6

“You belong to me,” his voice, deep and commanding, resonated with a certainty that sent shivers down my spine.
I resisted the urge to laugh at the absurdity of it all and glanced around, half-expecting he was addressing someone else. Any other man, and I would’ve bolted right then. But the cold, unfeeling look in Alpha Dominic’s eyes warned me that he might enjoy the chase far too much. A silent prayer to the Moon Goddess slipped from my lips-why had she chosen him for me? I never wanted a mate, and now I was tied to the most dangerous one in history.
My heart sank as the realization hit me like a ton of bricks-my story wasn’t destined for a happy ending.
Frozen in place, I watched as Alpha Dominic closed the distance between us, his presence looming over me like a dark shadow. His two companions trailed behind him, their mere presence unsettling, radiating an energy that screamed danger. They were attractive, sure, but there was something about them that triggered a primal instinct: run.
My gaze involuntarily traveled up Alpha Dominic’s muscular frame, finally meeting his eyes. He moved with a fluidity that was almost unnerving for someone so large, his cold, emotionless stare inspecting every inch of my face. I felt like prey under the gaze of a predator, as if he were assessing me for slaughter. My face heated in response, the blood rushing to my cheeks in a mortifying blush.
“What is your name?” His deep voice cut through the air, each word enunciated with a calm precision that only amplified my fear.
The ball had gone silent; everyone was watching our exchange with bated breath. My eyes were glued to his, unable to seek comfort in the faces of the guests or my family. Where was Raven? Gideon? Draven, Aria, my parents? No one would dare intervene, not between Alpha Dominic and his mate.
“Don’t be afraid of him, he’s our mate!” Rose, my wolf, spoke in my mind, but even she sounded uncertain, as if our instincts knew the danger we faced.
I made a decision right then: if I was ever to find happiness, I had to conquer this fear. The fear of being hurt again weighed heavily on me, but I forced my terror of Alpha Dominic deep down. What kind of man would harm his mate?
“I asked you a question, little mate.” His voice boomed, impatience tinging his tone. Everything about him exuded danger and control.
“Katarina,” I finally responded, my voice calm despite the turmoil inside me. It sounded so fragile compared to his deep, commanding tone.
“Katarina,” he repeated, as if tasting the name on his tongue. “Do you know who I am?” His storm-gray eyes bored into mine, and I found myself searching for any hint of who he truly was. A mate was supposed to know you better than you knew yourself. But as I stared into his emotionless gaze, I wondered if there was anything there at all-either he was a master at hiding his emotions, or he was truly hollow inside.
“I do,” I answered, despite the urge to stay silent. Nervously, I bit my bottom lip, unable to tear my eyes away from his.
His gaze flicked to my lips, darkening as if a storm was brewing. When his eyes met mine again, I felt the weight of his scrutiny. In one fluid motion, he turned away, but not before commanding, “Follow me.” His tone left no room for refusal.
Taking a deep breath, I suppressed my fear and hurried to catch up, my short strides struggling to match his. He slowed his pace for me, but I noticed his two men followed closely behind, never far from their Alpha.
We passed through the crowd of shocked onlookers, but all I could focus on was Alpha Dominic’s presence beside me. His scent-sandalwood, citrus, and something earthy-wrapped around me, calming my nerves despite myself. I knew it was the mate bond at work, but it affected me all the same. My wolf begged me to steal a glance at him, and I caved, looking up at his chiseled face.
Even in repose, his features were striking, his eyes locked on mine with a mask of indifference. He looked like a god among men, exuding dominance and confidence. But that didn’t mean I was attracted to him. I couldn’t be.
We reached a long table I hadn’t noticed before. Alpha Dominic took a seat, still somehow towering over me. My eyes lingered on his face, unable to resist the pull. What did he think of me? Was he disappointed? Did he want someone else… did he have someone else? The thought sent Rose into a jealous rage.
The words “little mate” echoed in my mind, and I felt an unexpected surge of possessiveness.
I realized my eyes had darkened with Rose’s jealousy, and I watched as his eyebrow raised ever so slightly in response. But just as quickly, his mask of indifference returned, leaving me questioning if I had imagined it.
“We will leave for my territory tomorrow morning,” Alpha Dominic stated, his voice as emotionless as ever.
His tone frustrated me-how could I know what he was thinking or feeling? Was he angry? Pleased? I needed something to hold onto, some indication that this wouldn’t end in misery for me. My options were nonexistent; I had no choice but to go with him. The thought both thrilled and terrified me.
“I’m going to say goodbye to my family and friends. I’ll be back shortly,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. My cheeks burned under his gaze, but I refused to let it show.
His eyes remained fixed on mine, burning into me. But I felt a growing confidence that I could suppress my fear of this man, the man who was supposed to be my mate.
