Chapter 4 A Dangerous Revelation

Lily's POV

The wind carried the scent of pine and the faint trace of rain as Dominic prowled the edge of the forest, his sharp eyes scanning for any signs of trouble. The tension in his shoulders never eased these days. Lily occupied his every thought, and it was becoming harder to maintain the emotional barriers he'd carefully built over the years. She was his fated mate, and no amount of distance or self-denial could change that fact. But fated mates didn't always mean a happy ending. In his world, it often meant blood, chaos, and heartbreak.

Farther into the forest, Lily found herself drawn to the shadows between the trees. Despite Dominic's warnings, she couldn't resist the pull. There was something alive in the woods, something both alluring and terrifying. Her instincts screamed for her to turn back, but curiosity- or perhaps something deeper- drove her forward.

The moment she stepped beyond the forest's edge, the atmosphere shifted. It wasn't just the hush of nature; it was the eerie silence that followed, as though every creature had suddenly stilled. Goosebumps prickled her arms, and she tightened her grip on the flashlight she'd brought. She couldn't explain why, but she felt like she was being watched.

A low growl shattered the quiet, freezing her in place. Slowly, she turned her head, the flashlight's beam cutting through the darkness. Standing just a few feet away was a massive wolf, its silver eyes glinting like coins in the faint light. This wasn't like any wolf she'd seen in pictures or documentaries; it was larger, more imposing, its presence almost otherworldly.

Lily's breath hitched as her mind raced. Was this Dominic? Could it be one of his pack? Or something else entirely? Before she could react, the wolf took a step closer, its growl deepening.

Back away, slowly, came a voice from the shadows. Dominic stepped into the light, his tone calm but firm. His usually impassive expression was set with grim determination as he moved between Lily and the wolf. You shouldn't be here.

The wolf hesitated, its growl turning into a snarl before it finally backed off, retreating into the darkness. Dominic's stance relaxed slightly, but his sharp gaze turned to Lily, filled with both anger and worry.

What were you thinking? he demanded, his voice low but intense. I told you the forest isn't safe at night.

I needed answers, she shot back, her pulse still racing. You keep telling me to stay away, to forget about all of this, but you're the one who dragged me into your world, I deserve to know what's really going on.

Dominic's jaw tightened, and for a moment, he looked as though he might argue. Instead, he exhaled sharply, running a hand through his dark hair. Fine. But not here. Let's go.

He led her back to his cabin on the outskirts of town, its rustic exterior blending seamlessly with the surrounding woods. The warmth of the fireplace inside was a stark contrast to the chill that clung to Lily's skin. Dominic didn't say a word as he poured her a cup of tea, his movements efficient but tense.

That wolf, she began, breaking the silence. Was it one of yours? He shook his head, leaning against the counter with his arms crossed. A rogue. Wolves without a pack. They're dangerous because they have nothing to lose. They've been getting bolder lately, crossing into my territory.

Why? Lily asked, her voice quieter now. Dominic's gaze darkened. Because of you.

Her eyes widened. What do you mean?

He pushed off the counter and began to pace. Rogues can sense a fated mate bond, even from a distance. To them, you're a weakness they can exploit. They think if they get to you, they can break me. They don't understand that hurting you would destroy them all.

Lily's chest tightened. The weight of Dominic's world was crashing down on her, and she wasn't sure she could bear it. "Why can't you just let me go? If being near you puts me in danger, wouldn't it be better if I left?

His pacing stopped abruptly, and he turned to face her, his expression fierce. Do you think I haven't considered that? That I haven't tried? The bond doesn't work that way, Lily. Even if you left, they'd still come after you. And I'd still follow, because I can't not protect you. That's what being a fated mate means.

Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. I didn't ask for any of this, she said, her voice trembling. I didn't ask to be part of your world, Dominic.

His expression softened, and he took a cautious step closer. I know. And I'm sorry. If I could change it, I would. But this is our reality now. And whether you believe it or not, I'll do everything in my power to keep you safe.

The sincerity in his voice was undeniable, and for a moment, Lily let herself believe it. But the fear and uncertainty still lingered. She looked away, her hands tightening around the mug of tea. What happens now?

Dominic's gaze lingered on her, a mixture of resolve and sadness in his eyes. Now, we prepare. The rogues won't stop, and neither will I. But I need you to trust me, Lily. Trust that I can protect you.

She nodded hesitantly, though her heart was far from certain. The weight of Dominic's world was now hers to bear, and she wasn't sure she was ready. But one thing was clear: the life she'd known before was gone, replaced by a reality far more dangerous and complex than she'd ever imagined.

And as the shadows outside the cabin lengthened, she couldn't shake the feeling that the true danger was only just beginning.