Page 20 of The Alpha's Forced Rejected Mate
The movement brought their bodies into more contact, and they both froze as another charge of energy crackled between them.
Luna sensed her power reacting to him. Even worse, after years of not feeling anything, she sensed something inside of her waking up, hungry and desperate.
No, no, no. This can’t be happening. Not now. Not with him.
Dominic’s pupils had widened until there was just a narrow ring of gray left, and his breathing had become labored. When his chest touched hers, Luna could feel his heart pounding.
“Please,” Luna muttered, not sure what she was begging for. “Let me go.”
A thought crossed Luna’s mind that he might just lean down and kiss her. That he might give in to whatever wasdeveloping between them, something that was unquestionable and electric.
Instead, a chilly mask slid into place and his face hardened. “I can’t do that.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out the sedative, one hand still trapping both of her wrists. She summoned her power to the surface, resuming her struggle as her eyes widened in panic.
“Stop it!” Feeling the strength build up in her fingertips, she sobbed. “Please, Dominic—”
He responded, “I’m sorry,” and for a brief moment, Luna believed she saw sincere remorse in his eyes.
“I have orders,” he said bluntly as he put the gadget to her throat.
She heard a gentle hissing sound, and Luna experienced a chilling sensation that numbed her senses and weakened her bond with her magic.
As darkness began to creep in from the corners of her vision, she managed to mumble, “Damn you, Dominic.”
Chapter 5 - Dominic
The sedative would keep Luna under for at least another hour—more than enough time to reach the compound, Dominic thought, glancing at Luna’s unconscious form in the passenger seat. Her silver hair had started showing at the roots despite the dye job.
Even with the changes, even with her attempts to become someone else, his wolf had recognized her instantly.
The SUV hit a pothole, jostling Luna against the window. Without thinking, Dominic reached over to steady her, his hand lingering on her shoulder longer than necessary. He pulled back once he realized what he was doing.
Focus, Blackwood. She’s a target, nothing more.
The mountain road grew steeper as they climbed, dense pine forests giving way to rocky terrain. The Hunter Organization’s compound was purposely isolated, nestled in a valley surrounded by peaks that were nearly impassable to anyone who didn’t know the way.
Perfect for keeping the outside world at bay and keeping their operations private.
His secure phone vibrated in his pocket. Dominic checked the caller ID before answering, “Blackwood.”
“What’s your status?” Xavier Storm’s voice, even through the tinny speaker, carried an authority that demanded immediate compliance.
“Target acquired. Almost back at the base. ETA thirty minutes.”
There was a pause on the other end. “No complications?”
Dominic’s gaze flicked to Luna. “Nothing I couldn’t handle.”
“Good.” Xavier’s tone shifted, becoming almost pleased. “I’ve been reviewing her file. Interesting subject. Shifter blood but no ability to shift. Witch powers manifesting late. Council’s very interested in this one.”
Something cold settled in Dominic’s stomach. He’d never known Xavier to take such direct interest in a witch before.
“Is that why you sent me specifically?” Dominic asked, careful to keep his voice neutral.
Another pause, longer this time. “You’re my best hunter, Dominic. This witch has evaded us for years. I needed someone who wouldn’t fail.”
Evaded us for years?
Why did the answer feel like a half-truth?
