Luna Hart had always felt different.
Living in the small, sleepy town of Silver Creek, she had grown accustomed to the whispers of her neighbors. She was the girl with no past, no family, and no answers. At twenty-one, she worked at the local bookstore, her life as ordinary as the well-worn streets of her hometown. Yet, deep down, she knew something wasn't right.
Her dreams were proof of that.
Night after night, she was plagued by visions: shadowy forests, glowing eyes, and an overwhelming sense of being watched. Sometimes, there were voices—a woman's soft whisper urging her to remember, and a man's deep, commanding tone calling her by a name she didn't recognize.
"Selena," the voice would say.
But Luna was not Selena. At least, she didn't think so.
It was a chilly autumn evening when her world changed.
The streets were empty as Luna walked home from work, the dim glow of streetlights casting long shadows. She tugged her jacket tighter, her breath fogging in the crisp air.
She paused when a low growl echoed through the night.
"Probably a dog," she muttered, quickening her pace. But the growl came again, deeper this time, and closer.
Fear prickled down her spine as she turned to look. Emerging from the shadows was a wolf—larger than any she'd ever seen. Its eyes glowed a haunting gold, and its fur shimmered under the streetlights.
Luna froze, her heart hammering in her chest.
The wolf growled again, its gaze locked on her. She wanted to run, but her legs wouldn't move.
The wolf lunged. Luna braced for impact, but instead of pain, she felt a rush of warmth. A strong, powerful presence interceded, and suddenly, the wolf was gone.
Blinking in confusion, Luna saw a man standing in front of her. He was tall, with broad shoulders and a commanding aura. His dark hair was tousled, and his amber eyes seemed to glow.
"Are you hurt?" he asked, his voice deep and urgent.
Luna shook her head, unable to speak.
"You shouldn't be out here," he said, scanning the area. "It's not safe."
"Who… who are you?" Luna managed to whisper.
He turned to face her fully, his gaze piercing. "Dominic Blackwood."
Before she could respond, more growls filled the air. Dominic's expression darkened. "Rogues," he muttered.
Without warning, he scooped her into his arms and took off running. Luna clung to him, too stunned to protest as the world blurred around her.
When Luna opened her eyes, she was in an unfamiliar room. The scent of pine and rain filled the air, and the soft glow of a fire lit the space.
Her head throbbed as she sat up, taking in her surroundings. Where was she?
The door opened, and a young woman with kind green eyes stepped in. "You're awake!" she said with a smile. "I'm Elise. Dominic brought you here after the attack."
"Attack?" Luna echoed, her memories rushing back. "The wolf… and the man… Dominic?"
Elise nodded. "He saved you. You're in Blackwood territory now."
Luna frowned. "What does that mean? And why did those… wolves attack me?"
Elise hesitated. "It's complicated. Dominic will explain everything. For now, you should rest."
But rest was the last thing on Luna's mind.
Later that day, Dominic entered the room. His presence was magnetic, and Luna felt an inexplicable pull toward him.
"We need to talk," he said, his tone firm.
Luna crossed her arms. "You think? You dragged me here without explaining anything!"
"You were in danger," he said simply. "I had no choice."
"Danger from what? Those wolves? Why were they after me?"
Dominic hesitated, his gaze softening. "Because you're not who you think you are."
Luna stared at him, her heart pounding. "What are you talking about?"
He stepped closer, his voice low. "You're one of us, Luna. A werewolf. And not just any werewolf—you're my mate."
The room spun. "That's… impossible."
"I know it's a lot to take in," Dominic said, "but it's the truth. You've been living as a human, but you're more than that. The rogues attacked because they sensed your power."
Luna shook her head, backing away. "This is insane. I'm not… I can't be…"
But even as she denied it, something inside her stirred. Deep down, she knew Dominic was telling the truth.
Luna experiences a sudden, overwhelming vision of a fiery battlefield. She sees Dominic, a pack of wolves, and herself standing at the center of the chaos.
She hears a haunting voice: "You will choose who lives and who dies."
