Chapter 0481

The guards lead us to a private dining area with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a shimmering lake. Tiny golden lights dance across the water's surface, creating an atmosphere that would be romantic—if I weren't trapped here with this insufferable Alpha.

Alpha Dominic doesn’t bother consulting me before ordering for both of us. The moment the waiter leaves, his piercing gaze locks onto me.

"What do you know about me, Ivy?"

"Only what you've shared today," I reply sweetly. And that you have the personality of a stale cracker. But I keep that thought to myself.

He reaches across the table and seizes my hands, his grip uncomfortably tight. "I'm searching for a mate—someone who can stand beside me, managing the packhouse affairs. I don’t need a powerful Luna, just a competent one who can bear my heirs."

Before I can react, he brings my fingers to his lips, sucking on my knuckles like they’re some kind of delicacy. I suppress the urge to gag.

"Your father believes we’d make an excellent match," he continues, his voice dripping with arrogance. "You’d want for nothing under my care. Young, fertile—perfect for producing strong heirs."

This time, I nearly choke on my own disgust.

I force a tight smile as the food arrives, yanking my hands free the second I can. Once the servers leave, I speak carefully. "Alpha Dominic, your offer is... generous. I’m honored you’d consider me." Honored? More like horrified.

"My dream has always been to find my fated mate," I lie smoothly. "I’m not yet of age to sense them, but I’d prefer to explore that possibility before settling for a chosen mate."

He scoffs, leaning forward with a condescending smirk. "Youth always clings to such fantasies. Let me enlighten you—many never find their fates, and many more are rejected. Why gamble when you could have certainty? Your father and I know what’s best for you."

My nails dig into my palms. Oh, now he’s really pissing me off.

The food might as well be ash in my mouth with how my stomach churns. "You’ve given me much to consider, Alpha. But as I’m underage, no decision can be made yet." And by the time I am, I’ll be long gone.

"Wise girl," he purrs, just as the waiter returns to offer dessert.

"No dessert," Dominic declares without glancing at me. "My future Luna must watch her figure."

Excuse me? I train harder than half his warriors. If he weren’t an Alpha, I’d challenge him right here.

Back in the limo, he slides too close, his hand creeping up my thigh. "Care for a test ride?"

I stiffen. Oh, he did not just say that. Andra snarls in my mind, ready to tear his arm off. "I’m not sure I follow," I say icily.