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Page 5 of The Alpha’s Forced Rejected Mate (Silverlight Valley Alphas #1)

By five, when it was time to close the library, Luna’s heart was pounding. She knew she would leave town tonight. She was not going to wait to find out if someone tracked her.

“I can finish up,” Jenny offered, noting Luna’s distraction. “You look like you could use an early night.”

Luna hesitated but nodded gratefully. “Thanks. I owe you one.”

“Bring donuts tomorrow and we’re even,” Jenny replied with a grin.

Yes, tomorrow.

Luna gathered her things from her locker in the break room and said goodbye to the remaining staff, forcing a cheerfulness she didn’t feel.

The parking lot was mostly empty when she stepped outside, and Luna’s sedan sat near the back. She’d chosen the spot deliberately that morning—the old oak tree under her car provided cover, and the position gave her a clear view of anyone approaching.

She walked briskly, keys clutched in her right hand with the points extending between her fingers. The light breeze carried the scent of approaching rain, and Luna quickened her pace, eager to get home and packed before the storm broke.

Three steps from her car, the hair on the back of her neck stood up. Luna froze, every sense suddenly on high alert; there was now a presence around her that hadn’t been there seconds before.

Shit.

A figure stepped out from behind a black SUV parked two spaces away. Luna’s breath caught in her throat as recognition slammed into her like a physical blow.

Dominic Blackwood.

Time seemed to slow as their eyes met. He was both exactly the same and completely different from the man she remembered. His black hair was shorter now, cropped close on the sides but still thick on top.

The lines of his face had hardened, but it was his eyes that showed the most change—those steel-gray eyes regarded her with cold calculation.

“Hello, Luna,” he said, his deep voice carrying easily.

Her name—her real name—on his lips sent a shock through her system. Luna’s fingers tightened around her keys as she took an instinctive step backward.

“I think you’ve mistaken me for someone else,” she managed, her voice steadier than she felt. “My name is Lily.”

A humorless smile curved his mouth. “Lily Coleman. Librarian.” He took a step forward, and Luna fought the urge to retreat further. “Impressive identity you’ve created. But we both know it’s just a fake.”

Luna’s mind raced. The library door was too far—he’d catch her before she reached it. Her car was closer, but she’d never unlock it in time. Magic was a possibility, but using it would only confirm what he already suspected.

Jenny didn’t own a car, so she wouldn’t be coming to her rescue. It was possible the woman had taken the back door.

“I haven’t bothered anyone,” she said quietly. “I’ve kept to myself, lived quietly. Whatever you’re here for—”

“It’s not that simple,” Dominic cut in

Something in his tone made Luna’s heart skip a beat.

“You told me to leave,” she reminded him, anger seeping into her voice despite her efforts to remain calm. “You called me an abomination and threatened to hand me over to the Elders.”

A muscle ticked in Dominic’s jaw, the only sign that her words had affected him. “Things change.”

“Not that much.” Luna took a step to the side, attempting to circle around him toward her car. “I’m not going back. Not to the pack, not to that life.”

Dominic moved with her, blocking her path effortlessly. “You don’t have a choice.”

The finality in his voice chilled her. This wasn’t the same man who had kissed her by the waterfall six years ago. This man was harder, colder, and seemed much more dangerous.

“Why now?” she demanded. “What could you possibly want with me after all this time?”

Dominic’s expression remained impassive, but something flickered in his eyes—something Luna couldn’t quite identify. “Your kind has been causing problems.”

“My kind?” Luna laughed. “I don’t even know what I am.”

“A witch,” he said, the word sharp as a blade. “One with enough power to trigger sensors miles away. Did you think no one would notice?”

Luna’s heart sank as realization dawned. The tracking spell. That small use of magic had been enough to expose her location.

That’s all it took.

“I was helping a child,” she said, chin lifting in defiance. “A lost little boy. Would you have preferred I let him stay missing?”

“Your intentions don’t matter,” he said flatly. “Only your actions. And your actions have put you on the Council’s radar.”

“What Council?” Luna asked, confusion momentarily overriding her fear. “The Elders?”

Dominic’s expression darkened. “There’s much you don’t know, Luna. Things have changed since you left.”

The way he said it sent a chill down her spine.

“I’m not going anywhere with you,” Luna said, her voice low but firm. “Whatever you’re part of now, whatever you’ve become, has nothing to do with me.”

Dominic stepped closer, close enough that she could smell his scent, overlaid with something darker now. His proximity triggered memories she’d fought to suppress for years.

Dammit.

“You don’t understand the situation you’re in,” he said, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “This isn’t a request. It’s not negotiable.”

“And if I refuse?” Luna’s keys bit into her palm.

“Don’t make this harder than it needs to be,” Dominic said, holding out his hand. “Come with me now, and no one gets hurt.”

Luna stared at his outstretched hand.

Lightning cracked across the sky, illuminating Dominic’s stern features. Thunder followed seconds later, and with it came the first heavy drops of rain.

“I’m not the same girl you knew,” Luna said, her voice nearly lost in the growing storm. “The one who trusted you. The one you rejected.”

Something dangerous flashed in Dominic’s eyes. “And I’m not the same man.”

As the rain began to fall in earnest, Luna knew with certainty that this was true. The Dominic she knew then was gone, replaced by this cold, ruthless hunter.

And he had come for her.

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