hapter 215: Island Getaway
Chapter 215: Island Getaway
(Aria’s POV)
The warm Caribbean breeze caressed my face as our private jet descended toward Moonrise Island, the crystalline waters below sparkling like scattered diamonds in the afternoon sun. My wolf stirred with contentment as we approached this tropical paradise, finally able to relax after months of pack politics and family betrayal.
“Look at that water,” I breathed, pressing my face to the small window. “It’s so blue it doesn’t look real.”
Dominic leaned over from his seat beside me, his powerful presence immediately comforting even in the cramped aircraft cabin. “Wait until you see the beach. The sand is supposed to be white as snow.”
Baby Nolan gurgled softly in his specialized travel carrier, his bright silver–gray eyes wide with curiosity at all the new sights and sounds. Even at such a young age, his werewolf heritage was evident in his alertness and strength.
“Is he okay?” I asked, my maternal instincts constantly monitoring our precious pup during his first long–distance flight.
“He’s perfect,” Dominic assured me, reaching over to adjust Nolan’s tiny blanket with gentle Alpha hands.
“Better traveler than most adults.”
–
The plane touched down smoothly on the island’s private airstrip, and within minutes we were being whisked away in a luxury resort shuttle. The tropical scenery flashed past our windows – swaying palm trees, colorful flowers, and glimpses of that impossibly blue ocean,
“I can’t believe we’re actually here,” I murmured, my wolf practically purring with anticipation.
“You deserve this,” Dominic replied firmly, his cedar scent wrapping around me protectively. “After everything we’ve been through with the investigation, the family drama, Nolan’s birth – we all need this time together.”
The resort hotel took my breath away. Elegant tropical architecture blended seamlessly with the natural landscape, and the staff greeted us with genuine warmth and efficiency. Our suite overlooked the ocean, with a private balcony that promised stunning sunset views.
“This is incredible,” I said, wandering to the floor–to–ceiling windows that showcased the beach below.
The expansive white sand beach was dotted with colorful umbrellas and loungers. Tourists from different countries were enjoying the tropical paradise – I could hear fragments of multiple languages mixing with the sound of waves and children’s laughter.
“Look how international this place is,” I observed, watching families and couples from various backgrounds enjoying their vacations together.
“One of the reasons I chose it,” Dominic explained, settling Nolan’s carrier carefully on the plush sofa. “Neutral territory where we can just be a normal family on vacation.”
The exhaustion from traveling while still recovering from childbirth suddenly hit me like a wave. My body though healing well, wasn’t quite back to full strength yet.
Chapter 215 Island Getaway
“I think I need to rest for a bit,” I admitted, settling onto the enormous bed with a grateful sigh.
“Sleep,” Dominic commanded gently, his Alpha authority softened with concern. “I’ll watch Nolan and handle check–in details.”
I must have fallen asleep immediately because the next thing I knew, Dominic was gently shaking my shoulder. The room was bathed in the golden light of late afternoon.
“Feel better?” he asked, his silver–gray eyes studying my face with characteristic intensity.
“Much,” I replied, stretching carefully. “How long was I out?”
“About three hours. You needed it.” He gestured toward the windows where Nolan’s stroller waited. “Want to take a walk on the beach? The weather is perfect.”
“Absolutely,” I said, already moving toward the balcony door. “I want to feel that sand between my toes.”
The beach was even more beautiful up close. The sand was impossibly soft and white, warm beneath my bare feet but not burning hot. The ocean breeze carried the scent of salt and tropical flowers, making my enhanced werewolf senses tingle with pleasure.
Dominic pushed Nolan’s stroller with one hand while holding mine with the other, his powerful presence a constant source of comfort and security. Our pup slept peacefully despite the new environment, his werewolf
adaptability already showing.
“This is perfect,” I sighed, leaning into Dominic’s solid warmth as we walked along the water’s edge.
“You’re perfect,” he replied, bringing our joined hands to his lips for a gentle kiss.
My wolf practically melted at the romantic gesture. After months of stress, family investigations, and the
challenges of new motherhood, having this peaceful time with my Alpha mate felt like a precious gift.
