Home to the Alpha’s
(Dominic’s POV)
At eleven o’clock at night, my car pulled up to the main entrance of Shadowcrest Lodge. The exclusive gated community was quiet, with only a few lights visible in distant windows.
Martha Grey, my housekeeper and live–in assistant for the past five years, waited at the entrance. Her eyes widened when she spotted Amber in the backseat.
“Is that her?” Martha whispered eagerly as I stepped out. “The Chee girl from the LED screens? The one who’s been all over the news?”
Inodded curtly. “Amber is my legal wile now. Here, she represents me directly. Whatever she says, you listen immediately.”
Martha’s mouth tell open. “Your wife? But wasn’t she engaged to your nephew just weeks ago? The Ethan Blackwood scandal
“That’s in the past,” tut her off sharply. “She’s my wife now, and you will treat her with the same respect and care you show me. Is that perfectly clear?”
Martha nodded quickly, recognizing my tone. “Of course, Alpha. I’ve prepared everything exactly as you requested. Down to the last petal.”
I opened the back door and carefully lifted Amber into my arms. Though her eyes remained closed and her breathing steady. 1 could feel the slight tension in her body. She was definitely awake.
“Her belongings will be moved tomorrow, I told Martha. “For now, prepare a warm bath with the healing herbs. I want to make sure she doesn’t have any hidden injuries from earlier.”
Martha hurried ahead to open the door. “The master suite is ready, and I’ve laid out fresh towels and robes. The special items you ordered are in place as well.”
I carried Amber through the threshold, feeling her grip tighten on my shirt. Her fingers curled around one of my buttons, holding it like an anchor.
The strong fragrance of roses, lilies, and jasmine filled the air. Exactly as I had planned.
“We’re home,” I said softly, my lips close to her ear. “You can open your eyes now. I know you’re awake.
(Amber’s POV)
My eyes snapped open at his words. Of course he knew I was taking
I glanced down at my hand, still clutching one of his shirt buttons like a lifeline. Heat rushed to my face as I quickly released it
“I’m sorry,” I mumbled, embarrassed at being caught.
His lips curved into a knowing smile. “If you like this button so much, I’ll cut it off and give it to you as a souvenir.”
+
My blush deepened. “How did you know I was awake?”
“You stiffened when I kissed you in the car,” he replied, his blue eyes twinkling with amusement. “And your eyelashes fluttered. You’re not a very good actress, Amber.”
I wanted to sink through the floor. He had known all along, yet he’d still kissed me multiple times!
Then I looked past lilim and gasped.
The living room was transformed into something from a fairy tale, Red roses covered nearly every surface, with white lilies spelling out my name in the center. Rose petals created a path leading deeper into the house.
It was completely over–the–top. Absolutely clichéd
וד
Home to the Alphos
+25 BONUS
And yet, I couldn’t stop the flutter in my chest.
“You did all this for me?” I whispered, genuinely stunned.
Dominic set me down gently
ly but kept an arm around my waist. “I had help, but yes. The concept was mine.”
He led me through the flower arrangement, his hand warm again the small of my back. The scent was almost overwhelming. but in a pleasant way.
“I apologize for the lack of a proper courtship and wedding ceremony,” he said, his deep voice sending unexpected shivers down my spine. “This is my attempt to make up for rushing thin
Gult crashed over me like a wave. I was the one who had trapped him lonto this marriage with my scheme. I was the one who should be apologizing
“You don’t need to apologize,” I said quietly. “You’re the one making sacrifices here. I forced this on you.”
Dominic stopped walking abruptly. He turned to face me, genuine surprise in his eyes.
“Sacrifices? Is that what you’re focusing on right now? In the middle of all this?” He gestured to the elaborate display around us.
I bit my lip, unsure how to respond. He shook his head slightly before guiding me toward what I assumed was the master bedroom
The bedroom was a stark contrast to the flower–filled living room–minimalist with a color scheme of black, white, and gra The king–sized bed dominated the space, covered in red and white rose petals. My name was spelled out once more, with a sma velvet box placed in the center.
“Is that…?” I couldn’t finish the question.
Dominic nodded. “A wedding ring. I thought you should have a proper one.”
In the comer sat several gift–wrapped boxes, each adorned with different flowers. Despite my initial cynicism, I found myself deeply touched by the effort he had put into making this night special
“You didn’t have to do all this,” I said softly.
“I wanted to,” he replied simply.
