Bound By A Dare, Rejected By The Alpha

ROSIE POV

Don't drool, Rosie. Don't drool.

I repeated the words like a mantra, but how could I not? Those abs-those sinfully sculpted abs-looked like they belonged in a goddamn museum. Defined muscles, taut skin, and water trickling down in slow, mesmerizing streams? Yeah, my self-control was hanging by a thread. All I could think about was running my hands over them-or better yet, licking the water right off his body.

Oh, Rosie. You're so doomed.

My hidden stash of dark romance books wasn't helping either. I mean, how could it? I can't even look at a knife without thinking of a thousand not-so-innocent scenarios. And don't get me started on screwdrivers. The list just keeps getting longer.

"Rosie, I feel like hell. My stomach... my-"

Ashton's voice yanked me back to reality. I turned away from the window-away from the walking thirst trap I'd just been ogling-and focused on Ashton instead.

Not that he got to finish his sentence. The poor guy bolted to the bathroom like his life depended on it.

Ashton and Dominic couldn't be more different. Ashton had soft, curly hair that made him look younger, adorable, even. Meanwhile, Dominic? He was all sharp edges and masculine perfection, his straight dark hair slicked back, revealing every breathtaking feature-his strong nose, those long dark lashes, those lips... Damn. Don't even ask me about Dominic, I could write a whole damn essay.

He's our Alpha. And Ashton? His younger brother. My best friend. Same age, just a month apart, but he gets me like no one else does.

Our families were always close. My father was the Pack Beta before he and my mother were killed in the war. Their father, the Alpha was dead too making Dominic the youngest Alpha and his mother Luna Sarah aiding him.

Now, it's just us-me, my brother Xylus, Dominic, and Ashton.

Speaking of Xylus, he's the Beta now.

I turned back to Ashton's window. His room had the best view, high enough to see everything happening outside. I loved this view.

I watched as he joined Dominic in the pool. They looked like they were having the time of their lives, laughing and splashing around-until I spotted her.

My face instantly soured.

Cassie.

Or, as in Cassandra, but the bitch insists everyone calls her Cassie like it's some kind of designer brand.

Dressed in nothing but a lacy, barely-there lingerie set, she strutted across the poolside like she was walking a damn runway. My jaw went slack. By the Goddess, she was hot-obnoxiously hot. And as much as I hated to admit it, I was no match for her.

Which is exactly why Dominic would never look at me that way. He sees me as a sister-just like Xylus does.

The Moon Goddess knows I can't stand Cassie. Aside from the fact that she stole Dominic, she's also rude as hell and a desperate, attention-seeking wannabe.

"Hey, Rosie, you've been staring out that window for minutes now. What exactly are you looking at?"

Ashton's voice startled me again, and this time, I tore my gaze away and met his eyes.

"Nothing. I was just... watching them have fun," I stuttered, trying to play it cool.

Ashton wasn't exactly his brother's biggest fan. He liked him, sure, but there was no deep brotherly love between them. Ashton saw Dominic as a bully and hated whenever I got too close to him. But that never stopped Dominic and me from bonding. It never stopped the undeniable pull I felt toward him.

As a matter of fact, Luna Sarah made sure my brother and I ate at her place for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. She practically babied me.

"Fun, huh? They do that all the time. Come on, let's eat before the food gets cold," Ashton said, grabbing my hand.

I sighed and followed him to the massive dining table.

Luna Sarah was already seated at the center, with steaming dishes spread out before her. The Pack House was huge, luxurious, and had everything you could ever want.

"How's your stomach? Feeling any better?" I asked Ashton as we sat down.

His dark brows furrowed. "Yeah, I think it was just a slight upset," he muttered, flashing a weak smile.

Fake.

I'd known Ashton for seventeen years-long enough to tell when he was faking a damn smile. But I let it slide.

Ashton pulled out a chair beside his mother and made sure I sat next to him, like I was some prized possession he had to protect.

"Oh, my little Rosie! How are you feeling?" Luna Sarah cooed the moment she spotted me.

"Good evening, Luna. I'm alright," I replied with a small smile.

She still thought of me as that five-year-old girl who cried herself to sleep every night after losing her parents.