The room tilted as Luna clutched the edge of the wooden dresser for support. Her heart pounded in her chest, and her breathing was uneven. Dominic's words echoed in her mind: You're not who you think you are.
"I need to get out of here," she murmured, half to herself.
Dominic stepped closer, his expression calm but intense. "You can't leave, Luna. It's too dangerous out there."
"Dangerous?" Luna scoffed, though her voice trembled. "You're telling me I'm a werewolf—like this is some kind of twisted fairy tale—and you expect me to stay here and just believe you?"
"You don't have to believe me," Dominic replied, his voice low and steady. "Your body will tell you the truth soon enough."
A sharp pang shot through her head, and Luna staggered, clutching her temples.
"Luna?" Dominic's tone shifted, concern lacing his voice.
A flood of images rushed through her mind—flashes of forests bathed in moonlight, a silver wolf snarling in pain, and a pair of familiar golden eyes. Her vision blurred, and her knees buckled.
Dominic caught her before she hit the ground, his arms strong and steady around her.
"Breathe," he said, his voice close to her ear. "You're remembering."
"I don't want to remember!" she snapped, her voice breaking. Tears streamed down her face as she pushed herself away from him. "I just want to go back to my normal life."
He sighed, stepping back to give her space. "You don't have a normal life anymore. The rogues will come for you again. And if they don't, someone else will."
Luna's hands trembled as she wiped at her face. "Why me? Why would they care about me?"
Dominic hesitated. For the first time, she saw something in his expression other than confidence—doubt, or maybe guilt.
"There's something about you, Luna," he said finally. "Something they can sense. You're more powerful than you know."
Later that night, Luna found herself alone in the room Dominic had assigned her. The fire had died down, leaving only embers glowing faintly in the hearth. She sat on the edge of the bed, her mind a storm of thoughts.
Her hands brushed the scar on her back, a jagged line she'd had for as long as she could remember. She'd always thought it was from an accident as a child, though she had no memory of how it happened.
But now, questions swirled.
Could Dominic be right? Could she really be… different?
Exhaustion eventually overtook her, and she fell into a restless sleep.
Luna stood in the middle of a vast, misty forest. The trees loomed high above her, their branches twisting like skeletal fingers. A silvery moon hung low in the sky, casting an eerie glow.
"Luna…"The voice was soft but insistent, echoing through the trees. She turned, searching for its source.
"Who's there?" she called, her voice shaking.
The forest shifted around her, the trees blurring and melting into shadows. Suddenly, she was no longer alone. A massive wolf with sleek, silver fur and piercing blue eyes stood before her. It watched her with an almost human intelligence.
"You are not ready," the wolf said, its voice feminine and rich, vibrating in her mind.
"Ready for what?" Luna asked, her heart racing.
The wolf stepped closer, its presence overwhelming. "You must remember. Without your memories, the pack will fall. He will fall."
"Who? What are you talking about?"
Before the wolf could answer, the forest erupted into flames. The heat was intense, the air thick with smoke. Luna turned, shielding her face, and saw a battlefield stretching endlessly before her. Wolves clashed in brutal combat, their snarls and cries filling the air.
In the center of the chaos stood Dominic, his amber eyes blazing with fury as he fought off a horde of enemies. Blood stained his hands and chest, but he didn't falter.
Then she saw herself.
She stood on a rocky ledge, her hands glowing with a strange, silvery light. Her lips moved, but she couldn't hear what she was saying.
The silver wolf's voice echoed again: "You will choose who lives and who dies."
Luna's breath hitched as the vision began to fade, the battlefield dissolving into darkness.
Luna woke with a gasp, her body drenched in sweat. Her heart pounded as she sat up, clutching the blanket tightly.
The dream had felt so real—too real.
A knock at the door startled her, and she jumped. "Who is it?"
"It's me," Dominic's voice came from the other side.
Luna hesitated, then swung her legs over the bed and crossed to the door. She opened it to find him standing there, his expression serious.
"You felt it, didn't you?" he asked.
