Mated by Contract to the Alpha (Rebecca and Dominic) novel Chapter 176

Chapter 176

Rebecca’s POV

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I followed Dominic up to his office, my emotions still raw from the confrontation with Adrian. The way Dominic had appeared, defending me with such fierce intensity–it stirred something primal within me. Yet I couldn’t deny the exhaustion creeping through my body, a constant reminder of the precious life growing inside me.

Once inside his spacious office, I sank onto the plush leather sofa, closing my eyes briefly as I gently massaged my temples. The dizziness had subsided, but a dull ache remained.

“I’m fine,” I said, sensing Dominic’s concerned gaze. “Don’t worry,”

He moved to the window, his silhouette powerful against the city skyline. The afternoon sun caught the angles of his face, highlighting the tension in his jaw. I studied him, wondering about the encounter with Elizabeth that had clearly affected him more than he was letting on.

“What did you tell Elizabeth?” I asked directly. “About the Collins Group proposal to work together again?”

Dominic turned, his expression neutral but his eyes betraying a hint of lingering anger. “I rejected it. Sterling Group won’t be doing business with Collins Group again.”

I nodded slowly, remembering the first time I’d seen them together at Oak Park. Even then, he’d been dismissive of her, though I hadn’t understood why at the time. A puzzle piece clicked into place in my mind.

“There’s more to it than her attacking me, isn’t there?” I met his gaze steadily. “Why do you hate Elizabeth so

much?”

Dominic’s eyes darkened as he crossed the room to sit beside me. The leather creaked under his weight, and his scent enveloped me. His jaw worked for a moment, as if he was deciding how much to share.

“It’s not just that she was seeing another wolf while pretending to court me,” he began, his voice low, fingers absently tracing patterns on the leather between us. “And it’s not only because she hurt you.”

He paused, his shoulders tensing slightly. “We were in the same business course in college. There was a party one night. I had too much to drink–something I rarely do.” His voice hardened. “Elizabeth followed me to an empty room and…” His jaw clenched, a muscle twitching along his cheek. “She tried to take advantage of me while I was barely conscious.”

My breath caught in my throat. “She what?” The words came out in a horrified whisper as heat rushed to my face.

“I came to enough to stop her before things went too far,” he continued, his expression hardening, eyes fixed on a distant point. “Even drunk, my wolf knew something wasn’t right. I could sense my mate was out there somewhere, even though I hadn’t met you yet.”

Anger blazed through me like wildfire. My hands clenched into fists, knuckles whitening. My heart pounded against

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Chapter 176.

my ribs, and I could feel my face flushing with rage.

“I’ll kill her,” I whispered, the words escaping before I could stop them. “How dare she? How fucking dare she do that

to you?”

Dominic’s eyebrows rose slightly, a small smile playing at his lips though his eyes remained serious. “Little doe, how exactly do you plan to kill her? Perhaps I could be your accomplice.”

His light tone didn’t match the intensity in his eyes. I reached out, cupping his face between my palms, my thumbs stroking his cheekbones. His stubble was rough against my skin, and I could feel the slight tremor in his jaw.

“I’m not joking,” I said fiercely, my voice trembling with emotion. “Maybe I don’t have the strength to kill her, but Dominic, I would protect you. With everything I have.”

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