Chapter 15

Mira

“My what?” I stuttered.

Dominic raised an eyebrow at me.

“Oh my god, did I really forget my own birthday?” I put my head in my hands, ashamed and feeling stupid. So much had happened in the past week that I barely knew my own name, let alone what day it was.

“How did you know?” I asked Dominic.

“Forgive me,” he lowered his eyes, “but before choosing you I did have to look up information about you. Obviously your date of birth was included in the file.”

“Oh, right,” I kept my voice calm, wondering what else he’d learned about me, and about my past.

“Open it,” Dominic said, interrupting my thoughts by sliding the box across the table.

I carefully undid the bow, and opened the heavy box. Inside was a sparkling set of high-end surgical tools, so new I could see my reflection in the scalpel.

“I wasn’t sure what sort of things you liked,” Dominic explained, “but I know you love your profession. I hope these are useful for you.”

“They’re perfect!” I exclaimed loudly. “I mean, yes they’ll be useful. It’s been so long since I was able to replace my old instruments.”

I felt my eyes tearing up, and fought back the emotion welling through me. No one had given me such a thoughtful gift in as long as I could remember. Ward had only ever given me things like makeup or perfume, typical ‘female’ things that had nothing to do with my personality or interests.

“Thank you, Dominic,” I said, looking back at him. “This is so kind of you.”

He smiled, half sincerity and half pleased-with-himself.

“You’re welcome, Mira.”

We enjoyed a delicious meal, and weren’t bothered when a few other people in the restaurant stared or whispered about us.

For the first time, the pleasant interactions between us weren’t forced or fake.

Two days later, it was time for the seasonal banquet. It was a time to celebrate the strength of the Pack and raise some extra funds with a silent auction and raffles.

I wore my new gown, and had pulled out my one pair of high heels for the occasion. Since I never wore them, they were actually in perfect condition and looked almost new.

I decided at the last minute to add the necklace that Dominic had hidden in my medical kit. Tonight I would be his perfect Luna, and earn my place as a member of this Pack.

Entering the large hall, it was overwhelming to see so many faces and fancy clothing. Then I saw Dominic standing across the room and felt a wave of relief at having an ally. My heart only sank slightly when I noticed Tessa standing near him, and with Tessa was her new fiancé, my ex, Ward.

Feeling a slight pang of sadness for the past, I held my head high as I made my way across the room. When I was almost to Dominic, Ward broke away from Tessa and stepped in front of me.

“Mira, wow,” he said, “you look beautiful!”

I stared at him without warmth, then went to move around him.

“Excuse me,” I said as I pushed past him. “My Mate is waiting for me.”

I took Dominic’s arm and snuggled into him, creating a show for Ward and for the rest of the room.

Dominic seemed only slightly surprised by the affectionate moment, but seemed genuinely pleased to see me in my new gown. He looked to the necklace at my throat and his face lit up in surprise.

“I’m so glad you’re wearing it,” he whispered down to me, his lips barely brushing my ear.

The warmth of his breath and his words flooded through me, and gave me new confidence to survive this night.

The event went along in a blur, and on Dominic’s arm I was constantly engaged in conversation and introducing myself to members of the Pack. After a few moments it was easy to play the part of his Luna, especially when others could see my concerns for the Pack were sincere.

At one point I spoke to a group about my ideas for hospital reforms, and at first was met with some quizzical looks.

“I think it’s a great idea,” a voice said from across the circle. It was Lila. “It’s about time we put more funding into the hospital, we all rely on their care.”

I was shocked, and looked around to see if I was dreaming. But soon enough more people were nodding, and talking amongst themselves about ways to make these reforms possible.

I wanted to trust that Lila had come around and was actually supportive, but still worried she might have some ulterior motive. I smiled at her in thanks, but kept my guard up.

I stayed to discuss more options with an older nurse, and noticed Lila sneak away from the group. Out of the corner of my eye I watched as made her way over to Dominic.

She traced her hand down his arm and leaned in to laugh at something he said. He smiled at her, and my heart was in my throat. Was there something between them?

I felt myself staring and forced myself to look away.

“Those two,” the kind nurse whispered to me. “Attached at the hip when they were young. Lila always thought they would end up more than friends.”

I was surprised this woman would say these things to be, knowing I was his Mate.

“But he’s never looked at her the way he looks at you, Mira,” she added with a wink.

Phew. It seems people were believing our performance.

Even with a new sense of relief, I excused myself to get some air. I wasn’t used to drinking, and the champagne and on-going networking was making me a bit dizzy.

I found a quiet spot outside, thankful for the gentle breeze that stirred my skirt and lifted the hair from my neck.

“We need to talk,” a voice said from behind me.

It was Ward.

“Please, Ward, not now,” I said without turning to him.

“Mira, listen,” he came around to face me, looking like a sad puppy. “I’m sorry, about everything. Things just happened so fast with Tessa, and now she’s pregnant, and I have to step up and be the father to this child.”

I said nothing, watching him squirm.

“But you have to believe me when I say,” he continued “that I do still have feelings for you. I want to find a way to be with you.”

“I’m with Dominic now,” I said firmly, taking a small step away from him.

“Mira, do you really believe he’ll go through with this?” his voice took on a mocking tone. “Why would an Alpha of Dominic’s rank ever accept a wolfless Luna into his Pack? It won’t be long until he drops you for someone else, probably Lila, given how close they clearly are.”

“Shut up!” I couldn’t hold my feelings in. he was deliberately trying to hurt me. “That is rich coming from you! You’re nothing but a lying, cheating hypocrite, who will take any opportunity to climb the social ladder.”

“Oh come on, you know I loved you—“

“You’ve never loved anyone but yourself!” I shouted, my body shaking.

“That’s not true!” he shouted back. “I love you Mira! And I’m going to prove it to you.”

I couldn’t look at him.

“You’ll see,” he said, grabbing my arm. I pulled it away from him, and luckily he took the hint. After a loud growl, he left in a huff and went back inside.

Once I knew I was alone, I couldn’t hold back any longer. The tears flooded from my eyes and heavy sobs pounded in my chest.

I was most upset that I had every loved a pitiful man like Ward. Memories came back, and I realized I’d never really known his true nature, only what he wanted me to see. And now I just wanted to leave all of that heartache in the past.

“Mira, are you alright?”

It was Dominic.

For such a large man, he had a real gift for silently sneaking up on people.

I tried to wipe my face and reagin control of my breathing.

“I’m fine, just,” I started, feeling snotty, “I think I just had too much to drink, and I’m tried, and—“

“Mira, don’t lie to me,” he came over and looked me in the eyes. “did someone make you cry like this?”

“No, well yes, but—“

“Who was it?” his expression darkened quickly, and I felt a trembling in his body where it touched mine.

“Tell me who did this, and I will tear them apart.”