Mate’s revenge

Betrayal's Shadows

"What made her leave a note?" I looked at Dominick as I asked. "Anabella wouldn't warn us if she intended to harm me. This seems to be a diversion.

With burning eyes, Dominick crumpled the paper in his palm. "A diversion for what purpose?"

With a quivering voice, I said, "She's not just pursuing me." "She is also pursuing you."

Chelsea took a measured move forward. The message was placed at your office, Master. She must have needed assistance entering.

Dominick's mouth tensed. Learn how she managed to evade the guards. Until we find out who is collaborating with her, nobody can relax.

"Yes, Master." We were left in uncomfortable stillness as Chelsea bowed and rushed out of the room.

My irritation boiled up as I turned to face Dominick. "You have to be serious about this. And if Alexander is involved—she's dangerous.

His voice was low and angry as he interrupted, "I am taking this seriously." "You're staying here for that reason."

"Remaining here?" Incredulous, I repeated. "I'm not some helpless little girl who needs to be put in a cage, Dominick!"

His eyes pierced me as he bridged the gap between us. "Lisa, you almost killed yourself today. Do you believe I'll allow it to occur once more?

I was not going to give up. "Dominick, you are not in charge of everything! I must be prepared if Anabella has any plans. She won't be stopped by locking me up.

With a groan, Dominick combed through his hair. "You're not prepared to confront her."

"And you believe that hiding will make me stronger?" I posed a challenge.

After a period of silence, he turned away. This cannot be debated. You intend to remain here.

Dominick's POV

I was becoming tired of Lisa's intransigence, but I couldn't allow her to put herself in danger. Anabella had lost her mind and Alexander... There was no way I could afford to undervalue Alexander as a wild card.

Marcus, my Beta, barged in as I was pacing the room.

"We discovered something," he said, displaying a little black gadget. "It was concealed beneath your desk."

I scowled and took the gadget away from him. "A tracker?"

Marcus gave a nod. And a listening apparatus. The person who planted this has been keeping an eye on everything.

I balled my hands into fists. I snarled, "Anabella." "This entire time, she has been listening to us."

Lisa took a step forward, looking pallid. "How long has she had this in here, in your opinion?"

Marcus shrugged. It may be days. Weeks might pass.

I looked over at him. Examine the home from top to bottom. I want them to be located and destroyed if there are any more.

Marcus bowed and replied, "Yes, Alpha," before exiting the room.

Lisa folded her arms and looked intently. She is aware of our intentions if she has been paying attention. She is well-informed.

I gave a sad nod. "For this reason, we are altering the plan."

"What plan?" she raised an eyebrow in question.

When I realized she was unaware of the trap I had been creating for Alexander, I paused. "It is irrelevant. You won't take part in this.

She squinted. "Dominick, you can't decide for me. If I am involved, I am entitled to know.

"It's not safe"

"Stop acting as though I'm weak!" She lost her temper. "I've made it through worse."

I wasn't prepared for how hard her remarks affected me. I squeezed the bridge of my nose and sighed. "All right. But when it goes down, you remain hidden.

She pushed, "When what goes down?"

I looked at her, trying to decide how much to tell. Here, we are enticing Alexander. And we put a stop to this when he arrives.

Lisa's POV

With a mixture of incredulity and rage, I gazed at Dominick. "Are you not using me as bait?"

"No," he firmly stated. "I'm baiting myself." He wants me as much as he desires you.

What if he brings in other rogues? Imagine Anabella with him. I insisted.

Dominick said calmly but resolutely, "Then we'll be ready."

I was so frustrated that I shook my head. "Dionick, this is reckless! You're giving in to him directly.

He took a step closer and stated, "I'm ending this, Lisa." "In one form or another."

I started to disagree, but we were cut off by a loud banging on the door.

Marcus returned with a somber countenance. "We discovered another gadget, Alpha. The Luna's quarters were where this one was.

"The quarters of Luna?" Confused, I repeated.

Dominick's jaw tensed, but he remained silent.

After hesitating, Marcus said, "There's more, Alpha. Earlier today, Anabella was seen conversing with one of the chefs, according to the east wing guards.

"Which cook?" Dominick made a demand.

Marcus answered, "Marion."

Dominick said an expletive. Bring her to me. Right now.

Dominick's POV

A few minutes later, two guards pulled Marion into the room. Her hands were shaking and her eyes were wide with terror.

"I didn't do anything, Alpha!" She broke down in tears and went to her knees.

"Be careful," I snarled. "What is the duration of your collaboration with Anabella?"

"I swear, I have no idea what you're talking about!" she begged, her eyes welling with tears.

Lisa moved forward, speaking in a cool but direct tone. Marion, we located the gadgets. The guards also saw you with her. Now, lying won't assist you.

Marion looked between us, her mouth trembling. At last, she lost it. "She made me a threat! She threatened to murder my family if I didn't assist her.

Dominick squinted his eyes. "What did you do because of her?"

"She asked me to plant the trackers," she said. "She also requested that I put something in Lisa's drink," Marion said, her voice almost audible above a whisper.

Lisa tensed up next to me. "Toxin?"

Marion gave a swift shake of her head. "No, no! It wasn't poison. It was meant to make you weaker. She claimed to want to expose your weaknesses.

Dominick balled his fists. "Now, where is she?"

Marion gave a headshake. "I'm not sure! She just said that she would return when the time was appropriate.

I looked across to the guards. Keep her confined to the dungeon. Later, I'll deal with her.

"No!" As Marion was pulled away, she sobbed. "Please—" I had to—" Alpha.

The room fell into tense quiet as the soldiers removed her, her voice fading.

Lisa's POV

I interrupted the stillness by saying, "She's escalating." "Who knows what she will do next if she is willing to involve innocent people?"

Dominick's eyes were far away and his face looked grim. She is in a difficult situation. People in desperate situations make blunders.

"And if someone is killed as a result of her next error?" My voice trembled as I asked.

His eyes softened as he turned to face me. "I refuse to allow that to occur."

I said, "You can't guarantee that."

He took a step forward and cupped my face in his palms. "I'll keep you safe, Lisa. Whatever it takes.

Marcus came back before I could reply, his face white.

"Alpha," he added in a hurried tone. "There is an issue."

"Now what?" Dominick's tone was stern as he inquired.

"It's Alexander," Marcus said when he paused. He has communicated. He is daring you to a battle at daybreak tomorrow.

Dominick's wolf surged forward as his eyes flared with rage. "He has no right to set the conditions." "Dominick," I said in a faltering tone. "You cannot confront him by yourself."

His mouth dropped as he turned to face me. "I must."

"No, you don't," I shouted, taking hold of his arm. "We'll figure something else out."

His voice was stern, yet his eyes softened. "There is no other way to put an end to it."

A shiver went down my spine as he turned to go. I had a feeling that this was just what Alexander wanted.