14. Dominic

The dimmed lightsfaded into insignificance as Dominic"s intense gaze remained transfixed on Asa bathed in a pool of soft white light, every fiber of his being drawn to her as if by an irresistible force. She was a vision of otherworldly allure, her pale hair cascading like a delicate waterfall down her back, her skin so translucent it seemed to absorb the glow of the spotlight. She moved with the graceful fluidity of a whisper on the wind, her body an instrument through which her song took physical form.

As the first chords of the song caressed the air, Asa"s voice rose like a gentle tide, clear and resonant, filling the theater with an ethereal magic that demanded rapt attention. Dominic leaned forward slightly, captivated not only by the purity of her voice but by the sensual movements that accompanied each lyric.

In the shadow of stars, we find our light

Under veils of the night, I take my flight

Dominic felt his breath catch in his throat as Asa"s delicate hand extended outward, her fingers unfurling like the petals of a moonflower in bloom. Every sway of her hips was a hypnotic lure, each step a seamless melody given corporeal form. As she sang, her movements spoke of both innocence and knowing. She was an enchantress commanding her realm; each step she took was measured yet fluid, as if she were not merely dancing but giving form to the music itself. The folds of her diaphanous dress fluttered around her slender frame, enhancing her presence into something ethereal and untouchable. Dominic found himself enraptured, every inch of his being yearning to possess this exquisite creature who danced before him.

Soft whispers in dusk, come take my hand

In the silence of dreams, we"ll understand

A tremor ran through him, raw and primal, as her scent—all omega sweetness and intoxicating pheromones—danced across his heightened senses. Dominic"s hands gripped the armrests, knuckles paling with the effort of restraint as that alluring fragrance beckoned to the very core of his alpha nature.

Asa drifted closer still, her movements fluid like water caressing the shore. Dominic"s chest constricted with the urge to pull her into his embrace, to lose himself in the call of her voice and the beauty of her form. The chorus swept over him like a tidal wave of longing, her voice igniting a primal hunger within his core.

A heart unfurled, sailing through the mist

Chasing echoes of a love, that"s never been kissed

Dominic"s gaze traced Asa"s every move as she embodied the very essence of freedom and yearning that her lyrics painted. It wasn"t just a performance; it was an intimate revelation. She drew closer again, her gaze locking on to his for a fleeting moment—a silent exchange charged with unspoken promises and a depth of connection that resonated in his core.

In the glow of the moon, my spirit sighs

For a melody of freedom "neath the open skies

The song progressed to its bridge; Asa"s voice soared higher as she reached out with delicate fingers toward the audience as though bestowing a gift upon each individual present.

In the hush before dawn, where secrets are kept

My song rises up, like tears I"ve wept

The theater fell into a hush so profound it seemed as though every heart beat in unison with hers. Asa"s performance transcended mere entertainment; it became a shared experience where every observer became part of something greater than themselves.

On the breath of the night, feel me near

In the shadows, my longing, crystal clear

Dominic found himself leaning closer still, as if drawn by an invisible thread tied to his very soul. He watched spellbound as Asa danced along that thread back toward him again. Her movements spoke directly to him—whispers and promises carried on each note—and he felt himself respond viscerally. He felt as though he were being pulled into a vortex of longing and desire, the alluring scent of her omega essence flooded his senses, igniting a deep need that threatened to consume him entirely. He clenched his fists, fighting the overwhelming urge to claim her then and there, to brand her as his.

Yet, even as his alpha instincts raged within, he found himself entranced by the vulnerability that danced across her features, the yearning for freedom that echoed in every line of her body. It was a paradox that both inflamed his possessive nature and stirred a protective yearning to shield her from the world"s cruelties.

A heart unfurled, sailing through the mist

Chasing echoes of a love, that"s never been kissed

She danced with abandon now—the embodiment of passion and purity intertwined—her form undulating in time with the haunting melody. The song neared its end but Asa"s performance seemed timeless within Dominic"s entranced state.

In the shadow of stars, we find our light

Reaching out through the void, touch me tonight

With every step Asa took toward him during those closing lines, Dominic felt an invisible barrier crumbling within him. He sat there enthralled by this omega who had seamlessly stepped into his world and made it pivot around her axis.

On a whisper of wind, I"ll find my way

In the shadow of stars, I"ll dance and sway

With each passing moment, Dominic"s resolve wavered, his ironclad control slipping through his fingers like grains of sand. Asa"s performance was a siren"s call, luring him into uncharted depths where only she could offer salvation or damnation.

The final note lingered in the air charged with electricity, Dominic found himself caught in the snare of her enchantment, a willing captive to the intoxicating allure of this beautiful omega who had claimed dominion over his heart, body, and soul.

