CHAPTER 227: MARK ON HIS CHEST

"Dad’s prepared a report on the attacks targeting the betas," Juniper said over the phone.

Dominick lay back on the bed, adjusting the earbud in his ear. "I’ll come over to check the report, then," he responded with determination.

"No need. Dad said he’ll be bringing it to the palace himself," Juniper informed him. After a pause, her tone softened. "By the way, how’s Gabriel? I couldn’t visit him at the hospital. I hope he’s doing better now."

"He’s recovering well," Dominick replied. "The healers advised him to rest for two more days."

"And what about Brother Casaio?"

Dominick’s voice grew heavier. "Not great. He’s caught in this exhausting love-hate cycle with Zilia. Honestly, he looks more shattered with each passing day. It’s painful to watch him break piece by piece, and the worst part is... I can’t do anything to help him. I hate feeling so helpless."

"You can’t help him, even if you want to," Juniper said gently.

Dominick’s brows drew together. "What do you mean?"

Juniper sighed. "Brother Casaio needs to fight his own battle. If he truly wants Zilia in his life, he has to hold on to her and fight for her. But if he doesn’t, then he has to let her go completely. He’s the only one who can make that choice."

Dominick nodded slowly. "Yeah... you’re right."

There was a brief pause before Juniper changed the subject. "One of my friends is hosting a party. I haven’t decided if I’ll go, but... if you come with me, I’ll go. I know you’ve been busy lately, and I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important. But she’s been insisting for days now."

"I’ve always time for you, June. When is the party?" Dominick asked.

"In the evening. Sorry for discussing about it so late," Juniper whispered.

"Don’t be. I’ll pick you up then," Dominick assured her.

"Sure. I’ll wait for you," Juniper said, smiling. Before she could speak further, she felt a sudden warmth spreading through her body as Dominick hugged her from behind. He had teleported to her room, particularly the balcony, where she was standing.

"I always have time for you, June. When’s the party?" Dominick asked warmly.

"In the evening. Sorry for telling you so late," Juniper replied in a soft whisper.

"Don’t apologize. I’ll pick you up," he assured her without hesitation.

"Sure. I’ll wait for you," she said with a smile.

Before she could say anything more, a sudden warmth enveloped her from behind. Dominick’s arms wrapped around her in a firm embrace. He had teleported directly onto her balcony, where she stood gazing out at the sky.

"Nick!" Juniper gasped in surprise, ending the call and lowering her phone. "I didn’t expect you to show up like this."

"I missed you," Dominick murmured, resting his chin gently on her shoulder.

"But we just met yesterday," she reminded him with a soft laugh.

"That’s not enough. I think we should live together," he said. "We’ve already marked each other and by all means, that’s marriage. The ceremony is just for tradition... and to celebrate it properly."

Juniper turned in his arms, her eyes locking with his. "Let’s live together then," she whispered, her hands slipping into his.

Dominick leaned in and kissed her which was full of yearning. Juniper returned the kiss without hesitation, her lips parting as it deepened. Soon, they were gently nibbling at each other, a soft moan escaping as the kiss grew more intense.

Juniper wrapped her arms around his neck, clinging to him as he lifted her with ease. Her legs instinctively wrapped around his waist. One of her slippers slipped off and hit the floor, but she didn’t care.

Without breaking the kiss, Dominick carried her inside, his hold firm yet gentle. He carefully laid her down on the soft mattress, ensuring she was comfortable beneath him.

His lips slowly trailed downward, from her lips to her chin, then to the delicate curve of her neck, igniting warmth in her body wherever they touched. Juniper’s fingers fumbled with the buttons of his shirt, eager yet trembling with anticipation.

"The door... Nick... I didn’t lock it," she murmured breathlessly.

In a blur of light, Dominick vanished from her side and appeared near the door. He turned the lock with a soft click, then reappeared beside her in an instant.

With a slow, teasing motion, he unfastened the final button of his shirt and slipped it off, revealing the mark on his chest that glowed faintly. The sight made Juniper’s lips curl into a smile.

He leaned down again, hovering over her, eyes darkened with affection and want. His knee gently slid between her legs, pressing lightly against her center, drawing a soft moan from her lips. His mouth found her neck again, planting tender, lingering kisses, while her fingertips traced along his bare torso, memorizing every line of muscle and warmth.

Dominick’s hands moved with care, working at the delicate fabric of her blouse. Slowly, he slipped it off her shoulders, baring her to the soft light of the room and to his gaze that softened with admiration and yearning.

Juniper’s cheeks flushed in anticipation as she bit her bottom lip. She felt him tracing the mark on her neck, her eyes blinking slowly.

"Why did you stop?" Juniper asked finally.

"I didn’t. I was just thinking something," Dominick said.

"What?"

"That how many babies should we have?" Dominick said in a teasing tone.

"Maybe three," Juniper replied. "Are you ready to be a father?"

"Yeah. I always am ready for everything I do with you. What about you?" Dominick asked.

"Of course, I want to bear children for my mate. I love kids. That’s why I decided to work in the academy where small kids are taught and trained," she stated, her eyes brightening at the mention of kids.

"We are getting married soon, June. I delayed it a lot. There’s no reason to keep pushing it behind anymore," Dominick said, capturing her lips again.

Juniper gently pulled away, taking a deep breath. "When are we marrying then?"

"Maybe by the end of this week," Dominick replied, and she pulled him down, sealing his lips with hers.