Dominic Blackwood five minutes?
Dominic Blackwood, five minutes?
Amber’s POV)
The insistent ringing of my phone dragged me from a pleasant dream. I groaned, burying my face deeper into the pillow as I blindly reached for the offending device. The screen showed my father’s name flashing repeatedly.
“Not now,” I muttered, silencing the call.
Cora, my wolf, growled in annoyance at being awakened so early.
My phone immediately began ringing again. Harrison Chase was nothing if not persistent.
I declined the call again and switched my phone to silent mode. Whatever crisis my father was having could wait until a more reasonable hour. Rolling over, I pulled the covers up and drifted back to sleep.
When I finally woke at 10 AM, my phone showed seventeen missed calls from my father. I yawned and stretched, taking my time before dealing with whatever storm was brewing. Knowing my father’s anger stemmed from news of my mating with Dominic, I decided to prepare myself properly before returning his call.
I made myself a light breakfast, savoring each bite of my venison sausage and eggs. Only after finishing my coffee did finally call him back.
“Where have you been?” he barked without preamble. “I’ve been calling you all morning!”
“I was sleeping,” I replied calmly. “Is there something urgent you needed, Father? Or did you just want to congratulate me on becoming Dominic Blackwood’s mate?”
The mention of Dominic’s name silenced him momentarily. I could almost see him gripping his desk, trying to control his
temper.
“When exactly did this happen?” he finally asked, his voice dangerously quiet.
“Does it matter? The fact is, I’m Dominic Blackwood’s partner now,” I said, examining my nails casually though he couldn’t see
- me.
“You tricked me,” he accused. “You knew all along that you were going to be his Luna when you made that bet with me about the territory rights.”
I couldn’t help but smile. “I did know, yes. And you fell for it because your greed for the Howling Avenue territory clouded your judgment.”
“You deliberately set me up,” he growled.
“I merely presented an opportunity,” I countered. “You’re the one who took the bait, believing Dominic would never marry me.” There was silence on the other end as my father absorbed the fact that he’d been outmaneuvered by his own daughter.
“And how exactly did you convince Dominic Blackwood to mate with you?” he asked eventually. “I’ve heard rumors that you used your life–debt from the Ravenclaw Bridge incident to force his hand.”
Hlaughed. “Oh yes, I threatened to slit my wrists in front of the Blackwood Pack House if he didn’t marry me. Is that what you want to hear?”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” he snapped.
“Then don’t ask ridiculous questions,” I retorted. “Now, about those territorial rights you promised me…”
I could practically hear his teeth grinding. “That agreement hasn’t been finalized.”
“The agreement you already signed?” I reminded him sweetly. “The one with witnesses? I’d hate to have to publicly remind you of your obligations, Father. It would be embarrassing for everyone!‘
1/4
WITVU
A long, tense silence followed. “You’ve certainly grown bold,” he finally said.
“I’ve learned from the best,” I replied, the compliment barbed with just enough sincerity to sting.
He sighed in defeat. “When will you bring him home for a formal dinner? Your mother will want to meet her new son–in–law properly.”
I hesitated, sensing an opportunity to further protect my interests “That might be difficult. Dominic isn’t exactly… proud of our union.”
“What do you mean?” My father’s voice sliarpened with interest.
“Let’s just say he’s not thrilled about having me as his Luna,” I lied smoothly. “In private, things are tense. The affection you see in public is mostly for show.”
“You’re telling me he’s embarrassed by you?” My father sounded skeptical.
“I’m telling you not to expect any favors through ine,” I clarified. “Our relationship is complicated.”
Harrison was silent for a moment. “I’m not sure if I’ve fallen for another one of your traps, Amber.”
“Believe what you want,” I said lightly. “I have to go now.”
Before he could respond, I ended the call, feeling a small thrill of victory. Cora purred within me, pleased with how I’d handled the situation.
My moment of triumph was interrupted by another call – this time from Paige. I answered immediately.
“Amber!” Her voice was high with anxiety. “I need your help. Ryan’s going to be at that party tonight, and I have nothing to wear! Can we go shopping? Please?”
I heard the desperation in my friend’s voice and felt a pang of sympathy. “Of course. I’ll meet you at the Moonlight Mall in an hour?”
“Thank you!” Paige’s relief was palpable. “You’re the best friend ever.”
After hanging up, I quickly texted Dominic: “Are you busy? Will Ryan definitely be at the party tonight?”
My phone rang almost immediately with Dominic’s call.
“Are you packed and ready to move in?” he asked, his deep voice sending a pleasant shiver through me.
