No Need to Compensate Me Anymore
+25 BONUS
No Need to Compensate Me Anymore
(Amber’s POV)
As we left Sophia’s hospital room, I collapsed against Dominic’s chest, my usual strength deserting me. The familiar scent of him—pine and moonlight–wrapped around ine like a protective blanket. My wolf, Cora, whimpered beneath my skin, seeking comfort from Leo, Dominic’s powerful woll.
“I’ve got you,” he murmured, his arms tightening around me.
I winced as pain shot through my shoulder, and Dominic immediately loosened his grip, concern darkening his blue eyes.
“Let’s get you checked properly,” he said, guiding me toward the examination room where a doctor waited.
The doctor–a middle–aged beta wolf with kind eyes–examined my shoulder with gentle hands. “A clean dislocation,” he announced after reviewing the x–rays. “Fortunately, no fractures or ligament damage. You were lucky, Ms. Chase.”
Lucky wasn’t exactly how I’d describe being thrown against a wall by drunk wolves, but I nodded anyway.
“I want to go to the police station,” I said as Dominic helped me into my jacket after the doctor finished bandaging my shoulder. “I need to give my statement.”
Dominic’s jaw tightened. “That can wait until tomorrow. You need rest.”
I shook my head, determination hardening within me. “No. I want those wolves held accountable. Tonight.”
Something in my voice must have convinced him because he didn’t argue further. Instead, he nodded to Felix, who stepped forward.
“I’ll arrange transport to the station immediately, sir.”
While I was giving my statement to the police, Felix pulled Dominic aside. I couldn’t hear their conversation, but I could see the tension in Dominic’s shoulders, the way his hands clenched at his sides.
When I finished, Dominic was waiting, his expression unreadable.
“What did Felix tell you?” I asked as we walked to the car.
“The wolves claim they were just drunk and acted impulsively,” he replied, his tone making it clear he didn’t believe it for a second.
I didn’t either. The attack had felt too coordinated, too targeted. Dominic’s hand found mine, squeezing gently as if he could read my thoughts.
“Something doesn’t add up,” he murmured, his Alpha instincts clearly on high alert.
My phone rang, interrupting our conversation. Sophia’s name flashed on the screen.
“Hello?” I answered, surprised she was calling so soon after our encounter.
“Amber.” Her voice sounded tired, strained. “I wanted to talk to you about what happened.”
I glanced at Dominic, who had tensed beside me. “I’m listening.”
“I don’t want to pursue this case further,” she said quietly. “The publicity would be… problematic for my career right now.”
I frowned. “Those wolves attacked us, Sophia. They hurt you, they hurt Mason-‘
“I know,” she interrupted. “But I’m about to start filming a major supernatural production. If this becomes public, it c jeopardize everything.”
I understood her concern. The supernatural entertainment industry was ruthlessly competitive, and scandals could destroy careers overnight.
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No Need to Compensate Me Anymore
“Besides,” she continued, “I intervened to protect you. That was my choice.”
I felt a pang of guilt. She had stepped between me and one of the wolves, resulting in her facial injury.
“I’ll think about it,” I said finally, ending the call as Dominic returned to my side.
“What did she want?” he asked, his voice carefully neutral.
“She doesn’t want to press charges,” I explained. “She’s worried about negative publicity affecting her film career?
Dominic’s eyes narrowed. “And what do you want to do?”
I sighed, conflicted. “I understand her position. And she did protec me…”
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“After her manager verbally attacked you,” Dominic pointed out, His voice hardening. I could feel Leo snarling beneath his skin, indignant on my behalf.
“I know,” I said softly. “But I reported the assault as attempted rape. That’s enough to ensure they face serious consequences under werewolf law.”
Dominic’s expression remained skeptical.
“It wasn’t that bad,” I insisted, downplaying the assault. “And I want justice through proper channels, not pack vengeance.”
He studied me for a long moment before nodding, though I could tell he wasn’t entirely convinced.
The ride back to my apartment was quiet, both of us lost in our thoughts. As the city lights blurred past the window, I found myself reflecting on my relationship with Sophia.
“I won’t idolize her anymore,” I said suddenly, breaking the silence. “I can’t consider her a friend after this.”
Dominic glanced at me, his expression softening. “Because of what happened?”
