Better Match

I chose a simple blue dress adorned with silver buttons for Dominic's coronation as Alpha. I styled my own long hair into a modest bun, nothing too elaborate. I wasn't about to let the maids fuss over me like I was living in some feudal era. This wasn't slavery, and I wasn't the type of woman who needed to be pampered from head to toe. Living independently in San Francisco had made me self-reliant.

As I fastened the final button on my dress, the door creaked open. Dominic entered, his imposing figure momentarily framed by the doorway. His expression softened as his eyes fell on me, but soon curiosity and a hint of disapproval crept into his gaze.

"Where are the omegas? Why didn't they help you get ready?" he asked, stepping closer.

"I sent them away," I replied simply. "Dom, I'm not comfortable with them piling my hair up like some English queen. I prefer something simple, something that feels like me."

He tilted his head, his sharp green eyes traveling over me from head to toe. His smile, when it came, was warm and genuine. "You look stunning. Absolutely beautiful," he said, his voice tinged with admiration. He stepped forward and wrapped his arms around me, holding me close for a moment. His touch, his scent, was a steadying force amid the storm of emotions I was feeling.

"Let's go," he murmured, his lips brushing my temple. "The ceremony is about to begin."

Taking my hand, Dominic led me out of the room and toward the grand hall. As we descended the stairs, the grandeur of the pack grand hll came into full view. Crystal chandeliers hung like sparkling constellations from the ceiling, and the golden accents of the hall shimmered under their light. The air buzzed with anticipation, the gathered crowd, dressed in their finest attire, filled the room with a low hum of chatter.

We stopped at the entrance, waiting for the announcer to call us in. Dominic's parents appeared moments later, moving toward us. Martha greeted me with a kind smile that radiated warmth. In contrast, Jenson's face was unreadable, his cold gaze settling on Dominic.

"She can't sit on the throne with you, Dominic," Jenson said without preamble. "Daniella isn't officially your Luna yet. She'll have to sit with the elders below."

I noticed Dominic's jaw tighten, frustration flickering in his eyes as he clenched his fists at his sides. Before he could respond, I leaned closer, my voice a soothing whisper. "It's okay, Dominic. I understand. I'll wait for you."

He turned to me, his expression softening as his hand reached for mine. He kissed it gently, the simple gesture speaking volumes about his feelings. "Thank you," he murmured, his voice barely audible over the chatter around us.

But just as the moment settled between us, a new figure emerged from the crowd. My breath caught in my throat as Eva strode confidently toward us, her head held high. My shock turned to disbelief when I saw what she was wearing, an exact replica of my dress.

How did she know? My mind raced through possibilities. Had one of the maid betrayed me? Or worse, had Martha intentionally given her the same gown? The thought sent a pang through me, but I pushed it aside. This wasn't the time to lose focus.

Eva, of course, had taken things to an entirely new level. Her hair was styled in an elaborate updo, adorned with a glittering tiara that seemed almost too grand for the occasion. She walked with the poise of someone who believed the world owed her a place at its center. Her eyes were locked on Dominic, a smug smile playing on her lips.

When she reached us, she wasted no time. Ignoring me completely, she slipped her hand into Dominic's arm, leaning into him as though she already belonged by his side.

"Dom," she said, her voice sweet but laced with venom, "don't you think I'm far better suited to stand by your side than… this human?"

The words were a slap, each one sharp and deliberate. I felt the heat rise in my chest, anger bubbling under the surface. My hands clenched into fists at my sides, but I forced myself to breathe, to remain composed. This was exactly the reaction she wanted, and I refused to give her the satisfaction.

Dominic tensed, and I waited, breath held, for his response.