I bit my lip, suddenly remembering our agreement. “About that… Paige is really struggling with this Ryan situation. She’s lost weight, she’s not sleeping… I was wondering if I could bring her tonight? She really needs to talk to him.”
There was a pause. “You want to bring Paige to our gathering so she can confront Ryan?”
“Not confront exactly,” I hedged. “Just talk. Clear the air.”
“Amber,” Dominic’s voice was patient but firm, “Ryan specifically doesn’t want to see her. If she shows up, he might leave.”
“Please, Dominic,” I pleaded. “She’s my best friend, and she’s hurting. Just a brief meeting, that’s all I’m asking.”
I heard him sigh. “Fine. I’ll arrange for them to have a few minutes together. But don’t expect miracles.”
“Thank you!” I exclaimed, genuinely grateful. “Oh, and is it okay if I move in tomorrow instead? Paige and I are going shopping, and it might take a while.”
“Tomorrow?” There was unmistakable disappointment in his voice. “I had something planned for you at the house tonight.”
My curiosity was piqued. “What kind of surprise?”
“If I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise,” he said. “Can’t you come for just a little while? I’ll drive you back afterward.”
2/4
+25 BONUS
Ifrowned, confused by his persistence. “You seem very eager to get me to the house tonight.”
“I am,” he admitted. “I’ve been waiting for this.”
A suspicion formed in my mind. Was he that impatient to get me into his bed? Cora stirred at the thought, both amused and intrigued.
“Half an hour,” he negotiated. “That’s all I need.”
“Half an hour?” I repeated, my suspicion growing stronger.
“Ten minutes, then,” he continued, his voice dropping lower. “Just come for ten minutes.”
My heartbeat quickened. He was definitely talking about sex. And be thought ten minutes would be enough?
“Five minutes,” he finally said, sounding almost desperate. “I just need five minutes with you at the house, and then I’ll take you straight back.”
Five minutes? Was he serious? Did he really think that was enough time? Cora hummed awkwardly within me, equally perplexed by his apparent lack of stamina.
“Five minutes?” I echoed, unable to keep the disbelief from my voice.
“That’s all I need to show you,” he insisted. “Please, Amber.”
sighed, torn between amusement and concern about his expectations. “Alright, five minutes. But then I really need to meet Paige.”
“Peffect,” he said, sounding relieved. “I’ll pick you up at six.”
After hanging up, I stared at my phone in bemusement. Five minutes? That couldn’t be right. Surely Dominic Blackwood, the most powerful Alpha in the Northern Territory, would need more than five minutes to… perform adequately?
Cora whined in confusion, clearly sharing my doubts about our mate’s capabilities.
(Dominic’s POV)
I ended the call with Amber, pleased that I’d at least convinced her to stop by the house briefly. The surprise I’d arranged – a custom–designed closet filled with clothes in her size and style – would have to wait for a proper reveal tomorrow. For tonight, I just wanted her to see the painting I’d commissioned of us, based on a photograph taken at our wedding.
I immediately dialed Ryan Quinn’s number, knowing I needed to warn him about the change in plans for the evening.
“Dominic,” he answered cheerfully. “I’m at the jewelry store now. What do you think about a silver and moonstone bracelet for Amber? As a welcome gift for our new Luna?”
“That sounds appropriate,” I replied, then got straight to the point “Ryan, Paige Sullivan will be at the gathering tonight.”
There was a moment of stunned silence before he exploded. “What? Why would you invite her? You know I’ve been trying to create some distance!”
“I didn’t invite her,” I explained calmly. “Amber did. She’s Paige’s best friend, and apparently, Paige is suffering from your sudden coldness.”
Ryan groaned. “This is exactly what I was trying to avoid. The drama, the tears, the accusations…”
“Then perhaps you should have handled things more maturely,” I said, my tone hardening. “Either commit to the relationship or end it cleanly. This limbo you’ve created is cruel.”
“It’s not that simple,” he protested.
“It is,” I insisted. “You’re being a coward, Ryan. And your cowardice is hurting someone Amber cares about deeply.”
3/4
live minutes?
+25 BONUS
He was silent for a moment, absorbing my words. “I didn’t mean to hurt her.”
‘Intentions mean little compared to actions,” I said. “Fix this, Ryan. Either way, you need to give Paige clarity.”
“Fine,” he conceded reluctantly. “I’ll talk to her tonight.”
“Good,” I said. “And remember, Paige is important to Amber. I won’t have you sabotaging my relationship with my mate because you can’t manage your own affairs properly.”
“Understood,” Ryan replied,
