DOMINIC
I am silent as the car drives into my territory.
In fact, I haven’t said a word since I left the Vale pack.
I have not been able to.
I keep seeing the wolves at the front of the car sending me blank looks when they think I am not watching.
They must think I am pathetic.
They can’t understand that the game was already rigged.
There was just no way to save him and protect the pack.
Tommy understood that.
That is why he didn’t mind dying.
For me.
For the pack.
He was a good wolf.
It is a pity his life was cut so short.
It would be tough to find someone like him.
What a bloody mess, this is.
And it is because of those two wretched creatures.
Viktor and Louisa
They are out to get me.
Why can’t everyone just see that?
“Alpha,” one of the wolves calls out, bringing me out of my thoughts. “We are here.”
I look out through the window to see that we have packed at the front of the mansion
“Hmm,” I say as I get out.
I watch as the car drives away, before turning to look back at the mansion.
I know I have work to do but I just have zero motivation to do that right now.
I am just way too angry to stay still and read papers.
Without a second’s hesitation, I turn away from the mansion and head for the training building.
The space is huge, with high ceilings and walls that seem to go on forever.
The floor is made of a thick, rubber material that offers grip and cushioning. when the wolves are here for intense training.
All around me, I see wolves engaged in various exercises with some running on treadmills, while others are lifting weights for endurance
The room is divided into different sections for agility, strength, combat training, and even a “moon room” for transformations during full moons.
I had the idea to make. sure that the wolves are focused and dedicated, with every area of the different types of training.
The walls are decorated with motivational posters and diagrams, while the floor is marked with lines and symbols to guide the wolves through their routines.
As I move deeper into the room, I see traces of Clarisse.
There is a padded mat area for grappling and ground fighting, as well as a space for meditation and mindfulness.
The room is brightly illuminated, with both overhead lights and sunlight streaming in through the big windows on one side. The air is crisp and pure, carrying a slight hint of wolf scent and a faint touch of silver.
I had wanted sterile practically but she had insisted that there should be a place for comfort and rest.
They can rest in their rooms if they want.
But I let her have her way.
She was the Luna after all.
I ignore the blank looks and whispers as I get on one of the mats to begin push ups.
I need to find a way to bleed out this anger and pent up energy in me.
I would have preferred to let it lose on those wretched wolves, but that is just a sure way to extinction.
I watch as some of the wolves get up and leave my presence, all of them wearing dark looks on their faces.
I know what they are all thinking.
That I am weak for not saving Tommy.
They don’t understand anything.
Not like Tommy.
They don’t understand the sacrifices it takes to keep the peace.
“Dominic!”
Oh, great.
Just perfect.
Exactly what I needed.
I watch as Clarisee makes her way toward me, anger in her every footstep.
“Where is Tommy?” She demands the moment she reaches me.
“Did you see him here?”
“No, which is why I am asking you. Where is he? Didn’t you go save him?”
“I did and I couldn’t!” I snap at her as I rise to my feet and move away from her. “Leave me, woman.”
“What do you mean, you couldn’t?” she asks as she follows me
“Exactly what I said. The wolves, those bastards. They were against me, they didn’t -”
“ENOUGH!” she snaps. “Enough with your pathetic excuses. Everyone is out to get you,” she says in a poor mimicry at me. “Everyone is at fault. No one believes me. No one trusts me. It is their fault. Not mine. You never take responsibility for anything.”
“I tried to save him-”
“You tried! You tried! You tried! You are always trying and you are always failing. You know for someone who hates weakness and failure so much, you seem to be a pro at it.'”
“Watch your words, Clarisse,” I growl at her.
“No, I won’t. You attack your pack members for the slightest mistake and blame everyone for their weakness and yet! Yet! You couldn’t save Tommy. Tommy who has been by your side for years. Tommy who worshiped you and was loyal to you. Look around you! You are losing the trust and confidence of your pack. Or at least whatever remains of it.”
“Clarisse!”
“You are weak!” She sneers. “You who hate weakness are the biggest weakling of all. It is probably why it pisses you so much. Because you can’t stand to see what is in you reflected back at you. And if you couldn’t save him, if you couldn’t save someone as loyal as Tommy, what confidence do you want us to have that you would save us.”
“Enough!” I snap as I raise my hand to hit her only for her to dodge it and punch me across the face.
“Don’t you fucking dare!” she snarls at me.
Shock.
That is the first thing I feel.
Then rage.
Quick, sudden, blind rage.
She hit me.
Me, her alpha.
She hit her alpha in front of the other wolves
This bitch
I look over at her and my vision goes red instantly.
The only thing I feel right now is the desire for blood
I launch at her