(Dominic’s POV)
Martha prepared a quiet dinner for us–venison stew and light dishes that wouldn’t upset Amber’s stomach after the stress of the evening. I watched as Amber took small, careful bites, her eyes bccasionally darting around the room as if she couldn’t quite believe where she was
“Thank you,” she said sincerely as we finished eating. “I didn’t expect any of this. It’s… nice.”
I studied her carefully. There was genuine appreciation in her voice, but also caution. She was thanking me for the gestures themselves, not necessarily accepting me.
“You’re welcome,” I replied. “I’m glad you enjoyed the surprises. There are more to come.”
She looked up, startled “More? This is already too much.”
I reached across the table, not quite touching her hand but close enough that she could feel my warmth. “I know you’ve been hurt too much in the past. I don’t expect you to fully commit your heart to me right now. But I’m patient, Amber. I believe my persistent efforts will eventually win your trust.”
Her eyes widened slightly at my directness.
“And what if they don’t?” she asked quietly.
“Then at least you’ll know I tried,” I answered honestly. “But I think they will
Home to the Alpha’s
+25 BONUS
After dinner, Martha helped Amber bathe, applying healing salve to the scratches on her face. I waited in the study, giving her privacy, though every instinct urged me to be near her.
“She’s settled in the bath now,” Martha reported. “I’ve applied the special salve to her scratches.”
“she has no other injuries?” I confirmed, unable to hide the conces in my voice.
Martha shook her head. “Just the scratches on her face, Alpha, They’re already healing well. She’s stronger than she looks.”
Relief washed over ve “Prepare the warm milk with honey. I want her to sleep peacefully tonight.”
Martha hesitated. “There’s something else you should know. She asked about the other surprise.”
“What did you tell her?”
“That it couldn’t be revealed tonight because of the late hour. She seemed very curious
I smiled. Good. Curiosity would keep her engaged, give her something to look forward to tomorrow.
Η
When I entered the master bedroom carrying the warm milk, 1 stopped short. Amber was sitting on the edge of the bed, sipping red wine from one of my crystal glasses. She had found my private cabinet,
She wore only the thin silk robe Martha had provided. Her damp hair fell in waves around her shoulders, and the robe clung to her still–moist skin in ways that made my throat go dry.
What are you doing?” I asked, setting down the milk “You shouldn’t be drinking with your injuries.”
Amber looked up, suddenly self–conscious. She tugged the robe tighter around herself.
“I found the open bottle, so I thought… just a little wouldn’t hurt,” she explained, her voice slightly higher than normal. “I needed something to calm my nerves.”
I sat beside her, gently taking the glass from her hands. “Are you upset about something?
She shook her head but wouldn’t meet my eyes. “No, not upset. Just… processing everything.”
1 suspected she was nervous about our first night as husband and wife, but she clearly wasn’t ready to voice those concerns.
“You should rest,” I said softly. “It’s been a long day.”
Gently, I picked her up and placed her in the center of the bed, intending to tuck her in for the night. As I leaned closer to adjust her pillow, Amber suddenly stiffened
you turn off the lights?” she asked nervously.
I reached for the switch, plunging the room into darkness. The only illumination came from the moonlight filtering through the curtains, casting silver shadows across her face.
Without warning, Amber’s arms wrapped around my neck, pulling me down. Her lips found mine in a clumsy, wine–flavored kiss.
Ifroze momentarily, shocked by her boldness. My body reacted instinctively to her touch, heat rushing through me. But reasoni quickly returned, and 1 gently pushed her back, reaching for the bedside lamp
“Amber,” I said hoarsely, “there’s no rush for this kind of thing
In the soft glow at the lamp, I could see her flushed face. The wine ad clearly affected her more than I’d realized.
“But all of this,” she gestured wildly around the room, “it’s like a combined courtship and wedding night celebration, right? So let’s just get on with it.”
She tugged at my shirt with surprising strength. “Hurry up. You’ll be finished in five minutes anyway.”
I stared at her, completely bewildered. “Five minutes? What do you mean by that?”
Home to the Alpha’s
+25 BONUS
r fingers fumbling with my buttons, “You know mean. Five minutes and it’s
Amber pulled me onto the bed beside her, her fin over. That’s how it always is ”
My confusion deepened as she continued undressing me, repeating her “five minutes” remark. What exactly was she expecting
from me?
“Five minutes what do you mean by that?” 1 asked, utterly perplexed.
