DominicusThe days that follow are... strange. I find myself constantly drawn back to the town, to her. I watch from afar as she goes about her life. Working in the diner, talking with the older human woman, taking walks in the evening.She seems... lighter somehow. The constant fear that had shadowed her eyes is fading, replaced by a cautious hope. It makes something in my chest swell with an emotion I can't quite name.But I keep my distance. I'm not ready to face her again, not ready to confront these strange feelings she stirs in me. So I watch, and I wait, and I try to understand.Who is she and why is she affecting me like this?My wolf is restless, constantly pushing to be closer to her. He doesn't understand why we're staying away.As the days pass, I find myself struggling more and more to stay away. The need to be near her, to speak to her, to understand her, grows stronger with each passing hour.However, those feelings fill me with rage and annoyance. She's messing with my
Diana The past few days have been... surreal. I've gone from disbelief to acceptance, and now, to a cautious excitement that I can barely contain. The Alpha's words echo in my mind: "You can stay." Three simple words that have changed everything. I wake up each morning, half-expecting to find myself back in the dingy motel room I've been living in since I got here. But instead, I'm here, in this small but comfortable loft above the diner. It's not much, but it's mine. At least for now. The weight that's been pressing down on my chest since I left my pack has lifted somewhat. I know the problems aren't solved - my pack is still out there, still looking for me. The bounty on my head hasn't magically disappeared. But for the first time in what feels like forever, I have a place to rest. A chance at something resembling a normal life. As I get ready for my shift at the diner, I catch sight of myself in the small mirror above the dresser. There's meet in my cheeks, and the dark circles
DianaThe young man's eyes are wide with terror, his face rapidly turning red as he struggles to breathe. Around us, I can hear gasps and people whispering. Though overall, it doesn’t grab much attention because the market is so busy. But it all this seems distant, muffled.All I can focus on is the Alpha's face, contorted with a rage I don't understand. I don’t know if it’s my eyes, but I could swear that his eyes, usually a warm honey-brown, flicker with an ephemeral glow, a blue-ish color for just a second before it’s gone."Alpha," I whisper, my voice barely audible even to my own ears.For a heartbeat, his eyes flick to mine. In that split second, I see something flicker in their depths. Affection? Confusion? But then it's gone, replaced once more by murderous intent as he turns back to the terrified young man in his grasp.Time seems to slow as I stand there, frozen in disbelief and horror. The basket of groceries lies forgotten at my feet, apples rolling across the pavement.Fe
DianaI hurry after the Alpha, my heart racing as I try to keep up with his long strides. He's several paces ahead, the sack of potatoes perched effortlessly on his broad shoulder. I can't help but stare at his back, my emotions in complete turmoil.Fear still courses through my veins. How can it not? He's the most powerful Were I've ever encountered. The waves of power rolling off him are so intense that if I had a fully developed wolf, it would be constantly cowering in his presence. Even with my weak senses, I can tell he's restraining his aura. The thought sends a shiver down my spine.But then there's the other side of him. The side that's shown me kindness, that's protected me—even if it was a misunderstanding. He's a walking contradiction, and it's driving me mad trying to figure him out.My eyes land on the sack of potatoes on his shoulder, and I'm struck by the oddity of it all. When have I ever seen an Alpha doing such menial labor? Especially to aid a low-ranking wolf like
DianaThe day passes in a blur of nervous energy and racing thoughts. Despite my best efforts to focus on my work, I find myself distracted, my mind constantly wandering to thoughts of tonight's dinner. By the time evening rolls around, I've worked myself into such a state of panic that even Ellen notices something's amiss."Diana, honey," she says, her brow furrowed with concern, "is everything alright? You seem a million miles away today."I open my mouth to brush off her concern, but then hesitate. Maybe talking about it would help? After all, two heads are better than one, and Ellen's years of experience running the diner might prove invaluable.Taking a deep breath, I decide to confide in her – or at least, as much as I can without revealing the supernatural aspects of my life."Well," I begin hesitantly, "I've invited someone over for dinner tonight. As a thank you for helping me out with something important."Ellen's eyebrows rise with interest. "Oh? And who might this someone b
DianaI stand before the kitchen door, my heart pounding in my chest. Taking a deep breath to steady my nerves, I reach out and turn the handle, pulling the door open.The moment I lay eyes on him, I'm stunned into silence. Alpha Dominicus stands there, a vision in black. His shirt hugs his broad shoulders perfectly, the top two buttons undone to reveal a tantalizing glimpse of his chest. The black dress pants he wears only serve to emphasize his powerful build. His usually bushy beard has been neatly trimmed and combed, giving him a more polished look without diminishing his rugged appeal.I've never felt so utterly feminine in any man's presence as I do at this moment. He's not just handsome; he's breathtakingly, devastatingly masculine.As I take him in, I notice his eyes roving over me as well. His gaze is intense, almost palpable as it travels slowly down the length of my body. From the top of my head, past the modest neckline of my dress, down to the simple pumps on my feet, and