Dominic sat transfixed, his gaze locked on Asa even as the thunderous applause from the audience filled the theater. Their voices melded into a dull roar, a mere backdrop to the enchantress who had thoroughly ensnared him in her spell. When she turned to acknowledge the crowd, bowing gracefully, he watched her every movement with rapt focus, feeling a pang of something possessive curl within him. She wasn"t theirs to celebrate; she was his to cherish.

As Asa lifted her head, her eyes first found Xavier seated to Dominic"s right, and a gentle smile graced her lips. Then her gaze shifted to the other side, meeting Lucian"s adoring stare with that same warm acknowledgment. The smile was an innocent gesture, one of shared accomplishment, yet Dominic felt a twinge in his chest as if she were slipping from his grasp with each moment she didn"t look at him.

Finally, her eyes found his, and the world seemed to hold its breath. Asa stiffened visibly at the sight of him, her lips parting in a silent gasp as if she could feel the intensity of his stare reaching across the space between them. She licked her lips—a quick dart of her tongue that sent heat coursing through Dominic"s veins—and for a moment, their connection was palpable, an electric thread pulled taut with longing and unspoken promises.

Then, just as abruptly, Asa tore her eyes away, breaking the spell. A flush of color blossomed high on her cheeks as she turned, joining a pale-haired young man. Together, they exited the stage, leaving Dominic with an overwhelming sense of incompletion, like a violin solo cut short before its crescendo—a hollow ache and a craving for more of her presence, more of that enchanting voice that had wound itself around his heart.

His hands clenched the armrests as he fought the urge to chase after her, to pull her into his embrace and drink deeply of her intoxicating presence. Dominic"s breaths came in measured draws as he wrestled his instincts into submission, forcing himself to maintain an outward veneer of control.

He couldn"t let this moment slip away; he needed to see her up close, away from the prying eyes and clamoring audience. Turning slightly, he caught the attention of one of the staff hovering near the periphery of the event—a man whose job it was to anticipate the needs of their elite clientele.

"I want to meet her in private," he said, his voice low but imbued with authority.

The man nodded once, a swift dip of his head that conveyed both understanding and urgency. "I"ll make that arrangement immediately, sir," he said before slipping away into the throng.

Dominic turned back to where Asa had been just moments before, replaying every movement and note in his mind. The anticipation built within him like a storm on the horizon—dark, powerful, inevitable.

Dominic rose from his seat, the leather creaking beneath his powerful frame as he straightened to his full, imposing height. His piercing gaze remained fixed on the spot where Asa had exited mere moments ago, an invisible tether binding him to her ethereal presence.

"Well, that was… something," Lucian said as he approached, his voice carrying a note of wonder that rarely graced his diplomatic tones, his expression one of awed admiration.

Xavier fell into step beside Lucian, his eyes shining with a mixture of wonderment and intensity that bespoke a mind already spinning with possibilities. "She"s extraordinary," he breathed, his voice tinged with the same entranced quality they all shared.

Dominic gave a curt nod, fully aware that both Lucian and Xavier were as spellbound by Asa as he was. The shared fascination among them was palpable, a silent agreement that she was extraordinary.

A flicker of movement caught Dominic"s eye as a staff member—one clearly with the higher rank of manager—approached with a deferential nod. "Mr. Davenports, if you would please follow me."

Dominic pivoted on his heel and strode after the man, Xavier and Lucian flanking him. They ascended a grand staircase as they were led down a corridor lined with ornate sconces that cast a warm, golden glow.

The manager ushered them through an elaborately carved door into a sumptuous private room. Dominic"s discerning gaze swept over the space, taking in the rich mahogany paneling and the inviting arrangement of plush leather couches positioned around a massive oak table laden with an array of decadent dishes and crystal decanters filled with amber liquids.

Dominic claimed the central couch, settling into the softness with a casual cross of one leg over the other in a pose that radiated casual control. Xavier and Lucian settled on either side of him, their eyes taking in the surroundings with an appreciation honed by years of affluence.

"As per your request, Mr. Davenport," the manager began, his tone deferential yet assured, "I have gathered what information I could about the performer known as SilverButterfly—her stage name. Her given name is Asa, and she works closely with a young music producer known simply as Eli."

Dominic felt a flicker of intrigue at the mention of this Eli, storing the detail away for later scrutiny. His focus sharpened as the manager continued.

"Miss Asa is relatively young and unknown in the music and entertainment industry. However, her performance tonight has garnered significant attention from several major labels and companies who are already inquiring about securing her talents."

A muscle ticked in Dominic"s jaw as a wave of possessiveness washed over him. The thought of others vying for Asa"s attention, of her slipping through his grasp, was utterly unacceptable. His fingers dug into the leather of the couch as he fought the instinctive urge to lay an indelible claim upon her then and there.

