Mated by Contract to the Alpha Chapter 19

Rebecca's POV

The wolf in him was dangerously close to the surface now. I could see his canines elongating, his features sharpening into something more primal than human.

Before I could respond, his mouth crashed down on mine in a kiss that was pure dominance. One hand moved to the back of my head, fingers tangling in my hair as he angled my face to deepen the kiss. His other arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me flush against the hard planes of his body. The heat of him seared through my clothes, his heartbeat thundering against my chest as he backed me against the door.

I should have been terrified. I should have pushed him away. Instead, my body responded with a will of its own. My lips parted under the onslaught, my hands clutching at his shoulders for support as my knees weakened. A small, traitorous moan escaped me when his tongue swept into my mouth, claiming, possessing.

Something primal stirred inside me—an instinct to soothe the wild creature I'd provoked. I softened against him, my fingers gentling on his shoulders, stroking rather than clutching. The muscles beneath my fingertips bunched and flexed as he tightened his hold, pressing me harder against the door. I felt a tremor run through him as the aggression in his kiss gradually transformed into something no less passionate but less angry.

His teeth grazed my lower lip, not quite biting but threatening to, and a shudder raced down my spine. His hand at my waist slid lower, gripping my hip possessively before trailing up my side, his thumb brushing the underside of my breast. The touch, even through my blouse, sent electricity shooting through my veins.

When he finally pulled back, we were both breathing heavily. His eyes still glowed with that otherworldly light, but the fury had dimmed, replaced by smoldering desire. He didn't move away, keeping me caged between his body and the door, his hands now braced on either side of my head.

"I accept your terms," he said, his voice rough. "But understand this—while our arrangement lasts, you are exclusively mine. No other men. No flirtations. Nothing that would make me question your loyalty."

I nodded, still dazed from the kiss, my lips tingling and swollen. "Agreed."

He released me but remained close, his gaze intense, tracking every subtle change in my expression. My heart was still pounding so hard I was certain he could hear it. I pressed my hands against the door behind me for support, not trusting my legs to hold me.

"What do you want the rest of the money for? Beyond your father's treatment?" he asked, his voice still carrying that gravelly undertone that made my stomach tighten.

The question caught me off guard. I hesitated, uncertain whether to reveal something so personal. But then, considering what our relationship would entail, he would likely learn everything about me eventually.

"I want to study fashion design," I admitted, feeling strangely vulnerable. "I've always wanted to work in the industry, create my own pieces. But my family couldn't afford the tuition, and then I was supporting William's career instead of focusing on my own."

Something shifted in Dominic's expression—a softening around the eyes, perhaps. "Fashion design?"

"I know it probably sounds frivolous—"

"It doesn't," he interrupted, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear, his fingertips lingering on my cheek. "It sounds like something you're passionate about. Something that was taken from you."

I blinked, surprised by his perception, a warmth spreading through me that had nothing to do with desire. "Yes."

Dominic nodded decisively and moved to his desk, picking up his phone. "Dr. Winters? This is Dominic Sterling. I need a full physical workup for Rebecca Brown. Today." He listened briefly. "I'll send her over within the hour."

After hanging up, he turned back to me. "Standard procedure for my mate. I need to ensure you're healthy."

I felt my cheeks flush with embarrassment but nodded. It made sense, even if it felt oddly invasive.

"I'll have a car waiting for you at seven tonight to take you to the villa. Pack whatever you need. The rest can be arranged later."

Just like that, it was done. I had sold myself—there was no prettier way to put it, no euphemism that could soften the cold reality of what I'd just done. My body, my time, my presence—all bartered away in exchange for my father's life and a chance at dreams I'd long ago folded and tucked away in the darkest corners of my heart.

A strange numbness spread from my chest outward, my fingertips tingling as if they belonged to someone else. My throat constricted around a knot of emotions too tangled to name: relief for my father, hope for my future, and beneath it all, a deep current of shame that made me unable to meet my own reflection in the polished surface of his desk.

What would Dad say if he knew? The thought pierced through my numbness like a shard of ice. He'd raised me to be independent, strong-willed—not to become some powerful man's acquisition.

I pressed my palms harder against the door behind me, needing its solidity to ground me as the room seemed to sway slightly. My victory in negotiating terms suddenly felt hollow, like winning a battle while surrendering the war.

---

The small suitcase sat packed on Sofia's guest bed, containing the few bits and ends I had. Two pairs of jeans, a handful of tops, underwear, and toiletries. Not much to show for twenty-five years of life.

I zipped the case closed and surveyed the room one last time. The health certificate from Dominic's exclusive clinic lay on the nightstand—a pristine document declaring me free of diseases and, somewhat humiliatingly, confirming my fertility. The doctor had been professional but clearly aware of why I was there, making the experience all the more mortifying.

A soft knock on the door frame drew my attention.

"All packed?" Sofia asked, leaning against the doorway with a concerned expression.

I nodded, forcing a smile. "Yeah. Not that I have much to pack."

Sofia's gaze dropped to the suitcase, then back to my face. "Are you sure about this job, Becca? It seems... sudden."

The lie I'd prepared caught in my throat as I looked at my friend—the only person who'd stood by me through everything. But I couldn't tell her the truth. I couldn't admit I was essentially becoming a glorified mistress to pay for my father's treatment.

"Executive assistant positions don't come along every day," I said, the falsehood bitter on my tongue. "Especially ones that pay this well and include accommodation."

Sofia's eyes narrowed slightly. "And it just happens to be with Dominic Sterling's company?"

I busied myself with straightening the already-made bed. "He's nice...Besides, the salary is enough to cover Dad's treatments."

Sofia approached, placing her hands on my shoulders. "Just be careful, okay? These werewolves—especially the high-ranking ones—they operate by different rules. There's always an agenda."

"I know," I said softly. "I'll be careful."

Desperate to change the subject, I reached for the gift bag I'd prepared. "Here. I got you something. To say thank you."

Sofia's expression softened as she accepted the bag, pulling out the silk blouse I'd bought with the last of the advance Dominic had given me. Beneath it was a small arrangement of fresh flowers.

"Becca, you shouldn't have spent money on this," she protested, though her fingers caressed the fabric appreciatively.

"I wanted to. You've been amazing, letting me stay here, helping me through everything. I don't know what I would have done without you."

Sofia's eyes grew suspiciously bright. She pulled me into a tight hug. "Promise you'll visit? And text me every day?"

"Of course," I assured her, fighting back my own tears. "We can meet for lunch tomorrow if you want. That café near your office?"

She nodded against my shoulder. "One o'clock. And I expect all the details about this mysterious new job."

My phone chimed with a text message. The car had arrived.

"That's my ride," I said, pulling away reluctantly.

Sofia helped me carry my suitcase to the door. As we stepped outside, a sleek black Bentley waited at the curb, a uniformed driver standing beside it.

Sofia whistled low. "Executive assistant, huh? With company cars like that?"