CHAPTER 54

MIA POV:

"What are you doing here?" I froze, the album still open on my lap, as Dominic's imposing figure filled the doorway. His presence instantly turned the room cold.  His voice sounded low and menacing as he came to a stop in front of her. "Just exploring." I replied, not really feeling threatened by him anymore. Anger flashed in Dominic's eyes as they narrowed on me. "This room is off-limits." He stated, his eyes flicking to the album in my hands. I saw him clench his jaw. He clearly did not like me looking through these.

I shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "I didn't see any signs… and besides, I was bored. Thought I'd explore a little since I can’t go to the school.” I said, my tone dripping with deliberate provocation. I didn’t know this before, but I suddenly realized that I liked to get under his skin. It felt exciting.

Dominic's eyes flashed angrily. "Bored?" he repeated, incredulity lacing his voice. "You think snooping through private family records is a cure for boredom?"

I raised an eyebrow, affecting a careless smile. "Snooping? It's not snooping if everything is stored out in the open for anybody to get to, and it’s not like I had anything better to do."

Dominic's anger simmered, his face darkening. He took a step closer, his presence menacing. "You're playing with fire, Mia. Now get out before I throw you out!" He threatened, but I smiled on the inside. I reveled in his reaction. Every spark of anger, every flash of frustration, was a small victory for me. I had managed to penetrate his control yesterday, and I was still chipping away at that armor.

I met Dominic's gaze head on. "I'm just trying to pass the time." I said, my voice light, almost flippant. Dominic's composure teetered on the brink, his eyes blazing with suppressed fury. I watched him as I leaned back against the shelf, innocently intrigued. "These wedding photos... It is hard to tell if you are happy.” I said, looking back down onto the photo again. “And your wife looked beautiful in that dress.” I commented, but I wasn’t mocking it. I truly did like the dress, and it suited her very well. Before I could utter anything more, Dominic's face darkened and in one swift motion, he snatched the album from my hands. But as he held the album, his gaze fell upon the photos again. For an instant, I could finally see a flicker of emotion dance across his face – sorrow, regret, or perhaps something more.

"Did you love her?" I asked, my voice gentle. Dominic's eyes snapped back to my own, the vulnerability gone. "Enough." he growled. This place is off limits and this will be your one and only warning to keep out, do you understand?” He sneered at me, his gaze piercing mine. "You will follow my house rules, Mia. No more snooping. No more disobedience." He said, and I felt like snorting mirthlessly or rolling my eyes at him, but I held it in. Instead, I stood up, making myself as tall as I could as defiance ignited in me again. "Or what?” I challenged, and his eyes widened slightly in shock that I would challenge him outright like this. “I will not be confined to my room like a prisoner anymore." I said, my voice steady. "I want… no, I demand respect as well as some freedom. I'm not a captive."

Dominic's expression darkened, but I pressed on. "I want to continue to work with the little ones at the pack school, just like you promised me." His jaw clenched, but I saw a flicker of hesitation. For a moment, our wills clashed, the air thick with tension.

Then, unexpectedly, Dominic nodded. "Fine. I'll arrange for someone else to take you to the school." Triumph surged through me, but I tempered my smile. “Now that this little spat is over, I want you to leave.” He said, and I didn’t wait around to be told twice.

As I floated up the stairs of the basement, a thrill of anticipation coursing through my veins, I felt a sense of liberation wash over me. Once again, I stood my ground with Dominic and not only did I prevail… I got my way. I quickened my pace, eager to prepare for my trip to the school, my feet barely touching the floor as I burst into my room, a bright smile spreading across my face. I couldn’t wait to see those little faces again. I really did enjoy the time I spent with them, and it also gave me a purpose that made me feel good about myself.

I undressed as I approached my wardrobe, leaving a trail of clothes after me. I flung open the wardrobe, revealing a rainbow of colors and textures. The soft rustle of fabrics slid through my fingers as I searched for an appropriate dress to wear, and I smiled when I found it. I pulled the sky-blue dress from the wardrobe and slipped the dress over my head, feeling the cool fabric glide over my bare skin.

I raked my fingers through my hair to tame it as I headed to my bedroom door and left. As I descended the stairs, my footsteps tapping on the polished marble, I noticed a figure waiting in the foyer. Tall, with broad shoulders and piercing blue eyes, he stood with an air of quiet confidence. His gaze met mine, and a hint of a smile played on his lips. "Luna." he greeted, his deep voice resonating through the space. I reached the bottom step, as he approached me, his movements fluid and deliberate. "I'm Edward Woods. Dominic has appointed me to escort you to the pack school."

Edward was handsome, I have to admit. His dirty blond hair looked perfectly messy while a silver earring adorned his left ear, glinting in the light of the foyer. I extended my hand in greeting, and for a moment, the man looked shocked, but he snapped out of it and took my hand in his for a firm but gentle handshake. "Nice to meet you, Edward." I said, my voice even.

His smile widened, crinkling the corners of his eyes. "Shall we go?” He asked as he indicated for me to leave through the door first, and I thanked him as I stepped outside. “The alpha has instructed me to take you to the pack school and bring you back as soon as you're done.” He said as we headed towards a parked car. He opened the passenger door for me and waited until I was settled in my seat before he closed it and went round to his side and got in behind the wheel.

"Please buckle up, Luna. We've got a bit of a drive ahead." He said, and I nodded. I secured my seat belt, and Edward navigated the roads with effortless ease. "So, tell me." I started the conversation as the silence stretched for a few minutes into the drive. “What do you do in the pack?” I asked and he smiled at me. “You mean, apart from escorting the future Luna to the pack school?” He asked, and his eyes danced with humor. I laughed, surprised by Edward’s humor. “Well, I am the pack’s trainer… and sometimes a doctor.” He said and I looked surprised to hear this. “Really?” I said and he nodded. He started to chat about balancing his two jobs and I slowly felt myself starting to like him. I realized that speaking to him was easy and the car ride much more enjoyable.