Today’s Mating, Happy
Today’s Mating, Happy
(Amber’s POV)
“I like this one,
don’t you think?”
+25 BONUS
I was taken aback by Dominic Blackwood’s sudden question. We were at Crescent Jewelers picking out rings, and I hadn’t expected him to be so attentive to the details.
Dominic repeated, his piercing blue eyes gazing tenderly at my slender fingers, “I like this one. It looks good on you.”
A blush warmed my cheeks, and for some reason, Cora stirred contentedly under my skin. My wolf rarely reacted this way to anyone, especially not to a Blackwood.
Before I could pull my hand back, Dominic had already released it and turned to pick up the matching men’s ring, slipping it on his finger. He held up his hand for my inspection.
“Is it nice?”
His long, slender fingers, which usually exuded an air of alpha aloofness, now possessed a captivating allure with the ring on.
“Yes, it looks good,” I admitted, my eyes glued to the sight before me.
We finalized our selection of the couple’s rings, and despite my protests, Dominic insisted on paying for them. The jeweler smiled knowingly as she packaged our purchase, probably assuming we were just another couple deeply in love.
On the drive back to my Riverside apartment, I fiddled with the ring on my hand, feeling uneasy about accepting such an expensive gift. I decided to give him a valuable emerald moonstone that I had “borrowed” from Henry’s collection, reasoning that it was worth more than the ring.
While thinking about what else in Henry’s collection would be suitable for Dominic, I heard his deep voice break through my thoughts.
“Amber.”
“Huh?” I looked up, startled from my planning.
“What kind of marking ceremony would you prefer?” he asked, his eyes briefly meeting mine before returning to the road.
The question caught me off guard. My initial impulse was to envision a grand wedding, more lavish than Ethan and Melissa’s upcoming ceremony, purely for the sake of spite. But I quickly dismissed the idea.
“Let’s not have a marking ceremony for now,” I decided.
Considering my complicated history with the Blackwood Pack, a public ceremony wouldn’t be appropriate. I didn’t feel worthy of such a celebration, especially since I believed I was given this marriage because of my saving grace to Dominic. The marking ceremony was a sacred moment best left for when he found his fated mate.
Dominic simply nodded his acceptance, though there was something in his eyes that was hard to read. “I respect your decision.”
His attitude made me feel doubly confident, and I boldly made another request. “Uncle, can we keep our mating a secret for now?
“You’re my mate now,” he corrected gently. “Calling me ‘uncle‘ would be inappropriate.”
I realized the awkwardness immediately and agreed, but I was torn about the alternative. What should I call him, considering our relationship was in disguise?
Dominic saw my hesitation and suggested, “You can call me Domi
“Oh, Domi,” I sighed in relief.
He nodded slightly, then returned to my earlier question. “You said you wanted to keep the mating secret for now. Are you
Today’s Mating, Happy
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saying you want to keep our relationship hidden?”
Not exactly, just keep it a secret for now,” I clarified. “Given that Ethan and I recently broke off our engagement, announcing our hating now would only fuel rumors that we’ve had affairs before, and that would hurt your reputation.”
“For how long?” Dominic urged, his blue eyes studying me carefully.
“Until after Ethan and Melissa have completed their ceremony,” announced, a mischievous glint in my eyes.
This would allow me to make a dramatic entrance as Dominic’s Luna at a future Blackwood Pack party, stealing Melissa’s thunder and blowing everyone’s mind. I barely contained my joy as I imagined their shocked faces.
After lunch, Dominic left, expressing concern about my lack of sleep after the hospital stay. As soon as he was gone, I sent a photo of our registration papers to Paige.
My phone immediately lit up with a flurry of excited messages, followed by an incoming call.
“OH MY GOD!” Paige’s voice exploded through the speaker. “You actually did it! You married Dominic Blackwood!”
“Keep it down,” I laughed, pulling the phone away from my ear. “Yes, I did.”
“I can’t believe it! I want to see Ethan’s face when he finds out,” she said gleefully.
“That’s the thing–we’re keeping it secret until after his wedding to Melissa.”
Paige groaned in disappointment. “Fine, but promise me I’ll be there when you make the announcement.”
“Front row seats,” I promised.
“So,” her voice dropped to a suggestive tone, “how was the wedding night?”
“There wasn’t one,” I admitted. “We’re taking things slow.”
“Well, I’m buying you sexy pajamas as a wedding gift,” she declared. “Every bride needs proper sleepwear.”
