Not Taking Advantage of You
Not Talding Advantage of You
(Dominic’s POV)
+25 BONUS
“Ryan is in the hospital?” Amber’s eyes widened with shock before a mischievous grin spread across her face. “Paige hit him? I need to see this!”
She scrambled out of bed, wincing as her sore muscles protested the sudden movement. I caught her arm gently, steadying her.
“slow down,” I cantioned. “Ryan isn’t going anywhere, and you riged to eat first.”
Amber pouted but didn’t rest when I guided her back to sit on the edge of the bed. “Fine, but I want details. What happened? How badly is he hurt?”
“Bruised ribs, mostly,” explained, watching her face light up with vindictive pleasure. “They had an argument that escalated quickly.”
“That’s my girl,” she murmured proudly. “I’ve been telling her for years to stand up for herself.”
As we descended the stairs of her riverside apartment, I noticed her hand occasionally reaching up to touch her chin where I’d bitten her earlier. The gesture wasn’t lost on me it was a reminder of our monent in the car, when I’d asserted my dominance
in a very Alpha way.
I could sense her mixed feelings about it–slight annoyance at the display of dominance, but also understanding. She knew what lay beneath my actions: grief over my mother’s broken crystal, masked by Alpha strength
You know,” she said suddenly, breaking the silence, “I understand why you hide your emotions.”
Iraised an eyebrow, waiting for her to continue.
“When you’re in a position of power, showing vulnerability feels dangerous,” she explained. “I’ve been there too–hiding behind a mask because it feels safer.”
Her insight surprised me. Few people had ever seen through my carefully constructed facade.
“The crystal meant more to you than you let on,” she added softly
I didn’t confirm or deny her observation, but something in my expression must have told her she was right
“I’m sorry it was broken,” she said, her amber eyes sincere.
I nodded once, acknowledging her words without having to expose more of my feelings. It was enough that she understood.
(Dominic’s POV)
At dinner, Amber picked at her venison steak thoughtfully before looking up at me with bright eyes.
“I have an idea,” she announced. “Those flower arrangements you prepared yesterday–what if we distributed them to the residents of Howling Avenue?”
1
I paused, fork hallway to my mouth. “As a goodwill gesture?”
She nodded eagerly. “Exactly. It would strengthen our territorial influence in that area while creating positive associations with both our names.”
I couldn’t help but be impressed by her strategic thinking. Most people saw only Amber’s fiery temperament, missing the shrewd mind beneath.
“A group effort,” I mused, feeling my expression soften slightly. “I like it.”
“Felix could arrange the deliveries,” she continued, clearly warm to her idea. “We could include small cards with both our names.”
Not Taking Advantage of You
“I’ll have him make the arrangements,” I agreed, reaching for my phone.
“Wait!” Amber’s hand shot out to stop me. “I should contact the first myself.”
Iraised an eyebrow. “Any particular reason?”
“Moonflower Florist,” she said, as if the name explained everyildi
My curiosity was piqued. “What’s special about this florist?
Amber’s smile turned secretive. “You’ll see, just trust me on
+25 BONUS
The request was simple, yet it carried weight. Trust wasn’t something I gave easily, but with Amber, I found myself willing to try
“Alright,” I conceded. “Handle it your way.”
Her smile brightened, and I found myself wondering what other surprises she had in store.
(Paige’s POV)
“Dr. Gray says you shouldn’t move,” I informed Ryan, who was glaring at me from his hospital bed. “Your accelerated healing works better if you stay still.”
Ryan Quinn, the proud Alpha wolf that he was, looked like he wanted to argue but winced instead as he shifted position.
“Ineed to use the bathroom,” he grumbled, his face flushing slightly.
Isighed, reaching for the urinal the nurse had left. “Here.”
Ryan’s eyes widened in horror. “I am not using that thing with you in the room.”
“Would you rather wet the bed?” 1 challenged, my patience wearing thin after our emotional confrontation earlier.
His jaw clenched. “Fine. Turn around.”
I rolled my eyes but complied, turning my back to give him privacy. The rustling of sheets and his occasional grunts of p the awkward silence.
“This is humiliating,” he muttered.
“Maybe you should have thought about that before you decided to play here for Shannon,” I replied, unable to keep the bitterness from my voice.
The silence that followed was heavy with unspoken words.
“Done,” he finally announced.
I turned back to find him looking thoroughly embarrassed, the urinal held awkwardly in his hand. I took it without comment and placed it on the side table for the nurse.
“Thank you,” he said stiffly, his pride clearly wounded.
