My Mate
+25 BONUS
My Mate
(Amber’s POV)
My phone buzzed for the twentieth time that morning. I glanced at the screen and rolled my eyes at yet another message from the Northern Territory wolf forums.
“Amber Chase pushed Melissa James down the stairs at Ryan Quinn’s birthday party!”
“Just like when she pushed Victoria and Melissa into the water at Victoria’s birthday!”
“She deserved to lose Ethan Can’t control her jealousy!”
I tossed my phone aside and stared at the hospital ceiling. The rumors had spread like wildfire throughout Silvercrest City. Everyone was talking about how Ethan’s “poor mistress” had been viciously attacked by his “unhinged ex–fiancée.”
I snorted. If they only knew the truth.
The gossip didn’t bother me. I’d been the center of public scrutiny since high school. What was one more scandal?
My phone rang again. Mother. I reluctantly answered.
“Amber Chase!” Melanie’s voice crackled through the speaker. “How dare you cause another scene? I’m abroad with Victoria trying to enjoy ourselves, and now all I hear about is you pushing that poor girl down the stairs!”
I rolled my eyes. “Hello to you too, Mother.”
“Don’t you take that tone with me! Why can’t you be more like your sister? Victoria would never-”
“Victoria would never what? Sleep with her adoptive brother? Cause his mate to miscarry? Is that what you were going to say?” I snapped.
There was a shocked silence on the other end.
“How dare you spread such filthy lies about your sister!” she finally sputtered.
“I’m hanging up now. Enjoy your trip with your precious Victoria.”
I ended the call and promptly blocked her number. My head was pounding enough without her adding to it.
An hour later, my father called.
“Amber,” Harrison’s deep voice sounded tired. “What’s this I hear about you and Melissa James?”
“It’s not what you think,” I said, massaging my temples.
“It doesn’t matter what I think. The entire supernatural community is talking.” He sighed heavily. “You need to tolerate Melissa. All male wolves are the same–they have wandering instincts.”
“Is that what you told Mother about your university student?” I asked sweetly.
He cleared his throat uncomfortably. “This isn’t about me. This is about our alliance with the Blackwood Pack. We need those territorial rights.”
“Don’t worry about your precious territory, Old Chase, I have it handled.”
“What does that mean?” he asked suspiciously.
“You’ll see,” I replied cryptically before hanging up.
My brother Henry called next, his tone a mixture of concern and criticism.
“Amber, what were you thinking?” he asked.
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My Mate
“I didn’t push her, Henry.”
“Even if that’s true, you’ve been foolish.” His voice lowered. “Victoria says
“Of course she does,” I interrupted. “How is your dear ‘sister‘ anyway? Still sharing your bed?”
“That’s enough!” he snapped. “You’re being childish.”
“And you’re being manipulated.” I ended the call, fuming.
I was gathering my belongings to check out when Ethan appeared in my doorway. His face was tight with anger.
“You’re faking amnesia just to spite me, aren’t you?” he accused, storming into the room.
I looked at him blankly. “I’m sorry, do I know you?”
His face reddened. “Stop it! You’re manipulating Dominic, and it won’t work.”
“My husband doesn’t seem to mind,” I said, dropping the amnesia act.
Ethan’s eyes widened. “Husband? You can’t be serious.”
“Very serious.” I smiled sweetly. “You’re getting what you want–Melissa. And I’m getting what I want–Dominic.
“You don’t even know him!” Ethan exploded. “You’re just using him to get back at me!”
“Bold of you to assume everything I do revolves around you.” I zipped up my bag. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m being discharged.”
“This isn’t over, Amber. I’m taking Melissa as my mate, and there’s nothing you can do about it.”
I shrugged, unconcerned. “Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials. I wish you both all the happiness you deserve.”
+25 BONUS
His eyes narrowed at my calm demeanor. I merely smiled, remembering my grandmother’s advice: Act quietly before striking. After being discharged from Crescent Moon Hospital, I called Dominic.