One time, I overheard her telling Dominic to always look out for me because she believed I still hadn't gotten over my parents' murder.

She wasn't wrong.

I was just five, hiding under a curtain, when I watched my parents get slaughtered before my eyes. The trauma never left me. It haunted me every damn night.

"So, how excited are you for your eighteenth birthday?" Luna Sarah asked, pulling me out of my thoughts.

I smiled faintly. Ashton had been lucky-he got his wolf at fourteen thanks to his Alpha blood.

"I'm just curious to know what it's like," I admitted softly.

"It's just two days away! Trust me, it's going to be grand."

If there's one thing I know about Luna Sarah, it's that she never makes empty promises.

"Thank you, Luna." I gave a small bow.

"Ashton, can you call your brother and Xylus?" she asked.

Ashton let out a groan. "He's an Alpha, Mom. It's about time he started acting like one. I'm not going to keep running errands for him. I'm not his damn slave."

"Who said anything about you being a slave? You'd wipe her ass of it was her," By her, Domini was definitely referring to me.

A deep, husky voice sent a shiver down my spine.

I turned sharply toward the doorway-and there he was.

Dominic.

Tall, broad, intimidating as hell. Those long legs moved with effortless confidence as he strode into the room. And right beside him?

Xylus. And that bitch, Cassie.

"What did you just say?" Ashton heard myself whisper.

Fuck.

Here I was, drooling over him again, when there was actual fire on the mountain.

"You heard me." Dominic's lips curled into a smirk. "You'd practically wipe her ass if she asked you to."

His voice dripped with amusement, but Ashton was far from entertained.

This was the problem.

Dominic and Ashton never saw eye to eye, and now I was stuck crushing on a grumpy asshole in the middle of their never-ending feud.

Great. Just fucking great.

Rosie's POV

This wasn't going to end well.

My eyes flickered to Ashton's hands, and true to my expectations, his fingers were rolled into a tight fist, green veins snaking along his wrists. From the way his jaw ticked, I was sure in a second I was going to witness a fight.

A low rumbling sound came to the rescue as Ashton clutched his stomach, his features contorted into a grimace, yet his eyes never left his brother's. It seemed like there was a hidden message in his glare. I couldn't blame him for wanting to kick Dominic's ass, Dominic could be a dick at times.

"Fuck," he muttered under his breath, his back lowering as he shut his eyes.

"You okay?" I whispered, leaning closer, our faces just a few inches apart.

"Yeah, I am. I'll be in the bathroom for a while."

With that, Ashton left quickly. Poor boy. Too bad he didn't want to take drugs either.

"You just had to cause a scene, Dominic. When will you stop bullying your brother?" Luna Sarah said sternly, a frown on her face.

"I hardly touched him. Considering his age, I wouldn't call that bullying," Dominic smirked, then pushed his hair away from his face.

God, that smirk. It reminded me of those hot main characters from my dark romance novels.

"You know what I mean. Just because you're the Alpha doesn't mean I can't still whoop your butt."

There was a small smile on his mom's face. I even had to bite my lip to stop myself from giggling. Whoop his ass indeed.

"Right," Dominic snorted before plopping into one of the chairs two seats away.

Like she was in some kind of running competition, Cassandra hurriedly took the seat beside Ashton. The bitch even pulled her chair closer to him-like the foreplay they had in the pool wasn't enough skin contact.

I couldn't blame her for looking into the future and dreaming of being the future Luna, but her I have to act like a Luna because I'm Dominic's girlfriend behavior made me want to drill holes into her pretty face.

Through the corners of her eyes, I noticed how she sat straighter (she looked uncomfortable, by the way, and in my opinion, it was more torture than etiquette) and how she was careful about the way she spoke-like her annoying slur was anything close to royalty.

I rolled my eyes.

I must have stared longer than approved because soon, Dominic's eyes locked with mine. The moment they did, I looked away with the speed of a mouse and began to twirl my hair.

Phew, that was close.

"I'll be back, guys. I don't think Ashton is feeling better. At this point, I'll have to shove those drugs down his throat," Luna Sarah sighed. Her slightly annoyed, yet i could see lines of concern etched on her face. She was just as worried as me, maybe even more.

"He's purging, Mom. He's not dying. At least not yet," Dominic snickered.

