Chapter 6: His Proposition

Elise's POV

I'd just wrapped up the most pointless business meeting of my life. Talon, some textile company VP, had wasted two hours trying to convince me his ridiculous terms were somehow in my best interest. My patience was hanging by a thread.

"That's not going to work for us," I said firmly, pushing back from the conference table.

Talon flashed what he probably thought was a charming smile. "This is the best we can offer, Ms. Morgan." The condescension in his voice made my skin crawl.

He thinks we're idiots, Amber growled in my mind. He's trying to screw us over.

No kidding. I'd caught that vibe the second he strutted in with his overpriced suit and smug expression. The way he looked at me—like I was some clueless woman who had no business running a successful company—made my blood boil. As if I should be grateful he was even bothering to negotiate with me.

I stood up. "Then we're done here."

"Wait, Ms. Morgan," Talon called, his smile faltering. "I'm sure we can work something out."

God, he really thought I was an idiot. I could see right through that fake smile and what it was hiding.

"You've already wasted enough of my time."

I walked out without looking back. I heard him calling after me, but kept going. Minutes later, I was heading toward my car in the underground parking garage.

As I reached for my keys, a hand clamped over my mouth, and a cloth pressed against my nose. My heart lurched as I tried to fight, but within seconds, darkness claimed me.

I woke to the purr of a car engine, my head throbbing. It took a moment for the fog to clear, but I understood immediately—I'd been kidnapped.

"You're awake," a deep voice observed.

I froze, recognizing that voice instantly. I looked up into those steel-blue eyes and my suspicion was confirmed. His expression gave nothing away—a blank slate I hated because I couldn't read him.

"I don't appreciate being stood up, Elise," Dominic said, his tone carrying a dangerous edge.

"That's the problem—you told me to meet you rather than asking," I shot back, shifting away from him in the leather seat. "I don't respond well to being ordered around."

Just to clarify, I hadn't shown up to meet Dominic at Westcliff two days ago. I'd decided that getting involved with someone as powerful as Dominic Blackwood would only complicate my already messy life. My skepticism was justified. I'd been involved with an Alpha before, and look how that turned out.

"And I don't respond well to defiance," he replied, his voice smooth as silk but cold as ice. "You should understand that about me by now."

He appeared calm, but I knew better. Beneath that tailored suit was a beast. For some bizarre reason, Amber became excited by his presence. I ignored her reaction—she might be entranced, but I knew he was dangerous.

"Where are you taking me?" I asked. "You realize this is kidnapping, right?"

"I'm Dominic Blackwood," he replied simply. "I own this city. I do whatever I want."

Damn it, he was right. Noah had power, but Dominic was the king of Rustvale. No wonder Vivian had pursued him. She was a gold-digger through and through. Noah wasn't enough for her—she wanted someone more powerful, more prestigious, richer.

Unfortunately for Noah, I wasn't enough either. The moment that bitch came back, he decided I no longer qualified.

I turned to the window, choosing not to respond. There was no point fighting him anyway—I couldn't escape.

Soon, we passed through gates leading to a lavish estate. The driver pulled up in front of a stunning three-story mansion with sleek lines and modern architecture blending with classic stone elements.

Dominic guided me inside, his hand lightly gripping my forearm. We moved quickly through the impressive interior until we reached his office. He motioned for me to sit before taking his place behind an imposing desk.

"Why am I here, Mr. Blackwood?" I asked, deliberately formal.

"Drop the attitude, Elise," he growled.

Something flashed in his eyes, but disappeared too quickly to identify. I didn't know why I was testing his limits.

"I'll call you whatever I want," he replied, his expression severe. "Now shut up, or I'll lose my patience."

I stood up. "I'm leaving. You're being a complete dick, and I don't need to sit here while you disrespect me."

I was about to walk out when his words stopped me cold.

"I know you're going feral," he said softly.

I slowly turned to face him. He was watching me, his expression possibly showing sympathy, though I couldn't be sure—I doubted Dominic was capable of such emotion.

"How do you know?" My voice barely reached a whisper.

"Sit down, and I'll explain everything."

Not needing much convincing, I quietly took my seat. He seemed to have answers, and I desperately wanted to know.

"I recognize the symptoms. I've been through it myself," he began. "That's where my proposal comes in. It will prevent you from going feral and give us both a chance to get back at those two."

I was shocked. Someone as powerful as him had once been in my position? His proposal now had my complete attention.

"What exactly are you proposing?" I asked, willing to try almost anything at this point.

His eyes bore into mine as he answered. "A Bond Contract."

My breath caught. "A what?"

"A Bond Contract. A mutually beneficial arrangement between us."