Her Alpha's Claim; Hockey King's Curvy Mate

Bella's POV.

(One week later)

“Alpha Dominic” I whispered softly, my body aching for his touch.

He leaned down and kissed my neck gently, then moved lower to my collarbone. His lips were warm and careful, like he wanted to remember every inch of me.

“So soft,” he whispered against my skin. His voice sounded deep and rough, sending shivers straight through me.

His hands moved to the bottom of my shirt. He didn’t rush. Instead, he slowly pulled it up, inch by inch, his gray eyes behind the mask watching closely.

I felt shy but excited as the fabric slid over my belly. He paused and ran his fingers over my curves, tracing the roundness of my stomach and hips.

“Look at you, Little Wolf,” he murmured. “Every curve is perfect. Full and beautiful. Made for me.” He kept lifting the shirt until it came off completely.

Cool air touched my breasts, making my nipples tighten. Dominic stared for a long moment, his breathing heavier.

Then he lowered his head and kissed between my breasts, slow and tender, before moving to one side and sucking gently.

I arched my back and let out a soft moan. His hand slid lower, over my waist and down to my thigh. He squeezed softly, like he loved how thick and warm I felt.

His fingers moved between my legs, teasing gently, stroking me through my panties until I was wet and trembling.

“That’s it,” he said quietly. “Let me take care of you.” He slipped one finger inside, then two, moving slow and deep while whispering, “My little wolf… so tight and sweet for me.”

I was lost in the feeling, my body burning with need. He kissed up my body again, taking his time on every soft part, until his face hovered right above mine.

His masked eyes locked on mine. He was about to kiss my lips when my eyes suddenly snapped open.

I sat up fast in my own bed, breathing hard. My heart pounded like crazy.

My boobs felt perky and sensitive from the dream, pushing against my thin nightgown. I looked around my room. Morning light came through the curtains. It was just a dream again.

I covered my face with my hands and groaned. It had been one full week since the humiliating day at school and the mating ceremony.

But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t stop thinking about him. In my dreams, he touched me like I was beautiful.

He called me his Little Wolf while his fingers moved inside me, making me feel wanted for the first time. The real Dominic was cold and powerful. Yet my body kept remembering the dream version of him.

I shook my head and tried to pull myself together. “Stop it, Bella,” I whispered. “He’s not for you. Soon you’ll be in an arranged marriage anyway. Just forget him.” The thought made my chest hurt. I hated feeling this weak again.

“Bella!” Mom’s voice called from downstairs. “Breakfast is ready. Come down before it gets cold.”

I sighed, wiped the sweat from my forehead, and got out of bed. When I reached the living room, I stopped. Riley sat at the table with Mom, looking at me with big pleading eyes.

“Please, Bella,” Riley said quickly, standing up. “Come back to school today. I know it’s been awful, but you can’t hide forever. Tryouts are happening, and I don’t want to go alone. I need my best friend.”

I didn’t want to. The idea of facing everyone again made my stomach twist. But Mom gave me that look, and deep down I knew Riley was right.

I had no choice if I wanted to finish the school year. “Fine,” I said quietly. “Give me ten minutes.”

I ran upstairs, washed my face with cold water, and picked out a simple black sweater and jeans that hugged my curves.

I brushed my hair and took a deep breath. “You can do this,” I said to myself.

Riley and I walked to school together. The moment we passed through the gates, the stares came back.

Students whispered and laughed. My cheeks burned, but I kept walking with my head down.

Riley held my hand tight and whispered, “Ignore them.”

Soon it was time for hockey tryouts. We made our way to the ice rink and found seats in the stands.

The players warmed up on the ice, sticks slapping against pucks. My eyes scanned the side of the rink and landed on him.

Dominic West stood there in full hockey gear, arms crossed over his broad chest. Even in gear, he looked powerful and commanding.

His dark hair was messy, and that sharp jawline made my stomach flip.

I couldn’t help swooning a little. In my mind, I saw his hands from the dream trailing over my skin again. Those strong fingers touching my curves, calling me Little Wolf. Heat rushed to my face.

Just then, Dominic turned his head and looked straight at me. Our eyes met for a second, making my heart jump.

I quickly looked away, feeling so awkward and embarrassed. What was I doing? He probably thought I was pathetic.

I couldn’t take the shame anymore. I stood up fast. “I need to go,” I told Riley and hurried out of the stands.

My feet carried me toward the building. I slipped into the boys’ locker room, hoping no one would see me. It was empty and quiet.

I hid near the back, leaning against the cool wall, trying to calm my racing heart.

“Stupid, Bella,” I cursed myself softly. “Why did you stare at him so long? He isn't even your mate.” I closed my eyes and breathed slowly, wishing the ground would swallow me.

Suddenly, the door opened forcefully and slammed shut. The lock clicked loudly. I froze. No one was supposed to be here for at least three more hours.

My body went tense. I couldn’t be caught in the boys’ locker room. That would make everything worse.

I tried to think of a way to sneak out without being seen when a loud crash echoed through the room, followed by painful grunts.

It sounded like someone was hurting badly.

My curiosity won. I walked slowly toward the sound, my shoes quiet on the tile floor. I peeked behind a row of lockers.

To my utmost surprise, Dominic West was on the ground. He clutched his head with both hands, wincing hard. Low growls came from his throat. His face looked twisted in pain with sweat on his forehead.

Without thinking, I rushed over and knelt beside him. “What’s going on? Are you okay?” I asked, my voice full of worry.

He didn’t answer. His breathing stayed rough. I stood up quickly. “I’ll get someone to help…”

His hand shot out and grabbed my wrist tight. “Don’t,” he growled. “Don’t bring anyone.”

I was confused and panicked. “Then what can I do? Tell me how to help you.”

His eyes met mine, dark and dangerous. “Run!” he warned, his voice low and strained.

I didn’t understand. Instead of running, I crouched down again closer to him. I reached out slowly to touch his head, hoping to ease his pain.

In a flash, he grabbed me by the neck and pushed me back hard against the locker behind me. His claws extended as he half-shifted, fur rippling on his arms, eyes glowing.

My eyes widened with fear. He was going to kill me. I needed to run, but his grip held me in place.

He leaned close to my ear, his hot breath brushing my skin. “Too late to run, Little Wolf… you should have left when I warned you to.” He let out a deep, low growl. His fingers tightened around my neck.

Something wild was taking over him. I could feel it in the way his body shook. Panic filled me. “Please,” I begged, my voice small and scared. “Let me go. Please, Dominic.”

He refused, holding me tighter. I started to run out of breath, black spots dancing in my vision.

Then my inner wolf, Xia, surged forward with sudden strength. Immediately, Dominic’s hand loosened on my neck right away.

I gasped and coughed, trying to catch my breath. Before I could say anything, unexpected words escaped his lips in a powerful growl.

“Mate!!!”

I froze and looked up at him, shocked. His hands slammed against the locker on both sides of my head, trapping me.

He leaned in fast. Before I could speak, he snatched my waist with one strong arm, pulling me hard against his heated body.

“What's happening? What are you…”

I was about to speak when he swiftly closed the distance between us and kissed me deeply, possessively.

I struggled to pull away from his hold and when I did, his next words left me reeling.

“You are mine now,” he said roughly as he stared deeply into my eyes.

I went ice cold as it had begun to dawn on me.

He leaned in again and this time, I felt a sharp sting on my neck as his fangs pierced deeply into my skin.

My eyes widened in full realisation…

I belong to Alpha Dominic now.

I was his Claim.