She frowned. "Felt what?"
"The bond," he said simply. "You saw something, didn't you? Something about the future."
Her eyes widened, and she stepped back. "How do you know that?"
Dominic's gaze softened. "Because I've seen it too. The bond between mates is more than just physical—it connects our minds and our souls. Whatever you saw, Luna, it's part of the truth you've been running from."
She shook her head, panic rising in her chest. "This is insane. I don't want any of this. I just want to go back to my life!"
"You can't," he said firmly, stepping into the room. "You're part of this now, whether you like it or not. And if we don't figure out what the visions mean, we're all in danger."
Luna's hands clenched into fists as frustration bubbled inside her. "Why me? Why is it always me?"
Dominic reached out, his hand brushing hers. The touch sent a spark of warmth through her, momentarily calming her.
"Because you're stronger than you know," he said quietly. "And whether you believe it or not, you're meant for this."
Luna stared at him, her emotions a whirlwind. Deep down, she wanted to believe him. But something still didn't feel right.
And as she looked into his amber eyes, a chilling thought crossed her mind: What else is he not telling me?
When Luna opened her eyes, she was in an unfamiliar room. The scent of pine and rain filled the air, and the soft glow of a fire lit the space. Her head throbbed as she sat up, taking in her surroundings. Where was she?
The door creaked open, and a young woman with kind green eyes stepped inside. She wore simple clothes and had a calming aura about her.
"Oh, you're awake!" the woman said with a smile. "I'm Elise. Dominic brought you here after the attack."
"Attack?" Luna repeated, her voice shaky. "The glowing eyes, the wolf… it wasn't a dream?"
Elise hesitated, her smile faltering. "No… it wasn't. But you're safe now. You're in Blackwood territory."
"Blackwood territory?" Luna swung her legs off the bed, her heart racing. "I need to leave. I don't know what's going on, but I can't stay here."
Before Elise could respond, the door opened again, and Dominic stepped in. His presence filled the room instantly, his amber eyes locking onto Luna.
"You're not going anywhere," Dominic said firmly, his deep voice leaving no room for argument.
Luna stood, ignoring the way her knees wobbled. "You can't just keep me here! I don't even know you!"
Dominic's gaze softened slightly, though his expression remained serious. "You're not safe out there. The rogues are after you for a reason, and until I figure out why, you're staying here."
"Why would they be after me?" Luna shot back, frustration bubbling inside her. "I'm nobody!"
Dominic took a step closer, and she instinctively stepped back, her breath catching.
"You're not nobody," he said quietly, his voice soft but with an edge of finality. "You're my mate."
The moonlight felt sharper than usual as Luna sat by the window of her small apartment, staring out at the quiet streets of Silver Creek. She clutched a mug of tea in her trembling hands, though she hadn't taken a sip. The events of the evening played on a loop in her mind. The glowing eyes, the beastly snarl, and the man who had saved her life—Dominic.
What did he mean by "mate"? And why did he look at me like he knew me?
The questions clawed at her, each one heavier than the last. Her ordinary world had been shattered in a single night, and now she was left with nothing but confusion and a lingering sense of dread.
Her phone buzzed on the counter, breaking her thoughts. She reached for it hesitantly.
"Are you safe?" The text was from Dominic.
She didn't even remember giving him her number, but somehow, she wasn't surprised. There was something about him—something commanding and unyielding. Even through a text, it felt like he was watching her. Protecting her.
Luna hesitated before typing back, "I'm fine. Don't worry."
The reply came instantly: "We need to talk. Meet me tomorrow. I'll explain everything."
Her fingers hovered over the screen. She wanted answers, but meeting him again felt like stepping into something dangerous. Before she could respond, another text came through.
"If you don't, you'll regret it. You're not safe alone."
Her chest tightened. The weight of his words pressed against her as if they were a warning she couldn't ignore.
The next morning, Luna made her way to the edge of town, where Dominic had asked her to meet him. The spot was secluded, a small clearing in the woods just beyond the old railway tracks. She hugged her jacket tighter around her, the crisp morning air nipping at her skin.
