Mine, But Not

DOMINIC's POV

His jaw tightened, his fierce glare burning with a mix of anger and disgust as he fought against the others holding him back.

With one final grunt, he released his grip with frustration and took a few steps towards me.

"You... you're so pathetic. How dare you defy me?"

I looked at him with a mix of confusion and anger, I only took a break for two days, I needed some time off to breathe, I'd been guarding our pack since forever while facing my own life, and it was the day I finally take a day off is the day something bad decides to happen.

Of course.

"Better corny than a tyrant who's lost the respect of his pack," I said out loud.

His eyes went dark and he stormed forward, reaching for me furiously as his grip latched onto my shirt, the anger radiating off him palpable and electric.

In that one charged moment, pent-up emotion an electric tension between us, the storm of his anger rose, sparking a fierce, savage battle between us. We jerked each other closer and closer, oblivious to the circle of packs encircling us, curious about this building fight.

Then their voices cut through the air as they rushed in, anxious to pull us apart before we could get to tearing into each other.

We both ended up dragging each other, catching the attention of the other pack members. They quickly rushed over to prevent us from tearing ourselves apart.

Between us, pack members pushed trying, and pulled apart at it. We both staggered back.

"You fool", he grunted his eyes burning with fury.

I wiped my blood off from my nose and glared back at him. "Call me whatever you want, but we both know that real leaders don't need to bully their pack."

"You know what? I'm done with this."I said, my voice chilly, I hit him on my way out as I turned to leave. Other pack members intervened and kept him from countering.

I strode into the woods, the tension in my jaw a physical reminder of the anger still racing through me. Every step felt heavier as if the weight of my responsibilities clung to my limbs. A reprieve was what I wanted to breathe and maybe, for one second, shut out the relentless duties weighing upon me: the expectations of being a protector, the pressure to find a mate, and the overwhelming need to keep our pack united.

"Why can't I have a life of my own?" I thought, frustration surging through me. First, it was the pressure to find a mate; now it was about staying consistent in pack duties. Isn't there room for me in all of this?

I found the perfect spot in the woods, and stood with my hand on my hip, running the other one through my hair. I could hear from far away someone yelling my name.

As I looked back at the woods, I let out a tired sigh. I desperately hoped to avoid hearing any more unsolicited advice or opinions from anyone. I kept walking, picking up my pace as I sought to create more distance between me and the persistent voices calling my name. Gradually, the calls faded away, giving me the peace and solitude I craved.

As I stepped out of the dense woods into the busy streets of New York was like being washed over by a warm tide. With each step away from the pack's tension, it felt freeing to a little slice of tranquility that I hadn't harnessed in such a long time.

As I walked along the strip of colorfully lined shops and eateries, a more distant sign called out to me that read "Maddie's Corner." It was the animated groups going in that seemed to spark my curiosity, an attraction like a moth to a flame. I could not resist the cold drink and the idea of being relieved for a minute from my musings, so I decided to enter the bar.

As I strolled along, I noticed a sign for "Maddie's Corner" from a distance. There were small groups of people entering, piquing my curiosity. Allured, I decided to step inside the bar. The atmosphere was inviting, with a wide variety of drinks available and attentive staff at each counter catering to their customers' needs. It was a place full of character despite being boisterous and alive.

My eyes scanned the room as I entered the bar, locking onto an open seat at the counter.

I made my way over and settled in.

A redhead with stunning hazel eyes approached to take my order. Her captivating gaze seemed to enhance her beauty as she flashed a seductive smile in my direction. I returned her gaze with anticipation, taking in her white sleeveless top and the badge that read "Toria."

"What can I get you?" she asked, breaking the spell of our mutual gaze.

"Let's do old-fashioned."

I leaned closer, placing my hands on the counter as I scanned her pretty face.

"Coming right up." She swiftly replied.

Her gaze never swayed from mine as she gracefully turned around and departed to prepare the drink, leaving me unable to tear my eyes away from her.

"Here you go," she said, delivering a smile as she dropped the drink filled with ice to me.

"Let me know if you need anything."

I nodded with a smirk playing on my face, leaving me to fix my gaze on her as she walked away. I inhaled deeply and let out a muffled sigh as I lifted the glass to my lips and chugged down the drink. It felt like just what I needed; it was like the medication to deaden the pain that gnawed at me.

The rich taste of the drink danced on my tongue as I washed it down, bringing me the comfort I had been longing for.

My moment of tranquility was interrupted by the familiar buzz of my phone. Reluctantly, I paused to check it, only to find that it was nothing more than a trivial distraction from my temporary escape. I hastily tucked the phone away into my pocket and then downed the last shot of my drink.