“The water is so clear,” I marveled, watching tropical fish dart through the shallow waves. “I can see all the
way to the bottom.”
“Wait until we go snorkeling tomorrow,” Dominic promised, his excitement evident in his warm cedar scent.
We found a comfortable spot under a large parasol where several beach chairs waited in the shade. Dominic
carefully positioned Nolan’s stroller beside us, adjusting the baby’s blanket with the gentle precision that
never failed to make my heart flutter.
“Are you tired from the walk?” he asked, his protective instincts constantly monitoring my energy levels.
“Just pleasantly worn out,” I assured him, settling into the cushioned chair with relief. “This sea air is amazing for my recovery.”
The sound of waves mixed with distant laughter and conversation in multiple languages created a soothing backdrop. For the first time in month’s, my wolf felt completely relaxed, no longer constantly alert for hidden threats or family betrayals./
Dominic’s phone suddenly rang with an urgent tone that cut through our peaceful moment. He glanced at the caller ID and his expression shifted slightly, his silver–gray eyes darkening with what looked like concern.
“I’m sorry,” he said, already rising from his chair. “I need to take this.”
“Shadow Pack business?” I asked, though I already knew the answer from his professional demeanor.
“Probably just a quick update on the security project,” he replied, but his tone suggested it might be more
Chapter 215 Island Getaway
serious than that.
He walked several yards down the beach, far enough that I couldn’t overhear his conversation but close enough that I could see his commanding Alpha presence even in casual vacation clothing. His voice carried hints of authority as he spoke in low, commanding tones that reminded me why he was so respected in werewolf territories.
While Dominic handled his business call, I noticed his attractive appearance was drawing attention from several women on the beach. His tall, muscular form moved with predatory grace that was impossible to ignore, even when he was just standing still talking on the phone.
A blonde foreign man with a confident smile and expensive–looking swim trunks approached my chair, his eyes bright with interest.
“Excuse me,” he said in accented English, “are you here alone?”
I glanced toward Dominic, who was still on his call, then back at the stranger. “No, I’m not alone.”
“I’m organizing a volleyball game,” the man continued charmingly, gesturing toward a group of international tourists setting up a net nearby. “We need more players. Would you like to join us?”
His eyes quickly scanned Nolan’s stroller with mild curiosity, but he didn’t seem deterred by the obvious signs
of my motherhood.
“Thank you, but I can’t,” I replied politely, my hand instinctively moving to touch the marking ceremony ring on my finger. “Someone is sitting here with me.”
“You could bring your baby,” he persisted with determination. “The game will be fun, and there are other families playing.”
Before I could respond again, Dominic’s powerful Alpha presence suddenly filled the space as he returned from his call. The temperature seemed to drop several degrees as his silver–gray eyes fixed on the stranger
with unmistakable territorial intent.
The blonde man took one look at Dominic’s imposing frame and commanding aura, then backed away with
nervous laughter. “Oh, sorry, I didn’t realize… have a nice day!”
He retreated quickly toward his volleyball group, glancing back once with obvious relief at his narrow escape from what his instincts correctly identified as a dangerous predator.
“Just trying to flirt with you,” Dominic said calmly, settling back into his chair as if nothing had happened.
“I told him I wasn’t alone,” I replied, amused by how quickly the man had fled once confronted with my Alpha
mate’s protective presence.
“Good,” Dominic said with satisfaction, his cedar scent carrying possessive undertones that made my wolf.
purr with contentment.
Our peaceful moment didn’t last long. A confident blonde woman in a revealing turquoise bikini approached
us with predatory determination, her eyes fixed entirely on Dominic as if I didn’t exist.
“Hi there,” she said boldly, her voice carrying a sultry accent. “We’re playing volleyball and we need two more players. Want to join us?”
Dominic didn’t even look up from adjusting Nolan’s sun shade. “No thank you,”
Chapter 215 Island Getaway
“Come on,” the woman persisted, moving closer to his chair. “It’ll be fun. We have players from six different
countries.”
“I said no,” Dominic replied firmly, his silver–gray eyes remaining fixed on our sleeping son.
The woman wasn’t deterred by his polite but clear rejection. With stunning boldness, she reached out with manicured fingers toward his muscular arm. “Just one game? I promise you’ll enjoy it.”
