Daniella's POV
Dominic and I returned to our room in silence, but my mind was a storm of emotions. Never in my life had I felt so diminished, so insulted. I had to prove my worth to be a man's partner? Was this some kind of medieval farce? Back in my world, women didn't need to endure tests of bloodline, status, or accomplishments to be deemed fit for love. Love was the only requirement.
In my world, in my life, I was an independent woman. A lawyer. Respected, successful, and free. The only thing I had ever needed to justify a relationship was love. So why should I bow down now? Why should I stoop to meet the ridiculous expectations of Alpha Jenson, to earn a role I didn't even ask for?
Dominic seemed to sense my turmoil. He guided me to the edge of the bed, his large, warm hand holding mine tightly. "Ella," he began gently, his voice laced with understanding, "I know you're angry. You feel like your worth is being questioned, and I hate that for you. But… could you look at it from another angle? I'm the Alpha now. I lead not just a family but a pack, a kingdom, in a way. My decisions affect every life in this pack. Can you help me prove to my father that you belong by my side?"
I exhaled sharply, my frustration spilling out. "What exactly am I supposed to prove, Dom?"
He hesitated. "I don't know exactly what my father has in mind. He might set up some challenges or tests for you"
I cut him off with a bitter laugh. "What kind of tests? Sleeping with you in front of your pack? Cooking a feast for everyone? Washing your parents' feet as a show of submission? Is that what they want?" My voice dripped with sarcasm.
Dominic's eyes narrowed slightly, though a small smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "Why would you even think of tests like that?"
I folded my arms. "Well, based on what you've told me, the Luna's duties are all about serving the Alpha, tending to the kitchen, and raising kids. So naturally, those kinds of tests make sense for someone aspiring to such a role."
He sighed but didn't look offended. Instead, his expression softened. "Ella, I don't think it'll be anything like that. My father will likely just want to see how you adapt to our way of life, how you connect with the pack. You don't need to change who you are or lower yourself in any way."
I folded my arms, still unconvinced. "What if I just... can't? What if being myself isn't enough for him or your pack?"
Dominic's expression turned serious, his green eyes locking onto mine with unwavering intensity. "Then they'll have to accept it, because you are enough for me. I'm the Alpha now, not him. His opinions matter to me because he's my father, but he cannot force me to leave you or choose Eva. I won't let that happen."
I bit my lip, torn between my pride and the sincerity in his voice. "What do you need me to do, Dom?"
He smiled softly. "For now? Just spend time with me, learn about the pack, and see how we live. Tomorrow morning, I'll take you on a tour of the territory. It's beautiful, you'll see the heart of everything I fight for. You'll meet the people who depend on me, and maybe even enjoy yourself."
"And tomorrow night?" I asked .
His grin widened, but there was a tenderness in his tone. "Tomorrow, there's a gala dinner to celebrate my coronation. Other packs will be attending. I want to introduce you to everyone as my mate."
I hesitated, but his words carried a weight that made me relent. "Alright," I said quietly. "But what if...."
"No 'what ifs,' Ella," he interrupted, squeezing my hand. "Be yourself. Be the intelligent, confident woman I fell in love with. That's all I'm asking."
I looked at him skeptically. "Do you think your father will accept me for who I am?"
Dominic's jaw set firmly. "He has to. I'm the Alpha now, not him. I respect him as my father, but I won't let him or anyone else dictate my choice of Luna. Eva will never take your place, not while I breathe. Please, Ella. Just give me this one week. Help me prove to everyone what I already know: that you belong here, with me."
His eyes, filled with a mix of hope and vulnerability, did what they always did. They melted my resolve. I sighed and nodded.
"Fine," I said. "I'll think of it like this, I'm preparing to marry a king. Even Lady Diana had to take lessons to adjust to royal life when she married Prince Charles. I'll just pretend I'm Diana, and you're Dominic, the werewolf Prince."
His lips curled into a wide grin, and he pulled me closer. "That's the spirit. And just so you know, I'm not just a Prince , I'm a future Lycan King. The king of all werewolf Alphas. That makes you the queen."
I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't suppress the smile tugging at my lips. "Fine, Your Majesty. Let's see how this goes."
"Thank you, my queen," he whispered, lowering his lips to mine. His kiss was soft, tender, and consuming, washing away my doubts and filling me with warmth.
As his lips moved against mine, I found myself silently praying. For this man, for his dreams, for us. Let this week go well. Let me prove that I belong, not for them, but for him.