Before Dominick could say anything further, Jeniva stepped closer to him.
Then, without hesitation, she wrapped her arms tightly around him. The sudden gesture caught him off guard.
Standing on her toes slightly, she rested against him and spoke in a soft whisper.
"Nothing would have happened to me," she said gently. "And I’m not weak enough to be easily hurt."
For a brief moment, Dominick remained still, feeling the warmth of her embrace.
Then he slowly lifted his hands and gently took hold of her wrists, easing her arms away so he could look at her properly.
"Xaris slapped you, Jeniva," he said. He held both of her hands firmly, his gaze locked onto hers. "He hurt you badly."
"It happens when you’re in this line of work," Jeniva said calmly. "It’s nothing new for me. Things like this have happened during past missions as well."
Dominick immediately shook his head.
"That was different," he said firmly.
His grip on her hands tightened slightly as he continued. "Back then, you didn’t have a mate worrying about you."
His eyes held a storm of emotions, anger, fear, and something much deeper.
"But now you do." He took a slow breath before finishing his thought. "Black and I were going insane when you and your wolf, Eva, got hurt. I don’t know but Jeniva I was scared of losing you. That’s why this reaction is coming. I admire you for your bravery, but I want to protect you too."
Jeniva smiled at him. "You did protect me, Dominick. You came to my rescue. I never felt that safe in my life before. So, yeah, I understand the depth of your worry for me. I promise it won’t happen anymore in future." Her one hand moved to his cheek, caressing it tenderly.
~~~~~
Gabriel yawned softly as he walked into the kitchen, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. The mansion was still quiet, with the early morning sunlight spilling through the tall windows and warming the marble counters.
He had only come to get a glass of water, but the moment he stepped inside, he paused.
Amelie was already there.
She stood near the stove, calmly preparing breakfast. The kitchen smelled warm and inviting, the buttery aroma of eggs and toasted bread filling the air.
In the pan before her, she was making a fluffy cheese and omelette, carefully folding it with a spatula. Beside the stove, a tray held freshly toasted bread slices, sautéed mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, and crispy hash browns. A kettle rested nearby, ready for tea.
For a moment, Gabriel simply watched her.
The sight stirred an old memory, his early days after bringing her to this mansion, when she had first started cooking breakfast for him despite the staff being fully capable of doing it.
"What are you cooking?" he asked as he walked over.
He stepped right beside her and leaned slightly to peek into the pan.
"Why didn’t you wake me up?" he added, his voice still thick with sleep.
"I’ve told you many times to let the maids handle the kitchen," Gabriel muttered, watching her flip the omelette neatly. "But you never listen."
Amelie glanced sideways at him, one eyebrow lifting.
"Don’t you like it when I cook breakfast for you?" she asked.
Gabriel shook his head immediately.
"I do," he replied quickly. "I like it a lot."
He rested his hand on the counter beside her, watching her plate the omelette.
"But I feel like you shouldn’t be doing these chores," he continued more gently. "I know you enjoy it... but I can’t help worrying about you."
"It’s almost ready," Amelie said as she plated the omelette and adjusted the breakfast tray. Then she glanced at Gabriel and smiled faintly. "You smell nice."
Gabriel let out a quiet chuckle.

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