Mated by Contract to the Alpha Chapter 81

Dominic's POV

In the privacy of the car, Elizabeth couldn't contain her excitement. She sat closer than necessary, her hand occasionally brushing my thigh as she spoke about her plans for "our future."

"I've already spoken with the interior designer about updates to your villa," she was saying, her voice animated. "Nothing drastic, of course, just removing those awful minimalist pieces and bringing in something more traditional. And we should discuss the date for the Claiming Ceremony – the summer solstice would be perfect, don't you think?"

I made noncommittal sounds, my attention on the city lights passing outside the window. My phone vibrated with a text from Marcus: [Final edit complete. All systems ready.]

A slight tightening of my lips was the only outward sign of my satisfaction.

"What is it?" Elizabeth asked, her eyes quick to catch the subtle change.

"Just thinking about tonight," I replied, the truth behind my words hidden in plain sight.

She preened, taking my words as approval. "I noticed that human hasn't been at work. Finally realized her place, I suppose."

My hand tightened on my knee, knuckles whitening, tendons standing out beneath the skin. "Rebecca," I said, her name emerging with unexpected softness, "is recovering from an unfortunate accident."

Elizabeth's smile turned smug. "Accidents happen when people don't understand boundaries."

I turned to look at her fully, my body still but tension radiating from me in waves. My voice dropped to a dangerous register. "Indeed they do. Tonight, Elizabeth, I think everyone will understand exactly where they stand."

She misinterpreted my meaning entirely, leaning to rest her head against my shoulder. "I've waited so long for this recognition."

I didn't push her away, my body rigid beneath her touch.

---

The Silver Moon Shadow charity gala was held in the grand ballroom of the Crescent Hotel, transformed for the evening with silver and blue decorations that echoed our pack colors. As Elizabeth and I entered, a hundred heads turned in our direction, conversations pausing as wolves acknowledged their future Alpha.

The men nodded respectfully, some lowering their eyes; the women lowered their gazes briefly before assessing Elizabeth with curious, sometimes envious expressions. Cameras flashed, capturing our entrance. Elizabeth basked in the attention, her grip on my arm tightening possessively.

"Mr. Sterling," various pack members murmured as we passed, some adding, "Ms. Collins," with new respect in their voices.

I acknowledged each greeting with a slight nod. I guided Elizabeth through the crowd with practiced ease, stopping occasionally to exchange greetings with key allies.

When the time came for speeches, I took my place at the podium, surveying the gathered elite of werewolf society. Every major family was represented, along with journalists, photographers, and influential members of neighboring packs. The audience quieted immediately at my approach, attention focused on my presence even before I spoke.

"Welcome to the Silver Moon Shadow quarterly charity gala," I began, my voice carrying effortlessly through the room without need for the microphone. "Tonight, we celebrate not only our contributions to worthy causes but also the core values that define us as a pack."

I continued with practiced authority about tradition, honor, and the protection of those under our care. As I spoke, I noted Elizabeth at the side of the stage, her body language revealing her anticipation, her eyes fixed on me with undisguised hunger.

"The strength of an Alpha lies not in dominance alone, but in the protection of those who cannot protect themselves," I said, my gaze sweeping the room. "We are judged not by how we treat our equals, but by how we treat those who are vulnerable."

A few people shifted uncomfortably, perhaps sensing the edge beneath my words, the warning in my steady gaze.

"To speak more about the traditional values and responsibilities of an Alpha's mate, I've invited someone who believes herself to be an authority on the subject." I gestured toward the side of the stage, my movement deliberate and commanding. "Please welcome Elizabeth Collins."

Elizabeth glided to the podium, her face glowing with pride as she took her place beside me. I stepped back, positioning myself where I could clearly see both her and the massive screen behind us. My expression remained neutral, but my eyes never left her, watching with the focus of a predator.

"Thank you, Dominic," she said, voice honeyed with false modesty. "It is my profound honor to address you all tonight on a subject close to my heart."

