Mated by Contract to the Alpha Chapter 44

Dominic's POV

I stepped out of Silver Collections, the evening air cool against my face. My hands were still sticky with Steve's blood, the metallic scent clinging to my skin like a reminder of what I'd done. I didn't regret it. Not for a second. The rage that had consumed me when I heard Rebecca's desperate voice over the phone had barely subsided, my wolf still prowling beneath the surface of my control.

I shrugged off my blood-spattered suit jacket, carelessly tossing it into a nearby trash can.

"Take care of everything," I instructed the Beta waiting by the door. "Make sure all surveillance records are deleted."

He nodded sharply, his posture respectful. "Yes, Mr. Sterling. The female employee's testimony has been recorded and will be used in our report to the Council."

I turned my gaze toward the black Bentley waiting at the curb, feeling a sharp tug in my chest. Even from here, I could sense Rebecca's distress, the pain radiating through our mate bond like ripples across still water. The sensation had grown stronger over the past weeks, another sign that our connection was deepening despite my attempts to resist it.

As I approached the car, Raymond stepped out and opened the rear door for me. Inside, Rebecca was huddled against the far door, wrapped in a soft blanket that Raymond must have provided. Her face was pale, eyes unfocused, a small trickle of blood still seeping from the cut at the corner of her mouth. The sight of it sent another surge of primal fury through me, my wolf howling for vengeance even though the one responsible was already dead.

I slid carefully into the backseat, reaching for her with gentle hands. "It's over now, little doe. No one will hurt you again."

She trembled as I pulled her into my arms, her body rigid for a moment before collapsing against me. Silent tears tracked down her cheeks, soaking into my shirt. I could smell fear, pain, and beneath it all, a profound relief that made my chest tighten. Her heartbeat fluttered against my chest, rapid and irregular. The warmth of her body against mine triggered something protective and possessive in my core.

"Back to the villa," I commanded Raymond.

As the car pulled away from the curb, I held Rebecca close, one hand stroking her hair while the other kept her firmly against my chest. Her hair was soft between my fingers, and I found myself inhaling deeply, savoring her natural scent beneath the lingering traces of Steve's touch. I'd only been away from her for several days, dealing with the corporate crisis that had consumed all my attention, but it felt like an eternity. Too long to leave my mate unprotected in a world full of threats I hadn't prepared her for.

The leather seat felt cool against her bare legs where her skirt had torn. My eyes traced the exposed skin, noting every bruise, every mark that shouldn't be there. Everything about her radiated pain—from the shoulder where Steve's claws had raked across her skin, to her cheek where he'd struck her, to her wrists where bruises were already forming. But the physical injuries were nothing compared to the terror I could sense through our bond.

We were halfway to my estate when her composure finally shattered completely. A sob tore from her throat, then another, until she was clinging to my shirt, her fingers twisted in the expensive fabric. Her breath came in hot gasps against my neck, her body pressing closer to mine with each tremor.

"He... he almost..." The words wouldn't come. "If Emma hadn't... if you hadn't answered your phone..."

I continued stroking her hair, my fingers occasionally brushing the sensitive skin at the nape of her neck. My voice when I spoke was low and gentle. "Don't be afraid. I'm here."

"Good," she whispered, and buried her face against my chest again. Her fingers unclenched from my shirt only to slide up toward my collar, her touch leaving trails of heat on my skin even through the fabric.

---

The villa was lit up as we approached, Diana and Dr. Winters already waiting at the entrance. I could see the concern on Diana's face as Raymond pulled the car to a stop, tears gathering in her eyes as she caught sight of Rebecca's condition.

I didn't wait for Raymond to open the door. I slid out carefully, keeping Rebecca cradled against my chest. Her arms circled my neck, her face pressed against my shoulder as I carried her, her breath warm against my skin.

"I've prepared the master bedroom," Diana said softly as I carried Rebecca up the steps.