His mom gasped, her eyes widening as she passed him an icy glare.

"I'll be back for you," Luna Sarah huffed, the heels of her feet thumping against the floor.

"I'm just stating the obvious," Dominic shrugged, clearly unbothered by her reaction.

Such an ass.

The thought alone almost made me laugh. His personality wasn't exactly desirable for me to warm up to him, but I liked him that way. And if I could compromise, so could he.

Dinner without Ashton was like a mess, I had literally no one to talk to, and all I did was concentrate more on my food while the bitch cooed all over Dominic. She fucking has zero shame.

Usually, I helped Luna Sarah with the dishes, but Cassandra beat me to it this time, which was surprising since she didn't like house chores. I mean, I didn't like them either, but I still offered to help. Cassie didn't like it and made it obvious.

"Goodnight, Rosie. Stay safe."

Luna Sarah smooched my left cheek before tugging at them playfully. A tight hug followed, and I waved her goodbye.

Like every other day, Ashton would have been eager to walk me home-even after I'd told him about a hundred no's. But this time, I had to walk home all alone.

"Aren't you going to stay for our game?"

Cassie hollered from Dominic's room terrace. Even under the dim evening light, I could see a sly smile on her face. Her head was tipped sideways, a challenging look in her eyes.

"You don't have to stay," Xylus yelled after me.

With a shrug, I wanted to say no, the moon goddess knew that too. But this bitch?

I knew Cassandra well enough to know she had something devious rolled up her sleeves. That didn't mean I wasn't angry. But it also didn't stop me from daring myself.

A series of what-ifs filled my thoughts.

Was it wise for me to go ahead and prove a point, risking embarrassing myself in front of her and Dominic?

Or should I keep running away like a coward?

"Just so you're able to choose wisely, it's not for minors-if you know what I mean."

Cassie shrugged, her pin-straight blonde hair falling over her shoulder. Her elbows were propped against the half-wall, her chin resting on her left palm, her eyes watching me with the attentiveness of a cat.

Minor? Did you hear that? I'm a minor?

"You know she's just a bitch. Don't listen to her. I think it's better we go home. She's only trying to prove a point," something whispered in my head.

The truth in the voice was as obvious as a full moon at night.

My fingers rolled into a fist, and I gulped.

Fuck it. Que sera, sera.

"I'm in." I really don't know where the courage came from... But for one thing, I needed to place that bitch to where she belongs too.

I folded my arms over my chest, tipping my chin in the air slightly.

"This isn't going to end well. Hope you know that?" My inner thoughts whispered again.

My steps increased, mostly because I was pissed.

Without a single word, I hastened my steps and hurried to Dominic's room.

My instinct was right.

If I hadn't hated Cassandra before, I hated her now even more than I hated the devil. It wasn't enough that she sat on Dominic's legs throughout the game, hopping up and down on it like he was a fucking bean bag. It wasn't enough that she stopped to kiss him every now and then and rubbed his crotch...

Arrrgh!!

The game itself was the knife in my chest. The rules and questions obviously favored her. The rule was actually very simple: you're asked a question, and if you can't answer it, you're forced into a dare or you take a shot of vodka.

There should have been no problem if they had stuck to general questions. I mean, English language or literature would have been a perfect choice, but instead, they chose history.

In high school, I sucked at history. I took summer classes because of history, and Cassandra knew. She and Dominic were the ones who gave out questions. Not once did she let him ask me a question-all the really hard history questions came from her. Answers to questions I bet she wouldn't have known if she wasn't glued to her phone.

The dares, on the other hand, were even meaner.

By the seventh shot of vodka, I knew I was going to wake up the next day with a hangover. A steady migraine was beginning to build in the corners of my skull, and I felt too dizzy to sit up. That was what being a lightweight did to you.

Xylus cast me a concerned glance, the back of his palm patting my neck and forehead. He didn't need to say much for me to know what was on his mind-he didn't want me to play the game any longer. I passed him a pleading look, but his frown only deepened.

"I think Rosie has had enough. We should get going," he cleared his throat, lifting his hand from my face.

Cassandra, in a victorious mood, made a sad face, pressing her palms against her chest while she batted her lashes.

