Reba’s POV

“This is perfect!” I twirled in front of the mirror, watching the silver gown shimmer under the boutiques lights. The material flowed like liquid around my body, amodating my small baby bump while emphasizing my shoulders and corbone where Dominics mark would be visible during the ceremony.

Sofia excitedly snapped photos with her phone. “This is absolutely Modern Linn‘ magazine cover material! Thebination of traditional silhouette with contemporary details is exactly what we need.”

Emily reluctantly adjusted the hem of my dress, her expression professional but slightly ufortable. “I’m a pack Deltab, /bnot an etiquette maid. Is this really necessary?

“Yes, it is,” I smiled at her through the mirror. “And I appreciate your help, Emily,”

My phone rang with Dominic’s special ringtone, band /bbI /bfelt a wave of unease wash over me. Through our mate bond, I could sense something bwas /bwrong–a faint disturbance that made my hand tremble slightly as I reached for my phone.

“I

1 need to take this,” I said, stepping

epping away from the fitting area. “It might be important.”

“Dominic?” bI /bansweredb, /bmy voice quiet but urgent.

His voice came through, controlled but with an undercurrent of tension that only I would recognize. “Reba, I need you bto /be back to the vi. Now.”

My bheart /bbsped /bup. “What’s happened? Are you alright?”

“I’m bfine/b,” he assured me, though I could tell he was holding something back. “I’ll exin everything when you get here. Marcus will send the bcar /bfor you.”

I ended the call, feeling cold despite the boutique’s warm lighting. “We need bto /bgo back to the vi,” I told Sofia and Emily. “Now.”

Sofia’s expression shifted from excitement to concern. “Is everything okay?”

“I don’t know,” I admitted, carefully removing the wedding gown. “But Dominic wouldn’t call unless it was important.”

The ride bback /bto the vi bwas /btense with unspoken questions. Emily sat beside the driver, her posture alert and protectiveb, /bwhile Sofia held my bhand/bb, /boffering silent support. I focused on the mate bond, trying to gauge Dominic’s emotional state. I could sense his controlled anger and concern, but no immediate danger

When we arrived at the vi, I immediately noticed the increased security presence. Several Deltas I recognized from the pack bwere /bpatrolling the perimeter, their faces grim and watchful,

Inside, the tension was palpable. bI /bcould bhear /bMarianne’s muffled sobbinging from the study, and my enhanced senses picked up theplex mixture of anxiety and grief permeating the air.

“What’s going on?” I asked as Marcus approached bus /bin the foyer, “Where’s Domini?”

Marcus’s expression was serious, his usual diplomatic smile absent. “He’s at the medical center with Mr. Collins. There’s been an incident

b1/2 /b

12:49 Sat, Sep b27 /bfnf5e4 For more chapters visit fινdnοvel/fnf5e4

with Elizabeth Collins.”

I felt a chill run down my spine. “What kind of incident?”

“She attacked Dominic,” Marcus said bluntly. “Under ourws, attacking a future Alpha is the most serious offense, typically punished by banishment.”

I sensed there was more. “But that’s no

not all, is it? She’s hurt?”

Marcus nodded. “Critically. Her brainstem was damaged during the struggle. She’s in an irreversiblea. The Collins family has barrived /bat the hospitalb.” /b

My protective instincts red. “Where’s Dominic? Is he alright?”

“Physically, yes, Marcus

Marcus assured me. “He’s handling the medical arrangements and legal implications. He asked that you wait here where

it’s safe.”

1 nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. This wasn’t just about Elizabeth’s injury–this was a potential crisis for the pack’s stability and Dominic’s leadership. Politics and ancientws were now in y.

“I’ll wait in our room,” I decided, needing space to process this information. “Please let me know the moment Dominic returns.

As 1 climbed the stairs to our bedroom, 1 felt the weight of what bhad /bhappened settling onto my shoulders. Elizabeth bhad /battacked my mate–tried to harm the bfather /bof my child. My wolf stirred protectively within meb, /ba low growl vibrating through my consciousness.

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