An Unwavering Promise--Completed

Chapter Twenty-Two

Eleanor’s POV

It wasn’t too long before I was discharged from the hospital and walking towards my destination of where Dominic would most likely make his move. It had taken a bit to convince Alexander–actually, it had taken the best performance of my life to guilt trip him into letting me use myself as bait. I wasn’t going to let my mate kill himself because of my weird stalker, who I still couldn’t remember. No, if Alexander insisted on doing this, then I would most definitely be involved to do my part.

And you like being in control of everything around you. Don’t forget that part.

I rolled my eyes at Rae because I couldn’t refute her words.

I’m an alpha. Of course I like being in control. But also, this pertains to me. I’m not going to let my mate of all people risk his life for me without doing everything I can to keep him safe. He already got locked up and almost sold in a black market auction! Don’t you forget that he’s your mate too!

Neither of you will let me forget he’s my mate. All I’m saying is that you should have a little more faith and trust in the person the Moon Goddess gave to us.

I swallowed my response as I walked up to the coffee shop. This was it. Once I entered and ordered my drink, there was no turning back. Taking a deep breath in, I shoved my doubts into the back of my mind, opened the door, and headed for the counter. A young lady with a chestnut brown pony tail greeted me with a smile. Her name tag read “Laura”.

“Welcome in! What can I get started for you?” she asked, sweetly.

I gave a weak smile back. “Um…”

Okay, all mighty alpha. Let’s get this show on the road. You do not hesitate. Remember a few years back when rogues attacked us? You didn’t think twice about jumping into the battle to save your people. Why are you suddenly so shy and doubting yourself now?

“Can I get an iced Americano with one pump sweetener and a splash of cream? Medium,” I asked, forcing my voice to remain strong.

Laura paused for half a second before nodding her head and punching my order into the computer screen. If I hadn’t been looking closely, I wouldn’t have noticed her subtly pressing a button next to the screen. That was the signal Alexander had told me about that would alert Dominic to my presence here, though he wouldn’t know it was me exactly–just that someone was here for him.

This isn’t like the battle with the rogues, Rae. I can’t use brute force to solve the problem, though I’d love to. The fight at hand is entirely strategic and full of mind games. One wrong move, and it’ll be game over. Nicholas made it clear to us that his connections are far reaching and deep-rooted. Dominic was apparently a part of that, and I’m guessing that just killing NIcholas wasn’t enough to stop his plans. He may have halted them for the time being, but he was part of something far grander than either of us realize.

Yes, another reason to be wary of Nathan and his dark promises.

“Um, ma’am?”

I looked up at Laura, who gave me a weird half-smile. “Yes? Sorry.”

“That’s okay. It’ll be $3.75. Will you be using cash or card?” Laura questioned.

“Cash,” I replied, taking a five from my pocket. “Keep the change.”

Laura took the money and said, “Thank you.”

I watched her complete the order and put the extra money into the tip jar. As I moved down the counter to where the finished drink would be handed to me, I watched Laura and her coworker make my drink. My heart began to race as the other worker placed the drink down and gestured at it. I smiled wanly, took the drink, and then headed outside to wait at one of the tables. My heart was pounding now. Minutes trickled by, and I sipped my coffee. Then, footsteps sounded. I didn’t need to turn around to know who it was behind me.

“Are you that eager to see me that your heart dances as such?” Dominic teased.

Tensing up, I remained still as he sat across from me and made himself comfortable in the chair.

“You know,” he continued when it became obvious I wasn’t going to speak. “I was surprised to see it was you who ordered this drink. I am, of course, thrilled, but also insanely curious as to what this meeting may be about. Our last encounter didn’t go as I had hoped. You were the last person I expected to be sitting in that seat. I’m also curious as to how yo got ahold of the information that told you how to contact me.”

I studied him as he spoke. I looked at his facial expression to the way he was sitting to the speed in which he spoke. All of it seemed genuinely surprised as well as happy to see me. I believed that he meant me no harm.

“I think we can both agree that there’s much to be discussed based on our last conversation,” I said tentatively.

Dominic grinned at me. “How about you take off the wire you’re wearing first? Then we can talk.”

My eyebrows shot up in response.

“I know he’s listening,” Dominic chuckled. “There’s no way he’d let you out of his sight after what transpired in the hotel, which is another curiosity, I might add.”

“What do you mean?” I asked, deciding to play dumb.

Dominic tilted his head in the universal gesture of ,”Oh, come on!” before letting out a sigh. “If this is how you want it to be, then I’ll be taking my leave.”

He got up from his chair as he raised an eyebrow at me in a silent question. I bit my lower lip and scrunched up my face.

“Fine,” I huffed in annoyance.

El, this is not part of the plan. You promised.

I need answers. Alex will understand… I hope.

“Good,” Dominic said, holding out his hand.

I quickly took off the wire, pulling it from the hiding spot in my blouse, and handed it to him. He let it drop to the floor, and then stomped on it, crushing it with his heel. I winced. I was now blatantly going off script, and even though I knew Alexander was watching us from a safe distance away, I could feel the anger through the bond. I did my best to convey that everything would be alright.

“Now, we’re going inside and away from prying eyes. This will be a private conversation between us,” he continued. “He can stay outside if he knows what’s good for him.”

I looked around for a brief moment before nodding and following him back towards the coffee shop door. Dominic opened the door and held it for me, waiting for me to go in first.

Stop, El. Do not go in. Turn around and say you’ve changed your mind. I know you want answers, but at what cost? You promised Alex and Hunter that you’d be safe and smart. You’re doing neither right now by going off plan. Something isn’t right. I can sense it, and so can you. Listen to me, and listen to your instincts.

Noticing me hesitating, Dominic whispered in my ear, “It’s now or never. I have so much knowledge to give you about the burning questions that no doubt fill your mind. But, if you don’t walk into this shop with me, I’ll disappear and you'll never get the answers you’re seeking.”

I turned my head to look at him more directly, placing our faces only inches apart, and asked, “How do I know you’re not screwing with me? How can I trust you?”

“Has Nathan ever visited you? Has he ever discussed the darkness with you?” Dominic questioned.

My eyes widened, and he grinned. “Ah, so he has. I can help you control it—master it.”

Alex will have to understand.

Nodding once at Dominic, I walked into the store and Dominic followed. Once the door shut, I heard it lock, and for the briefest moment, I regretted my decision. Dominic led me further into the store and sat me down at a table that wasn’t in view with the windows.

“Alright, now where do you want to begin?” Dominic asked with a twisted smile.

“I know it may be a little late for this, but you’re not going to try anything stupid like hurt me, right?” I questioned, crossing my arms over my chest.

Dominic pouted. “How could you ask me such a thing? I would never. I understand that at the hotel I was a bit hasty, but if anything, please know that I would never let harm come to you.”

“Okay… Then, let’s start there. Why do you have this weird obsession with me?”