CHAPTER 60

DOMINIC’S POV.

I rode in the lead vehicle, a sleek black SUV, followed by my most trusted warriors in identical vehicles behind me. Our convoy sliced through the city streets, a procession of dark glass and steel, broadcasting our arrival. Almost all of my battle-hardened warriors, handpicked for their loyalty and strength, accompanied me to a meeting with Mia’s father, Alpha Hunter Ryker. At first, he tried to get out of it, but I managed to persuade him otherwise, telling him that it concerned his daughter. That made him agree to meet with me immediately, but he insisted on the time and place. I was reluctant when I heard where he wanted to meet, but I agreed to it.

The rumble of our engines echoed through the morning air, a physical manifestation of my resolve. I had come to draw a line in the sand, to inform Hunter that his manipulation towards Mia would no longer be tolerated.  

We arrived at the meeting place, our vehicles forming a semicircle surrounding the entrance to the building. As I stepped out of the vehicle, the familiar facade of the nightclub sparked a surge of memories. This was where I'd found Mia. She was being harassed by a lecherous man and my instincts had taken over, driving me to intervene, to protect her. I recalled the rush of adrenaline, the satisfaction of making her attacker turn and run with his tail between his legs, and the unexpected jolt of possessiveness that had struck me once again when I'd gazed into her frightened eyes.

I hadn't anticipated the repercussions of that night, how it would entangle me in a web of pack politics and bind me to Mia's fate. Yet, I knew I'd make the same choice again and that thought scared me. With a deep breath, I shook off the memories, refocusing on the task at hand. Alpha Hunter Ryker awaited, and our meeting would dictate the course of our packs' futures. I straightened my shoulders, my eyes scanning the perimeter, ever vigilant. My warriors disembarked their own vehicle, their eyes scanning the perimeter, ever vigilant.

I led my entourage through the dimly lit nightclub. It was too early for the club to be open yet, but music was already pulsating through the building as the patrons bustled about. Busy getting the place ready for opening in a few hours. We proceeded to make our way to the private back room. I pushed open the door, revealing Hunter, who was already seated on the plush couch. His eyes narrowed; displeasure etched on his face as he took in the sheer number of warriors accompanying me. His gaze flicked at the clock on the wall, then back to me, his expression darkening.

"You’re late, Dominic." Hunter said, irritated. His voice hinted with disdain. "And I see you've brought an army. Was that really necessary?" His eyes scanned my entourage, his jaw clenching. There was a hint of unease beneath his annoyance, a faint scent of wariness that he struggled to conceal.

I smiled inwardly, recognizing the calculated display of dominance. "Caution is always necessary when dealing with matters of importance, Hunter." I replied, my tone even and measured. "Especially when discussing the future of our packs." I took a seat opposite him, my warriors forming a semicircle around me, while others secured the outside of the building, their presence a silent reminder of our pack's strength. Hunter's eyes flashed with anger, but I held his gaze, unwavering.

I leaned forward, my eyes locking onto Hunter's, my tone firm but controlled. "Tell me, Hunter, what possessed you to allow Mia to interact with Victor Octavius?" I demanded, my words cutting through any potential small talk and straight to business. Hunter's expression shifted, a mask of nonchalance slipping into place.

"Victor is just a social acquaintance, Dominic. Nothing more." Hunter replied, his voice laced with indifference. "Mia's introduction to society requires her to meet various...influential individuals." I raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "Influential individuals?" I repeated, my tone dripping with disdain. "Victor Octavius is a power-hungry predator, Hunter. You knowingly put Mia in harm's way. Why?" Hunter didn’t meet my eyes, but I could see them flashing with irritation. "You're overreacting, Dominic. Mia's safety was never at risk. Victor's interests align with ours; it's beneficial for our packs to—"

"Bullshit!” I exclaimed, interrupting him, my voice cold. "You're doing this for yourself, Hunter, and you are using Mia as leverage, bartering her future for power and alliances. I won't permit it." Hunter's face darkened. His jaw clenched. "You have no right to interfere in my pack's affairs, Dominic. I would never purposefully put Mia in danger.” Hunter said. I narrowed my eyes at him and leaned back, my gaze unwavering. "No, you will not. Not anymore, Hunter. Mia's safety is my top priority. And I will protect her, from Victor and from you, if necessary.” I declared. The air thickened with tension as Hunter's eyes locked onto mine, the unspoken challenge hanging like a dagger between us.

Just as the tension between Hunter and me seemed to reach a boiling point, the door swung open and Victor Octavius himself, strode in. A smirk on his lips and his eyes glinting with mischief. "Ah, Dominic, perfect timing. I see you're already discussing the particulars of my new alliance with the Crescent Moon pack?" His words dropped like a bombshell, confirming my worst suspicions. So, Hunter had already forged an alliance with Victor whilst keeping me in the dark.

Victor smiled in a satisfied manner as he walked over to sit next to his new ally. "Oh, and thank you, by the way,” He said, full of arrogance. “You attempted to eliminate me through the Warden, Dominic. How...amusing." His eyes glinted with triumph, and I felt a cold dread creeping up my spine. "But I've taken care of the Warden. He's no longer a problem, and it was quite a nice work-out for me, so thank you for arranging that little meeting." He said smugly. My mind raced. I had underestimated Victor, and now I was at a disadvantage and vulnerable out in the open like this. My instincts screamed at me to retreat, regroup, and reassess. I stood, my movements swift and decisive. "Negotiations are over," I declared, my voice firm. Without another word, I turned to leave, my warriors falling in step beside me. Victor's laughter echoed through the room, a cold, mirthless sound that sent a shiver down my spine. The alliance between Victor and Hunter had shifted the balance of power, and I needed to act swiftly to protect Mia and my pack.

As I stepped out of the nightclub, I quickened my pace to reach my car, my warriors flanking me, when a faint call pierced the air. A young woman’s voice. "Alpha Dominic! Wait!" I turned and spotted Mia’s roommate, Emma, her eyes wide with worry. "Where's Mia?" Emma asked, her voice laced with anxiety. "Is she alright?" I registered her concern, but my priority was getting out of there, regrouping, and reassessing the situation. Not bothering to reply, I continued toward my vehicle, got in and left, leaving Emma behind in the parking lot. "Home.” I instructed my driver as I settled into the car seat, my mind racing with the implications of Hunter's betrayal. The alliance between Hunter and Victor had flipped the scales, leaving me vulnerable.

Mia had become my sole leverage. If I lost her, I risked losing everything. My pack, my reputation, my power and control… everything I worked hard on to build up over the years. Protecting Mia wasn't just a duty anymore. I can’t let Victor or his father have her. A resolve hardened within me: I would keep Mia at all costs. No matter the danger, no matter the price. She was mine I would not fail.