Same Side

Dominic POV

The moment Eva spat out those venomous words, calling Daniella this human, my blood boiled. I felt my fists clench at my sides as I watched Daniella's face flush with anger. Yet, true to her character, she didn't lash out. Her composure was unshaken, a testament to her strength and discipline. Daniella's years as a lawyer had honed her ability to remain calm under pressure, making her maturity and poise stand out starkly against Eva's childish tantrum.

Then there was Eva. She stood there smugly, dressed in the same gown as Daniella....a move that was both petty and desperate. It was a deliberate attempt to undermine my mate. My mind raced as I thought of the betrayal that had enabled this. Someone had tipped her off. Was it one of the omegas? If so, I'd ensure they faced consequences. But if it was my mother… The thought twisted my insides. Could she truly dislike Daniella that much, just because she's human?

Eva's saccharine voice interrupted my thoughts. "Dom... please," she cooed, attempting to sound endearing. Her hand clutched at my arm again, and this time, I snapped. The rage that had been simmering inside me spilled over.

"You don't deserve to stand by my side," I said, my voice firm, cutting through the tension in the air. My tone left no room for argument. "The only one who belongs there is Daniella. Don't humiliate yourself any further. Out of respect for Nick, your brother......I'm asking you one last time, let go of my arm and leave!"

Eva froze, visibly shaken by my words. But true to her entitled nature, she wasn't ready to give up. Her face twisted with indignation, and in a voice shrill enough to silence the hall, she screamed, "After you took my virginity, you promised to make me your Luna! And now, because you've found your mate, you're breaking that promise? You're not fit to be an Alpha! An Alpha always keeps his word, and you didn't!"

Her words sent a ripple of shock through the crowd. My father turned sharply to face me, his eyes narrowing.

"Is that true, Dominic?" he asked coldly. "Did you take her virginity?"

I met his gaze, anger simmering just beneath the surface. "Yes," I said, refusing to back down. "But I never forced her into it. She came to me willingly. What we shared was consensual, and I never.....never, promised to make her my Luna."

My father exhaled deeply, rubbing his temples as if the weight of the world rested on his shoulders.

"Eva, Enough !" he said, his voice softer now, " Daniella won't officially be crowned as Luna today. Dominic will be coronated first, and you still have time to prove your worth. Now sit with the Elders, along side Daniella. This discussion will be dealt with after the ceremony."

I saw Daniella stiffen slightly at his words, though she remained composed. Her face was an unreadable mask of calm, but I knew her well enough to sense the storm raging beneath. Her fists clenched tightly, the only outward sign of her fury. My heart ached for her, she didn't deserve this humiliation. She deserved the world.

Leaning closer to her, I whispered, "I'm so sorry. I'll fix this after the coronation, I promise."

Her eyes flicked toward me, her gaze cool but understanding. She didn't speak, just gave me the faintest nod, and it was enough to make me realize how much I didn't deserve her patience.

The announcer's voice boomed through the hall, signaling that the ceremony was about to begin. Daniella and Eva moved to their seats among the elders. I watched as Daniella sat gracefully, her head held high despite the insult she'd just endured. Eva, in stark contrast, sat with a dramatic huff, her arms crossed in childish defiance.

The ceremony itself should have been a proud moment for me, the culmination of years of training and preparation. But my mind kept drifting to Daniella. She sat there quietly, surrounded by wolves who didn't yet accept her as their own. It wasn't just Eva, it was the weight of an entire pack's judgment pressing down on her shoulders. And yet, she bore it with the dignity of a true Luna.

When the coronation concluded and I was officially declared Alpha, the crowd erupted in applause. But even as I stood there, basking in the cheers of my pack, my gaze sought out Daniella. She was clapping softly, a small smile gracing her lips. To anyone else, she might have seemed content, but I knew her too well. Behind that smile was pain, frustration, and a quiet strength that held her together.

As the applause died down and the elders rose to offer their congratulations, I walked directly to Daniella. Ignoring the eyes on us, I took her hand and helped her stand.

"Congratulations, Alpha Dominic. You were perfect, and I'm so proud of you," she said softly, her voice barely rising above the hum of voices around us.

I shook my head, a faint smile tugging at my lips despite the weight in my chest. "No, I'm not perfect. If there's perfection here, it's you." I paused, my voice lowering with sincerity. "Thank you for being so understanding. Thank you for standing by me through all of this."

My throat tightened as guilt flickered in my eyes. "I'm sorry, Daniella. For everything...for Eva, for my father. For all of it"

Daniella's eyes softened as she looked at me, her lips curving into a faint, reassuring smile. "Dom, stop apologizing. None of this is your fault. I know the kind of pressure you're under. We'll figure it out, together." Her voice was steady, calm, a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions inside me.

I squeezed her hand, grateful for her resilience. "You shouldn't have to endure this, Daniella. Not Eva's jealousy, not my father's doubts… You deserve better than this chaos."

She tilted her head slightly, her fingers brushing against mine. "Maybe. But I also chose this. I chose to come with you. And I'll fight for us if I have to. Just promise me one thing, Dominic."

"Anything," I said without hesitation.

"Promise me that no matter what happens, you won't let anyone, not Eva, not your father, not the pack, come between us. I can handle the politics but only if I know we're on the same side."

I cupped her face gently, my thumb tracing the line of her jaw. "Always. You are my mate, Daniella. My Luna. No one can change that not even my father."

As I spoke those words, a ripple of tension passed through the room. My father, Alpha Jenson, was striding toward us, his expression unreadable. Behind him, Eva followed closely, her face set in a mask of determination.

"Dominic," my father began, his voice low but firm. "We need to address this matter now!  The pack deserves clarity, and Eva has raised some… valid concerns. As I said before the coronation, this isn't settled."

Eva smirked, her eyes gleaming with triumph as she stood just behind him. Daniella's hand tightened in mine, and I could feel her pulse quicken. My jaw clenched as I met my father's gaze.

"Let's hear it then," I said coolly, my voice steady even as my heart thundered in my chest. "What exactly do you need to settle?"