Chapter 134: Unexpected Encounters
Chapter 134: Unexpected Encounters
(Aria’s POV)
Dominic noticed my prolonged silence as I stared after Dr. Lewis and his mother. He waved his hand in front of my face, breaking my trance.
“What’s wrong?” he asked with concern. “Come back to your senses.”
Y
I blinked several times, shaking off the strange emptiness in my chest. Looking at him helplessly, I suggested quietly, “Let’s leave.”
My wolf whimpered softly within me, still unsettled by the encounter.
Dominic helped me into his luxury SUV with the Shadow Pack emblem. As soon as we left the hospital parking lot, his mobile phone rang.
“Dominic here,” he answered with Alpha authority.
“Alpha, this is Officer Martinez from territorial enforcement,” came the professional voice. “I have the information you requested about Alexander Reed’s call records.”
My ears perked up, remembering Dominic’s earlier suspicions about Alexander’s timing.
“What did you find?” Dominic asked, gripping the steering wheel tighter.
“Alexander Reed did contact our emergency line earlier today,” Martinez confirmed. “His call came in approximately fifteen minutes before your own emergency contact. He reported a suspected k********g and requested immediate assistance.”
I watched Dominic’s expression as this verification contradicted his suspicions.
“Are you certain about the timing?” Dominic pressed.
“Absolutely certain, Alpha. The call logs are timestamped.”
After ending the call, I expected Dominic to acknowledge Alexander’s innocence. Instead, he remained stubbornly skeptical.
“I still don’t believe it anyway,” he declared with characteristic obstinacy.
His refusal to accept clear evidence made me laugh despite everything. My wolf stirred with amusement.
“You’re incredibly stubborn,” I told him playfully. “But I agree with you completely.”
Dominic drove me back to my apartment at Moon Valley Residences. Upon entering, I discovered Aunt Sophia and Uncle Robert had been busy rearranging the entire space.
The sofa had been pushed into a corner. Uncle Robert stood on a stool, hammering hooks into the ceiling for
curtains.
“Aria! Thank the moon goddess you’re safe!” Aunt Sophia rushed over, her wolf’s scent betraying relief.
Her hands fluttered anxiously as she examined me for injuries.
“We heard about what happened. That crazy she–wolf Claire could have killed you!”
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Chapter 134 Unexpected
I’m fine just a sprained ankle, Freassured her Where’s Sadia?”
Aunt Sophia pointed toward the master bedroom with obvious pride. “She’s resting after all that frauma
Immediately sensed trouble. My wolf bristled beneath my skin as I moved toward the bedroom door
Upon opening it, I discovered what I had feared. Sadie and Aunt Sophia had moved all their belongings into the master bedroom during my absence.
Suitcases, clothes, and personal items were scattered across my former sleeping space. They had taken advantage of my k********g to claim the larger room.
“What is all this?” I asked with growing frustration.
Aunt Sophia appeared behind me with an apologetic but determined expression.
“Well, since the master bedroom is much bigger, it’s perfect for two people sharing,” she explained
reasonably. “You can take the smaller bedroom. It’s adequate for one person.”
I noticed my belongings had already been relocated to the smaller room. This wasn’t a suggestion–it was a completed takeover.
“You moved my things without asking?” I asked with disbelief.
The presumptuous behavior left me feeling helpless. My wolf bristled with indignation.
At this moment, Dominic, who had been silently observing with his powerful Alpha presence, suddenly spoke up with strategic timing.
“Actually, I’ve been thinking about Sadie’s employment situation,” he said casually. “I could arrange a position for her at the Territorial Administrative Bureau as a clerk through my connections.”
Aunt Sophia’s demeanor changed instantly. Her wolf’s scent spiked with excitement as she turned to face
him.
“The Territorial Administrative Bureau?” she repeated with enthusiasm. “That’s a government position!” Her eyes lit up with realization. Government jobs were considered “iron rice bowls” in werewolf society- secure positions with guaranteed benefits.
“It’s stable work with excellent benefits,” Dominic confirmed. “However, there is one consideration.” Aunt Sophia leaned forward eagerly. “What consideration?”
“The location is quite far,” Dominic explained thoughtfully. “About forty to fifty kilometers away in the southern districts.”
I watched this exchange with growing admiration for Dominic’s tactical brilliance. His silver–gray eyes gleamed with strategic satisfaction.
