Chapter 4 Crossing the Line

The morning air hit me like ice when I stepped outside. Rain had soaked the ground, puddles reflecting the dull gray sky. My boots squelched with every step and I cursed under my breath. I had thought surviving the last attack would make me feel safer, but now I felt exposed, like the pack had eyes everywhere. Maybe they did.

Dominic appeared beside me silently, as if he had been there all along. He didn't ask if I was okay, nor did he soften his gaze, he just looked. My stomach clenched, and I reminded myself I hated him, I hated the way his presence made me tremble, the heat that burned in my chest, the way my pulse spiked every time he was near.

"Keep your guard up," he said. "Today's not a training day, but for you to learn control."

I wanted to roll my eyes, to mutter something snarky. Instead, I nodded, keeping my voice swallowed because I knew arguing wouldn't help. Not here, not with him watching.

Rafe jogged up from behind a corner, grinning. "She's awake, boss," he teased. "Ready for round two?"

I gave him a flat look. "Round two? You mean survive another day of torture?"

He chuckled, not offended. "Maybe, but you'll learn fast or you'll regret it."

Selene appeared then, stepping lightly through the wet grass. She gave me a small smile. "I told you, you're stronger than you think, but watch your pride. The pack will test you in ways you aren't ready for yet."

I swallowed, wishing I had her confidence but I didn't. I wasn't ready for anything except maybe running away.

Dominic moved ahead, and I had no choice but to follow him. He led us through a narrow passage into the training yard. The tension in the air made me want to scream but I couldn't.

"You'll spar with multiple partners today," he said, with a sharp voice. "You'll learn to anticipate attacks, read movements, and survive. This isn't optional."

I squared my shoulders, gripping the wooden practice sword. My arms burned from last night, and my lungs were screaming as well. But I wasn't going to back down, not yet.

The first opponent stepped forward. A tall and fast man, a smirk plastered on his face like he had won before the fight started. I dodged the first swing, barely......., rolling to the side.

Dominic was watching, silent, and every instinct told me he was measuring me, testing me, pushing me without a word. I hated it and loved it all at once. I hated the way my heart pounded when he gave even the smallest look, the way his presence made my body burn.

Rafe stepped in laughing, taking the man down with ease, then glanced at me. "Keep up newbie or you'll embarrass yourself."

I glared, lunged again, and this time managed to land a solid strike. My opponent stumbled back, widening his eyes as he was surprised.

As we were training, these guys came in again. Dominic had to come for me. He grabbed my arms. " Stay close and watch everything."

"Thought I should drop by again,". "The new pet is looking stronger than I expected," Jax said.

Dominic's eyes locked on Jax. Silent, deadly, unyielding. I felt the tension like electricity. I didn't have time to think. One of Jax's men lunged but Dominic intercepted instantly.

My hands found a fallen stick and I swung it blindly, hitting someone very hard. I had no choice but to participate to survive.

Rafe grabbed my other arm. "Focus, Lila! Eyes on the moves!" I nodded, biting back fear and panic. Through it all, Dominic moved near me, protecting me with all he has.

I hated him, I hated what he did to me. And yet, my chest ached for his presence, for the control he had over me, for the way his gaze made me feel both safe and exposed at the same time.

Someone yelped behind me, and I swerved to dodge a strike that was aimed at my head. My chest was burning from running here and there, but I had to fight. I gripped the stick like it was my lifeline.

Out of nowhere, a shadow moved closer from the tree line, it was fast and silent. Dominic's hands brushed mine as he held my hands so tightly, drawing me closer to him, he wasn't giving any chance for me to be taken by Jax's men.

There I realized this is just the beginning of a life I never bargained for. Jax wanted me so bad that he isn't stopping for anybody, not even Dominic. From the look of things, he's waiting for the perfect moment to strike and I was trapped in the middle of it all.