The manager cleared his throat, drawing Dominic"s attention back to him. "Furthermore, she has a channel on StreamBeat, under the name SilverButterfly. Currently, her following is modest, but with her evident talent and tonight"s performance, it"s only a matter of time before it expands exponentially. If a label were to represent her—"

Dominic"s gaze met Xavier"s and then Lucian"s in quick succession, a mere flicker of glances that conveyed a world of meaning. In the steel of their eyes, an unspoken agreement passed between them. Asa was a rare gem they had discovered; they wouldn"t let her be swept away by some record company. She belonged with them—this was an immutable truth that coursed through Dominic"s veins with fierce certainty.

A crisp rap on the door interrupted the charged silence. The manager straightened. "That must be SilverButterfly now." He crossed the room in a few efficient strides and pulled open the door.

As soon as the gap widened, a sweet scent drifted into the room. It was faint but unmistakable—the unique pheromones of an omega that wrapped around Dominic like a caress, calling forth an instinctive response deep within him. His body tensed, every sense heightened in anticipation. He fought the urge to close his eyes and simply bask in her essence, to surrender to the visceral pull of her presence.

Asa stepped into the room, and Dominic found himself utterly transfixed. She seemed even more delicate and ethereal up close, her pale hair shimmering like spun moonlight in the soft lighting. Her porcelain skin held the barest flush of color, lending a rosy vitality to her features that belied the fragility of her frame.

Beside him, Xavier inhaled sharply, his eyes darkening with unveiled desire as he drank in Asa"s form. On Dominic"s other side, Lucian leaned forward slightly, his gaze locked on the delicate curve of Asa"s neck.

Dominic"s focus remained fixed on Asa"s face. Her eyes darted nervously around the room, never quite meeting his or his brothers" heated stares. He could sense her trepidation, could practically taste the anxiety rolling off her in waves. Of course she would be overwhelmed by the combined force of their alpha presences. The thought brought him a strange sense of satisfaction—the desire to both soothe her fears and revel in the power he held over her.

The manager gestured toward the plush couches. "Please, have a seat."

Asa lowered herself gingerly onto the edge of one of the couches, her movements restrained yet graceful. Her two companions whom Dominic knew must be Lena and Zara, flanked Asa on either side, mirroring her tentative posture.

As the manager turned to leave, the door closed behind him with a resounding click that seemed to reverberate through the hushed space. Asa flinched visibly at the sound, her shoulders tensing as her eyes darted toward the exit with the fleeting look of a caged bird.

Dominic leaned back as he studied Asa"s every reaction. His gaze raked over her slender form, committing every curve and angle to memory as a thrill coursed through his veins. The tension in the room was palpable, charged with unspoken desires and the heady allure of her omega essence. His brothers were equally entranced, their eyes locked on the delicate creature before them.

Lena"s voice cut through the heavy silence, her tone assertive. "Well, here we are, just as your invitation requested. Now that we"ve graced you with our presence, what is it that you want with our SilverButterfly?"

Dominic leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees, his posture one of casual dominance. "The performance tonight was exquisite," he began, his voice a low rumble that filled the room with its resonance. "SilverButterfly's voice is truly captivating."

"Indeed," Lucian chimed in, his eyes gleaming as he watched Asa with unabashed admiration. "I was utterly spellbound."

Dominic"s focus sharpened as Asa"s lips parted, her tongue darting out to moisten them in a tantalizing display that stirred his alpha desire. "Thank you… for liking it," she said to Lucian, her voice barely above a whisper. She hesitated before adding, "And, uh, thank you for the advice. It helped."

A low chuckle rumbled from Lucian"s throat. "I"m glad."

Realization dawned on Dominic as he processed the exchange. Lucian had met with Asa privately before the performance, offering guidance and support. A flicker of possessive irritation ignited within him at the thought that he was the only one who had yet to experience a private moment with the captivating omega.

His eyes narrowed as Asa's gaze flicked tentatively to Xavier next. Dominic wondered if Xavier would reveal himself as Asa's mysterious X tonight. But Xavier only offered a gentle smile in return, his eyes cradling secrets yet untold.

Dominic understood then that Xavier would continue to play the enigmatic X, keeping Asa drawn to him by threads of curiosity and intrigue. It was clever—Xavier always was—and Dominic could appreciate the tactic even as it rankled him to be on uneven footing.

A subtle shift in Dominic"s jaw betrayed his simmering frustration at being left behind in this intricate dance for Asa"s attention. Yet, even as the flames of competition stoked within him, a part of him couldn"t help but admire the strategic maneuvering of his brothers. Their collective focus and unwavering determination only solidified the fact that Asa was a prize worth pursuing relentlessly.

Lucian asked, "And where is the young music boy?"