"That's just too bad." She blew off invisible specks of dust from her pink nails. "I was getting to the juicy part of the game. But I think she needs to be looked after, after all."

Looked after? I was seventeen, for the moon goddess sake! Because of how my brother and Ashton kept treating me like a baby, Cassandra could spew all manner of 'innocent' jabs to make me feel thirteen.

"On the bright side-or is it dark? It's confusing considering your sister's situation," Cassandra chuckled. "You can't opt out of the game. I explained the rules to everyone, including her, before the game began."

She was right there. I couldn't leave the game. But if I had one more shot, I wasn't so sure my body would respond appropriately. My eyelids felt so heavy that I was literally squinting. The conversation around me flowed in a blur-I was just an observer.

Until...

"You're so horrible at history. I dare you to kiss Dominic."

The room went quiet. I could hear my breath, the heavy sound of the saliva I forced down my throat-it was as clear as ever. I blinked hard, trying to register what I'd just heard.

I could feel Xylus and Ashton's stares boring into my skin like laser beams. My breathing got heavier with each passing second, tiny dots of sweat forming by the sides of my face.

Shit.

I couldn't even figure out the right emotion I was supposed to feel. I was mad at Cassandra for suggesting I kiss Dominic-not because he was her boyfriend, but because I had a crush on him. And on the other hand, I'd always wanted to kiss Dominic. For fuck's sake, it was on my freaking bucket list.

"I..." My lips clamped shut immediately. What was I even going to say?

The tension in the room made me want to sink into the floor. Maybe I should just kiss him and get it over with. After all, one more shot would mean I puked here and embarrassed myself either way.

My eyes remained lowered-there was no way I could look at Dominic. But then again... I wanted to see his expression.

I shut my eyes for a moment. When I opened them again, Dominic had inched closer. His gaze was unreadable, but there was something in the way he looked at me, his gaze darken, teasing, yet entirely unshaken by the situation. His confidence made my lips pucker.

I should have taken the damn drink.

But before I could reach for the shot, Dominic moved closer. My breath hitched. Everything paused. He towered over me, his presence closing the space between us. My fingers curled into fists on my lap as he lowered his head, his sharp jawline and piercing eyes dominating my vision.

The room blurred into the background. The gasps, the stolen glances, the tension, I couldn't focus on any of it. My pulse pounded in my ears as his lips grazed mine, soft, yet firm and forceful.

I barely had time to react before he deepened the kiss, his hands wrapping around my neck, his thumb caressing my skin in small circles. I wanted to savor every second. I leaned forward without a single care.

A warmth spread through my chest, mingling with the dull buzz of alcohol in my veins. His hand barely touched my jaw, but it was enough to send a jolt of electricity down my spine. He tasted like spice and something inherently Dominic, confident, reckless, intoxicating.

Now this was a kiss.

Rosie's POV

Have you ever heard of a kiss with a promise?

That was how Dominic's kiss felt, it made me fantasize about what more he would do with his tongue that kept snaking so skillfully over mine.

His hot breath made me lean forward. Goddess, I was so eager to feel every inch of him against me. My eyes slammed shut. Time froze. The world around me disappeared somewhere into the back of my mind. His scent fucking intoxicating, like its owner made me dizzy.

Then, everything went south.

One second, I was lost in the warmth of his mouth. Next, he was ripped away from me by a violent force, no, by someone. My eyes flew open just in time to see Xylus lunging, his fist colliding with Dominic's jaw. The sound cracked through the air, and I felt myself shrink, my eyes widening at the scene before me.

"What the hell?!" I gasped, stumbling back as they crashed into each other.

Dominic barely flinched. He wiped the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand, his eyes flashing dangerously. " Have you've lost your damn mind?" he sneered.

Xylus didn't even say a word, from how his chest heaved and his flaring nose, I knew better than to think the fight was over, at least on Xylus' part. His eyes never went off Dominic's; instead, he swung again almost in a flash.

Shit!

I rushed forward, shoving at his chest, trying to wedge myself between them. "Xylus, stop it! Please!"

It was no use, instead, he pushed against me, his grip tightening as he glared at Dominic like he was ready to tear him apart.

"Stay the hell away from her."

