his sweet baby scent, mixed with my own and Dominic's, creating that unique family marker that made my heart swell.

Behind me, I heard the soft rustle of fabric as Dominic dressed in his black suit for the funeral. I could feel the complex emotions flowing through our mate bond—heavy, somber, yet determined.

"I really hate leaving him at a time like this," Dominic said, approaching us. His voice was low and gentle, so different from the commanding tone he used at the company or with the pack. He extended his arms, and I carefully transferred Lucas to him. Watching this powerful Alpha holding our child with such tenderness melted something inside me.

"Diana will take good care of him," I assured him, stroking his arm lightly. "I've prepared enough milk in the refrigerator and made a detailed schedule. If there's any problem at all, we can be back in minutes."

Dominic kissed Lucas's forehead, then looked up at me with a smile. "You always think of everything, don't you?"

I shrugged slightly. "Just motherly instinct, I guess." Though I'd only been a mother for a few weeks, the protective urge had become as natural as breathing.

I turned toward the closet and pulled out the simple black dress I'd chosen for today. It had a high neckline that would perfectly conceal my mate mark—not that I was ashamed of it, but a funeral demanded more conservative attire.

As I slipped the dress on, I noticed Dominic standing before the mirror, his fingers brushing over his family ring. The obsidian stone gleamed darkly in the morning light, carrying generations of Sterling family history and responsibility. I knew that despite his strength, attending Elizabeth's funeral was painful for him. She had tried to harm us, yes, but she had also been part of his life since childhood.

"Are you ready?" I asked softly, moving to his side.

Dominic took a deep breath, his expression resolute. "I am. Remember, today we represent not just ourselves, but the entire Silver Moon Shadow Pack. No matter how hostile Ronald Collins appears, we must maintain dignity and restraint."

I nodded, casting one last glance at Lucas's crib before following Dominic out of the bedroom. Our little family was facing new challenges, but I knew that together, we could handle anything.

---

As our car approached the funeral grounds, I felt my anxiety rising. This was my first werewolf funeral, and also our first official appearance as future Alpha and Luna since Lucas's birth. Dominic kept a vigilant eye on our surroundings while checking the security briefing on his phone. Raymond carefully parked in the designated area, where a row of black luxury cars was already neatly lined up.

When we stepped out of the car, I was immediately overwhelmed by the scents. Dozens of different werewolf markers hit my senses at once, making me dizzy for a moment.

"I still don't get used to so many scents hitting me at once," I whispered to Dominic, my voice nearly carried away by the breeze.

He placed his hand protectively at my waist, pulling me closer to his body. "Focus on my scent," he suggested quietly. "It will help you filter out the others."

I took a deep breath, focusing on Dominic's familiar pine and winter air scent, and gradually the others faded into the background. As we walked, I noticed the strategic positioning of security personnel around the area. All wore black suits with Silver Moon Shadow Pack emblems blinking in their earpieces, scanning each arriving guest with alert eyes.

A burly male werewolf with calculating eyes tracked our movements, his gaze lingering on me with obvious assessment. The scrutiny made me uncomfortable, causing me to move closer to Dominic.

"That's the representative from the Northern Mountain Tribe," Dominic explained quietly. "Don't worry, he's just curious. The Northern packs rarely interact with outsiders, especially Gained Ones like you."

As we approached the main ceremony area, the surroundings were arranged with simple dignity—white flowers and silver ribbons adorning each row of seats, the air heavy with the scent of pine and some ancient spice I couldn't identify.

"Although Elizabeth hurt you," Dominic said quietly, "as the future Alpha and Luna, we must show respect. This isn't just about her, but about the Collins family and our relations with other packs."

I nodded, understanding the political significance of this event. I took a deep breath, making my posture more erect, more Luna-like as Dominic had taught me.

With a low drumbeat, the ceremony began. Six Delta warriors in formal uniforms approached from a distance, carrying a black ebony coffin with silver edges. I noticed ancient werewolf runes carved into the coffin, glimmering mysteriously in the sunlight.

"Those are runes of protection and peace," Dominic explained, his voice low and solemn. "They'll guard her spirit."

I nodded, silently saying a prayer for Elizabeth's rest. Despite her attempts to harm us, no one deserved to end their life that way.

As the coffin passed before us, I saw Ronald Collins following behind, his face haggard with deep circles under his eyes. But when his gaze met mine, I could feel pure hostility radiating from him. This wasn't just the anger of a grieving father—it was bone-deep hatred.

"He blames us entirely for his daughter's death," I said to Dominic through our mind link, holding his gaze.

Dominic squeezed my hand in support, but his response carried wariness: "There's danger in his scent, Rebecca. Stay alert."

---

Dominic's POV

The special cemetery section was encircled by silver railings, with a Delta guard positioned at each corner. This was the resting place of the werewolf for generations, where every departed member found eternal peace. Today, despite the complicated emotions, Elizabeth Collins would join them.

Elder Brandon stepped forward, his silver hair shimmering in the sunlight, his ancient ceremonial robes swaying gently in the breeze. He began to recite the farewell words in the ancient werewolf language, his voice deep and resonant, each syllable carrying the weight of power and history.

"Vasha moreth, kali suran..."

Though Rebecca couldn't understand the words, I could feel through our bond her awareness of their power. The ancient language carried our pack's history and traditions, and even someone of human origin could sense the energy it contained.

As the Elder's voice echoed in the air, Ronald suddenly stepped forward, kneeling beside the coffin. He threw back his head and released a deep, guttural howl—a primal, heart-wrenching sound of grief. The werewolves around us instinctively lowered their heads in respect for a father's sorrow. I followed the protocol, slightly bowing my head, but my eyes never left Ronald.

Rebecca sent a questioning feeling through our bond, and I explained: "This is a werewolf expression of mourning, more primal and profound than human crying."

Ronald's howl gradually subsided into soft whimpers, his shoulders shaking with sobs. But even in his grief, I could still sense the anger and hostility directed at us. This wasn't just an expression of sorrow, but carried the scent of vengeance.

I noticed my mother standing at the edge of the crowd, her face expressionless, but her clenched fists revealed her inner struggle. She and Elizabeth had once been close, despite Elizabeth's later actions shocking and disappointing everyone.

The ceremony continued, the coffin being lowered slowly into the grave. Representatives from each pack came forward to place symbolic items—a piece of silver stone, a white flower, a burning candle. When our turn came, I stepped forward to place a small bundle of silver oak leaves, symbolizing forgiveness and peace.

After the ceremony concluded, we moved toward the wake area, where simple refreshments had been prepared. I watched with pride as Rebecca took initiative, approaching the Northern Mountain representative who had been eyeing her earlier. Her confidence in navigating these complex social waters impressed me.

My mother approached them, wearing an elegant black suit, her expression calm and dignified. She handed Rebecca a cup of tea, and I was surprised to hear genuine concern in her voice.

"I thought you might like this," she said. "It helps with postpartum fatigue. I relied on it myself back in the day."

Rebecca accepted the cup with visible surprise. "Thank you for your care, Luna."

My mother added quietly, "You're more suited to becoming Luna than I expected, Rebecca. But today I worry about Ronald's behavior—he's not just mourning; he's planning something."