Page 68 of The Alpha's Forced Rejected Mate
"Luna Mitchell hasn't bewitched me. If anything, she's the reason I can think clearly for the first time in years." He paced deliberately, commanding the space. "I was under the influence of dark magic for a long time. Many of us in the organization were. It's why I didn't recognize what was happening until Luna broke through it."
"And why should we trust her?" Elder Reeves insisted. "A shiftless who suddenly manifests as a powerful witch?"
Dominic stopped pacing and turned to face them fully. "If not for Luna, I would not be standing here."
He pulled down the sleeve of his shirt and exposed the scar on his shoulder.
"While we attempted our escape, I was hit in the shoulder by a silver bullet. I should be dead now." His voice grew quiet, but no less intense. "Luna used her magic to draw out the poison and accelerate my healing, even though it weakened her significantly. She risked everything to save my life."
Even though I don’t deserve it.
"Without her, I would not know about the deception that's had me under their control for years. She had the chance to escape alone, but she stayed to help me and other witches who remain hunted."
Dominic looked each Elder in the eye. "Luna Mitchell has earned my trust. And my respect."
And perhaps more.
All the elders exchanged glances before Elder Thorne addressed Dominic. "If what you've said is true, then we now face a threat unlike any before now. Demons using the Hunter Organization as a cover to gather witches' powers..."
"For what purpose?" Elder Kincaid asked.
"An ancient grimoire Luna found revealed the demons are trying to gather enough magical energy to open a gateway between worlds. The gateway will allow more of their kind into our world."
The council fell silent as the consequence of his words sank in.
"You have given us a lot to think about," Elder Carson said finally. "But for now..."
"We must begin preparations," Elder Thorne finished for him, and tapped his cane against the stone floor.
Elder Reeves still wasn't sure. "And what of this witch? Are we expected to welcome her into our pack? She was never one of us."
Dominic fought for control again. "Luna Mitchell is my mate. That makes this her pack, whether she can shift or not."
The Elders spoke together again in hushed tones, their heads bent. Dominic could barely pick up fragments of their conversation with his enhanced hearing. They were concerned about pack safety and debated his claims.
Finally, Elder Thorne spoke for the group. "We will extend Alpha Harrison’s sanctuary for Luna Mitchell within pack lands while we investigate your claims about the Hunter Organization. As for her status…" He glanced at the other Elders. "We’ll see what the future holds."
It wasn't exactly what Dominic wanted, but it was a start. "Accept my gratitude, Elders."
"This meeting is over now," Elder Reeves finished, getting up from his seat. "But tread carefully, Dominic. The pack's safety must come first."
The Elders began to walk out of the chamber, and Dominic was soon alone with Elder Thorne, who approached him slowly.
"Dominic, you've changed from the boy you were last I saw," the older man said.
"Luna's magic removed the dark influence," Dominic explained. "I had no clue how much I had been affected until I had her help."
Elder Thorne nodded slowly. "Your father wishes to speak with you. He's in his study."
Hmm.
Dominic wasn’t sure he was ready for more questions and answers. When he first returned with Luna, he had given his father the basic rundown, but they hadn’t had the time for a deep conversation before he had to face the Elders.
"How is he?" Dominic asked.
"Proud," Elder Thorne said simply. "And tired. More than he lets on."
And with that, the Elder walked away.
