Dominic's POV
The morning fog lingered like a shroud over the dense forest, casting an ethereal glow on the remote town below. Lily stood at the edge of the woods, the chilled air biting her cheeks as she gazed into the maze of ancient trees. There was something about this place that felt alive. The forest whispered secrets she couldn't quite decipher, and the presence of Dominic Blackthorn seemed to loom over her thoughts, as inescapable as her own shadow.
It was no accident that they kept running into each other. Dominic had an uncanny way of appearing when Lily least expected it, as though drawn to her by some unseen force. But every time he was near, she felt an inexplicable pull—a mix of curiosity and trepidation. He was intoxicating, his piercing gaze unrelenting, but his guarded demeanor hinted at stories untold. Lily's determination to uncover the truth grew stronger with each encounter.
That evening, the silence of her small cottage was broken by a knock at the door. She opened it to find Dominic, his tall frame silhouetted against the faint moonlight. His expression was unreadable, his usual stoicism intact, but there was a flicker of vulnerability in his eyes.
We need to talk, he said, his voice low and steady. Without waiting for an invitation, he stepped inside, the space instantly feeling smaller with his presence.
Lily's heart raced as she closed the door. What is it? You've been avoiding me for days, and now you show up unannounced?
Dominic's jaw tightened, his hands clenching into fists at his sides. I've been trying to protect you.
From what? she demanded, crossing her arms. You keep saying these cryptic things, but you never explain. I deserve to know the truth.
For a moment, he said nothing, his gaze fixed on the floor as though wrestling with a decision. Finally, he sighed, the weight of his inner turmoil evident in his posture. You're right. You deserve the truth.
He motioned for her to sit, and she complied reluctantly, her eyes never leaving his face. Dominic remained standing, pacing the room like a caged predator.
I'm not who you think I am, Lily. I'm not… human, he began, his voice strained. My family comes from an ancient bloodline of werewolves. We've lived in this forest for generations, guarding it and our secrets from the outside world.
Lily's breath hitched, a mixture of disbelief and fear washing over her. Werewolves? she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper.
Dominic stopped pacing, his gaze locking onto hers with an intensity that made her stomach churn. Yes. And I… I'm the alpha of our pack. It's my duty to protect them, to lead them. But it's not a life I chose. It's a burden that was placed on me.
She stared at him, her mind racing to process his words. Why are you telling me this now?
Because you need to understand the danger you're in, he said, his voice heavy with regret. You've already caught the attention of others. Being near me puts a target on your back.
Lily's hands trembled in her lap, but she refused to look away. Why me? Why do I matter so much to you?
Dominic hesitated, his expression softening as he knelt in front of her. Because you're my fated mate, he admitted, the words carrying a weight she didn't yet fully comprehend. In our world, a fated mate is rare, a bond stronger than anything else. I… I've been fighting it, trying to keep my distance, but it's impossible. Every part of me is drawn to you.
Lily's breath quickened as his confession sank in. She wanted to dismiss it as some wild fantasy, but deep down, she knew there was something extraordinary about their connection. Still, she couldn't ignore the implications of what he was saying.
So, what? You're a werewolf, and now I'm supposed to… what? Be your mate? she asked, her tone sharp with a mix of fear and defiance.
Dominic's expression hardened. It's not that simple, Lily. Being my mate means more than just being by my side. It means sharing the risks, the responsibilities, and the dangers of my world. And it means that I'll do whatever it takes to protect you.
She shook her head, standing abruptly and putting distance between them. I didn't ask for this. I didn't ask to be part of your world, or to have some… bond forced on me.
Dominic stood as well, his eyes flashing with a hint of his wolfish nature. Do you think I wanted this? he growled. Do you think I wanted to put you in danger? I've spent my whole life keeping people at arm's length, because anyone close to me becomes a target. But I can't ignore what we are, Lily. No matter how much I've tried, I can't fight it.
The room fell silent, the weight of his words hanging between them. Lily felt her resolve waver as she looked into his eyes, seeing the pain and sincerity behind them. She wanted to believe him, to trust him, but the enormity of what he was asking of her felt suffocating. I need time, she said finally, her voice trembling. I need time to think about all of this.
Dominic nodded, though his expression remained tense. Take all the time you need, he said. But know this, Lily: no matter what you decide, I'll keep you safe. Always.
He turned and left without another word, the door clicking shut behind him. Lily sank onto the couch, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. She had come to this town to escape her past, but now she found herself entangled in a world far more dangerous and complicated than she could have ever imagined.
As the night stretched on, Lily couldn't shake the feeling that her life was forever changed. Dominic's revelation had opened a door she couldn't close, and the question now was whether she had the courage to step through it. The forest outside her window seemed to beckon her, its secrets and dangers waiting to be uncovered. And at the center of it all was Dominic Blackthorn, the enigmatic alpha whose fate was now entwined with hers in ways she could barely begin to understand.