Chapter 5

Dominic

My father’s weakness was staggering. He let Margaret manipulate him, bending his authority to satisfy her ambition, and in doing so, ruined two lives. Her cruelty had no bounds. She had not only turned him against me but had orchestrated this marriage to remove Nyla from the picture.

I had followed my father to Nyla’s home that morning, asking questions, watching, pretending to understand why she was being forced into this. Margaret had spun a tale about the Lockwoods requesting the union because Nyla was a powerful, promising female. According to her, it was Nyla’s “right” to be considered Luna—but since my father and she could not approve her pairing with anyone else, they had “settled” on me. The arrogance of it was sickening.

Nyla was innocent in all of this. Her admiration for Eric had been nothing more than a crush. She had worked tirelessly at the academy, finishing second with precision and discipline, not to secure anyone’s favor but to prove herself. Yet Margaret had twisted the truth, painting her as ambitious or scheming. It was clear to me now that Margaret had no concern for Nyla at all—her only goal was control.

I could see the entire deception for what it was. My father had been too weak to intervene, and Margaret had run her plan unchecked. Nyla deserved better than to be pawns in their power games. She deserved to live freely, to rise naturally as a strong, respected wolf—without interference or coercion. And I would make sure of that.

I refused to see her as property, a tool, or a pawn. She was a person, and I would never claim her against her will. Unlike Eric, who had left a trail of careless destruction in his wake, I would not take advantage of Nyla, no matter the pressure from my family.

The arrangement had placed me in charge of her comfort. I had prepared the larger room in the mansion for her, moving my belongings to the smaller one. She would have her space, a sanctuary from all the chaos around her. I wanted her to feel some control, even if everything else in her life had been stolen.

Bartholomew, my butler, came in with a quiet announcement. “Master Dominic, the boutique has delivered the clothes for your bride.” I nodded, already planning how to organize the walk-in closet and storage. Everything had to be perfect for her.

When I entered the dining hall, my father and Margaret were seated, and my stomach twisted. Margaret’s presence exuded control; she reveled in the spectacle she had created. I took my seat silently, masking my irritation and fury.

“Have you accepted the union?” my father asked, his tone leaving no room for defiance. I nodded. “Yes,” I said, though my agreement meant only obedience, not consent.

“Ensure she remains uninvolved in Eric’s affairs,” my father instructed. “She has been kept from complications already.”

Margaret’s lips curled in disdain. “So, you sent your son to enforce this?” she demanded.

“She is not your responsibility, Margaret,” my father said firmly. “Dominic’s role is to protect Nyla, not to fight your battles.”

He handed me the file. “Sign these. They outline the company’s transfer and your responsibilities. After your marriage, you will assume full control. Work through the ranks to understand the business—it is now your legacy to preserve.”

Margaret slammed the table, disbelief on her face. “And what of Eric and me?”

“When I partnered with you, it was to ensure order,” my father replied. “Your actions removed your authority. Dominic will manage the company and protect Nyla. Everything else is consequence.”

I stared at the documents, feeling the weight of responsibility settle over me. Margaret could rage all she wanted; her manipulations no longer held power over us. I had accepted this union, yes, but Nyla would not be powerless under my watch.

“If anything happens to you,” Margaret whispered, a rare glimpse of fear crossing her features, “what becomes of Eric and me?”

“Consequences follow from choices,” my father said coldly. “Dominic is in control. Nyla is safe. That is all that matters.”

As I left the room, the weight of the day pressed on me. I had a duty now—to the pack, to Nyla, and to my own conscience. I would ensure she never felt trapped, even if the world around her continued to scheme and conspire