When she arrived, Dominic was already there, leaning against a tree. His tall, imposing frame was impossible to miss, and the way his amber eyes locked onto her made her stomach twist with unease.
"You came," he said, his voice deep and steady.
"I need answers," Luna replied, trying to sound braver than she felt.
Dominic straightened, his expression unreadable. "You're not like the others here, Luna. You're… different."
"That's what you said last night," she snapped, crossing her arms. "But you haven't explained anything. Why was I attacked? And why did you call me your mate?"
His jaw tightened, and for a moment, he seemed to weigh his words carefully. "You don't remember who you are, do you?"
Her heart skipped a beat. "What are you talking about? I know who I am."
"Do you?" His gaze softened, but the intensity in his eyes didn't waver. "Because you don't smell human, Luna. You're a werewolf—like me. And you're part of something bigger than you realize."
She stumbled back a step, laughing nervously. "You're insane. I'm not a werewolf. That's… that's impossible."
Dominic didn't move closer, but his voice dropped to a low growl. "Then how do you explain what happened last night? The way that Rogue went after you wasn't random. They could smell your power. Just like I can."
Luna's breathing quickened. "No. I'm just… I'm just a girl. I've lived here my whole life."
"Have you?" he challenged his words cutting through her like a knife. "Think, Luna. What do you remember about your childhood? Your family?"
Her mind reeled. The truth was, she didn't remember much. Flashes of laughter, a woman's soft voice, and the warmth of a home she couldn't place were all she had. The rest was a blank slate, a void she'd never been able to fill.
"I…" she started, her voice faltering.
Dominic stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. "You're more than you think you are, and whether you like it or not, you're a part of this world. My world. And that means I'll protect you, no matter what."
His words sent a strange warmth through her, but she shook her head, stepping back. "I didn't ask for your protection."
"You don't have a choice," he said firmly. "The rogues won't stop until they have you. And if they get you, it won't just be your life on the line—it'll be mine. My pack. Everyone."
Her hands clenched at her sides, her frustration boiling over. "Why me? What's so special about me that they're after?"
Dominic hesitated, his gaze darkening. "That's what we need to find out. But there's one thing I do know—you're my mate, Luna. And whether you believe it or not, that bond is unbreakable."
Her heart pounded in her chest, a mix of fear and something else she couldn't name. She wanted to run, to deny everything he'd said, but deep down, a part of her knew he was telling the truth.
"What do I do now?" she whispered.
Dominic's expression softened, and for the first time, she saw a flicker of vulnerability in his eyes. "Stay close to me. Trust me. I'll keep you safe."
That night, Luna was plagued by another dream. She stood in a dark forest, the trees towering over her like silent sentinels. A silvery mist swirled around her feet, and the air was thick with the scent of pine and earth.
"Luna…"
The voice was soft, almost melodic, but it sent a shiver down her spine.
"Who's there?" she called, her voice trembling.
The forest shifted, and suddenly, a pair of glowing silver eyes appeared in the darkness. A massive wolf stepped forward, its fur shimmering in the moonlight.
"You must remember," the wolf said, its voice echoing in her mind. "Time is running out."
"Remember what?" she asked, her heart racing.
The wolf didn't answer. Instead, it let out a mournful howl that seemed to shake the very ground beneath her.
When she woke, her body was covered in sweat, her heart hammering in her chest. The dream had felt so real, and the wolf's words echoed in her mind.
"You must remember…"
Luna's life had been ordinary. Simple. But now, as she stared out her window at the rising moon, she knew that nothing would ever be the same again.
Luna froze, the weight of his words crashing down on her like a tidal wave. Mate? The word felt foreign, yet something deep within her stirred at the sound of it, an unfamiliar pull she couldn't explain.
"You're mistaken," she said, her voice shaky as she took a step back. "I'm not... whatever you think I am. I'm just a girl who works at a bookstore and tries to stay out of trouble. I can't be your mate."