I rubbed my hands over my face and surveyed the bar – that was when I saw her- a wavy blonde-haired girl with captivating blue eyes. She looked drunk, unsteady on her feet, swaying and dancing to the faint music playing in the background. Curious, I cocked my head and changed direction to my right, just for a better view of her.

Despite her tipsy demeanor, she had an effortless charm and looked stunning.

After moments of watching and admiring her, I finally decided to walk over to where she was sitting. As I approached her, a wave of panic washed through me, afraid that she might turn me down, but I could not resist her, her body was immaculate. She wore a low-rise flared jean with a strapped top adorned with a silver necklace, her nipples seemed to point out of the top, adding more beauty to her.

As I arrived at her location, she bumped into me and wrapped herself in my embrace.

Got yah.

As she noticed she was in my arms, she turned and looked up.

"Woahhhh...you are strong" Her face filled with admiration as her hands trailed through my pecs.

"You okay?"

"Yes yes, just..."

"Tipsy?"

"I guess" she replied rubbing her hand on her forehead.

"Did you come with anyone?"

I looked around scanning her area for anyone who seemed to be with her.

"Oops..." she giggled as she wobbled on me, leaving me to grab her forearm. She looked like she was about to throw up. I leaned down to look into her eyes, she looked responsible, what could have pushed her to this point?

Her eyes were sexy, mixed with innocence and seduction.

"Of course, mum" she replied.

"You should take a seat." I led her back to where she was previously sitting holding her back with one arm and holding her hand with the other.

She sank into the soft plush chair and let out a long sigh, as she sank in, I scanned to confirm if she was comfortable before I went ahead to sink in with her.

"Tough night huh?"

"Yup."

"What brings you here?"

"I caught my boyfriend giving booty shots to some girl."

"Your boyfriend?" I raised an eyebrow, trying to process what she had said.

"Well... ex"

"Well, he was an asshole anyway"

I tilted to her to catch a glimpse of her face as I noticed her slight change of mood.

"How do you know?" She asked.

"That he was an asshole? He cheated on the sexiest, breathtaking girl I've ever laid eyes on. So yes, he is an asshole."

A small smile played across her face giving me a sense of relief as I saw her smile. God, she was beautiful.

"Well...You're the most attractive man I've seen in a long time."

As I looked into her eyes- I noticed her pupils were still dilated, she probably didn't mean a word of what she said.

I chuckled. "Thanks."

Why are you here, anyway?" she asked, turning fully towards me from her seat on the couch, one leg crossed over the other.

"It's complicated."

She raised an eyebrow, gesturing to herself. "You're talking to someone complicated, so it sounds like a perfect match.

I let out a sigh, massaging the back of my neck. "My pack. Especially our leader. They've been riding me pretty hard lately. I came here to clear my head.

"Your... Pack?" She raised a brow.

I turned fully to face her directly, my gaze never leaving hers.

"Yes, gorgeous."

"So what? You're like a hyena or something?" She teased.

Her eyes sparkled as if she thought I was kidding, along with a small smile playing on her lips.

This gorgeous girl still thought I was joking, so I decided to prove her wrong. While my gaze was still on hers, I summoned my senses. I felt the heat rise in my eyes as they flared with a fiery golden glow, they returned to their usual color.

"Firee." She cooed softly, like a baby. "

I chuckled. This girl was hilarious, especially when drunk.

"I think we should get you home now"

"I am home...wait this isn't my house?" She slurred.

"Alright alright, I got you."

I stood up right away, adjusting my pants to ensure they were in the right position of my waist. I stretched both my hands forward to grab her forearms, pulling her up to her feet.

"I wasn't done sitting." She murmured.

I took her arm, guiding her to walk alongside me as I led the way.

"Where are you taking me mum?"

"So, do you remember this place?" I asked as we stood outside of the bar, hoping she would start to feel a sense of familiarity with her surroundings."

"I don't think I live around here," she replied softly, her eyes betraying a second of realization before she snapped back into the present.

"I'm hungry, are you hungry?"

Shit.

I looked at her, realizing this wasn't going to be as straightforward as I'd hoped.

DOMINIC'S POV

I got to my apartment with her perched on my shoulder, her playful fingers rubbing soothing circles on my back as she giggled. I carefully put her to rest on my bed and went to get a glass of water for her.

As I placed the water on my bedside table, adjusting it closer for her easy reach, I studied her expression, trying to understand what was going on in her mind. I couldn't ignore the sweet, alluring taste of peaches and vanilla she was shrouded in.

What if she freaked when she woke up? What if she took me for some kind of serial killer? All these wild thoughts went through my mind as I glanced at her face.