When Aunt Sophia’s face fell with concern about the distance, Dominic smoothly offered his solution.
“Of course, if the commute proves challenging, I could arrange pack housing for your entire family closer to the workplace.”
His offer was delivered with perfect Alpha generosity, though I caught the calculation behind his words. Aunt Sophia’s excitement reached new heights. Her wolf’s scent practically vibrated with joy.
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Chapter 134: Unexpected
“Pack housing? Near a government job? This is incredible!”
Uncle Robert stopped his work to join the conversation, equally impressed.
The next morning, Aunt Sophia, Uncle Robert, and Sadie left early to visit the workplace. Their wolves were clearly excited about this new opportunity.
By that afternoon, they returned with beaming faces. Professional movers were already scheduled to collect their belongings the following day.
“Everything is perfect!” Aunt Sophia announced happily. “Sadie starts work next Monday, and our new
housing is lovely!”
As I watched them celebrate, I realized my growing debt to Dominic. This latest favor added to an already
substantial list.
I thought resignedly, “When you have many debts, you don’t worry about one more.”
I already owed him so much that one additional favor didn’t change the situation. Though my wolf stirred restlessly at our growing obligation.
After resting for two days, my ankle had healed enough for basic walking. I still limped slightly but my wolf’s healing abilities were gradually mending the damage.
When I arrived at Dominic’s herbal remedy company, my colleagues immediately gathered around with
concern.
Their various pack scents mingled in the air, carrying notes of worry and relief. “Aria! How are you feeling?” asked Linda, à senior herbalist. “We were so worried!”
“Are you sure you should be working already?” another colleague added protectively.
I held up my hands to calm their questions, touched by their care.
“Everyone, please don’t worry. It’s just a sprained ankle with no bone damage,” I reassured them. “I’m much
better now.”
Several colleagues suggested postponing my development work, but I insisted on continuing.
“It’s my ankle that’s injured, not my hands,” I joked, making everyone laugh and easing the tension.
Jason Hart, who had been standing nearby with pursed lips, finally approached me. His wolf’s protective instincts were evident in his worried scent.
“You’re being stubborn despite your injury,” he gently scolded with caring firmness. “You should prioritize proper healing.”
Despite his concern, the herbal remedy development work proceeded smoothly under Jason’s coordination. His expertise ensured everything progressed efficiently.
What should have taken half a month was completed in just ten days. The products successfully passed our client’s inspection with flying colors.
As this was the company’s first major project, such smooth completion called for celebration. Since this was Dominic’s company, I felt obligated to inform him about our celebration plans. I knocked on his office door and entered to find him behind his desk, hands clasped professionally.
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Chapter 134 Unexpected
“The project is completed successfully,” I announced with pride. “The team wants to celebrate our first major
success.”
Dominic smiled warmly at the news.
“After all the hard work everyone has put in, a simple dinner wouldn’t be enough,” he said thoughtfully. “I’ll have the finance department approve bonuses for the entire team.”
At the mention of bonuses, a joyous smile spread across my face. The team would be thrilled.
“Are you happy too?” he asked with amusement at my expression.
My smile deepened as I nodded enthusiastically. “Everyone will be so excited!”
“Where are you planning this celebration dinner?” Dominic asked, reaching into his desk drawer.
He pulled out a sleek black card that made my eyes widen. It was a VIC membership card, legendary among high–end establishments.
Such cards reportedly required millions of dollars in annual spending to obtain.
“Put all of today’s expenses on this account,” he said, sliding the card toward me. “Make sure everyone has a memorable celebration.”
That evening, our celebration dinner was held at the Silver Moon Grand Hotel, one of the Northern Territory’s most expensive venues.
The hotel catered specifically to wealthy werewolf clientele, with magnificent lighting and luxurious décor. The lobby featured countless crystal wine glasses suspended from the ceiling, creating brilliant reflections from the moonstone chandeliers.
With over twenty company employees attending, I had reserved their largest private room with complete entertainment facilities.
While we waited for the venison steaks to be served, colleagues had scattered to enjoy various activities. Their wolves were relaxed and content in the luxurious surroundings.
As I stepped outside the private room to call Dominic on my mobile phone, since he hadn’t arrived yet, I heard someone call my name from behind.
“Aria?”
Turning around, I saw a tall figure looking at me with surprise and familiar eyes.
It was Alexander, unexpectedly appearing at the same venue. His Alpha scent was immediately recognizable despite the distance.
