Page 46 of The Alpha's Forced Rejected Mate
“This wasn’t random,” Dominic cut him off, his voice low enough that only Adrian could hear. “They were sent.”
Adrian nodded grimly. “By Xavier?”
“Or whoever’s pulling his strings.” Dominic sheathed his sword. “Get samples. Document everything before you burn the bodies.”
“What about Luna?” Adrian asked quietly.
A surge of protectiveness coursed through Dominic. “I’m heading back now. Keep me updated on any findings.”
As the cleanup began, Dominic strode back toward his cabin, his senses on high alert. The mate bond pulled at him like a physical tether, guiding him back to Luna. He needed to see her, needed to confirm with his own eyes that she was safe.
The air carried a multitude of scents, but one in particular caught his attention, stopping him in his tracks. A familiar scent, out of place in this part of the compound.
Xavier.
Through the cabin window, he caught a glimpse of movement inside. His cabin door was slightly ajar.
Luna.
Panic threatened to overtake him, but Dominic tamped it down, forcing his features into a neutral mask. He couldn’t reveal what he knew, not yet. Not when Luna was potentially at risk.
He pushed the door open, feigning surprise when he found Xavier standing in the middle of his living area. The Council leader’s impeccably tailored black suit made his pale skin appear almost luminous in contrast.
Dominic prided himself in reading minds through eyes, but Xavier’s bottomless eyes revealed nothing.
“Xavier,” Dominic kept his voice casual despite the rage building in his chest. “Unusual to see you on this side of the compound.”
Xavier’s lips curved into a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “An unusual morning calls for unusual measures, wouldn’t you say, Dominic?”
Dominic moved further into the cabin, subtly positioning himself between Xavier and the door to Luna’s room. He could feel her presence through the mate bond, tense and alert.
“The attack was contained,” Dominic reported, stripping off his gloves and setting them on the table. “All demons eliminated. Zero casualties on our side.”
“Impressive as always.” Xavier paced the room, his movements unnaturally fluid. “Your team responds to your command with remarkable efficiency.”
“They’re well-trained.” Dominic remained standing, unwilling to lower his guard even slightly. “Was there something specific you needed?”
Xavier stopped pacing, turning to face Dominic directly. “I’m concerned about your witch.”
Dominic’s wolf snarled beneath his skin, but he kept his expression neutral. “Oh? Why?”
“The ritual should have suppressed her powers,” Xavier said, his gaze calculating. “Yet I have reason to believe she still has access to her magic.”
How did he know? Dominic wondered, his mind racing.
Unless someone’d been watching them.
“I haven’t noticed anything unusual,” Dominic lied smoothly. “She’s been…cooperative.”
“Has she?” Xavier’s eyebrows rose slightly. “And the consummation? Has that been completed?”
The question sent a wave of disgust through Dominic. The idea of discussing Luna like she was merely an object to be claimed made his wolf bristle with rage.
“Of course.” He forced a cruel smirk to his lips, hating himself for the words even as he spoke them. “I’m a man, Xavier. Did you expect me to wait?”
“And her reaction?” Xavier pressed, taking a step closer.
Dominic shrugged, maintaining the charade with effort. “She didn’t have much choice in the matter. Witches rarely do.”
