The Sire’s Claim

The instant I breached the threshold of the Stone Estate and scented the distress in the air, my inner wolf surged to the surface. I had caught the faint, jagged echoes of Harper’s plea for help the moment the front door hissed open, but seeing the scene with my own eyes turned my blood to molten lead.

Rafael Vega had her pinned against the Tech-Design cabinetry. Every predatory move he made toward her caused me to see a blinding, crimson haze.

“What the f*ck is going on in my den?” I snarled, my pupils blowing wide until my eyes were nearly solid obsidian. I wanted to shift right there to let my claws slide out and tear his throat from his neck, watching his life spill onto the marble floor.

I wasn't entirely sure why my reaction was so feral. I’d protect any female under my roof, yes. But this... this felt like a violation of my own soul. It was personal.

The pup looked over his shoulder at me, a cocky, drunken sneer on his face. “Mind your business, old man.”

Old man? He truly was begging for a shallow grave. The younger generation of the South Beach pack had lost all sense of hierarchy.

“Excuse me?” I sneezed the words, my voice vibrating with Alpha authority. “I think you need to vanish... now.”

He let out a short, sharp bark of a laugh. That was his final mistake. I didn't wait for him to comply.

“You heard me”

Before he could finish his sentence, I bridged the gap in a blur of motion. I slammed him into the floor, my hand crushing his windpipe as I stared into his pathetic, wide eyes.

“I am the Alpha of this territory,” I growled, the sound rattling the glassware in the cabinets. “If you aren't out of my sight in ten seconds, I will make sure your future in this pack—and this country—is extinguished. Do YOU understand ME?”

Pure, unadulterated terror flooded Rafael’s scent. He finally realized he hadn't just crossed a line; he’d jumped into a volcano.

Cole Bennett and Ryder Knox burst into the kitchen, their own wolves bristling. They were my lead security Enforcers; they didn't need a verbal command. They grabbed Rafael by his collar and dragged his pathetic form toward the gates.

I wanted his lineage. I wanted to know which Beta raised such a disrespectful cur. They would all feel the weight of my displeasure for what he’d dared to do to Harper.

Harper…

I turned to her. She was on her knees, her small frame shaking as she tried to pull oxygen into her lungs. She looked fragile, yet there was a spark of defiance in her blue eyes that called to me.

“Are you alright?” I asked. My voice, usually like granite, softened as she looked up. My hand went out instinctively to steady her as she stood on trembling legs.

“I think so,” she exhaled, her scent finally losing that sharp spike of fear. “I’m so sorry, Alpha Stone—”

“How many times must I command you to call me Dominic?” A low, involuntary rumble of a laugh escaped me. The way her cheeks flushed a deep, sunset pink made my wolf pace restlessly. I wanted to pull her against me and never let go.

“I’m sorry—Dominic,” she whispered, her voice like velvet. “I... I should go.”

She brushed past me, fleeing down the corridor, but every instinct I possessed screamed at me to follow.

My obsession with her was a danger to the pack's stability, yet being near her felt like the only thing that made sense since the divorce.

Harper

“Wait.” His voice was a physical tether, stopping me in my tracks. I turned, watching the Sire Canadian close the distance between us. His jaw was set in a hard line, his shoulders broad and imposing in his dark suit.

“What’s wrong—”

“I cannot let you walk away while you're still radiating distress. Are you certain you’re unharmed?” His concern was heavy, dark, and utterly intoxicating.

“I’m fine, really. Thank you for checking. You didn't have to.”

He stepped into my personal space, his brows knitting together. “Why wouldn't I have to?”

I searched for an answer, but my brain felt like it was short-circuiting under his gaze. “I know you're only worried because I’m Madison’s guest. I appreciate the rescue, but you shouldn't feel obligated to babysit me—”

“You are not an obligation, Harper.” He cut me off, moving so close my back met the cold wall of the hallway. “Ensuring your safety is my only priority.”

“Thanks.” It was all I could manage.

Then, he did something I didn't expect. He reached out, pulling me into a firm, grounding embrace. I’d never been held by an Alpha like him before. His chest was like a wall of warm muscle, and for the first time in weeks, I felt truly safe.

“Dominic–” I whispered against his shoulder. I felt him tilt his head, inhaling the scent of my hair—a deep, possessive pull—before he slowly retreated to look me in the eye.

“No female in my territory deserves to be treated like prey, Harper. I will always be your shield. You deserve to be worshipped like a Luna, not handled like property.”

I was stunned into silence. Before I could process the weight of his words, he turned and walked toward his private study, his movements sharp and controlled.

Dominic Stone hadn't just saved me from a harasser; he’d saved my spirit.

I watched the study door close, my heart thumping a frantic rhythm. I eventually turned toward the stairs, catching sight of Madison flirting with a group of wolves as if nothing had happened.

“Madison,” I said, my voice tight. “A word.”

“Oh, Goddess!” she squealed, turning around. “There you are! Did you and Rafael hit it off? I knew he’d be your type!”

She winked, and for a second, I actually saw red.

“Hit it off? Are you out of your mind?” I snapped.

She blinked, confused. “Well, where is he? Did he chicken out?”

I felt a surge of genuine resentment. This was on her. She never listened; she just pushed her own agenda.

“Your father had to physically remove him from the house,” I said, my hands on my hips. “So I’d check the front gate.”

The male she was talking to looked startled and immediately started checking his phone—likely to see if his friend was still breathing.

“Harper,” Madison said, her tone dropping. “What happened? I thought he was a catch.”

