Chapter 270

Chapter 270
Despite our argument the previous night, I still cared about Nina's future.

Nina took a deep breath. "We're leaving together. Next Monday."

"Are you still unhappy about it?" I frowned.

"I'm leaving my family, leaving my pack, I don't need to be happy about that. But..." Nina paused, "but I can't live without him, and if I don't go, I'll be miserable."

"He doesn't really want to go," I gently squeezed her hand. "He feels like he has to. He's under so much pressure. I want him to stay, but he has to make his own decision—both of you do."

"We've talked it through. We're going to try this new life. If it doesn't work out, we can always come back." She forced a smile. "At least we'll have tried."

I felt the need to apologize for my overreaction last night, especially the whole shifting-into-a-wolf thing. But before I could even form the words, Nina spoke first.

"I'm sorry about last night," she said, her eyes showing genuine regret.

"No, I should be the one apologizing," I replied quickly. "I was awful to you. I shouldn't have handled it that way."

Nina's expression softened. "He's your family, and you were worried about him. I get it." A small smile formed on her lips. "If our roles were reversed, I'd probably do the same thing."

"So... we're good?" I asked, needing confirmation.

"Of course," she beamed. "You're my best friend, Riley." The warmth in her smile told me everything was truly okay between us.

---

Later that evening, I headed home with plans to change into pajamas and relax on the couch with a movie. Nothing fancy—just a quiet night to decompress before graduation tomorrow.

The moment I opened the front door, my ears were assaulted by blaring music, and my nose wrinkled at the strong smell of alcohol permeating the air. This was definitely not the peaceful evening I'd envisioned.

The living room was empty. I switched off the deafening music and made my way toward the backyard, following the sound of male voices.

Hunter and Fred were lounging in the yard, but there was no sign of Dominic. Both men looked up when they noticed me.

"What's going on?" I asked, glancing around.

Before either could answer, strong arms wrapped around my waist from behind, and I felt warm lips press against the side of my head.

"Hey baby, you okay?" Dominic's deep voice rumbled against my ear.

I turned in his arms to face him. "I'm fine. What about you?"

"Everything's great," he replied with a grin. "Just discussing some pack business."

I studied him carefully. His hair was slightly disheveled.

Is he drunk?

I glanced at Hunter and Fred. Both appeared completely sober, watching us with barely concealed amusement.

"Are you drunk?" I asked Dominic directly.

He chuckled, pulling me closer. "Maybe a little tipsy." His hands wandered down my back. "I missed you," he murmured, kissing me again. "Want to go to bed?"

Wow.

"You should probably get some sleep," I suggested, trying to keep my voice steady.

His lips curved into a mischievous smile. "Only if you come with me," he said, then giggled.

I stared in disbelief. An Alpha werewolf was giggling like a little girl.

"You smell so good," he mumbled, burying his face in the crook of my neck. I felt a sharp pinch against my skin, followed by the unmistakable sensation of teeth.

Did he just bite me?

He laughed softly, and I felt the wet warmth of his tongue against my skin.

Oh shit.

"Can I get some help here?" I called out, looking to Hunter and Fred for assistance.

Hunter stepped forward. "We'll take care of him."

I watched them guide Dominic inside, wondering what the hell he'd consumed that could get him this intoxicated. The kitchen was a disaster—food containers and empty bottles scattered everywhere.

I sighed, suddenly exhausted. All I wanted was to crawl into bed and forget this bizarre evening.

"Dominic's passed out," Fred informed me when he returned. "We'll clean up this mess."

"Did something happen?" I asked, searching his face for clues.

Fred shrugged. "Everyone needs to blow off steam occasionally, even an Alpha."

That wasn't really an answer, but I was too tired to press further. After they left, I trudged upstairs and chose to sleep in the guest room.

We definitely need to talk in the morning.

---

I wasn't surprised to wake up in our master bedroom, despite falling asleep in the guest room. I figured Dominic had woken during the night, found me missing, and carried me back.

I stretched my arms above my head and yawned. Today was graduation day. I was finally finishing high school at Wolf Creek High.

Grabbing my phone, I scrolled through a flood of messages from Nina—all about baby names. I rolled my eyes. It suddenly hit me that I hadn't told Dominic that my friends knew about the pregnancy. I wasn't sure how to break that news to him.

The sound of a toilet flushing drew my attention as he emerged from the bathroom.

"How are you feeling?" he asked, his eyes scanning my face.

"I should be asking you that after last night," I replied, sitting up against the headboard.

He waved dismissively. "Just had a few drinks. No big deal."

"Just blowing off steam?" I echoed Fred's words from last night.

He never drinks to relieve stress. He usually shifts and runs, which always calms him down.

Dominic's brow furrowed. "Are we really going to argue about me having a drink?"

"Who's arguing?" I asked.

He sighed, running his hand through his hair. "I just wanted a few drinks and invited some friends over. I guess I had more than I intended. I apologize."

"Are you okay?" I asked, concern replacing my irritation.

"Everything's fine, baby," he assured me, but something in his tone didn't quite convince me.

I don't want to fight or argue. I just want to make sure nothing's bothering him.

I realized Dominic rarely shared his vulnerable side with me. I could sense he was hiding something, but decided not to push it.

"I need to get ready," I said, throwing back the covers and climbing out of bed.

"Are you sure you're alright?" he asked again.

"Everything's fine," I replied shortly.

No further words passed between us as I walked into the bathroom and locked the door behind me.

---

When I emerged from the bathroom, I noticed he had prepared a cup of tea for me on the dresser. He sat on the bed, head bent over his phone.

"I need you to pick up my graduation gown. It's at your mom's," I reminded him.

"I told the pack members," he said abruptly, not looking up.

"Told them what?" I asked, confused by the sudden change in topic.