Daniella's POV
The walk toward the open field in Mariposa was quiet, with only the rustling of leaves and the distant sounds of birds accompanying us. I nudged Dominic's arm and whispered, "We're walking all the way to your pack?"
Nick, who was walking slightly ahead, must have overheard because he turned around and smiled. "No, Luna. We'll be taking Alpha Dominic's Hummer."
My eyes widened in surprise. "What? You own a Hummer? That macho Jeep-looking car?"
Dominic chuckled at my reaction. "Dear, don't think the Blue Moon Pack is too primitive. We have cars, live modern lives just like in your world. The only difference is we live deep in the forest and follow a strict hierarchy."
I frowned. "Then why did it seem like you'd never seen a coffee machine or a toaster before?"
He shrugged, grinning sheepishly. "That's because I haven't. All my needs are taken care of by my omegas. Back home, I have five omegas who handle everything for me right down to laying out my clothes."
I shook my head in disbelief. "I can't believe there's still a life like that in this day and age."
"You'll see for yourself soon, Ella," he said reassuringly. "It's how things work for wolves in a pack."
I shrugged, unsure what to say. As we reached the edge of the field, a bright yellow Hummer came into view, gleaming like a beacon in the sunlight. Dominic's eyes lit up, and a wide smile spread across his face.
"That's my baby," he said with unmistakable pride.
Nick rolled his eyes playfully. "Your baby, huh? We've all missed you, not only your baby. You've been gone for nearly two weeks. What happened, Alpha?"
Dominic insisted on driving himself, so Nick climbed into the passenger seat while I settled in the back. As we started down the forest trail, Dominic began recounting what had happened, and I noticed Nick's eyes widen in shock as he listened.
"Did Eva tell you anything about me being attacked?" Dominic asked.
"She mentioned it," Nick replied. "But by the time we got to the place she described, you were already gone. There was no trace of you."
Hearing Eva's name made an uncomfortable knot form in my stomach. From the rearview mirror, Dominic caught my eye and mouthed, "I love you." I couldn't help but smile faintly at his attempt to calm my nerves, but it didn't erase my unease.
"Eva was devastated after you went missing, Dom," Nick said, using Dominic's nickname. "She cried for days. My sister has always believed you're her mate. I'm sorry if she's been… insistent about it."
Dominic sighed, his voice soft. "I know."
Nick glanced back at me with an apologetic expression, but I looked away, staring out the window at the passing trees. My thoughts were a swirl of doubts and emotions.
"Ella," Dominic's voice broke through my thoughts, calm and warm. "You're going to love the Blue Moon Pack. And my parents will love you too."
"Even though I'm human? Even though I don't understand, don't believe, in all of this yet?" I asked quietly.
He reached back to touch my hand briefly, his gaze steady. "You'll learn, Ella. And you'll believe. I'll be with you every step of the way."
Moments later, the Hummer rolled to a stop near a grand golden gate flanked by towering, muscular men. Each of them looked like they'd stepped off the cover of a fitness magazine, six-packs, chiseled jaws, and an intimidating air of strength.
"Those are the Blue Moon Pack warriors," Dominic explained. "They guard the pack lands and ensure everyone's safety."
As we passed through, each warrior bowed their heads in respect. I swallowed hard, unsure how to feel about such a display.
Finally, we pulled up to a massive, luxurious house with marble accents and grand windows. "This is the pack house," Dominic said.
"It's where the Alpha family, as well as the Beta, Delta, and Gamma families, live. Each rank has its own level. My family stays at the top floor."
He pointed to the highest level, its blue marble gleaming in the sunlight. "The main floor is communal, it has a hall for meetings, a massive dining room, and the omegas' quarters."
I raised an eyebrow. "And with all these families living together, there's never any fighting?"
"Disputes happen," Dominic admitted. "But it's the Alpha's job to mediate. Everyone understands their role."
Dominic stepped out of the car and opened my door, offering his hand to help me out. Before I could take in my surroundings, a young, stunningly beautiful woman came running from the grand front porch.
"Dominic!" she cried, throwing herself into his arms. "I was so worried about you! I thought I'd lost you forever."
She hugged him tightly and tried to kiss him, but Dominic turned his face away, his gaze darting to me. My eyes narrowed as I watched him gently push her back.
"Thank you for your concern, Eva," he said, his voice cool but polite. "I'd like you to meet someone, my mate, Daniella."
Eva froze, her eyes wide with shock. "Your mate? You found your mate?" she whispered, her voice trembling.
Dominic nodded. Before I could react, Eva shoved me hard, sending me stumbling backward.
"This is impossible!" she screamed. "She can't be your mate! A weak human can't be the mate of the future Lycan King!"
Before I could steady myself, Eva lunged at me, aiming to slap me. But I caught her wrist mid-swing, my years of martial arts training kicking in. With a swift twist, I bent her arm behind her back and kicked her legs out from under her, sending her sprawling onto the ground.
I leaned over her, my voice sharp. "Don't ever call me a weak human. If you want to test my strength, don't hold back. And let me make this clear, stay away from my man. That's the last time I'll let you touch him. From now on, you're not even allowed to look at him."
My voice carried the authority I used in courtrooms, and for the first time since I entered this strange world, I felt completely in control. Eva whimpered on the ground as I straightened, turning to see Dominic's wide-eyed expression.
I could handle this world. And I would.