Mate’s revenge

The Dawn Duel

"Dominick, you cannot take Alexander's challenge seriously!" My voice rising, I followed him out of the study.

His jaw was set like stone, yet he continued to walk. "Lisa, I have no other option."

I took hold of his arm and made him turn to face me. "You have options all the time. What he wants is for you to fall into his trap!

Dominick's sharp gaze locked with me. "Lisa, this is about more than just me. It's for your protection. He will pursue you once again if I say no. And I will not let that occur.

"You believe that confronting him by yourself will resolve any issues?" I insisted. You're not giving him enough credit. He is unfair, and you are aware of it.

"I can manage Alexander," he stated in a steady, quiet voice.

I shook my head, feeling both scared and angry. "Dominick, he's not coming by himself. What if—

"Enough!" His piercing voice made me wince. He ran a hand through his hair and instantly softened. "Lisa, I can't let you go. I won't.

I took a step closer and said, "You won't lose me." However, I also can't let you go. I'll accompany you if you go.

His gaze became gloomy. "Not."

I crossed my arms and challenged, "Try and stop me."

Dominick's POV

I would die because of her intransigence. The fire in her eyes told me it was useless to attempt to persuade her to remain, so I just gazed at her.

"Lisa, you're not fighting him," I firmly said.

She said, "I never said I was." However, I won't just stand by and let you battle him by yourself. I am able to assist.

"How?" Exasperated, I asked.

"By ensuring you don't get caught off guard," she said. "Are you certain he will fight fairly? Dominick, he'll have a backup. Someone needs to keep an eye on you.

She was correct, and I hated it. Alexander would not arrive by himself, and being outnumbered was the last thing I wanted. But I was furious at the idea of Lisa being close to him.

Knowing that this was the only way to put an end to the disagreement, I eventually replied, "I'll think about it."

Lisa scowled. "Don't say that to silence me."

I lied and turned away before she could catch me. "I'm not," I said.

Lisa's POV

I didn't believe Dominick's response. I wasn't going to allow him to abandon me, even if that was his goal.

I looked at Chelsea, who was hovering close by, as he vanished inside his room. "Chelsea, I need your assistance."

She seemed uncertain. "Master said"

I interjected, "I know what Dominick said." However, you are aware that he is stepping into a trap. Chelsea, please. You will assist me if you care about him.

She was conflicted as she chewed her lip. "What are you in need of?"

Dominick's POV

As daylight drew near, anxiety was high in the air. With my inner wolf prowling restlessly, I stood at the edge of the clearing where Alexander had selected the location for the combat.

Marcus was standing next to me, looking serious. "Are you certain about this, Alpha? He is not a fair fighter.

"I understand," I said, looking across the tree line. "For this reason, I need you to be vigilant. You step in if anything doesn't seem right.

Marcus bowed slightly and replied, "Yes, Alpha."

I heard a rustle, and a few seconds after that, Alexander appeared out of the darkness, accompanied by two outlaws. His arrogant smile infuriated me.

"Dominick," he exclaimed, dramatically extending his arms. "On time. How honorable of you.

I snarled, "Enough with the show." "Let's finish this up; you wanted a fight."

Alexander laughed. "My buddy, patience. I assumed we could speak first.

I yelled, "I have nothing to say to you."

"Oh," he said, his tone darkening, "but I have plenty to say to you." "Did you truly believe you could steal something that belongs to me and get away with it?"

"You never had her," I remarked icily.

His smile wavered as a glint of rage appeared on his face. "You'll be sorry you said those things."

Lisa's POV

I witnessed the standoff start from behind a group of trees. As Alexander's rogues surrounded Dominick with obvious intentions, my pulse raced.

Chelsea, who was crouching next to me, heard me whisper, "I told you it was a trap."

With her fingers on the hilt of the blade she had carried, she nodded. "What is the strategy?"

With my eyes fixed on Dominick, I said, "Wait for my signal."

Dominick's POV

First to lunge, Alexander's claws sliced through the air. I swerved and swung another swipe in response. As we battled, neither of us holding back, the sound of our wolves clashing reverberated across the area.

Alexander ducked another blow and said, "You're weaker than I expected."

I retaliated by striking him in the side, saying, "You talk too much."

He staggered but got back up fast, a sly smile lighting up his face. "Dominick, you are not going to win. Everything will be lost, even if you murder me.

One of his rogues rushed at me from behind before I could react. I whirled around and cut him across the chest, but Alexander was able to get the opening he needed because of the commotion.

His claws ripped into my skin, causing a burst of pain in my shoulder. I snarled and pushed him away as hard as I could.

Lisa's POV

Alexander was not going to play fair, and Dominick was outnumbered.

I whispered to Chelsea, "Now."

As we emerged from the shadows, I charged at Alexander and Chelsea threw her dagger at one of the outlaws.

His eyes widened in surprise as he turned just in time to see me. "Lisa?"

I punched him in the face before he had a chance to react. With an iron grip, he grabbed my wrist.

His voice was low and threatening as he said, "You shouldn't have come."

"Neither should you," I retorted, giving him a forceful kick to the stomach.

As Dominick exploited the distraction, he let go of me and staggered back.

Dominick's POV

I felt a mixture of relief and rage when I saw Lisa enter the fray. Although she shouldn't have been here, her meddling gave me the advantage I required.

I lunged, knocking Alexander to the ground as he was concentrating on her. I growled, pressing my claws to his throat and saying, "It's over."

His mouth was dripping blood as he laughed. "You believe that killing me will make a difference? Anabella has already set her plan in motion.”

“What plan?” I demanded, pressing harder.

He smirked, his voice a whisper. “You’ll find out soon enough.”

Before I could react, he said something under his breath, and a blinding light erupted around us.

When the light faded, Alexander was gone. I stood there, my claws digging into the empty ground where his throat had been moments ago.

“What just happened?” Lisa asked, her voice trembling as she approached.

“He escaped,” I growled, frustration boiling over.

Marcus ran into the clearing, his face pale. “Alpha, there’s a problem.”

"Now what?" I lost my temper.

“It’s the mansion,” he said breathlessly. “It’s under attack.”

Lisa’s eyes widened, fear flashing across her face. “Anabella,” she whispered.

I turned to her, my jaw tightening. “We’re going back. Right now.