< Chapter 40 The Next Step:
Chapter 40: The Next Step is Living Together?
Chapter 40: The Next Step is Living Together?
(Aria’s POV)
Dominic’s threat hung in the air like a physical presence. His response to Alexander had been delivered with such deadly certainty that even I felt a chill run down my spine.
“That’s not up to you!”
Alexander stood stunned in the hallway, his amber eyes flashing with fury. Before he could respond, Dominic grabbed my arm and pulled me back into the apartment. Then he slammed the door in Alexander’s face!
The loud bang was immediately followed by Alexander pounding on the door, his voice muffled but clearly enraged.
“Open this door, Aria! We’re not finished!”
I stared at the door with trepidation, my wolf anxiously pacing beneath my skin. Alexander’s anger was reaching dangerous levels, and my instincts were screaming at me to protect my unborn pup.
“Let’s move today,” Dominic said firmly, his silver–gray eyes fixed on the shaking door. “It’s not safe here.” “Where to move?” I asked, one hand automatically resting on my still–flat stomach.
Dominic ran a hand through his dark hair, seeming not to notice my protective gesture. “I have a den in Moon Valley Residences, opposite Silver Leaf Herbalists. It has all the furniture and appliances. You can move there
today.”
I couldn’t help but hesitate. The confrontation between him and Alexander had been intense. Although I suspected much of Dominic’s possessive behavior was an act to provoke Alexander, there was something in his eyes when he’d admitted to having feelings for me that seemed genuine.
“What’s wrong?” Dominic’s expression softened, and he chuckled. “Did I act too much like the protective Alpha just now and scare you?”
“No,” I replied, relieved by his joking tone. The teasing glint in his eyes made it easier to breathe again. “Then I’ll trouble you, Dominic.”
Alexander’s pounding continued for another five minutes before I heard unfamiliar voices in the hallway. Dominic had called building security. After a brief, heated exchange, the hallway finally fell silent. “He’ll be back,” Dominic said grimly. “And angrier next time.”
He was right. I couldn’t stay here anymore. Not with Alexander becoming increasingly unpredictable.
“I’ll call some professional werewolf movers,” I said, reaching for my phone. “They can handle territory transitions properly.”
Dominic nodded approvingly. “Smart choice. I’ll send the address and access details.”
By evening, the movers had efficiently packed and transported my meager belongings to the new apartment. I was almost embarrassed by how little I owned – just a few suitcases of clothes, some books, and a box of herbal supplies.
Chapter 40 The Next Step..
The Moon Valley apartment, however, was stunning. Floor–to–celling windows overlooked the city, the
furnishings were elegant yet comfortable, and the kitchen was a herbalist’s dream with its spacious counters and natural light.
“This is too much,” I murmured as Dominic gave me a quick tour.
“It’s just sitting empty most of the time,” he replied with a casual shrug. “Better that someone uses it.”
After he left, I stood alone in the luxurious space, feeling both grateful and overwhelmed. My wolf seemed pleased with the new den, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was becoming more indebted to Dominic with each passing day.
I decided to change my mobile number. With Alexander becoming increasingly persistent, it seemed the
safest option. Though it meant I would have to proceed with the mate bond severance through more formal
legal channels, which would take longer and be more complicated.
The doorbell rang just as I finished setting up my herbal workstation near the kitchen. It was Olivia, her arms
laden with a bottle of wine and takeout bags.
“Housekeeping gift!” she announced cheerfully, pushing past me into the apartment. Then she froze, her eyes widening as she took in the space. “Holy moonstone! This place is incredible!”
I smiled at her theatrical reaction. “It’s Dominic’s. He’s letting me stay here temporarily.”
“Moon Valley?” Olivia whistled, running her hand over the polished granite kitchen counter. “That’s where all the elite wolves live!”
“It’s just until the mate bond severance is finalized,” I reminded her, taking the wine bottle before she dropped
it in her excitement.
Olivia flopped onto the plush sofa, testing its softness with an appreciative groan. “If I had an Alpha like him looking out for me, I wouldn’t be paying such high rent for my tiny apartment.”
I rolled my eyes as I uncorked the wine. “There are conditions attached to his help, remember? I still have to meet his grandmother.”