She launched into her prepared speech, extolling the virtues of pure bloodlines and the sacred duty of an Alpha's mate to uphold pack traditions. As she reached the heart of her message, I gave a subtle nod to Marcus, stationed at the back of the room. My eyes gleamed with anticipation, the muscles in my jaw tightening.

"An Alpha's mate must embody grace, strength, and above all, honor," Elizabeth was saying, her voice swelling with self-importance. "She must—"

The screen behind her flickered to life, cutting off her words as crystal-clear security footage filled the massive display. The timestamp showed yesterday's date, and the location: Sterling Tower Stairwell.

The crowd gasped collectively as the video showed Elizabeth following Rebecca into the stairwell, her face twisted with malice. The audio was fragmented but unmistakable:

"—a human pet—"

"Elizabeth, you need to calm down—"

"—Don't tell me what to do—"

The footage continued, showing Elizabeth's partial shift – claws extending, eyes glowing – as she grabbed Rebecca and slammed her against the wall. The sickening thud as Rebecca's head hit the concrete steps echoed through the ballroom's perfect acoustics.

Elizabeth froze mid-sentence, her mouth hanging open as she slowly turned to see what had captured everyone's attention. The color drained from her face, leaving her makeup garish against her pallor.

I stepped forward, my movement unhurried yet commanding immediate attention. When I spoke, my voice cut through the shocked silence with quiet intensity. "Is this the honor you speak of, Elizabeth? Attacking an unarmed human woman? Is this how the Collins family demonstrates their understanding of an Alpha's responsibilities?"

Murmurs rippled through the crowd, phones raised to capture the unfolding drama. Elizabeth stumbled back from the podium, her composure shattered.

"I—it's not—she provoked—" she stammered, looking desperately around the room for support.

I stepped closer, my height and presence towering over her. "She provoked you?" Each word emerged distinct and dangerous. "A human woman with no wolf, no claws, no enhanced strength – she provoked you into a partial shift and physical assault?"

Ronald Collins pushed through the crowd, his face flushed with anger. "Turn that off," he demanded, gesturing wildly at the technicians. "This is slander! Entrapment!"

I turned to face him, drawing myself to my full height. The room temperature seemed to drop as I released a fraction of my Alpha presence. My eyes locked onto his, unblinking and dominant. Several nearby wolves lowered their heads instinctively, some taking small steps backward.

"Are you suggesting the footage is fabricated, Ronald?" I asked, my voice deadly quiet, each word precise. "Would you like me to have the security logs verified by the Pack Council? Perhaps they should review your daughter's actions in light of our laws regarding human-wolf interactions."

Ronald faltered, catching the dangerous implication. Attacking humans was strictly forbidden – it risked exposure of our kind and violated the fundamental protections established centuries ago. If formally charged before the Council, Elizabeth could face banishment.

"This is a private pack matter," he tried again, his voice less certain, his body language revealing his recognition of his weakened position.

"Not anymore," I gestured around the room, where dozens of phones recorded every moment. My hand movement was controlled, authoritative. "Your daughter wanted recognition tonight. Now she has it."

Elizabeth had crumpled into tears, her carefully applied makeup streaking down her face as she was escorted away by her mother. The crowd parted for them, some faces showing disgust, others morbid fascination. No one offered support or defense.

Ronald lingered, his earlier confidence evaporated. "This isn't over, Sterling. The Collins family has been allied with yours for generations—"

"And yet your daughter attacked a woman under my protection," I cut him off, my voice level but carrying a finality that silenced him mid-sentence. "Your daughter wanted to be part of the Sterling family so badly. Now she has the city's full attention. Congratulations."

As they retreated, whispers and camera flashes following their disgrace, I stood motionless, surveying the room. A cold satisfaction settled over me, my breathing steady, my posture straight.

My phone vibrated in my pocket. Marcus: [Rebecca asking for you.]

Without another word to the still-buzzing crowd, I made my way to the exit. The charity gala would continue without me. My mate needed me, and nothing else mattered now.

"Raymond," I called as I reached the lobby, my voice clear and commanding. "To the hospital. Now."