Dominic's intense amber eyes didn't waver. He crossed his arms, his towering frame radiating calm power. "You feel it, don't you?"
"Feel what?" she snapped, her frustration bubbling to the surface.
She wanted to deny it, to laugh in his face and walk away. But her body betrayed her. There was something, a faint pull in her chest whenever he was near, like an invisible thread tying them together. But it made no sense. None of this did.
"I don't know what you're talking about," she lied, turning her head away.
Dominic's jaw clenched. "You can deny it all you want, but it won't change what's real. You're my mate, Luna. And if you don't accept that soon, it could cost both of us more than you realize."
Her heart pounded in her ears as she backed away. "You don't know anything about me. I've never even met you before tonight, and now you're telling me we're... we're bound together? That's insane!"
"You think this is a coincidence?" Dominic's voice rose slightly, frustration slipping through his calm exterior. "The rogues who attacked you weren't after just anyone. They were after you. They could smell who you are, what you are."
She shook her head, tears pricking at her eyes. "You've got the wrong person. I'm not some... werewolf. I'm not anyone special."
Dominic's gaze softened, though his intensity remained. "You don't remember, do you?"
The question struck her like a bolt of lightning.
"Remember what?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
"Who you are," he said, his voice dropping to a near-growl. "Where you came from. You're not just some ordinary human, Luna. You're one of us. And the sooner you accept that, the safer you'll be."
Her knees felt weak, her entire body trembling as his words sank in. Memories she didn't have flashed through her mind, vague and fleeting—trees, the sound of howls in the distance, and the overwhelming sense of belonging to something she couldn't name.
"No," she said firmly, pushing the thoughts aside. "You're wrong. I'm just a girl. That's all I've ever been."
Dominic's expression darkened, but before he could respond, a low growl echoed through the forest behind them.
Luna's heart leaped into her throat. "What was that?"
Dominic's eyes glowed brighter, his head snapping toward the sound. "Stay behind me," he ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument.
The growling grew louder, and shadows shifted in the darkness between the trees. Luna clutched her arms around herself, her breath coming in short, panicked gasps.
"Dominic," she whispered, "what's out there?"
He didn't answer. Instead, his body tensed, his stance widening as he prepared for a fight.
And then they appeared—two wolves, their eyes gleaming with malice as they stepped into the clearing. Their fur was matted, and their teeth bared in snarls that sent chills down Luna's spine.
"Rogues," Dominic growled under his breath.
The wolves didn't wait. With a guttural snarl, they lunged.
Everything happened in a blur. Dominic shifted mid-leap, his clothes shredding as his body transformed into a massive black wolf. His growls shook the air as he met the rogues head-on, teeth snapping and claws slashing.
Luna stumbled back, her legs refusing to move as she watched the chaos unfold. The sheer power and speed of the fight were overwhelming, and she could do nothing but watch as Dominic fought to protect her.
One of the rogues broke away, its glowing eyes locking onto her.
"No," she whispered, terror, freezing her in place.
The rogue charged, its jaws open wide. Luna raised her arms instinctively, a scream ripping from her throat. But before the wolf could reach her, a burst of heat erupted from deep within her chest.
The rogue yelped, thrown backward as if struck by an invisible force.
Dominic, now standing over the lifeless body of the other rogue, turned his head sharply at the sight. His glowing eyes met hers, and for a moment, the entire world seemed to go still.
"What... what just happened?" Luna stammered, her hands shaking as she stared at the rogue wolf lying unconscious a few feet away.
Dominic shifted back into his human form, his breathing heavy and his eyes wide with shock. "You don't know, do you?"
"Know what?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
He stepped closer, his expression unreadable. "You're more powerful than you realize, Luna. That... that was your wolf."
She shook her head violently. "No. I'm not a wolf. I'm not—"
"You are," Dominic interrupted, his voice firm but calm. "And whatever just happened... that's just the beginning."
Luna looked at him, her mind reeling. She wanted to argue, to deny everything he was saying. But deep down, she knew he was right.
Her life would never be the same.