“Do not stray too far, little mate,” he replied, his tone now laced with amusement. His eyes darkened once more, a storm brewing beneath the surface. I wondered what caused his eyes to change so often, recalling what Raven had told me-our eyes only change when our wolf is trying to take over. Multiple things could trigger that, but I couldn’t decipher his emotions.
As I reluctantly turned away, I knew he would ensure I didn’t wander too far. The looming figure of one of his men confirmed it. The music had resumed, and people were dancing again, though many still cast anxious glances my way. It finally dawned on me-they feared me because I was his mate. I wondered just how justified their fear was.
After what felt like an eternity, I found Raven, locked in a loving gaze with a handsome brown-haired man. The look on her face told me she had found her mate.
“Raven,” I choked out, my voice betraying my unease. Her eyes widened as she snapped out of her trance, scanning my face for the source of my distress.
“Katarina? What’s wrong? Did something happen?” Raven asked sharply, her eyes narrowing as she searched the area around us.
“I… I found my mate,” I said solemnly, using the same tone I would if someone had died.
“Oh my goodness, who is it? You have to introduce me!” she exclaimed, her excitement ignoring my clear discomfort. Her mate glanced at my face, puzzled by the sadness in my tone.
“Raven, it’s him… Alpha Dominic,” I managed to say, my voice strained and uneasy.
Raven’s expression froze in shock, and her mate instinctively moved to pull her away from me.
“N-No, please. I would never let him harm Raven,” I choked out, my eyes pleading with her mate, who looked at me with concern. He meant no disrespect; he only wanted to protect her.
“She wouldn’t let him hurt me, Maximus, it’s okay,” Raven reassured her mate, though I noticed her smile didn’t reach her eyes.
“Are you sure about this, Katarina?” Raven asked, her expression now serious as she gently gripped my shoulders, searching my eyes.
“I’m certain, Raven. I’m leaving with him tomorrow,” I whispered, my gaze dropping to the floor.
“Katarina, don’t let them mistreat you. Whether they like it or not, you’re going to be their Luna now. If he hurts you…” Raven trailed off, knowing I understood the implication.
If he hurt me, I could always reject him. But surviving that would be unlikely, and the remainder of my life would be miserable. Yet, could anything be more miserable than being harmed by your own mate?
“I’ll do my best, you know that. I’ll stay in touch with you, Raven, and visit if I can. I just need to get some fresh air,” I sighed, turning to walk away. I needed to escape the pity in their eyes, as if something tragic had already happened to me. It had, but I didn’t want their sympathy. I had to try to be strong. I couldn’t allow myself to be walked over or forced into a submissive role.
“We will be Luna. We will never be submissive,” my wolf insisted, though I knew how attached she already was to Alpha Dominic.
I found the entrance we had come through earlier and made my way outside, walking further across the clearing and around the side of the tent until I was alone. Leaning against the nearest oak tree, I closed my eyes, desperately trying to slow my racing heart.
“Be strong, Katarina. We can get through this,” my wolf soothed, instilling me with confidence.
“I thought I’d find you out here,” an amused voice called out. I looked up to see Draven approaching, looking slightly disheveled. I stifled a groan, wanting nothing more than to be alone for a few moments.
“Yeah, I needed a break,” I sighed, turning my gaze towards the forest. I longed to run into those woods and never return, but I knew my fate if I did. I wouldn’t survive long on my own, or worse, Alpha Dominic would find me.
“I didn’t get to tell you earlier, but you look stunning tonight,” Draven smirked, stepping closer. The scent of alcohol clung to him, though I doubted he was drunk. It took a lot more to intoxicate a werewolf, especially one with a high tolerance.
“Thanks,” I replied, my voice uncertain. I kept my eyes on the forest as I let my arms fall to my sides. The cool breeze cooled my warm skin, helping clear the confusion in my mind.
“I have to be honest, Katarina. I didn’t come here just looking for any mate,” Draven said, slurring his words slightly.
Something in his tone made me tense up; I didn’t like how close he was getting. Normally, it wouldn’t bother me, but this was too close.
“He’s drunk, Katarina. Get out of here,” my wolf urged, her mistrust of Draven mirroring my own.
“I need to get back to Raven,” I said, trying to step around him.
“And Gideon?” Draven snapped, grabbing my wrist and shoving me back against the tree.
“What are you doing, Draven?” I wanted to demand, but my voice came out in a frightened whisper. What was wrong with me tonight? When had I become too afraid to stand up for myself? After pushing people away all year, now I was frozen in fear.
“Finally showing you how I feel,” Draven slurred, messily grabbing both my wrists and pinning them above my head. Everything seemed to move in slow motion. Memories from last summer collided with the present, making me hyper-aware of everything, yet unable to focus or fight.