Dr. Winters followed close behind, her medical bag in hand. "I'll need to examine her injuries," she said, her professional demeanor firmly in place despite the late hour and unusual circumstances.

I nodded shortly and carried Rebecca directly upstairs, laying her gently on my bed. She winced as her shoulder made contact with the mattress, and I immediately adjusted her position, carefully propping her up with pillows. Her hand caught mine as I pulled away, fingers intertwining briefly before reluctantly letting go.

"I need to check the extent of her injuries," Dr. Winters said, moving to Rebecca's side. She looked at me expectantly, waiting for me to leave.

I growled low in my throat, the sound entirely inhuman. "I'm staying."

Dr. Winters, familiar with werewolf protectiveness, merely nodded and began her examination. She carefully cleaned the cuts on Rebecca's shoulder and face, applying antiseptic that made Rebecca hiss in pain. I took her hand, letting her squeeze mine when the sting became too much. Her grip was surprisingly strong, her eyes seeking mine for comfort. I moved closer, letting her feel my presence.

"The shoulder laceration has some depth to it," Dr. Winters said after her examination. "It will need a few stitches, and there may be some minor scarring."

"Use whatever treatment will minimize scarring," I instructed.

Dr. Winters nodded and prepared a local anesthetic. As she worked on Rebecca's injuries, I maintained my position at her side, never letting go of her hand.

When the doctor finally finished and packed up her supplies, the room fell into a heavy silence. I walked Dr. Winters to the door, exchanging a few quiet words about follow-up care and medication. When I returned, I stood at the foot of the bed, taking a moment to collect my thoughts. Rebecca looked small against the large bed, her eyes following my every movement, uncertain and vulnerable.

"Why didn't you tell me you were going to work?" My voice was carefully controlled, all emotion stripped away.

Tears welled in her eyes again, her lower lip trembling slightly. "Since that day at the hospital... you haven't come home once. I thought you were angry with me."

Something twisted in my chest—regret, sharp and unexpected. My hands clenched into fists at my sides, then slowly relaxed. I watched her swallow hard, the delicate movement of her throat drawing my attention.

"I wasn't angry," I said finally. "I was... caught up in company matters."

It sounded hollow even to my own ears. Rebecca looked away, a shadow passing over her face. Her fingers played nervously with the edge of the blanket, exposing then covering the smooth skin of her thigh in a rhythm that made it difficult to maintain my focus on her face.

"My father's surgery went well," she said, changing the subject. "But I owe the hospital a lot of money. I couldn't... I can't keep depending on you."

I started to speak, to tell her that money was the least of my concerns, but she pushed on, her voice growing more strained. The pulse at her throat quickened, visible even from where I stood.

"My brother's gambling debts, my father's medical bills... it's too much. I had to get a job, to start taking care of things myself."

Her voice broke, tears spilling over. "And Elizabeth told me... she said you've been with her these past few days. I thought you didn't want me anymore..."

The revelation of Elizabeth's lies sparked fresh anger, but I contained it, focusing instead on Rebecca's pain. Her chest rose and fell rapidly with each breath, the scent of her distress filling the room.

"Then Steve... he almost..." She couldn't finish. "I don't belong in this world, Dominic. Humans aren't meant to be mixed up with werewolves."

She struggled to sit up, ignoring the pain in her shoulder. Her hospital gown slipped slightly, revealing more of her collarbone and the soft curve of her breast.

"I should go," she said, reaching for the bedside drawer where she kept a few personal items. "Leave this city... leave the werewolf world entirely."

I moved with werewolf speed, suddenly at her side, gently but firmly pulling her back. My hands encircled her wrists, careful not to press on her bruises. Her pulse jumped beneath my fingers, her breathing catching at my sudden proximity.

"No," I said, my voice rough with emotion. "Don't do that."

I gathered her into my arms, careful of her injuries, and held her close. Her body was warm against mine, soft where I was hard, yielding where I was unyielding. "Listen to me, Rebecca. Just listen."