Chapter 51: When Are You Getting Marked?
Chapter 51: When Are You Getting Marked?
(Aria’s POV)
As our vehicle approached the massive stone structure of the Blackwood family compound, my stomach churned with nerves.
The imposing building seemed to grow larger with every passing second.
“We’re here,” Ethan announced cheerfully, pulling the SUV to a stop in front of wide stone steps.
I squeezed Dominic’s hand involuntarily. His silver–gray eyes met mine, a reassuring smile on his lips.
“Don’t worry,” he whispered. “My grandmother is excited to meet you. Again.”
Ethan hopped out and opened my door with a flourish. “Welcome to the Blackwood den, cousin–in–law!”
“Please stop calling her that,” Dominic growled, though his tone lacked real anger. “We’re not officially mated yet.”
Yet? The casual implication sent a flutter through my chest..
“Details, details,” Ethan waved dismissively. “Grandmother’s already planning the ceremony in her head, I guarantee it.”
My wolf stirred anxiously within me, unusually alert to the powerful auras surrounding us. The Blackwoods weren’t just any werewolf family – they were practically werewolf royalty. And here I was, pregnant with another Alpha’s pup, playing the role of
Dominic’s intended mate.
What had gotten myself into?
Dominic’s hand settled at the small of my back as we climbed the steps, his touch warm and strangely comforting.
“Just be yourself,” he murmured. “They’ll love you.”
I highly doubted that, but I nodded anyway.
The massive wooden doors swung open before we reached them. A tall, elegant woman with perfectly styled dark hair streaked with silver stood in the doorway. Her posture reminded me of a soldier, rigid and alert. The distinctive gray eyes of the
Blackwood family assessed me with keen interest.
“Dominic,” she said warmly, embracing him briefly. “You’ve finally decided to grace us with your presence.”
“Victoria,” Dominic nodded respectfully. “You remember I mentioned bringing someone special today!”
Victoria Blackwood’s calculating gaze settled on me, taking in every detail from my emerald dress to my nervously clasped
hands.
“This must be your little healer,” she said, her expression softening slightly. “We’ve heard so much about you, dear.”
Her tone was friendly, but I sensed caution beneath her words. My wolf tensed, sensing the subtle assessment.
A tall, broad–shouldered man appeared beside her, his bearing similar to Dominic’s but with a more weathered face. “Marcus Blackwood,” he introduced himself with a slight bow. “Victoria’s mate and Dominic’s uncle.”
–
Before I could properly respond, a small, elderly woman pushed past them both, her silver hair elegantly styled despite her advanced age. Deep lines etched her face, but her silver–gray eyes – so like Dominic’s – sparkled with life and intelligence.
“So this is the she–wolf who saved my life!” she exclaimed, reaching for my hands. “Come here, child, let me look at you properly.”
Her grip was surprisingly strong as she pulled me closer, examining me with those piercing Blackwood eyes. My heart raced
under her scrutiny.
“It’s an honor to meet you properly, Mrs. Blackwood,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
“Eleanor, please,” she insisted, patting my hand. “You’re practically family now.”
My cheeks burned at her assumption. If only she knew the truth.
“Come, come, let’s not stand in the hallway,” Eleanor urged, pulling me inside with surprising strength for her age. “I’ve had tea prepared in the solarium.”
She linked her arm through mine, practically dragging me forward. I threw a desperate glance at Dominic, who followed with an
1.3
<Chapt When Are You Getting
amused smile.
+ Pants >
The interior of the Blackwood compound was even more impressive than the exterior – high ceilings with intricate woodwork, artwork that must have been worth fortunes, and everywhere, subtle indications of the pack’s power and history.
“Your home is beautiful,” I said, feeling woefully inadequate in such surroundings.
“It’s been in the family for generations,” Eleanor replied proudly. “One day, it will be Dominic’s to share with his Luna.”
Her meaningful glance between Dominic and me made my stomach flip. This charade was becoming more complicated by the
“Now,” Eleanor said once we were settled on plush sofas with tea served in delicate silver–rimmed cups, “tell me how long you two have been together. Dominic has been frustratingly vague.”
Dorninic’s eyes flashed dangerously. “Victoria,” he growled, a warning in his voice that made everyone in the room tense.
“What? It’s true,” Victoria continued, seemingly oblivious to his displeasure. “You were set to take over the Northern Territory’s unified security force. Your father was furious when you walked away.”
The air in the room thickened with tension. I felt like I could barely breathe.
“My father is always furious about something,” Dominic replied dismissively. “Besides, I had my reasons.”
His gaze shifted to me, something intense and unreadable in his silver–gray eyes. The look made my heart race.
“Aria is worth it,” he stated firmly. “She is my intended mate.”
The declaration sent a shiver down my spine, even though I knew it was part of our charade. Something in his tone, the
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