Chapter 5 5

The forest seemed to close in on Rowan as she moved deeper into its shadows, the thick canopy above filtering out the waning sunlight. The pendant around her neck felt heavier with each step, its cool metal brushing against her skin like a constant reminder of Dominic's interference. She clutched it absently, her thoughts swirling with anger and unease.

The old territories were days away, and she didn't have the luxury of stopping. With every crunch of leaves beneath her boots, she felt the weight of unseen eyes. Her instincts screamed at her to keep moving, to stay ahead of whatever danger lurked behind her.

By the time the moon rose, casting silver beams through the treetops, Rowan was exhausted. She paused by a stream to refill her water pouch, crouching low as the sound of trickling water filled the silence. The cold liquid was a welcome relief against her parched throat, but her wolf stirred uneasily within her, warning her that she wasn't alone.

Her hand drifted to the dagger at her hip. She straightened slowly, her senses straining. The forest was too quiet now-no rustling leaves, no distant calls of nocturnal creatures. Only the faint sound of her own breathing.

"Who's there?" she demanded, her voice sharp.

Silence.

Rowan's grip tightened on the hilt of her dagger as she turned in a slow circle, her eyes scanning the dark. "I know you're there. Show yourself."

A low, mocking chuckle broke the stillness, and Rowan's heart sank.

"Well, aren't you a sharp little thing," a male voice drawled, smooth and cold as ice.

From the shadows stepped a man, his figure tall and lean, with dark hair that curled at the edges. His eyes glowed an eerie yellow, their predatory gleam unmistakable.

"Malachi's pack," Rowan said, her voice steady despite the fear coiling in her gut.

The man grinned, flashing sharp teeth. "Smart girl. He'll be pleased to know we found you so quickly."

Rowan raised her dagger, her stance shifting. "You won't take me without a fight."

The man tilted his head, his grin widening. "Oh, I'm counting on it."

He lunged, faster than she anticipated, and Rowan barely had time to react. She dodged to the side, her dagger slashing out and catching his arm. He hissed, blood dripping onto the forest floor, but the wound only seemed to amuse him.

"Feisty," he taunted. "No wonder the Alpha King has his eye on you."

The mention of Dominic sent a fresh surge of anger through her. She struck again, her movements precise, but he was quick, dodging her blows with ease.

"Give it up, little omega," he sneered. "You can't win."

Rowan's wolf growled in defiance, lending her strength. She managed to land another hit, the blade biting into his side, but the effort cost her. He grabbed her wrist, twisting it until the dagger fell from her grasp.

"Enough," he said, his voice laced with menace. "You're coming with me."

Rowan thrashed against his hold, her heart pounding. She refused to go down without a fight, but his strength far outmatched hers.

Just as despair began to creep in, a powerful roar shattered the night.

The man froze, his grip loosening, and Rowan took the opportunity to wrench herself free. She stumbled back, her gaze snapping to the source of the sound.

Dominic.

He emerged from the shadows like a storm, his amber eyes glowing with fury. His wolf was close to the surface, his growl shaking the air around them.

The man's cocky demeanor faltered. "Alpha King," he said, taking a cautious step back.

"You've made a mistake," Dominic growled, his voice deadly calm.

The man hesitated, his confidence crumbling under Dominic's oppressive presence. "I was just following orders."

"Then you can deliver a message to Malachi," Dominic said, his tone ice-cold. "If he wants her, he'll have to go through me."

Before the man could respond, Dominic struck. He moved with terrifying speed, his claws slicing through the air. The fight was over in seconds, the man collapsing to the ground with a strangled cry before shifting into a battered wolf and limping into the darkness.

Rowan stared at Dominic, her chest heaving. She hated how relief mingled with her anger, how the sight of him felt like safety despite her resentment.

"Are you hurt?" he asked, his gaze raking over her as he stepped closer.

"I didn't need your help," she snapped, brushing dirt off her hands.

Dominic's jaw tightened. "You were about to be taken."

"I was handling it," she said, her voice rising.

He grabbed her arm, forcing her to meet his gaze. "You don't have to do this alone, Rowan."

She yanked her arm free, her eyes blazing. "Yes, I do. Because I can't trust you, Dominic. I can't trust anyone."

His expression softened, a flicker of pain crossing his face. "You don't have to trust me. But if you want to survive, you'll have to stay close to me."

Rowan shook her head, taking a step back. "I'd rather take my chances."

"Then you'll die," Dominic said, his voice low.

"Better that than being your prisoner," she shot back.

For a moment, they stared at each other, the air between them crackling with tension.

"This isn't over," Dominic said finally, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Rowan turned her back on him, refusing to acknowledge the way her chest ached at his words. She wouldn't let him win. Not now, not ever.

As she disappeared into the trees, Dominic watched her go, his fists clenched at his sides.

"Stubborn omega," he muttered, a hint of admiration in his voice.

But he wouldn't let her out of his sight-not when the danger was closer than she realized.