“Ah yes, the mysterious Eleanor Blackwood.” Olivia accepted the glass I handed her. “Why is that so important to him anyway?”
I shrugged, settling beside her on the sofa. “I have no idea. Maybe he wants to prove to his family that he’s not just a workaholic Alpha?”
“Or maybe,” Olivia wiggled her eyebrows suggestively, “he’s introducing you to grandma because he has serious intentions.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” I scoffed, though my wolf stirred curiously at the suggestion. “I’m technically still mated to Alexander, remember? Not to mention pregnant with his pup. And Dominic is… well, he’s Dominic Blackwood.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“He could have any unmated she–wolf in the Northern Territory,” I pointed out. “Why would he be interested in me with all my baggage?”
Olivia shrugged, sipping her wine. “The heart wants what it wants. Or in this case, the wolf.”
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< Chapter 40 The Next Step
I shook my head, unwilling to entertain the notion. “Let’s order some dinner. I’m starving”
“Moon–seared steaks?” Olivia suggested with a grin. “We should celebrate your fancy new digs property?
After we’d finished our meal, I walked Olivia to the door, still laughing at her story about a territorial dispute
she’d mediated between two prideful pack elders.
Just as we reached the doorway, the apartment door directly across the hall opened. A familiar scent washed over me before I even saw who it was rich cedar and mountain air, unmistakably Dominic.
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“You… you live here too?” I stammered, unable to hide my shock.
Dominic leaned against his doorframe, silver–gray eyes crinkling with amusement. “I did mention it was my
den.”
“I thought you meant you owned it, not that you lived right across the hall!”
“Is that a problem?” he asked, one eyebrow raised playfully.
Before I could respond, Olivia smoothly intervened. “We were just finishing dinner. Moon–seared steaks from Crescent Grill. Would you like to join us for dessert?”
Dominic shook his head. “Thank you, but I have some urgent pack security matters to attend to.” His eyes met mine briefly. “Tomorrow?”
I nodded, slightly flustered by his proximity. “Tomorrow.”
With a casual nod to both of us, he headed toward the elevator. Once he was safely out of earshot, Olivia grabbed my arm, her eyes wide.
“Did you hear that?” she whispered excitedly. “He lives right across from you! This was all planned!”
I tried to shush her, but she continued, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “First he offers you protection, then arranges for you to live opposite him… cohabitation is clearly the next logical step!” “Don’t be ridiculous,” I muttered, feeling my face heat up with embarrassment.
My wolf stirred restlessly at Olivia’s words, which only increased my discomfort. Why would my wolf react to the suggestion of living with Dominic?
“I’m just saying,” Olivia insisted as I practically pushed her into the elevator. “This is not a coincidence, Aria.”
I waved goodbye as the doors closed on her smirking face, then returned to my new apartment, my thoughts in disarray.
The next morning, I spent extra time getting ready for work, telling myself it had nothing to do with knowing I might run into Dominic.
Sure enough, as I locked my door, I heard his open across the hall.
“Good morning,” he said, his deep voice sending an involuntary shiver down my spine.
He was dressed casually in a fitted black t–shirt that emphasized his powerful build and dark ieans. Even in simple clothes, he exuded the unmistakable aura of an Alpha.
“Morning,” I replied, trying to sound normal. “Off to work?”
“Yes. Need a ride? I’m headed in that direction.”
< Chapter 40. The Next Step
I nodded, grateful for the offer. “Actually, I wanted to ask you something.”
In the elevator, I couldn’t help but notice how his powerful Alpha scent filled the enclosed space. Strangely, instead of finding it intimidating, I found it comforting.
Once we were in his car, 1 broached the subject that had been bothering me.
“About your grandmother… I still don’t understand why you want the to meet her.”
Dominic’s expression softened as he navigated through morning traffic. “Do you remember an elderly she–wolf you helped at the Neutral Grounds three years ago?”
I frowned, thinking back. “You mean during the territory gathering?”
“Yes. She had collapsed during the event, and you created a special herbal remedy that helped her recover.”
“That was Eleanor Blackwood?” I whispered, my wolf stirring with recognition at the memory.
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