“Paige!” I protested, feeling my cheeks heat up as Cora grunted awkwardly under my skin. “That’s not necessary.”
“It absolutely is,” she insisted. “Trust me on this.”
I rolled my eyes, knowing there was no changing her mind once it was set.
(Dominic’s POV)
In the main office of the Blackwood Pack, I reviewed the marriage terms paperwork that Amb with interest when I saw the word “cohabitation.”
d sent me. My finger paused
Leo, my wolf, rumbled with satisfaction beneath my skin. He had recognized Amber as our mate the moment we’d first seen her years ago, but circumstances had kept us apart. Until now.
I summoned Felix Peter, my Beta, to inform him of the mating. His usually impassive face showed genuine surprise as I delivered the news.
“You’ve… mated with Miss Chase?” he asked, blinking rapidly behind his glasses.
“Yes,” I confirmed, watching as he processed the information.
Felix quickly composed himself, his keen eyes showing understanding of the situation. “I see. This explains Miss Chase’s initiative in the sudden wedding.”
“I need you to sort out our new residence,” I instructed. “The recently renovated villa in the western district should be suitable.” “Of course, Alpha,” Felix nodded. “Any specific requirements?”
“Amber will need a darkroom for her photography work and a study,” I said, thinking of her professional needs. “And ensure
Today’s Mating, Happy
the bedroom is comfortable.”
Leo growled softly at the thought of sharing a den with our mate.
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“Also, this mating needs to be kept secret for now,” I added firmly “Until after Ethan and Melissa’s ceremony.”
“Understood,” Felix replied with a slight bow. “I’ll make all necessary arrangements with the utmost discretion.”
That night, I arrived at the Moonlight Club carrying two bottles of vintage red wine from my European estate. Ryan Quinn was already there, shuffling cards at our usual table.
“You’re late,” he commented, then noticed the bottles. His eyebrows shot up in recognition. “Wait, is that-
”
“Yes,” I confirmed, setting the bottles on the table. “Have them opened.”
Ryan signaled to a server, then turned back to me with curious eyes. “Those are extremely rare. What’s the occasion?”
I didn’t answer immediately, instead watching as the server carefully uncorked the first bottle. The rich, complex aroma filled our private room.
“Are you in a good mood tonight?” Ryan asked directly, lighting a cigarette.
Amidst the rising smoke, I replied simply, “Yes, I made a friend today. Happy.”
I had arranged for the wine to be flown in while Amber was still in the hospital, anticipating this moment.
Ryan was so stunned that he almost dropped his lighter. He recovered quickly, a knowing look crossing his face.
“Well, this changes things for me,” he said, taking a long drag. “If you’re no longer available as my excuse to avoid mating, my family will double their pressure.”
“Keep it to yourself for now,” I warned. “This stays between us.”
Ryan nodded, then leaned forward with a smirk. “It’s Amber Chase, isn’t it?”
I didn’t confirm or deny, but my silence was answer enough.
Sipping his wine, Ryan shook his head in amazement. “I never would have guessed. Especially considering her history with Ethan.”
He swirled the wine in his glass, then asked a more pointed question. “Tell me honestly, do you still have feelings for that she- wolf?”
Ryan knew about my past feelings for Amber. He also knew of her unspoken acts of kindness t darkest periods of my life.
dine during one of the
I stubbed out my cigarette and considered the question carefully, Leo’s protective instincts welling up beneath the surface.
“The first time I saw her, I recognized her as my fated mate,” I admitted quietly. “But she was already with Ethan, so I buried those feelings.”
Ryan’s eyes widened at this revelation.
“But she was unhappy with him,” I continued. “And when she was injured this time, something in me snapped. I couldn’t deny it anymore—I needed to claim her, to protect her publicly.”
I took a slow sip of the wine before continuing. “My past inaction was due to my awkward position with Amber. Ethan’s mother and Benjamin already viewed me as a thorn in their side. I was afraid of the repercussions for her.”
Leo rumbled in agreement, remembering our years of silent watching, of stepping back when every instinct demanded we step forward.
“Now, as her mate, I can protect her without reservation,” I declared, my voice low but firm.
Today’s Mating, Happy
I met Ryan’s gaze directly, my blue eyes filled with conviction. “I would give everything for her, Ryan. Even my life.”
Leo echoed my confession with a deep, primal certainty that reverberated through my entire being.