“He was a predator, Madison. He didn't understand the word ‘no.’ I can’t believe you’d tell someone I was interested when I explicitly told you I wasn't.”

The guy she was with signaled for the others to leave. Madison watched them go, looking more upset about her party ending than the fact that her best friend was almost assaulted.

I stormed up the stairs to my room, but she was hot on my heels.

“What the hell happened? They’re saying you had my dad banish him for no reason!” she yelled as I threw open my door.

“Seriously?” I spun around, incredulous. “You’ve known me my whole life. Does that sound like me? He attacked me, Madison. He tried to force a claim after I told him a dozen times to back off.”

She crossed her arms, a stubborn glint in her eyes. “I find that hard to believe. He’s from a high-ranking family, Harper. Very respectable.”

“Is that right?” I laughed bitterly. “Go ask the Alpha. He’s the one who heard the struggle. He can give you the play-by-play.”

Madison marched out, slamming the door. I didn't care. She was choosing social status over my safety.

Looking at her now, I realized how much the divorce had truly changed her. She’d become self-centered, obsessed with her high-society image. She was a different person.

I felt a wave of guilt, though. I didn't want to lose her, but I couldn't keep letting her put me in danger. A few minutes later, there was a soft knock. I opened the door to find Madison standing there, her mascara running.

“Harper—” She sobbed. “Dad told me everything. I’m so sorry. I’m a terrible friend.”

I let out a long sigh. “Madison, I told you no. Why won't you just listen? After Logan, my walls are up for a reason.”

She nodded, wiping her eyes. “I know. I f*cked up. I didn't think Rafael was such a monster. You should have clawed his eyes out.”

“I was going to, but your dad beat me to it,” I teased, trying to break the tension.

“I just want you to find your spark again, Harper. I don't want that human-raised pup Logan to be the last thing you remember of love.”

There was a flicker of the old Madison in her eyes. I wasn't ready to fully forgive her, but I wasn't ready to leave either.

The Next Morning

For two days, I played a game of cat and mouse with Dominic. I was too embarrassed that he’d seen me in such a vulnerable state. Yet, the memory of his arms around me wouldn't leave my head. The scent of cedar and ozone followed me into my dreams.

I heard the front door open and looked out the window. Dominic was walking to his SUV, looking devastating in a tailored three-piece suit that barely contained his power.

Goddess, he’s lethal.

As if he could sense my gaze, his eyes—hidden behind dark lenses—drifted toward my window. A slow, knowing smile touched his lips before he slid into the vehicle.

I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. Safe. Another morning without an awkward encounter.

“Harper?” Madison’s voice came from the door. “You coming?”

I turned, trying to look busy. “Just getting ready, Madi.”

“Sure you are. You look like a pup caught in the meat locker. You’ve had that look since we were kids.”

I groaned. “Whatever. What’s the plan?”

“Beach day. South Beach is calling. We need to soak up some rays.”

I hesitated. “I’m still annoyed with you, Madi.”

“I know, I know. I’m sorry. Please don't let a stray like Rafael ruin our summer.”

“He tried to assault me, Madi. It’s not just a ‘stray’ issue.”

“I know!” she snapped, then softened. “I’m sorry. Truly. You're right. I've been a brat. Let me make it up to you.”

I sighed. Against my better judgment, I agreed. “Fine. Ten minutes.”

Four Hours Later

The beach had been a blur of cocktails and sunshine. By the time we stumbled back through the Stone Estate’s front doors, we were both pleasantly buzzed and laughing at nothing.

“So, Eleanor Hayes wants to grab coffee and go shopping. You in?” Madison asked, swinging her keys.

“I’ll pass,” I said, leaning against the banister. “I want to call my dad and shower. You go ahead.”

She shrugged, already on her phone. “Your loss!”

I headed to my room, my stomach growling. I hadn't eaten all day. I ordered some takeout on my phone and headed for the shower.

Stepping into the spray, I tried to wash away the thoughts of Dominic, but the hot water only made my skin more sensitive. My mind wandered to his lips, his hands, the way he looked in that suit. My fingers trailed down my body, imagining it was him...

“Dominic—” I whispered, my voice lost in the steam as I finally found my release.

I finished my shower just as my phone pinged. My food was here. I threw on a silk black nightie—not the most modest choice, but I was alone—and ran downstairs to grab the delivery.

I froze at the bottom of the steps.

Standing there, holding my takeout bag, wasn't a delivery driver. It was Dominic.

“Hungry?” he smirked, the shadow of the foyer making his amber eyes glow.

“I—um—yeah,” I stammered, taking a step down.

He held out the bag. As I reached for it, his fingers brushed against mine, sending a jolt of pure electricity through my frame.

“You’ve been hiding from me, Harper.”

My heart hammered against my ribs. “I wasn't.”

“Liar,” he chuckled softly. “Every time I try to scent you out, you’ve vanished into another room.”

He took a step closer, and I instinctively backed into the stairs. His presence was overwhelming.

“What do you want, Dom?” I whispered.

“Nothing much... just this.” He reached out, his hand moving toward my face. I flinched slightly, but he only gently tucked a damp strand of hair behind my ear.

My breath hitched.

“There,” he murmured, his fingers lingering on my jaw. He tilted my chin up, forcing me to meet his gaze. “You never have to hide from me, Harper. If you need anything... anything at all... you know where my office is. I’m here to serve your needs.”

The way he said needs made it clear he wasn't just talking about takeout.