DianaMy heart races, and my body reacts in ways I'm not ready to name or acknowledge. No one has ever controlled me so gently, so calmly, dispelling my anxiety as if it were nothing more than morning mist.I can't help but wonder about him. He wasn't offended by my mistake and saw no problem with dining in this humble kitchen. He calmed me down, brought me a chair, and even served me food. Who is he? I've never seen an Alpha – or any high-ranking wolf, for that matter – act with such... is 'humility' the right word?When he finishes his salad, I quickly move to serve the main course, not wanting him to continue waiting on me. But as I do, I notice a slight furrow between his brows, as if he's displeased. My heart does a somersault in my chest.However, after the first bite of the herb-crusted lamb, his expression smooths out, brightening noticeably. Relief washes over me as I realize he enjoys the food. It had been my biggest worry.We eat in comfortable silence, the only sounds in t
DianaI watch helplessly as Dominicus begins to wash the dishes, his large hands deftly handling the delicate china. A sense of wrongness nags at me, and I can't help but make one last attempt to protest."Then at least let me help," I plead weakly."No," he replies, his tone firm but not unkind."Please?" I try again, my voice taking on a slight whine."No," he repeats, unmoved by my entreaties.I feel my lower lip jutting out in a pout before I can stop it. Then, a thought strikes me, and I decide to try a different approach."But Alpha," I say, my voice taking on a whiny tone that I don't even notice I'm using.He ignores me completely, the only response being the clacking of plates and the steady gush of water from the faucet."Alpha," I try again.Nothing."Alpha?" I repeat, my voice rising slightly.Still nothing.Suddenly, a childish impulse wells up inside me. A grin spreads across my face as I begin to drag out his title, swinging my feet playfully from my perch on the counte
Diana “Ch-chasing you?” I stutter, my voice pitched in disbelief. “Yes,” Dominicus says smoothly, his calm tone doing nothing to settle my nerves. “Chase drills. To build speed, reflexes, and stamina.” The way he says it makes it sound so simple, but I know better. Nothing about training with Dominicus is ever simple. I groan audibly, muttering under my breath as I shift back into my wolf form. My muscles ache from the earlier sparring session, and now he wants me to race after his ridiculously fast wolf? Fantastic. Truly. “Do I get a head start?” I ask, clinging to a sliver of hope. “No,” he replies, his massive black wolf shifting into the clearing. Even in the dim light of the setting sun, his fur gleams, every movement exuding power and grace. His glowing blue eyes lock onto me, filled with challenge and something almost playful. I huff. “Figures.” “But,” he adds, his deep voice echoing through the mind-link, “I’ll lower my speed-ordinary Alpha level.” A flicker of relief
Diana“Training shall continue at 6 p.m,” Dominicus says, and I can’t help but groan. He gives me that signature no-nonsense look, the one that brooks no argument, and reminds me why we’re doing this.“You should be able to fight at night,” he says. “To use the cover of darkness to your advantage.”It’s logical, of course, but it doesn’t make it any less dreadful. I flop onto my back in human form, sprawled out on the grass like a fish out of water. My entire body feels like it’s been run over by a truck.The sound of footsteps draws closer, and before I can even think about protesting, I’m scooped up into the air. A squeak of surprise escapes me as Dominicus cradles me in his arms in a perfect princess-carry. I glance up at him, ready to grumble, but the warmth of his chest and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat immediately calm me. His strong arms hold me securely, and for a moment, I let myself relax, resting my head against him.“You did so good, dulcis,” he murmurs, his deep voic
DianaShifting feels as natural as breathing now—just a seamless fusion of woman and wolf. My body responds instantly, power surging through me as bones shift and reshape. Within seconds, I'm standing on four paws, my coppery-red fur rippling in the cool morning breeze.Across the field, Dominicus transforms. Despite having seen it several times now, the sight still leaves me breathless. His wolf form really is magnificent. But it's not just his size that's intimidating. I've always known that despite his massive bulk, he moves like a shadow. Silent. Lethal. But now, having him train me and experiencing it first hand, I understand that he is even stronger than anyone can imagine. By the time you hear him, it's already too late.And yet still, despite it all, I feel no fear or intimidation toward my mate. Instead, I’m filled with a sense of awe and fascination, my wolf humming with delight in the back of my mind. She always seems to push me to get closer to him, urging me to rub myself