Dominic observed Asa, his eyes betraying none of the storm brewing within. Her delicate fingers twisted in her lap, a telltale sign of her discomfort at being the focus of such intense scrutiny. Yet even as her body language betrayed her nerves, her gaze remained steady, meeting Lucian"s with a poise that belied her youth.

"Eli left with his parents shortly after the show," Zara replied, ever the pragmatic one. "He doesn"t tend to linger."

"What a pity," Dominic rumbled. "I would have enjoyed meeting the creative mind behind those enchanting melodies. But no matter, we can make his acquaintance another time."

He gestured toward the lavishly set table with a broad sweep of his hand, the gesture one of casual ownership over his opulent surroundings. "For now, please, join us for some refreshments."

Asa"s gaze followed the motion of his hand, her eyes widening slightly as she took in the sumptuous spread. Dominic could almost taste her awe, could sense the way her mind struggled to reconcile such extravagance with her own modest upbringing. It was a heady feeling, knowing that he could so easily overwhelm her senses with the mere trappings of his wealth and power.

Lena"s response came with a hint of playful challenge. "It"s hardly proper etiquette to share a meal with men whose faces remain hidden beneath masquerade masks, is it not?"

Lucian chuckled, a rich sound that echoed slightly off the mahogany walls. "A fair point." With a fluid motion, he removed his mask, revealing his handsome features. "There, is that better?"

Dominic followed suit, peeling away his own mask and letting it fall to the table with a muted thud. His striking gray eyes, so often compared to storm clouds or forged steel, now fixed their intense focus on Asa.

The effect was instantaneous. Asa gasped, her eyes widening in shock and surprise as the weight of his stare settled over her like a physical caress. Beside her, Lena and Zara mirrored her stunned reaction, their jaws dropping in unison as the full gravity of the situation became clear.

"Dominic Davenport? And Lucian Davenport?" Lena managed, her voice pitched high with awe as she gawked at the two imposing figures before them. Her gaze then shifted to the remaining masked man, realization dawning. "Then you must be… Xavier Davenport?"

Xavier gave a slight nod and removed his mask. A heavy silence fell over the room, charged with anticipation and the weight of their collective reputations.

Dominic watched as Lena and Zara exchanged gleeful grins, their excitement bubbling over despite their attempts at decorum. "Well, this is certainly an honor," Lena gushed, her eyes shining with delight. "Sharing a meal with the illustrious Davenport brothers themselves? We would be delighted."

The two women tucked into the array of delicacies on the table, their laughter and chatter a light contrast to the tension Dominic felt simmering beneath the surface. Lena spoke between bites, "We had an early dinner before coming over, but that was hours ago."

Dominic observed Asa"s profile, the way her chest rose and fell with shallow breaths, betraying her anxiety.

Zara paused, her gaze flickering to Asa with a mixture of fondness and amusement. "That"s right, we haven"t properly introduced who our dear SilverButterfly is yet." She cleared her throat, motioning elegantly with one hand as she announced, "This is Asa Whitmore, SilverButterfly. I'm Zara Quinn and this is Lena Montgomery. But of course, you probably know of us already as our families are well known in high society. There's our young music producer, too, Eli Harper, who already left."

Dominic leaned back against the plush leather couch, his gaze never leaving Asa. "We"ve met, haven"t we, Asa?" The words rolled off his tongue with a purr of satisfaction, his eyes drinking in the way her body tensed ever so slightly at the sound of her name on his lips.

Asa moistened her lips with her tongue in a tantalizing display that drew Dominic"s focus. He could practically taste the nervous energy radiating from her, could sense the way her instincts warned her of the predator in her midst. Her pale-blue eyes met his for a fleeting moment before darting away.

Zara and Lena exchanged a bewildered look, their eyes widening in surprise. "You"ve met?" they asked in unison. "When? Where? How?"

The words seemed to catch in Asa"s throat as she forced them out. "…Uh, at Evelyn Sinclair"s birthday party."

Zara leaned forward with genuine regret coloring her tone. "Oh my gosh! I didn"t attend Evelyn"s birthday party," she lamented. "I was busy with another appointment that night."

"Yeah, me too," Lena echoed, sharing Zara"s disappointment.

Lena reached over to nudge a plate closer to Asa. "Here, you should eat something," she insisted gently.

Asa hesitated for a moment before accepting the plate from Lena with trembling fingers. Dominic watched, utterly transfixed, as she parted those soft, plump lips and slipped the morsel into her mouth. The way her throat constricted ever so slightly as she swallowed, the subtle movement of her jaw as she savored the flavors—it was a captivating display that stirred something primal within him.

Beside him, Xavier and Lucian remained equally entranced, their eyes devouring every nuance of Asa"s movements with a ravenous intensity that bordered on feral. In that moment, they were not business moguls or public figures—they were alphas, utterly enthralled by the delicate omega in their midst.