I nodded, leaning my head against his shoulder. “The incident, Zara’s behavior… it’s all been disappointing. I thought I knew who she was, but clearly I was wrong.”
“People are complex,” Dominic murmured, his fingers gently stroking my hair. “Her loyalty to Zara, despite their differences, speaks to that complexity.”
“Still,” I sighed, “I can’t be friends with her. Not anymore.”
Dominic pressed a tender kiss to my forehead. “I’m sorry about all of this. You shouldn’t have had to go through it.”
His gentle touches and the warmth of his body beside mine lulled me toward sleep. The last thing I remember before drifting off was the safety of his arms around me, keeping the world at bay.
(Third–person’s POV)
Dominic watched Amber sleep, her face peaceful despite the ordeal she’d endured. His wolf, Leo, remained restless beneath his .skin, sensing that there was more to the attack than met the eye.
He carefully extracted himself from Amber’s side, tucking the blanket around her before moving to the window. The city sprawled below, lights twinkling in the darkness. Somewhere out there, someone had orchestrated tonight’s events. Dominic was certain of it.
His phone vibrated with a message from Ryan: “Still at hospital. Sasking for you.”
Dominic’s jaw tightened. He glanced back at Amber’s sleeping form, torn between staying with his mate ana、 Sophia. After a moment’s hesitation, he typed a reply: “On my way.”
fronting
He left a note for Amber, explaining he had pack business to attend to, then slipped quietly from the apartment. The hospital corridors were quiet as Dominic made his way to Sophia’s room. Ryan was waiting outside, his expression
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No Need to Compensate Me Anymore
questioning.
“Why are you back here?” Ryan asked. “You should be with Amber
Dominic’s expression was grim. “I need answers.”
Inside, Sophia sat up straighter as Dominic entered, a small smile playing on her lips despite her bandages.
“I knew you’d come back,” she said softly. “You were always concerned about me, even when-”
“What are you playing at?” Dominic interrupted, his voice cold.
Sophia’s smile faltered. “I don’t understand,”
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“Don’t you?” Dominic moved closer, his presence filling the room “You suddenly appear in Amber’s life, arrange a meeting, and then conveniently get attacked by drunk wolves?”
Sophia’s eyes widened. “You can’t think I had anything to do with the attack?”
“Did you?”
“No!” She looked genuinely shocked. “I only wanted to meet her, to see what kind of person had captured your interest. You mentioned her once, remember? When we last spoke.”
Dominic’s expression remained skeptical. “And Zara? Was she responsible?”
Something flickered in Sophia’s eyes—panic, perhaps, or guilt–before she composed herself. “Of course not. Zara may be harsh, but she wouldn’t arrange something like this.”
The slight increase in her heartbeat betrayed her lie. Dominic’s eyes narrowed.
“Don’t contact Amber again,” he said, his voice leaving no room for argument. “Stay away from her.”
Sophia’s expression hardened slightly. “And you? Are you to stay away from me as well?”
“Yes.”
The single word hung in the air between them, final and absolute.
After Dominic and Ryan left, Zara emerged from the adjoining bathroom where she’d been hiding.
“You’re just going to let him go?” she demanded, her eyes narrowed. “After everything we’ve planned?”
Sophia’s lips curved into a small, cryptic smile. “Sometimes you have to put something to death before it can be reborn.” Zara looked unimpressed. Sophia looked at her and asked, “What about those wolves we hired? Can they keep quiet?” “Don’t worry,” Zara assured her. “I have ways to ensure their silence.”
In the elevator, Ryan turned to Dominic, his expression thoughtful “I’m surprised you didn’t tear her apart. That was almost… magnanimous of you.”
Dominic’s blue eyes were cold as ice. “Someone in Silvercrest is helping Zara. Notice how quickly she found her accomplice?” Ryan frowned. “You think it’s Victoria? Aren’t she and Zara old college friends?”
“Precisely,” Dominic nodded, a predatory gleam in his eyes. “This incident might just uncover the truth be‘ d Amber’s past trauma. With any luck, we’ll expose Victoria’s involvement in the plot against my mate.”
Ryan’s eyebrows rose in understanding. “So we’re letting this play out?”
“For now,” Dominic confirmed, his expression darkening with determination. “But when the time comes, we’ll strike.”
