Chapter 36: A Misunderstanding
Chapter 36: A Misunderstanding
(Aria’s POV)
“Are you sure this isn’t too expensive?” I asked Olivia, carefully examining the sleek silver lighter in its
velvet–lined box.
The price tag nearly made me wince. It would cost almost half my monthly salary from Silver Leaf Herbalists.
“For the Alpha King of the Shadow Pack? This is practically pocket change to him,” Olivia replied, rolling her eyes. “Besides, considering what he’s done for you, it’s the least you can do.”
She was right. Thanks to Dominic, I had favorable treatment at work and actual hope for severing my mate bond with Alexander. A lighter seemed small in comparison.
“Fine,” I sighed, heading to the register. “I’ll take it.”
After completing the purchase, we left the specialty shop with the elegantly wrapped box. The afternoon sun was warm on my skin as we walked through the shopping district.
“You should give it to him right away,” Olivia suggested. “Why wait?”
I hesitated. “I don’t want to bother him. He’s probably busy!”
“Just call him,” she insisted, nudging my shoulder. “The worst he can say is no.”
Reluctantly, I pulled out my phone and dialed Dominic’s number. My heart fluttered nervously as it rang. “Aria,” his deep voice answered, sending an unexpected warmth through me. “Is everything okay?” “Everything’s fine,” I replied quickly. “I just… I have something for you. A small thank–you gift. But it’s nothing urgent-”
“I’m at the security headquarters overseeing an enforcer training,” he cut in. “You’re welcome to stop by if you’d like.”
His immediate acceptance surprised me. “Oh! Are you sure it’s not an inconvenience?”
“Not at all,” he assured me. “I’ll text you the address.”
After ending the call, I found Olivia grinning at me knowingly.
“What?” I demanded.
“Oh, nothing,” she sang, her smile widening. “Just that he dropped everything to see you the moment you
called.”
I rolled my eyes, ignoring the strange flutter in my chest. “He didn’t drop anything. He said he’s working.” “Mmm–hmm,” she hummed skeptically as we walked toward my car. “And he invited you to a high–security pack facility just like that? Face it, Aria, the man likes you.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” I scoffed, though my wolf stirred curiously at the suggestion. “He’s just being polite.” Olivia laughed. “If that’s what you need to tell yourself.”
Chapter 36 A Misunderst
I pulled into the massive compound that served as the Shadow Pack’s security headquarters, feeling increasingly nervous. The sprawling facility was both impressive and intimidating, with multiple training fields visible from the entrance.
A uniformed werewolf approached my car as I parked. ‘Ms. Summers? Alpha King is expecting you‘
He led me through a series of security checkpoints, each more sophisticated than the last. Through large windows, I could see werewolves training in both human and wolf form–some engaged in combat simulations while others practiced what looked like reconnaissance techniques.
“Aria.”
Dominic’s voice drew my attention. He stood in a doorway ahead, dressed in tactical gear that emphasized his broad shoulders. His silver–gray eyes lit up when they met mine, making my stomach do an unexpected
flip.
“I hope I’m not interrupting anything important,” I said, suddenly self–conscious about my casual attire and the small package in my hands.
“Not at all,” he replied, gesturing for me to join him. “I was just finishing up.”
As we walked through the facility, my eyes widened at the scale of operations. The technology on display was far beyond what I’d seen in the Storm Pack’s security division.
“This is… impressive,” I murmured, watching as a group of enforcers shifted seamlessly between human and wolf form during a complex training exercise.
“I can show you around if you’d like,” Dominic offered. “Though I understand if you’re concerned about seeing classified security information.”
I hesitated. “I’m still technically Luna of the Storm Pack. Isn’t this a security risk?”
Something softened in his silver–gray eyes. “You’re not an outsider to me, Aria.”
The warmth in his voice made my wolf whimper softly beneath my skin. To distract myself, I thrust the package toward him.
“This is for you,” I said quickly. “Just a small thank–you for everything you’ve done.”
Dominic accepted the gift, his fingers brushing against mine in a touch that sent an unexpected spark through me. He carefully unwrapped it, his expression changing to genuine surprise when he saw the lighter. “This is…” He turned it over in his hands, admiring the intricate silver work.
“Do you like it?” I asked nervously. “Olivia said all Alphas smoke occasionally, but if you don’t-
“It’s perfect,” he interrupted, a rare genuine smile spreading across his face. “I do enjoy a good cigar after successful negotiations. Thank you, Aria.”
The sincerity in his voice made me smile in return. “It’s nothing compared to what you’ve done for me.” He pocketed the lighter carefully, then gestured toward a different section of the facility. “Would you like to see where we train the enforcer wolves?”
I nodded, following him through a set of reinforced doors that opened onto an enormous indoor training arena. At least twenty wolves in human form were engaged in various combat scenarios, while several others moved through obstacle courses in their wolf forms.
Chapter 36 A Misunderst
“Alpha King!” One of the enforcers called, jogging over to us. His eyes widened when he recognized me: “Is this her? The she–wolf from Moon Valley Lodge?”
Before I could respond, another enforcer joined him. “It is! Alpha King’s Luna–to–bel”
My face heated instantly. “I’m not-
“Hey everyone!” the first enforcer shouted across the training floor. “Alpha Kingbrought his intended mate!”
To my horror, the training session halted as enforcers gathered around us. Their teasing grins made my
embarrassment worse.
“Congratulations, Alpha King!”
“When’s the marking ceremony?”
“May the Moon bless you with many healthy pups!”
“This isn’t–we’re not-“I stammered, my face burning hotter with each comment.
But my denials were drowned out by their good–natured ribbing. Dominic, to my surprise, did little to correct them. Instead, he placed a gentle hand on the small of my back and guided me toward the exit, a subtle smirk playing at the corner of his lips.
“Settle down and get back to work,” he called over his shoulder, amusement clear in his voice. “You’re
合 embarrassing my guest.”
Once outside the training arena, I finally found my voice. “You didn’t correct them.”
Dominic’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “Would it have made a difference? They’re excited for me. It’s been a long time since they’ve seen me with a she–wolf.”
I wasn’t sure how to respond to that.
“Come,” he said, changing the subject. “Let me show you the communications center. It’s where we coordinate security between the northern packs.”
As we walked, Dominic explained various aspects of his security operations. “This system helps maintain peace between packs that historically have been at odds with each other.”
“Isn’t it risky showing me all this?” I asked again. “I’m still technically”
“Luna of the Storm Pack, I know,” he finished for me. “But given the circumstances, I don’t see you as a security threat, Aria.”
Just then, his phone rang. After checking the caller ID, he immediately answered.
“Nathan? What is it?” His posture straightened as he listened. “How serious?… I see. We’ll be right there.”
The cheerful, almost playful Dominic from moments ago vanished. In his place stood the formidable Alpha King, his silver–gray eyes hardening like ice.
He turned to me, his powerful Alpha aura subtly flaring. “We need to go somewhere immediately.” His hand was already reaching for his car keys.
My wolf sensed the change, becoming alert beneath my skin. “What’s happened?”
“I’ll explain in the car,” he said grimly, guiding me toward the exit with renewed
