CHAPTER 59

MIA POV.

As we stepped into the Dark Moon pack Manor, Tony's grip on my arm tightened, his fingers digging deeper into my skin as he propelled me toward his father’s office, his pace swift and unyielding. Despite my attempts to wriggle free, his low growl echoed in my ear. "You're going to tell my father everything, Mia, whether you like it or not."

I stumbled, trying to plant my feet, but Tony's momentum kept me moving, his determination fueled by a mix of loyalty and anger, but I knew he was secretly enjoying throwing me under the bus like that.

"Tony, stop! You don’t have to man-handle me like this!" I protested, my voice rising, but he ignored my pleas. We burst through the office door, and Dominic's gaze snapped up from the papers on his desk, his eyes narrowing as he took in Tony's tense posture and my struggles.

"What's going on?" Dominic demanded, his voice firm, his eyes locked on Tony. He released me as he addressed his father. "Mia was consorting with Victor Octavius at the party," he reported, his tone accusatory. Dominic's expression, anticipated to be angry and accusing, surprisingly remained calm and collected, his voice measured as he leaned back in his chair, eyes locked onto mine, and asked, "Mia, tell me, what happened at the party?”

I took a deep breath, choosing my words carefully, aware of Tony's skeptical gaze and Dominic's intent listening. "The party was a setup, a matchmaking event arranged by my father.” I said and Dominic didn’t look very surprised to hear this, but he kept silent so that I could continue. “I had no idea Victor Octavius would be there, or who he was at the time. We met, and I thought he was just another guest. We talked, and he said that his name was Victor, but it was only a little while later that I realized his true identity." I said truthfully.

Dominic's expression remained neutral, but his eyes narrowed slightly. "Go on." I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal, but something in Dominic's calm demeanor put me at ease. "Victor seemed...different. Intelligent, charming. I didn't sense any foul play nor did he try to find out any information about you or the pack.” I said, and I heard Tony snort in disbelief. I shot him a glare before turning back to Dominic to continue speaking. “He mostly spoke about the hardships he went through and his hobbies.

Tony snorted again, disbelief on his face. "You expect us to believe…" Dominic raised a hand, silencing Tony. "Let her finish." I met Dominic's gaze, searching for understanding. "Everything went fine until Tony rudely intervened and started dragging me away in front of all my father’s guests.” I said and looked accusingly towards Tony. His eyes darted at his father nervously. “Someone had to do something, you were consorting with the enemy,” Tony said, and he straightened his back with pride, thinking he had won.

“And where were you, huh? That never would have happened if you were too busy chatting up other women. You didn't even check on me once, not even to ensure my safety like you were instructed to do. But the moment you saw me talking to Victor, you pounced."

Tony's face reddened, his eyes flashing with defensiveness. "That's not the point! I was keeping an eye on you from afar." Dominic's voice cut through Tony's protests. "Enough, Tony. Your actions tonight have raised more questions than answers." He waved his hand dismissively. "You're dismissed. Leave us."

Tony's jaw clenched, but he knew better than to argue with his father. With a final, angry glance at me, he spun on his heel and exited the office.

Dominic's eyes locked onto mine, his expression grave. "Mia, your father's actions have made it clear that he has changed his mind. By introducing you to potential suitors at the party, he has basically labeled you as available.” He leaned forward, interlocking his fingers on the desk in front of him as his voice took on a warning tone. "Your engagement to Tony originally protected you, but now... you've inadvertently opened yourself up to other interests."

My mind reeled as Dominic's words sunk in. "What do you mean?" I asked, perplexed at what he was saying to me. "By interacting with Victor, you've given him—and potentially others—a chance to compete for your hand." Dominic explained, his voice measured. "You're no longer off-limits, Mia. You're a prized asset, and your father's tactics have put you squarely in the cross-hairs."

A shiver ran down my spine as the implications hit me. "What does this mean for Tony and me?" Dominic's gaze remained impassive. "Your engagement is no longer a guarantee. Other packs, other alphas, will try to woo you. And I fear your father's move has put you in grave danger," Dominic said as he held my gaze from across his desk.

"Your father is using your hand in marriage as leverage to forge alliances with powerful packs, specifically Victor Octavius's, whose influence and resources would cement your father’s pack's dominance and his numbers to control would double." Dominic said before he got up from his chair. He pocketed his hands as he stared at me for a moment, contemplating something… or perhaps planning something? I wondered. “I have to take care of something.” He suddenly said and walked around his desk and towards his office door. “Try not to get into trouble while I am away.” He said before I found myself alone in his office.

My gaze drifted to the chessboard on the corner of Dominic's desk in front of me, the intricately carved pieces seeming to hold new significance. As I absorbed the weight of Dominic's words, a spark of realization ignited within me. I wasn't just a vulnerable piece to be manipulated; I was a crucial player in this game of power.

My fingers drifted over the queen's crown, her strength and influence resonating deeply. I thought of my father's manipulation VS Dominic’s possessive nature towards me and that familiar defiance inside my chest started to resurface again. "I will not be controlled.” I said aloud, a quiet vow to myself. Dominic was right, the game had changed… I was no longer going to be a piece on the board to be played by others… I was going to choose my own moves.