Semua Bab Alpha's Regret: Return of the Rejected Mate: Bab 151 - Bab 160

Dominic’s POVThe council chamber felt different on this final day of proceedings. Instead of the tense atmosphere that had dominated previous sessions, there was a sense of resolution in the air. I scanned the assembled crowd for Penelope’s familiar face but didn’t find her among the spectators.Nathan sat in the front row where she was supposed to be, his hands folded as he waited for the formal announcements. When he caught my eye, he nodded—a gesture that would have seemed impossible just days ago.“All rise for Elder Richard,” someone announced.We stood as the Elder entered, his ceremonial robes rustling as he took his position behind the elevated bench.“Please be seated,” Richard said, settling into his chair. “We are here for the final disposition of charges against the Darkwood Pack in relation to the kidnapping of minor children and related criminal activities.”My stomach clenched despite knowing what the verdict would be. Weeks of investigation had led to this moment, but

Penelope’s POVI sat on Debbie’s bed that evening, her stuffed animals forming a protective circle around us.“Mommy, why do you look scared?” Debbie asked, her green eyes studying my face. “Did something bad happen?”“Nothing bad, sweetheart. Actually, something wonderful.” I smoothed the blanket around her legs. “But it’s very important, so I need you to listen carefully.”Debbie sat up straighter, clutching her elephant. “Okay. I’m listening really good.”“You know how you’ve always wondered about your daddy? How you used to ask me where he was?”“You never told me,” Debbie said slowly. “But you always got sad when I asked.”“I got sad because I was keeping a secret from you. A big secret that I thought was protecting you, but now I know you deserve the truth.”“What secret?”My heart hammered against my ribs. “Your daddy…has been here the whole time.”Debbie’s eyebrows pulled together. “I don’t understand.”“Ice Cream Uncle,” I said gently. “Dominic. He’s your real father, Debbie.”

Dominic’s POVI kept my eyes fixed on Debbie as she bounced around the training grounds behind the pack house, her excitement infectious as she discovered each new area of my family’s territory..“Daddy, what’s that building over there?” Debbie pointed toward the weapons storage facility.“That’s where we keep our training equipment,” I explained, lifting her up so she could see over the fence. “Swords, bows, practice gear for teaching pack members how to fight.”“Can I learn to use a sword? A real one?”“When you’re older,” Penelope said quickly. “Much older.”“But I’m already really good at fighting! Miss Carter says I’m the best in my age group!”The pride that swelled in my chest was overwhelming. My daughter—brilliant, fierce, determined—had gotten my competitive spirit, my refusal to back down from challenges.“Fighting and weapons training are different things,” I told her gently. “But yes, someday I’ll teach you everything you want to learn.”Debbie’s face lit up like the sun.

Dominic’s POVI drove home from the training session with my mind racing, replaying every moment of working alongside Penelope.Professional partnership, I’d told her, but it had felt like much more.I found Kelsey in my bedroom when I arrived, sitting on the edge of the bed with her hands folded over her swollen belly. Her face was pale, almost gray, and she looked up when I entered with nervous, darting eyes.“How was your morning?” she asked, but her voice sounded strained.“Productive. We need to talk, Kelsey.”“About what?”I closed the door behind me and leaned against it, studying her face. “About the night you claim we conceived this baby.”Her hands tightened on her belly. “What do you mean, claim?”“I mean my memories of that evening are frustratingly unclear. You’ve given me detailed descriptions of our supposed intimacy, but I can’t remember any of it.”“You were drinking,” Kelsey said quickly. “We both were. Alcohol affects memory—”“I don’t drink to blackout, Kelsey. Neve

Dominic’s POVMy phone rang while I was reviewing pack security reports in my study. Penelope’s name on the screen made my pulse quicken.“Penelope?”“Hi. I was wondering if you’d like to have dinner tonight. To discuss Debbie’s custody arrangements.”“Of course. Where did you have in mind?”“There’s a restaurant in neutral territory. Quiet place where we can talk without pack politics interfering.”The invitation caught me off guard. Dinner alone with Penelope—no Debbie as a buffer, no pack members watching our every interaction.“What time?” I asked.“Seven? I’ll text you the address.”“I’ll be there.”The restaurant she’d chosen was intimate in a way that had nothing to do with custody discussions. Soft lighting, secluded corner tables, the kind of place couples went for romantic evenings. When I arrived, Penelope was already seated, wearing a dark green dress that made her eyes look like emeralds.“Thank you for coming,” she said as I settled across from her.“Thank you for invitin