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In the midst of the moonlit night, the Alpha’s voice carried a hint of gravelly growl, resembling that of a fierce predator. It was a tone that sent shivers down the spines of those who heard it.
Shadow, taken aback, felt that something was off about Alpha Dominic tonight. He had an air of unpredictability surrounding him, his entire being engulfed in a somber aura that seemed to repel anyone who dared to come close.
Despite her initial hesitation, Shadow mustered the courage to step out of the car, cautiously approaching Alpha Dominic from behind. Her voice trembled as she softly inquired, “What troubles you, Alpha Dominic?”
Alpha Dominic remained silent, extinguishing his cigarette before turning around to face her. The darkness concealed his face, but the weight of his presence overwhelmed Shadow, filling her with an inexplicable fear.
Without uttering a word, Alpha Dominic lowered his head and captured her lips in a forceful, fiery kiss that ignited a tingling sensation within Shadow. Instinctively, she pushed against his chest, desperately trying to free herself.
Yet, unlike their previous encounters, Alpha Dominic refused to release her. Instead, his grip tightened, rendering her powerless to resist his increasingly aggressive advances. They became entangled amidst their escalating passion until, at last, Alpha Dominic relented, his grip loosening.
Shadow, weakened by the encounter, struggled to maintain her balance as Alpha Dominic gently lifted her and placed her in the car. Without a word, he joined her and started the engine, driving off into the night with an eerie silence enveloping them.
After some time, Shadow regained her composure, though her anger towards Alpha Dominic’s behavior still smoldered within her. Though they returned to the villa without exchanging a word, she was puzzled by the brightly lit surroundings and the presence of numerous bodyguards.
“What happened?” Shadow questioned in surprise, sensing that Alpha Kilian had become aware of her absence and called upon the guards to search for her.
Alpha Dominic, who had forcefully kissed her moments before, paid her question no mind as he strode into the villa without hesitation. Shadow hesitantly followed, her gaze fixated on his tall, imposing figure, unable to fathom the depths of his character.
Once inside, Alpha Dominic ascended the stairs, leaving Shadow to contemplate her situation. As she settled into the villa, her hunger overcame her, prompting her to visit the kitchen. A vigilant bodyguard rushed to her side and inquired, “What shall I prepare for you, Young Madame?”
“I’ll manage with whatever is available,” replied Shadow, her hunger ravenous enough to devour anything placed before her.
Despite her assertion, the bodyguard served an array of sumptuous dishes, overwhelming Shadow’s hunger. As she ate, she noticed Alpha Dominic’s arrival and his seat across from her, accompanied by a bodyguard presenting his cutlery.
Curiosity got the better of her, and she asked, “Have you not eaten yet?”Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.
Alpha Dominic’s response was curt, void of emotion. “I don’t have the time to eat.”
His words rang true. After saving her, it was only natural he’d have little time for his own nourishment. Alpha Dominic had already changed his clothes, his slightly damp hair indicating his recent shower.
Finishing her meal, Shadow set her chopsticks aside and mustered the sincerity to thank him. “Thank you, once again, for rescuing me.”
Though her mood remained complex, the times that Alpha Dominic had come to her aid were plentiful, increasing the intricacy of their relationship. She couldn’t sever their connection.
“Don’t be so foolish in the future,” Alpha Dominic responded, his gaze fixed downwards, devoid of warmth.
Shadow’s expression turned melancholic upon hearing his words. She laughed bitterly at her own expense. “Indeed, I have been foolish.”
“But what can I do? She is my mother, after all. I cannot abandon her. No matter how terrible she is, I never imagined she would conspire against me. And…”
Her words caught in her throat, replaced by sobs. She fell silent, tightly clenching her jaw to suppress her emotions.
Alpha Dominic raised his head, observing her with a mix of patience and determination. It was unclear what thoughts consumed him, but he spoke at a deliberate pace. “Not all mothers are like her. My mother, she’s a remarkable woman.”
Shadow gazed up in surprise, finding unexpected solace in Alpha Dominic’s comforting words.
But before she could respond, he had already lowered his head, resuming his meal as if nothing had been said.
…
That night, Shadow was plagued by nightmares.
Waking early the next morning, she prepared breakfast but found no appetite amidst her turmoil. Instead, she settled on the living room couch, mindlessly watching TV.
She refrained from immediately confronting the Eden family, aware that Jessica would never admit her involvement even if confronted.
Buzz…
Her phone vibrated, displaying Hazel’s name on the screen.
Recalling their brief conversation yesterday, Shadow had omitted the details of her near-death experience. Hazel remained unaware of the danger she had faced.
“Do you want to go shopping today, to clear your mind? I’ll soon be busy promoting my new film across the country,” Hazel proposed.
Shadow readily agreed. “Okay.”
She changed her clothes and descended the stairs, only to discover Alpha Dominic waiting for her.
“Where are you off to?” Alpha Dominic inquired, noting the bag in her hand and deducing her intention to go out.
“I’m going shopping with my friend,” Shadow replied, making a point to mention Hazel. “You know her.”
As the explanation left her lips, Shadow couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease. But before she could decline his offer to accompany her, Alpha Dominic seemed to anticipate her refusal. Without giving her a chance to speak, he declared, “My cousin mentioned that if you go out and I’m available, he wants me to escort you.”
Shadow’s eyes didn’t light up at the mention of Alpha Kilian, as they had done previously. Yesterday, when she was in danger, it was Alpha Dominic who had come to her aid. Yet upon their return, Alpha Kilian had been absent, showing no concern nor uttering a word.
Realizing this, Shadow felt a wave of liberation wash over her. Alpha Kilian’s lack of care mirrored the abandonment she had experienced throughout her life. If that was the case, they could live as strangers, disconnected from each other’s lives.
No longer concerned about Alpha Kilian’s indifference, she nonchalantly approached Alpha Dominic, tilting her head playfully. Casting him a mischievous grin, she said, “If it’s your cousin’s request, you don’t have to send me. But if you’re free and willing, I’d be grateful for the trouble.”