Diana“And you’re improving,” he counters, holding out a hand to help me up.I hesitate, tempted to refuse out of sheer stubbornness. But my legs feel like they’re about to give out, so I begrudgingly take his hand. He pulls me to my feet with ease, and for a moment, his hand lingers in mine.“You’re doing well,” he says quietly, his voice softer now. “Better than I expected.”I blink at him, momentarily thrown. “Really?”“Really,” he confirms, releasing my hand. “But don’t let it go to your head. You still have a long way to go.”And just like that, the moment is gone. He steps back, his commanding demeanor snapping back into place. “Now, we’re moving on to climbing.”“Climbing?” I echo, my brows furrowing in confusion. “What are we climbing?”He gestures toward the edge of the field, where an enormous tree towers over the landscape. Its thick trunk is weathered with age, the bark gnarled and rough, and its branches stretch high into the sky. I stare at it, my stomach twisting with a
Diana The morning sun is merciless. It beats down on the field, and I’m already drenched in sweat. My tank top clings uncomfortably to my skin, and the loose cargo pants I’m wearing are starting to feel heavier with every step. I glance at Dominicus, who stands a few paces ahead, looking completely unaffected by the heat. Of course. Because why would my overpowered mate ever look anything less than perfect? “Again,” he commands, his deep voice steady and authoritative as his golden eyes watch my every move. I groan, bending over with my hands on my knees, trying to catch my breath. My legs feel like jelly, and my heart is pounding so hard it might burst out of my chest. “You say ‘again’ like I didn’t just sprint halfway across the field and dodge every obstacle you threw at me.” “You didn’t dodge,” he says flatly, raising an eyebrow. “You tripped over the last hurdle and face-planted into the grass.” I glare at him, brushing a smear of dirt from my knee. “You know, a good tr
Alpha Magnus I had just opened the car door when the pain struck. Not physical—something deeper, something primal that splintered through my very soul. The tiny link between Diana and me, that fragile thread that had stubbornly persisted despite my rejection, suddenly snapped. My wolf's agonized howl tore through my mind as we both felt it—the exact moment they completed the mate bond. The sound was raw, feral, a haunting cry of loss that echoed through every fiber of my being. He knew. We both knew. Dominicus was claiming what should have been ours. I didn't even make it into the car. My legs gave out and I collapsed by the roadside, curling into myself as wave after wave of soul-crushing pain washed over me. I couldn't scream. Couldn't move. Couldn't breathe. All I could do was lie there, trembling like a broken thing as the reality of what was happening tore me apart. "No," The word barely made it past my lips, a hoarse whisper of denial. "No! How could you?!" It felt like so
Alpha MagnusThe room is silent except for my ragged breathing. Shards of wood and splintered furniture litter the floor, a testament to yet another fit of rage I couldn’t contain. My office, once the picture of authority and control, looks like the aftermath of a hurricane. Papers lie scattered, walls bear the scars of thrown objects, and the desk I’ve destroyed for the fifth time is a heap of splinters.The anger and frustration gnaw at me, unrelenting, a beast I can’t cage. Ever since the Council hearing… no, ever since she walked away with him, I’ve been like this. Unstable. Volatile. A shadow of the Alpha I once was.The pack feels it, of course. They’re on edge, walking on eggshells around me. The silence in the halls is deafening, broken only by hurried whispers and the occasional sound of someone fleeing my vicinity. I’ve heard it in their voices, seen it in their eyes—they’re afraid of what I’ve become. The mighty Alpha Magnus, reduced to this.The plan was simple: deal with
DianaI adjust the loose clothes Dominicus had me wear—perfect for movement, he’d said—and glance at him.He stands a few paces ahead, his eyes locked on mine, the seriousness in his gaze making my stomach tighten. There’s no teasing smirk or gentle humor in his expression today. This is all business.“Previously, you mastered how to control your strength,” he begins, his deep voice steady, filling the quiet field. “You’ve learned how to hold back so you don’t hurt yourself or others. That was step one.” He pauses, his gaze unwavering. “But now it’s time to move on.”I nod, swallowing hard. This is what I’ve been waiting for—what I need.Taking a slow step toward me, he continues,“you need to learn how to use your strength. Restraint is important, but strength without direction is useless. It can make you a liability—to yourself and others. Even an Alpha, no matter how strong, can be brought down by a weaker opponent if they have training and you don’t.”His words settle heavily in my
DominicusThe torch flickers again, casting long shadows across the cell. I turn my head slightly, my lips curling into a snarl.Marcus died too quickly. Too easily. I should have slowed it down, tortured him some more- I should have prolonged his suffering. I fucking went too easy on him!Rage wells up inside me, my eyes tinging blue as my wolf stirs, threatening to surface. My fists clench, and I force myself to breathe deeply, steadying the storm within.I lean back against the cells behind me. And wait.It isn’t until a full hour later that Billy’s episode subsides. The once-raging wolf now slumps limp against the cold, damp wall. His head hangs low, his breathing shallow but steady. For a moment, the only sounds in the prison are the faint drip of water in the distance and his labored breaths.I don’t say a word as I watch him. There’s no need. He needs this moment to gather himself, to pull whatever fragments of clarity he has left together. I remain where I am, leaning casuall