nic'

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 whis

er 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 pier

it to find Dominic, his tall frame silhouetted against the faint moonlight. His expression wa

ithout waiting for an invitation, he stepped inside,

r. What is it? You've been avoiding me f

clenching into fists at his sides

You keep saying these cryptic things, but yo

wrestling with a decision. Finally, he sighed, the weight of his inne

ntly, her eyes never leaving his face. Dominic remai

ed. My family comes from an ancient bloodline of werewolves. We've lived in th

f and fear washing over her. Werewolves? she

stomach churn. Yes. And I... I'm the alpha of our pack. It's my duty to protect t

acing to process his words. W

d, his voice heavy with regret. You've already caught the a

but she refused to look away. Why

words carrying a weight she didn't yet fully comprehend. In our world, a fated mate is rare, a bond stronger than anyt

e wild fantasy, but deep down, she knew there was something extraordinary about th

posed to... what? Be your mate? she asked, h

than just being by my side. It means sharing the risks, the responsibilities, and

e between them. I didn't ask for this. I didn't ask to be

Do you think I wanted to put you in danger? I've spent my whole life keeping people at arm's length, because anyone

es, seeing the pain and sincerity behind them. She wanted to believe him, to trust him, but the enormity of what he was a

ake all the time you need, he said. But know this, Lily

h, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. She had come to this town to escape her past, but now she foun

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 unco