Lily's POV
The morning light filtered through the thick canopy of trees, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. Dominic Blackthorn stood at the edge of the tree line, his sharp eyes trained on the quaint little cottage nestled just beyond. From this vantage point, he could see everything—the ivy-covered stone walls, the rickety porch, and the woman who had dared to step into his world. She moved with a quiet determination, her every motion captivating in a way Dominic found both irritating and irresistible. The bond was already weaving its web, and he hated it.
He hated how her presence unsettled him, how her scent lingered in the air like a siren's call. His wolf—the primal, untamed part of him—was restless, pacing just beneath the surface of his skin. It had been that way since last night when he'd first laid eyes on her. Fated mate. The words echoed in his mind, unwelcome and infuriating. He'd spent years avoiding entanglements, building walls around his heart so thick that nothing could penetrate them. But Lily Winters had managed to slip through the cracks, and he didn't know whether to be angry or terrified.
With a growl of frustration, Dominic turned away and disappeared into the forest. He needed space, distance, anything to clear his head. The pack's territory stretched for miles, a vast expanse of untamed wilderness where he could lose himself in the familiar rhythm of patrols and the hunt. It was his sanctuary, a place where he could be alone with his thoughts. But today, even the forest offered no solace. The bond was too strong, pulling at him like an invisible thread that refused to be severed. Lily Winters woke to the sound of birdsong and the gentle rustle of leaves outside her window. For a moment, she felt a sense of peace, a fragile illusion that everything was fine. But as her eyes adjusted to the soft morning light, reality crept back in. She was in a strange town, in a cottage that wasn't yet home, and the events of the previous night lingered in her mind like a half-remembered dream. Had she really seen someone in the woods? Or had her imagination gotten the better of her?
She shook her head and pushed the thought aside. Today was a new day, and she had things to do. The first order of business was unpacking and settling in. The cottage was charming, but it lacked the personal touches that made a house feel like home. Lily busied herself with arranging books on the old wooden shelves and hanging curtains over the small, drafty windows. It was a welcome distraction, a way to keep her mind from wandering to places she didn't want it to go.
By mid-morning, she'd made significant progress. The living room looked cozier, the kitchen more inviting, and the little bedroom upstairs felt less like a guest room and more like her own. She paused to admire her handiwork, a small smile tugging at her lips. Maybe this fresh start wouldn't be so bad after all.
The sound of a knock at the door startled her. Lily's heart skipped a beat, her thoughts immediately flashing back to the shadowy figure she'd seen the night before. She took a deep breath, willing herself to stay calm. It's probably just a neighbor, she told herself. Or maybe someone from the town coming to welcome her. She smoothed her hands over her jeans and opened the door.
A man stood on the porch, his broad frame nearly filling the doorway. He had sandy brown hair, a friendly smile, and an air of easy confidence that immediately put her at ease. Hi, he said, holding out a hand. You must be Lily. I'm Marcus. I live just outside of town.
Lily hesitated for a moment before shaking his hand. His grip was firm but not overwhelming, and his smile seemed genuine. Nice to meet you, Marcus. Can I help you with something?
Not really. I just wanted to stop by and introduce myself. We don't get a lot of new faces around here, so I figured I'd come say hi. He glanced past her into the cottage, his gaze taking in the half-unpacked boxes and the cozy setup she'd arranged. Looks like you're settling in pretty well.
Trying to, Lily said with a small laugh. It's a lot quieter than I'm used to, but I think I'll like it here.
Quiet can be nice, Marcus agreed, his tone light. But if you ever need anything, just let me know. The folks around here are pretty friendly, and we all look out for each other.
Lily nodded, feeling a warmth in his words that she hadn't expected. Thank you, Marcus. I appreciate that.
They chatted for a few more minutes, exchanging pleasantries and small talk. Marcus told her about the town's general store, the little diner that served the best pancakes she'd ever had, and the annual harvest festival that was just a few weeks away. Lily found herself relaxing in his presence, grateful for the kindness of a stranger. When he finally left, she felt a little less alone.
But as the door closed behind him, a strange sensation prickled at the back of her neck. It was subtle, like the feeling of being watched, and it sent a shiver down her spine. She glanced toward the window, her eyes scanning the forest beyond. The trees stood still, their branches swaying gently in the breeze. There was no sign of anyone, but the unease lingered.
Dominic watched from the shadows as Marcus left the cottage, his wolf growling low in his chest. He trusted Marcus with his life, but seeing another man talking to Lily stirred something primal within him. The bond was growing stronger, tightening its grip on him with every passing moment. It was maddening.
He'd hoped to avoid her today, to keep his distance and regain some semblance of control. But the pull was relentless, drawing him back to the cottage like a moth to a flame. His wolf's instincts were screaming at him to claim her, to protect her, to ensure that no one else could take what was his. But Dominic knew better than to give in. A fated mate was a gift—a rare and sacred bond—but it was also a liability. He couldn't afford distractions, not with the rogues threatening his territory and the pack relying on him to keep them safe.
And yet, as he stood there, hidden among the trees, he couldn't look away. Lily moved with an unassuming grace, her every gesture captivating in its simplicity. She had no idea what she was, no idea of the storm she'd walked into by coming here. Dominic's jaw tightened as he wrestled with the conflicting desires warring within him. Protect her. Push her away. Keep her safe. Let her go.
A rustle of leaves behind him pulled Dominic from his thoughts. He turned sharply, his senses on high alert. Marcus emerged from the shadows, his expression unreadable.
You're slipping, Dom, Marcus said quietly. If I can sneak up on you, so can a rogue.
Dominic's eyes narrowed, his voice a low growl. I wasn't slipping. I knew you were there.
Marcus smirked but didn't push the point. She seems nice, he said, nodding toward the cottage. You going to tell her what's really going on? Or are you just going to keep watching her like some creepy stalker?
Dominic's glare could have cut through steel. Stay out of it, Marcus.
Just saying, Marcus replied with a shrug. She's not like, the others. You know that as well as I do.
Dominic didn't respond. He didn't have to. The bond spoke louder than words, and they both knew it. Lily Winters was his mate, whether he liked it or not. And whether she liked it or not, her life was about to change forever.
Dominic turned and stalked into the forest, his mind churning with the weight of what lay ahead. For better or worse, Lily was a part of his world now. And there was no turning back.