Chapter 168

DOMINIC’S POV The moment my boots hit the earth of Dorian’s territory, I felt it. The pull. That invisible thread that tied me to her. Olivia. It was faint—barely a whisper across the mate bond—but it was there. A flicker of something familiar. It was enough to make my wolf stir beneath the surface, pacing with restless energy. But the moment I stepped farther inside the borders… It vanished. Completely. As if someone had thrown a thick blanket over the bond, muffling it. Dimming it. That wasn’t natural. I exchanged a quick glance with Derek, who picked up on my unease immediately. Still, I said nothing. Not yet. Dorian was waiting, his posture guarded yet oddly cooperative. He extended a formal welcome, even nodded when I presented the search warrant backed by the Elder Council. “Of course,” he’d said. “You’re free to search the entire territory. I have nothing to hide.” Too easy. He even added that he would provide additional warriors if needed. Claimed he was just as eager to find O