Dominic smoothly dodged her touch with werewolf reflexes that made the movement seem effortless and natural. Without a word, he stood and took my hand with possessive gentleness.
“We’re leaving,” he said simply, his Alpha authority brooking no argument.
As we walked away with Nolan’s stroller, I could hear the frustrated woman stomping her feet in the sand
behind us. Other beach tourists were snickering at her obvious rejection, and I felt a surge of territorial
satisfaction at Dominic’s unwavering loyalty.
“I can’t believe they both tried to flirt despite the obvious signs,” I said, gesturing toward our family unit.
“Tourists,” Dominic replied with amusement. “They see what they want to see.”
“And what they wanted to see was you without your mate and pup?” I teased.
“Apparently,” he said, squeezing my hand gently. “Too bad for them I only have eyes for my family.”
We found a new spot further down the beach, away from the volleyball players and their overly friendly
organizers. The sand here was just as pristine, but the area felt more private and peaceful.
“Want to try something more exciting?” Dominic asked, his eyes gleaming with mischief as he pointed toward
a dock where several speedboats were moored.
“A speedboat?” I asked, my pulse quickening with both excitement and memory. “Like our escape from Crystal
Island?”
“Exactly like that,” Dominic confirmed with a playful smile. “Except this time it’s for pure enjoyment rather
than survival.”
The idea thrilled me. My wolf craved the sensation of speed and wind, the freedom of cutting through open
water without fear or pursuit.
“Yes,” I said enthusiastically. “I want to feel that spray on my face again.”
Dominic carefully secured Nolan in his specialized travel carrier, ensuring our precious pup would be safe during the boat ride. His attention to detail never ceased to amaze me – every strap checked, every safety feature verified.
“Ready?” he asked, lifting me onto the speedboat with his enhanced Alpha strength.
He helped me put on a life jacket, his powerful hands gentle as he checked the straps and buckles. “Perfect
fit.”
“Don’t you need one?” I asked, noting he was making no move toward the remaining jackets.
“Superior werewolf swimming abilities,” he replied with characteristic confidence, his cedar scent carrying
hints of amusement. “I could swim to shore from miles out if necessary.”
He started the engine with practiced ease, the powerful motor purring to life beneath us. Within moments, we were speeding away from the crowded beach, leaving a white wake behind us as we headed toward the deep
Chapter 215. Island Getaway
blue waters beyond.
The sensation was incredible. Wind whipped through my hair, salt spray misted my face, and the speedboat cut through the waves with exhilarating power. My wolf howled silently with joy at the speed and freedom of
the open ocean.
“This is amazing!” I shouted over the engine noise, watching the beach shrink to a distant line of white sand.
Dominic’s smile was radiant as he navigated expertly through the swells. “Better than our last boat ride?”
“Much better!” I laughed, remembering the terror and desperation of our escape from Viktor Kane’s island.
“No bullets this time!”
After we were far from shore where the beach appeared as a distant white line against green tropical hills, Dominic slowed the speedboat to a gentle cruise. The engine’s roar dropped to a quiet purr, allowing us to hear the sound of waves lapping against the hull.
“Want to try driving?” he asked, his silver–gray eyes gleaming with mischief. “I remember your courage during our previous sea adventure.”
The challenge in his voice made my competitive spirit flare. “You think I can handle it?”
“I know you can,” he replied confidently. “You’re stronger than you realize, Aria.”
I stepped forward eagerly toward the controls, my movements still slightly careful due to my recent childbirth recovery. The boat rocked gently in the swells, and I reached for the steering wheel with anticipation.
Suddenly, Dominic’s warm Alpha hands grabbed my wrist, his touch sending electric shocks through my system. The unexpected motion combined with the boat’s movement caused me to lose my balance, tumbling toward him with a surprised gasp.
–
My wolf whimpered with surprise at the sudden contact, but also with something deeper – a longing that had been building since we’d arrived at this romantic tropical paradise. As I fell against his solid chest, I could smell his cedar scent intensifying with something that made my pulse race.
“Careful,” he murmured, his voice husky with undertones that had nothing to do with boat safety.
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