Chapter 166: Chapter 166 Old Wounds
Author
"Haven’t removed it. Why would I?" Alpha Dominic ’s response cut through Logan’s thoughts.
"Wait, so Elara’s seen it already?" Logan blinked.
Alpha Dominic seemed amused by that. "And what if she has?"
Logan laughed awkwardly. "Alpha Dominic , aren’t you worried she’ll be mad?"
"No."
Near the restroom entrance, Elara ducked behind a large floral arrangement.
The hotel had placed elaborate displays of jasmine and gardenias throughout the hallway, and the overwhelming floral scent masked her own werewolf scent completely.
Her sensitive hearing picked up every word of their conversation.
[So Dominic wasn’t worried about her seeing his tattoo of another woman’s initials? Of course not. Their marriage was just business to him.]
The bitter ache in her chest became unbearable. She carefully slipped away from the flowers, making sure to stay out of sight as she headed back toward the party room.
Logan’s mouth hung open, clearly shocked. "Wait, so this whole marriage thing is just for show?"
But Elara was already gone, having missed Alpha Dominic’s explanation entirely.
But Alpha Dominic’s next words came out as if he were looking at an idiot. "The tattoo has her name. Why the hell would I be worried?"
"My name’s Dominic. My wife’s name is Elara. D.E.-Dominic and Elara. Get it now?" Alpha Dominic patted Logan’s shoulder as he walked past.
"You’ve tattooed so many mate marks on other wolves, and you still don’t have someone of your own? All that watching other people’s love stories, and you haven’t learned anything?"
"Come on, buddy. Step up your game."
Logan’s thoughts raced.
[ Wait, hold on. So Alpha Dominic had his eyes on Elara three years ago? Why’d it take him this long to make a move?]
He hurried to catch up with Alpha Dominic’s stride, unable to let it go. "Dominic, you’ve had that tattoo for three years, right? And you’re only just now getting together with her."
Alpha Dominic’s lips curved into a cocky smile. "Who said I chased her?"
"Sorry to disappoint, but Elara chased me."
Logan froze mid-step.
Alpha Dominic slid his hands into his pockets, that smirk still playing on his lips.
[ Elara had been the one to propose marriage. How was that not her pursuing him?]
--
The moment he returned to their table, though, Alpha Dominic knew something was wrong.
Elara’s face looked normal, but Alpha Dominic could tell she was upset about something.
"Have some shrimp." He pushed the plate toward her.
Elara’s response was flat. "I’m allergic to shrimp."
Alpha Dominic tried again, still trying to make peace. "Then have the fish."
"Allergic to fish too."
He nearly laughed out loud. "You weren’t allergic yesterday. What, it just started today?"
Elara, nursing the tightness in her chest, calmly looked at his offering. "Everything you’re serving me today? I’m allergic to all of it."
She took a few bites, then set down her fork.
The rest of the reception passed in uncomfortable silence. Alpha Dominic kept trying to make small talk, but Elara just ignored him and pulled out her phone.
Hannah: [So? How was it meeting hubby’s college friends? Spill the tea!]
Hannah had been hoping to dig up some dirt. Surely meeting Dominic’s college buddies would reveal something, some clue that would make Elara realize how deeply he cared...
She was already imagining romantic scenarios when her friend’s reply came through.
[Hannah, you were totally wrong. That tattoo on Dominic’s chest? It’s for some woman he used to love. Don’t make this into something it’s not. We really are just roommates who sleep together. A business arrangement, nothing more.]
And maybe fuck buddies too, Elara added silently to herself.
Hannah: [WHAT?! No freaking way! Elara, are you sure you heard right? That can’t be true!]
But Elara had no desire to continue this conversation. The more she talked about it, the more she felt like an idiot.
Elara:[ Just drop it. There’s nothing real between us. Gotta go.]
Alpha Dominic’s hand rested casually on the back of Elara’s chair. His eyes flicked sideways, catching her phone screen as she typed frantically. His gaze sharpened.
Who was she texting so intensely?
After the wedding ceremony ended, Alpha Dominic pulled Elara to her feet. "We’re heading out. See you all at my wedding."
"Sounds good, Dominic! Safe travels, Elara!"
"See you at the wedding, Dominic!"
Marcus, completely wasted by now, insisted on walking them all the way to the hotel entrance.
His words slurred together, breath reeking of alcohol.
Alpha Dominic held his breath, smiling slightly. "Alright, really, stop following us. My car’s here."
"Dominic... man, it’s so good seeing you alive. Remember when you had that accident? Logan and I both freaked out. Thank God you made it out okay."
"Bye, Elara!"
"Bye, Dominic!"
Alpha Dominic’s expression tightened briefly before going neutral. "You’re drunk."
"Let’s go." He opened the car door for Elara, then slid into the seat beside her.
Elara’s thoughts stuck on something. His friend had mentioned an accident. Alpha Dominic had been in a car accident?
"When were you in a car accident?"
Alpha Dominic’s gaze remained cold. "Small thing. Not worth mentioning."
But Marcus’s tone hadn’t sounded like it was small at all.
The man’s voice took on a teasing edge, his lips curving as he leaned closer. "Don’t worry, Luna Wolfe. ’Not worth mentioning’ means even with the accident, it didn’t affect my performance in bed."
He moved in further, his voice dropping to something almost seductive. "You’ve experienced my skills firsthand, haven’t you?"
Elara shoved him back. "Be serious."
She shouldn’t have asked. This man could face the end of the world and still find something flirtatious to say about it.