“Draven, get off me!” I screamed, finally finding my voice. I thrashed against him, using all my strength to push him away, but it was no use. I was too small compared to his large frame. I began to hyperventilate, knowing exactly what was about to happen. I had little left to give, and I couldn’t bear to lose it this way.
“Shut up! Don’t act like you didn’t know it’s always been you!” Draven snapped, striking my face with his free hand.
For a moment, everything went still. Black spots clouded my vision, and I knew the worst was about to happen-the one thing that would break me completely, beyond repair. I felt Draven tugging at the bottom of my dress, most likely trying to pull it up when suddenly, his weight was gone. I held my sore wrists in front of me, knowing they would be bruised by morning. Slowly, I reached up to touch my cheek, wincing at the pain. I wondered what it would look like by morning. Only then did I take in my surroundings.
The first thing I noticed was the scent-sandalwood and citrus. It filled my nose, easing the stars circling in my vision. Draven lay on the ground, his back in the wet grass. Standing over him was none other than my rescuer. Alpha Dominic loomed above Draven, his eyes a terrifying shade of black. My wolf wanted to approach him, but the waves of fury radiating from him kept us at a distance. Despite what had happened, I couldn’t help but feel terrified for Draven. To have all that rage directed at you from the most feared Alpha…
“Katarina, are you alright?” Alpha Dominic asked, his voice calm but deadly, his eyes remaining black with fury. He barely turned his head to look at me.
I wanted to tell him I was okay physically, but I couldn’t speak. The dam inside me, holding back the worst, was close to breaking. Instead, I nodded, trying to blink away the tears that had sprung to my eyes. I watched as his black eyes flicked to my cheek, my wrists, and back to my eyes. Without another word, he turned his attention back to Draven. By now, a crowd had gathered outside, drawn by the commotion. I watched in horror as Gideon, Aria, my mother, and my father appeared in the crowd. Their faces registered shock as they took in what had happened and who was outside with me.
“What’s going on here?” A balding man pushed through the crowd, making his way to Draven’s side. I recognized him as Alpha Julian Theron, Draven’s pack leader.
I kept my back against the oak tree, my eyes darting between my family members and Alpha Dominic.
He didn’t glance at me as he addressed Alpha Julian. “This pup tried to assault my mate,” Alpha Dominic spat, the word “pup” dripping with disdain. His authoritative tone made some onlookers flinch and step back as if they could escape his wrath.
“Is this true, son?” Alpha Julian frowned, leaning down to look at Draven’s face.
“I didn’t do anything she didn’t want,” Draven sneered, his eyes locking onto mine. Blood streamed from his nose, and I wondered if that was Alpha Dominic’s doing.
“You’d be wise to keep your mouth shut,” Alpha Dominic snarled, his voice like a weapon.
“L-Let me handle him,” Alpha Julian stammered, trying to sound authoritative but only coming across as a weak imitation of Alpha Dominic.
“Do you want to make an enemy of me?” Alpha Dominic asked calmly, his gaze piercing Alpha Julian’s. I watched as Alpha Julian’s face paled, and he shot a glance of pity at Draven.
“What do you want me to do?” Alpha Julian asked, fear creeping into his voice.
“Let me decide his fate,” Alpha Dominic replied, his voice still calm but all the more frightening for it. I couldn’t help but wonder what it would take for him to truly lose his composure. Deep inside, my wolf felt a smug satisfaction at having a mate who would kill for us. I, on the other hand, was undecided.
“Very well,” Alpha Julian muttered, casting one last sympathetic glance at Draven.
Without acknowledging Alpha Julian further, Alpha Dominic turned to the two men flanking him and gave a simple command.
“Take him,” Alpha Dominic ordered, his voice deadly calm. I knew that if I looked into his eyes, I’d see the rage that had destroyed so many others.
The men seized Draven, who struggled against their grip, but it was futile. They were twice his size and five times as fierce. I remained pressed against the oak tree, afraid that if I moved, I’d collapse. I watched warily as Alpha Dominic approached me, his eyes still midnight black, but none of his anger seemed directed at me. He stopped in front of me, his gaze never leaving mine as he slowly lifted his hand toward my face. I flinched as his fingers traced down my bruised cheek, his dark eyes flaring with anger, though I knew that his fury wasn’t aimed at me. The sensation that spread across my cheek left me wide-eyed in astonishment. It felt like an electric current had brushed against my skin, yet there was no pain-only a soothing warmth that made me feel unexpectedly calm. But just as quickly as his touch had traced my face, his hand retreated, resting by his side once more.
I pushed away from the sturdy oak tree I had been leaning against, only to realize I had made a grave error. Memories, both fresh and buried, flooded my mind in an overwhelming rush. The stench of alcohol and the acrid scent of sweat filled my senses, dragging me back to those agonizing moments. The echo of my own screams began to resonate in my ears, a haunting reminder of the past.