Dominic let out a slow breath, his jaw tightened as he wiped a trickle of blood away from his nose.

"She's not your damn property, Xylus." he sneered. Even in the dark, I could see his eyes had darkened, anger swirling in them.

Cassie appeared out of nowhere, her bare heels thumping against the floor, the glare directed my way was unmistakable– like she hadn't proposed the stupid dare. She moved in front of Dominic and passed him an icy glare.

Oops...

"Are you guys serious right now?" she snapped, folding her arms over her breasts, her left foot tapping impatiently. "We're not in a damn war zone. Get your shit together."

Xylus barely acknowledged her. His eyes burned into mine. I bit my lip. "Go back to your room, Rosie."

"Xylus-" I began.

"Now." shit, shit, shit.

Cassandra's stare drilled into me. " You heard your brother. Go! "

Maybe I should have insisted and stood my ground, but Xylus's tone left no room for argument. My brother was pissed. Pissed at me.

My feet moved before I could think. I turned and ran, my heart pounding so hard it hurt. Their voices faded behind me as I raced through the hallway, my mind spiraling. By the time I reached my room, my hands were shaking so bad that I had to press them against the floor boards.

I collapsed onto my bed, pressing my face into the pillow, a choked sob escaping my lips. Goddamnit, I'd never felt so overwhelmed with emotions like this my entire life!

One minute I was feeling guilty as hell for enjoying that kiss even when I knew I'd cross an invisible line and the next I was feeling so stupid for getting involved in what I was sure would be a mess.

Then it hit me. I had just been kissed...by Dominic

The realization slammed into me, and my spine straightened. My fingers brushed over my lips subconsciously, still tingling from the pressure of his mouth. If only I could relive the moment.

I squeezed my eyes shut, forcing my breath to slow, but my heart refused to calm.

A laugh-small, shaky and disoriented-rolled out of my throat and my sobs seized.

I pushed up, crawling off the bed, and reached for the small, battered box hidden under my nightstand. My fingers trembled as I pried it open, my gaze locking on the folded sheet of paper inside.

I smoothed it out, my stomach twisting as my eyes landed on the list.

A List of Crazy, Reckless Things I Shouldn't Do.

My fingers skimmed over worn page and my gaze dropped to number four.

Kiss Dominic.

I swallowed hard, grabbing a pen and scratching a thick line through it. I was just in ninth grade when I write this silly list, I wasn't sure it would happen but if wrote it anyway and here I was...a silly grin pulled the corners of my lips and I clutched the paper to my chest.

The Moon Goddess help me if this cringe list ever got out. The trauma would probably hunt me forever.

With hurried movements I folded the list properly and tucked into the box and was about to close it when the door flew open.

I jerked, clicking the lock just as Xylus stormed in. I didn't need to face him to know he was the one , afterall he was the likeliest person to barge into my room without knocking given this situation.

At first he didn't say anything, only stared at me silently, his gaze burning into my head. I let my hair fall over my face like it was able to hide me from him.

"You're unbelievable," he bit out. Finally.

I shot to my feet. "Xylus-"

He cut me off, his eyes blazing. "What the hell were you thinking Rosie? Huh?"

I folded my arms, trying to steady myself. "I was drunk." I said weakly, in my defense I was a shitty liar.

"Drunk?" He let out a mirthless laugh. "That's your sorry ass excuse?"

I swallowed hard. "It's the truth." I mumbled, twisting my fingers

His jaw clenched. His breathing was harsh. I had seen Xylus angry... But not like this.

"Stay away from Dominic," he said, voice dangerously low.

I frowned. "Why do you care? It was just a truth or dare. It's not even anything serious. Seriously,"

His gaze locked onto mine, something unreadable flickered in his eyes, his expression softening a bit.

"Because I do. Dominic isn't someone to mess with. He's a playboy, and the fact that he kissed you right in front of me and Cassie only proves what a jerk he is," Xylus said, shaking his head.

And then, so casually, like he hadn't just turned my entire world upside down-he added, "And don't act surprised. I know you have a crush on him."

My stomach dropped. Was it that obvious? Who else knew? Did Dominic know? Is that why he kissed me? My thoughts all swarmed for attention in my brain.

I opened my mouth to argue, but nothing came out.

Fuck.