CHAPTER TEN
“You can let go of me now” I said coldly, pulling myself from his strong arms.
His eyebrows shot up in surprise, but he released me immediately. “Not the warm welcome I was expecting,” he said with a slight smirk. “Did you really think I would fall at your feet just because you’re Dominic Blackwood?” I crossed my arms defensively. “This whole setup
was a trick“I
Dominic gestured to the table set for two in the private dining room. “At least have lunch with me before you storm out. I believe we have things to discuss.“.
Reluctantly, I took a seat, mostly because I needed answers.
“This was all planned, wasn’t it? My grandparents tricking me to come here.”
Dominic shrugged, “I merely requested a meeting. The execution was all their idea.”
“Well, whatever game you’re playing, I want no part in it.”
Dominic raised an eyebrow, “Game? This is no game. Evelyn. Our parents arranged this marriage for a reason.
I scoffed, “See, The last thing I need is another man telling me what to do. You don’t know anything about me.”
“I know more than you think, Evelyn,” he replied calmly. “I’ve followed your story since yourarnival here?”
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A waiter appeared with our first course, momentarily interrupting our conversation. When we were alone again, I decided the point
“What do you get out of this arrangement? Why would someone like you agree to an arranged marriage?” I asked bluntly Dominic took his time answering, sipping his water thoughtfully. “It was my parents‘ dying wish. intend to honor it.”
I scoffed. “That’s it? No hidden agenda? No business deals? Just fulfilling a death wish?“?
“Does there need to be more?” he countered.
o getting what you “With men like you, there’s always more,” I replied, stabbing at my salad with unnecessary force. “Powerful Rich. Used to want. Also you’ve rejected every eligible female walf for years. And suddenly, you’re willing to marry me? A woman you’ve never even met?‘
“I was simply waiting for the right match,” he said smoothly.
1 scoffed. “Don’t try to charm me. I’m immune to it now.
“Are you?” His lips curved into a slight smile, “Your racing heartbeat suggests otherwise.”
Heat rushed to my cheeks. Damn werewolf hearing. That’s anger, not attraction.
“If you say so. I just simply want to help you get revenge on your ex–mate,” he suggested with a knowing smile.
I froze, my fork halfway to my mouth. “How do you know about that?”
“I did my research on you Evelyn,” Dominic said, pulling out a chair for me at the table. “I make it my business to know everything about my future wife,” he answered simply 3
I laughed bitterly, “Future wife? I never agreed to this arrangement.”
Dominic smiled, “But you will. You didn’t come back just to hide, did you? You came for revenge against the Silverstone Pack,”
“And what’s that got to do with you? I questioned
“Everything.” he said, leaning forward. “I know you can’t become Alpha without fulfilling your parents‘ wishes. And those wishes include manying me.”
I crossed my arms, “I can find another way to get my revenge”
Dominic shook his head, “Not with the power you need. As my wife, you’ll be both Alpha of Blackthorn and Queen to my King. No one would dare touch you or disrespect you again.”
I stood up abruptly, my chair screeching against the floor. “No. I don’t need anyone. I’ve survived on my own for five years. I’ll find another way.”
Dominic remained calm. “And what about our mate bond?””
The question hit me like a slap. So he had felt it too, that instant connection when he caught me. “What about it?”
“You felt it, just as I did. The universe has given you a second chance”
“The universe can keep its chances,” I spat “I rejected one mate already. I can reject another. I’m not here for love, Dominic. I’m here for Justice.
“They don’t have to be mutually exclusive,” he argued, standing now.
I shook my head firmly. “I’m not agreeing to this marriage. Not now, not ever. Find someone else to fulfill your parents‘ wish”
Without waiting for his response, I turned and marched toward the door. Just before I left, looked back at him one last time.!!
“I appreciate the lunch invitation, but 11 handle my problems my way. Without help from anyone.
“The offer stands. When you’re ready to talk, I’ll be here.“%
“Don’t hold your breath,” I replied, then yanked the door open and walked out.
As I walked out of the restaurant, I realized I was breathing heavily. My hands were shaking, but not from fear. It was from the mate bond. Also I’d just stood up to Dominic Blackwood, the most powerful Alpha in the region.
sment of trumak faded as i lashed sound the nubian Ini Tu mandasanip‘ pas un
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Also id just stood up to Dominic Blackwood, the most powerful Alpha in the region.
My moment of triumph faded as I looked around the parking lot. My grandparents‘ car was nowhere to be seen. Those traitors had literally abandoned me here!!
“They’re so gonna hear from me when I get home,” I muttered, pulling out my phone to call a cab.!!
When I arrived, my grandmother was waiting in the living room, her face etched with disappointment.
“Seriously? You’re just going to abandon the Alpha position because of this?” she asked as soon as I walked through the door.
“If the requirement for being Alpha is that I have to marry someone I don’t know, then yes,” I replied firmly. “If you change that requirement, I accept the position immediately”
My grandfather shook his head. “The requirement has been in place for generations. We can’t change it just for you
“Then what will they say when they see you?” my grandmother asked desperately. “The pack members will gossip. Hl bring shame to our family name. The Alpha who ran away, returned, and ran away again.
I felt my temper rising. If you’re so worried about shame, then maybe I should leave.”
“What do you mean?” my grandfather asked, his voice suddenly concerned
“I mean I’m packing tomorrow and finding my own apartment.” I declared Tm leaving I find another way to take my revenge on Lucas and claim what’s mine without being forced into a marriage I don’t want
My grandmother’s eyes filled with tears, but I hardened my heart. I’d made my decision.
I would find another way to claim my birthright and my revenge &