I nodded, not trusting myself to speak without letting my hurt show. The man I’d planned to spend my life with was now a stranger to me, and the pain of that realization was still too fresh
(Amber’s POV)
When Dominic and 1 arrived at Ryan’s private hospital suite, we found Paige looking flustered, her scent betraying her embarrassment. Her eyes lit up with relief when she saw us
“Amber!” she exclaimed, practically lunging toward me. “Thank goodness you’re here. We need to talk–now.‘
Before I could respond, she grabbed my arm and started pulling me toward the door.
Not Toking Advaninge
+25 BONUS
“We’re going to get dinner,” she announced, not looking at either of the men. “You two can catch up.
Dominic and Ryan exchanged a knowing look that spoke volume about whatever awkward situation we’d interrupted.
“We won’t be long,” I promised Dominic as Paige dragged me out
He nodded, his blue eyes communicating that he asderstood perfectly what was happening “Take your time”
Paige didn’t slow down titil we were safely inside a nearby spaglig ti restaurant, seated in a quiet corner booth.
“You will not believe what just happened,” she groaned, bunying her face in her hands.
“Try me.” encouraged, signaling the waiter for drinks.
Paige took a deep breath and launched into her story. “Alter I drove Shannun home last night, Ryan finally confessed everything.”
My heart ached for my friend as I saw the pain in her eyes.
“He admitted he doesn’t have feelings for Shannon,” she continued, “but said he owes her for something
what–and couldn’t stand by while she was in need.”
I reached across the table to squeeze her hand. “I’m so sorry, Paige”
“We agreed to end things,” she said, her voice catching. “But be insted on driving me home, and that’s when we had the accident.”
Her eyes filled with tears. “The ironic part? Even though we’d just broken up, his first instinct was to shield me with his body. That’s how he got those bruised ribs.”
I listened as she explained how Dominic had advised her to give a space earlier that day, recognizing that newly bonded couples needed time together.
“He was right,” she admitted. “But I didn’t expect to end up in this mess.”
Her voice broke on the last word, the pain of her shattered relationship finally overwhelming her composure.
(Amber’s POV)
After dinner, Paige and I walked along Moonlight Street, the cool evening air helping to clear our heads
“So you’re really done with Ryan?” Lasked gently.
Paige nodded, her expression resolute despite her red–rimmed eye “Completely. I’m going to resign from Quinn Parker Business Enterprises too.”
“Are you sure?” I searched her face for any sign of doubt.
“Positive,” she confirmed. “I can’t work there anymore, not with those memories
I squeezed her arm supportively. “Then do it. Resign immediately don’t drag it out.”
reyes. “You’re right. Clean break is best.”
Adetermined gleam entered her ey
I steered the conversation to a different topic. “Did I tell you about Lucas Blackwood?”
Paige shook her head, curious.
“Dominic offered him a position at Shadowpeak Investments,” I explained. “Lucas has always suppressed his ambitions because of his father’s awkward position in the pack hierarchy.”
“Being William’s illegitimate son can’t be easy,” Paige acknowledged
“Exactly, “Tagreed. “But he’s brilliant with numbers and investments. This could be his chance to shine.”
Not Taking Advantage d
+25 BONUS
I paused, a new thought forming “It made me realize something out myself too.”
“What’s that?” Paige asked.
“I’ve been stagnating at Moonlight Photography,” Ladmitted. “Playing it safe instead of pushing boundaries.”
The idea that had been brewing in my mind suddenly crystallized What if we started something new together? Aventure that better serves the supernatural community?”
Paige’s eyes widened. “You mean 117′′
“Absolutely,” I confirmed. “Your business expertise, my creative sion–we’d be unstoppable.”
Tears welled in Paige’s eyes again, but these were different from before. “After everything that’s happened… this feels like a lifeline.”
“Then grab it,” Turged. “Quit your job. Join me. Let’s build something amazing, ”
Paige wiped her eyes and nodded, a genuine smile breaking through her tears. “I’m in. Let’s do this.”
Not Taking Advantage of You
I paused, a new thought forming. “I made me realize something out myself ton
“What’s that?” Paige asked.
“I’ve been stagnating at Moonlight Photography,” I admitted. “Playing it safe instead of pushing boundaries.”
+25 BONUS
The idea that had been brewing in my mind suddenly crystallized What if we started something new together? A venture that better serves the supernatural community?”
Paige’s eyes widened. “You mean it?”
“Absolutely,” I confirmed. “Your business expertise, my creative vision–we’d be unstoppable.”
elled in Paige’s eyes again, but these were different from before “After everything that’s happened…this feels like a
Tears welled in
liteline.”
“Then grab it,” 1 urged. “Quit your job. Join me. Let’s build something amazing,”
Paige wiped her eyes and nodded, a genuine smile breaking through her tears. “I’m in. Let’s do this.”
