Mated by Contract to the Alpha (Rebecca and Dominic) novel Chapter 129

Rebecca’s POV

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After Adrian left, I sat cross–legged on the hospital bed, my tablet propped against my knees as I absently sketched the view from my window. The sunlight cast long shadows across the sterile room, highlighting the vase of white lilies Dominic had brought yesterday. My fingers moved mechanically across the screen, but my mind was miles

away.

Every time I closed my eyes, I could feel the ghost of his touch from yesterday–his hands on my skin, his lips against mine. The memory brought both comfort and pain. I’d fallen for him completely, despite every warning bell in my head. Despite knowing that whatever this was between us had an expiration date.

“This looks lovely,” said a nurse as she checked my vital signs, peering at my sketch of a dinner dress. “You have quite a talent.”

I managed a smile. “Thank you. It helps pass the time.”

“You know, if you’re feeling up to it, the rehabilitation garden is open to patients. Some fresh air might do you good.” She adjusted my IV. “Doctor Winters mentioned you’re healing well. A short walk wouldn’t hurt.”

The idea of escaping these four walls, even briefly, was appealing. After the nurse left, I carefully changed into the comfortable clothes Dominic had brought, wincing slightly as my bruised ribs protested the movement.

The rehabilitation garden was a small oasis in the concrete hospital complex–a winding path surrounded by flowering shrubs, benches placed at strategic intervals, and a central fountain whose gentle splashing created at soothing backdrop. Few patients were out at this hour, giving me a rare moment of solitude.

I found an empty bench partially hidden by a flowering dogwood tree and sat down, tilting my face toward the sun. For just a moment, I allowed myself to forget everything–the attack, the complications with Dominic, the uncertain future–and simply breathe.

“Well, well. Rebecca Brown.”

The familiar voice sent ice through my veins. I opened my eyes to see Dylan Hurst standing at the bend in the path, twirling a small daisy between his fingers. His sandy hair was perfectly styled, his casual pose deliberate, but I recognized the malice in his pale brown eyes immediately.

He’d been detained after Sophia came forward with evidence he’d been blackmailing mutiple women with compromising photos. Evidence that I had helped Sofia collect and provide to authorities.

“What are you doing here?” I asked, instinctively glancing around for hospital security.

‘Just visiting an old friend,” he replied with a cold smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Imagine my surprise when I

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Chapter 129

heard you were here too. Thought I’d stop by and catch up.”

I stood, intending to walk past him back toward the building. “I have nothing to say to you.”

He stepped sideways, blocking my path. “That’s a shame. Because I have plenty to say to you.”

My heart hammered against my bruised ribs, but I lifted my chin. “Move aside, Dylan.”

“Thanks to you, he continued as if I hadn’t spoken, “I lost everything. Sofia wouldn’t have found those photos if you hadn’t helped her look. Those pictures were private. They would never have been discovered if you hadn’t stuck your nose where it didn’t belong.”

His eyes narrowed, hatred seeping through every pore as he stepped closer. “Did you feel righteous? Playing the

hero?”

“You threatened those girls,” I said, meeting his gaze steadily. “You deserved what happened to you.”

Dylan stepped closer, and I instinctively retreated until my legs hit the bench behind me. His breath smelled of cigarettes and stale coffee as he leaned in.

“I may not be able to touch your werewolf boyfriend,” he said softly, making my blood run cold. “But you, Miss Brown–you’re just a human. A nobody with nothing and no one to protect you when he’s not around.”

I swallowed hard. I couldn’t believe he actually had the nerve to threaten me behind Dominic’s back.

“I’m not here for money,” he continued, his voice dropping to a whisper that somehow felt more threatening than a shout. “Just wanted to make sure your life becomes as miserable as mine. I’ll be watching you, Rebecca. Every coffee shop you visit. Every class you attend. Every moment you think you’re alone–you won’t be.”

“If you threaten me-”

“What?” he laughed, the sound hollow and cruel. “You’ll tell Sterling? Go ahead. But when he eventually discards you -and he will–remember I’m waiting. We both know what happens to toys when the powerful get bored with them.”

His words struck a nerve I couldn’t hide. My hands trembled slightly as I gripped the edge of the bench. “He won’t discard me,” I said, my voice less certain than I’d intended.

Dylan’s laugh was vicious, his eyes lighting up at my obvious insecurity. “Wake up, little girl! He’s the future Alpha of Silver Moon Shadow. Do you really think he’d choose an average human with a struggling family over someone of his own kind? Someone who can actually give him what he needs? You’re temporary entertainment, Rebecca. A novelty that’s already wearing thin.”

He tossed the daisy onto the bench beside me, the innocent white flower now seeming sinister. “Every time you see one of these, remember I’m not finished with you yet.”

I watched him walk away, his shoulders relaxed as if we’d just shared a friendly chat. I looked down at the flower, feeling my face drain of color and my stomach turn. I left it there, untouched, as I made my way back to the safety

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Chapter 129

of my hospital room on shaking legs.

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