Chapter 2 Inside the Black Pack

The door to the Black Pack compound slammed behind me, echoing through the wet stone corridors. I swallowed hard, trying not to breathe too loudly. Every muscle in my body was tense. The air smelled of sweat, rain, and something sharp, like iron. My boots clicked against the floor, loud in the quiet, and I wished I could disappear into the shadows.

Dominic didn't speak. He just walked ahead, long strides that made me want to run, but I didn't.

"You'll stay here until you're assigned quarters," he said without looking at me. His voice didn't invite questions, it demanded obedience.

"Assigned quarters?" I muttered, because I had to say something. My throat felt dry. "What does that even mean? Where....."

"Enough." His hand brushed mine in a commanding way like he was marking me without saying it aloud. I felt a shiver crawl up my spine. I hated that it was happening and how much heat it brought to my chest.

We entered a large hall. The walls were lined with faces; some curious, some openly hostile. A few nodded at Dominic as if he were the sun itself, and others also looked at me like I was a stranger dropped into their world and maybe too weak to survive it.

"Introduce yourself," Dominic said, sharply, and the hall fell quiet. Every eye turned to me.

My heart was beating so fast. "Lila Carter. I....." I stopped, staring at the man leaning casually against the far wall. It was Jax. That made my stomach twist as I wasn't expecting him to be here.

Dominic's amber eyes snapped to Jax for a brief second then he turned back to me. "Sit," he commanded.

I obeyed, hating the shiver of fear that ran through me as I did. Every instinct screamed danger. Not just from the pack, but from him, the one who claimed me before I even knew what that meant.

"Don't think you'll get away with staring at him," Dominic muttered under his breath, just loud enough for me to hear.

I didn't like him but something about the weight of his presence and the sharp heat of his eyes made my chest squeeze in ways I didn't understand.

The introductions continued. Rafe came forward, grinning like a mischievous kid, and I felt slightly safer. His energy was different, more protective but teasing. "Welcome to the chaos," he whispered, giving me a wink.

I gave a small nod as I couldn't smile. There was too much tension and fear in the atmosphere.

Then came Selene, moving softly, like she could read me without me speaking. "You'll be safe here," she said. Her voice carried warmth, but not weakness. "Follow the rules, listen, and you'll survive."

I wanted to ask about those rules, the pack, and why my life had ended up like this. But Dominic's gaze pinned me in place, amber fire and warning, and I swallowed.

Suddenly, a loud crash from the corridor outside made everyone jump. Heads turned, growls murmured under breaths and I wasn't ready for this. I didn't know the first thing about survival in this world.

Dominic moved fast as every muscle was controlled. He pulled me behind him, placing himself between me and whatever had made that sound. My heart was in my throat.

"Stay close," he hissed dangerously. His hand brushed mine again, accidental or deliberate.... I didn't know. But heat spread through me that had nothing to do with fear.

A figure burst through the hallway, a pack member I didn't recognize, my face twisted in panic. "They're attacking!" he shouted. "The neighboring pack....., Jax sent them!"

The hall erupted into chaos. People shouted, claws flashed, growls rang out. I stumbled, trying to stay upright, and Dominic's hand shot out, gripping my arm and yanking me close.

"Watch me," he barked. His voice didn't invite an argument so I followed. ducking, rolling, and nearly getting swept away by the fray. Sparks of violence crackled around me. Someone fell with a scream. I froze for a second, terror sharp and bright but Dominic's presence grounded me. He moved like a shadow, lethal and controlled, and I realized I was seeing the difference between survival and death.

I ducked under a swinging arm, grabbed a fallen piece of wood, and swung it instinctively. I connected, not sure if it hit a friend or foe, but it bought me a second to breathe. Dominic's amber eyes found mine. "Good. Keep moving, don't hesitate."

Rafe appeared at my side, grinning despite the chaos. "Thought you might need a hand." He grabbed my other arm, pulling me with him. I stumbled and nearly fell but he caught me with a laugh. I realized the mix of fear and adrenaline was burning in me like fire.

The attack lasted minutes that felt like hours. Shadows moved too fast, claws and teeth flashed, and through it all, Dominic stayed near me, protective and dangerous. His presence is almost impossible to ignore.

Finally, Jax's men retreated. The hall was a mess. Sweat, rain, and fear hung heavy in the air. Dominic turned to me. "You survived," he said quietly, but there was a hardness underneath. "And you fought. Remember this. In this pack, you either fight or you die, don't forget it."

I tried to nod, breath shaking. My body was raw, tense, and alive in a way I had never known. Dominic was dangerous and infuriating but he was mine now, whether I wanted him or not.

I glanced at Jax, still smirking from across the hall, the rivalry was only starting. And I realized that survival wasn't just about fighting the pack, it was about navigating their world, their rules, and the man who had already claimed me.