nic'

s on the wooden walls of her bedroom. Her dreams had been restless-images of silver-eyed wolves and Dominic's fierce gaze flashin

lms, but it did little to ease the cold fear that had settled in her chest. A fated mate. The words felt foreign

her fingers hovering over the handle. When she finally pulled the door open, Dominic stood there, his expressi

aid, his tone leaving

ttage, as though the space itself bent to accommodate him. He carrie

some levity into the tension that hung between them. But

ed. Not when your

across her chest. What now, then? Am I supposed to

what being my mate means, Lily. It's not just a title or a bond. It's a connection that ties you

s right. The events of the past few days had already shown her that there was no going back to the lif

d finally, her voice quieter. W

He remained standing, his hands clasped in front of him

I feel in every part of my being. It's like a thread pulling me toward you, no matter how much I try to fight it. He paused, his eyes searchin

if I don't want it? What i

t it comes with responsibilities-and dangers. You've already seen some of that. The

y on her chest. She looked away, unabl

d yourself. You'll stay close to me and the pack. And we'll

she wanted to retreat, to pretend this wasn't her fight, she couldn't ignore t

se in around them, their branches weaving a canopy that filtered the sunlight into dapple

nto a clearing. The space was marked by worn paths and ma

hat, exactly? I'm not going to

stoicism. No one expects you to. But you need to know the basics.

rms. And you're g

n't just about you, Lily. It's about both of us. The bond means I'll do whatev

s words sinking in. Then, with a

, his presence command

how to read an opponent's movements. His instructions were clear and precise, but the

her as she practiced a defensive stanc

working, she muttered, frustration creeping into her voice. Dominic stopped in front of her, his gaze steady. "It's not supposed to feel natural at first. Yo

htened her posture, determination harden

By the time they finished, Lily's muscles ached, and her clothes were damp with sweat. But for the first

the sky, casting the forest in hues of gold and amber. D

e glanced at him, a faint smile tugging at her

u'