“Are we still on for tomorrow?” I asked when he answered.
“Yes,” his deep voice replied. “The Northern Territory Registry Office at ten.”
“I’ll be there.” I hesitated. “Thank you, Dominic.”
“For what?”
“For going through with this. For helping me.”
There was a brief pause. “Get some rest, Amber. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
The next morning, we met for breakfast at a venison house near the registry office. Dominic looked impeccable in a tailored black suit that emphasized his broad shoulders.
“Did you sign the prenuptial agreement?” I asked after ordering.
“No,” he replied, stirring his coffee.
I frowned. “Why not?”
“The terms were unfair.” His blue eyes met mine. “Particularly clause ten of the marriage terms.”
I pulled out my copy of the document, scanning for clause ten. My eyes widened as I read it.
“This isn’t what I wrote,” I said, my cheeks burning. The original clause had stated that if Dominic brought another woman home, I would make room and not interfere. But this version…
My Mate
+25 BONUS
“The husband agrees to fulfill the wife’s physical needs as a mate I read aloud, mortified.
I immediately texted Paige: “What did you do to my prenup?!”
Her reply came seconds later: “Made it fair! You deserve a real marriage!”
I groaned and showed Dominic the exchange.
“Paige changed it without telling me,” Lexplained, embarrassed.
“I assumed as much,” he said, his expression unreadable.
“I’ll have it corrected immediately,” I promised.
My phone buzzed with another message from Paige: “Your temperamental nature is from frustration. It’s common in unmarried women. You need proper bonding!”
I nearly choked on my coffee, quickly hiding the phone from Dominic’s view.
“Is everything alright?” he asked.
“Fine,” I squeaked, my face burning.
An hour later, we stood in the registry office of the United Council of Wolves of the Northern Territory. The room was simple but elegant, with large windows overlooking the city.
My fingers trembled slightly as I signed the marriage certificate. This was it—no turning back.
Dominic’s signature was bold and confident next to mine. The official nodded and stepped back, giving us privacy for the marking.
Dominic gently brushed my hair aside, exposing my neck. My heart raced as he leaned down, his breath warm against my skin. When his teeth pierced the sensitive spot where my neck met my shoulder, I gasped at the sharp pain followed by a rush of
warmth.
Then it was my turn. I stood on tiptoe, hesitating briefly before biting into the firm muscle of his neck. His skin was warm, his scent intoxicating. I felt a strange connection forming between us as I completed the mark.
My heart overflowed with mixed emotions–regret for ending things with Ethan, excitement for my future with Dominic, and the thrill of knowing I now had a strong husband to help me take revenge on those who had wronged me.
Dominic’s fingers gently traced the mark on my neck, his touch sending shivers down my spine.
“Would you like to go ring shopping?” he asked, his voice low and gentle.
I nodded, unable to speak.
“I know a place,” he said. “Crescent Jewelers. They’re known throughout the Northern Territory for their unique designs.”
At Crescent Jewelers, I was initially drawn to an extravagant diamond ring that sparkled under the display lights. “This one’s beautiful,” I said, pointing to the ostentatious piece.
Dominic nodded but didn’t comment. As the jeweler showed us more options, my eyes fell on a pair of simple, elegant bands. They featured small diamonds embedded in a delicate pattern that resembled running waves when caught in the light.
“These are lovely,” I said, surprised by my own preference for the understated design.
The jeweler smiled. “These are among our most popular wedding bands. The design symbolizes purity, uniqueness, and the feeling of holding the entire world when you embrace your partner”
I glanced at Dominic, expecting him to prefer something more traditional, but he was studying the rings with interest.
“What do you think?” I asked.
3/4
My Mate
+25 BONUS
“I think they suit us,” he replied. “Simple but meaningful.”
Despite the unconventional nature of our union, I found myself loving the rings and what they represented. Dominic took the smaller one and slipped it onto my finger.
The touch of his hand on mine sent a warm sensation through my body. I looked up and found myself drawn into the depths of his piercing blue eyes.