"What are you looking at?" she asked, snapping me out of my trance.

"Just trying to figure out how a grown adult could forget her address," I answered firmly.

"Jeez, can't I get a break? Everyone just wants to scold me these days" she muttered.

My lips betrayed my face as I let out a small smile on my lips.

"What's your name?"I asked.

"Abby." She murmured.

"Why did you come to the bar?" she asked softly.

A wave of anger washed through me as memories of my alpha resurfaced. I felt my eyes shift in color as my anger surged, but I forced myself to calm down.

I felt a warm and soft touch on my shoulder which sent a shiver down my back as I looked at Abigail.

"Nothing." I gritted.

"You seem angry. Girlfriend troubles?"

"What?" I burst out laughing at her remark.

No, don't think I have time for that, not right now at least. My life's too complicated."

I paused, my words dying away awkwardly. "I'm not even sure I know what a girl really wants." My eyes kept drifting to her pink, puckered lips, almost as if they were calling to me.

"What do you want in a man?" I asked, using the opportunity to glare into her light blue eyes that seemed to pierce through me."

She paused, taking a moment to absorb my words before continuing. "I want someone kind."

I nodded in anticipation as she spoke, hanging on to every word.

"I want someone who craves me, who's obsessed, who supports me at every given opportunity."

" I want someone out of this world."

"I want someone who makes me feel good."

I smirked at her last statement. "I'm sure every girl wants that," I replied, my gaze again locking onto hers.

What is wrong with me? Why can't I look at her without fantasizing about how good her lips would taste?

The room fell silent as we locked eyes.

"Do... do you want to kiss me?" She asked, her voice soft and feminine. She moved closer, looking vulnerable, and at that moment, I knew I wasn't going to take advantage of her.

My gaze drifted down to her lips.

"I would like to kiss you," I admitted, my words betraying my thoughts.

A twinge of guilt rushed through me. Was I taking advantage of this girl in her drunk state? Of course, no, I didn't touch her inappropriately or lure her here. I'm just a stranger helping out a stranger. Still, I couldn't shake how her lips seemed to be calling me.

Fuck it

I kissed her.

I smashed my lips on hers, and the kiss became charged with anticipation. Our tongues intertwined, savoring the taste of each other, and I gently sucked her tongue leaving her to let out a moan during the kiss as I felt her hot breath mingling with mine.

Is it weird that it gave me butterflies?

In that moment I knew I wanted more, I knew if I didn't stop, I'd end up tearing her clothes off. She felt like a magnet, drawing me deeper and deeper.

Her hands roamed to my shirt, starting to unbutton it, but I managed to pull away, leaving us both breathless and panting profusely.

"It's late."

"Yeah." She softly replied.

"I'll drop you off tomorrow, I can leave the room if you want."

"The bed is big enough; I'm fine with you here."

"Okay," I replied, taking in what had just happened. I climbed onto the bed, lay on my back, and stared at the ceiling, my hands resting behind my head. Then sleep consumed me.

ABIGAIL'S POV

The sound of the horn jolted me awake, shattering my deep slumber. I woke up to a fresh ray of sunlight falling on my face. As I stretched and yawned, it hit me this was not my place. I sat up, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings.

Oh my god.

Did I? I looked at the handsome man with dark blond hair, his perfectly toned muscles and abs visible as he lay peacefully on the side of the bed.

Shirtless.

I remember a slight hint of him but had no idea how I ended up sleeping in his house. I immediately checked to see if I was still wearing my panties, realizing I was dressed in a large t-shirt. Carefully, I began changing back into my clothes

"You okay?"

I jerked out at the sound of his voice.

The man chuckled as he got out of bed.

"Who... are you?" I asked trying to piece things together.

"You don't remember anything? He asked.

I answered almost immediately "I don't... well I was in the bar, drinking... I bumped into you."

"Yeahhh." He said sounding like a teacher nudging a student toward the right answer.

He slipped on his shirt in a way that made him sexy. I couldn't help but gaze at his pecs they were irresistibly attractive.

"You... you need to stop drinking," he said pointing his fingers to me like a warning.

"I usually don't drink this much... I just..."

"Your ex."

"What?" I said my voice laced with a hint of curiosity and anger.

"You told me that too."

"We met at Madison's," he said, as he took a step closer.

"Don't come near me!" I snapped, my voice raised with anger.

"What?" He said, his expression puzzled.

"Just... stay where you are."

I moved back slowly, reaching to pick up my bag.

"This is the thank you I get? I saved your ass" he replied.

"Well, I didn't need your help, I was fine just where I was."

"Hey, calm down." He interrupted.

"I know how you men are, corny you just needed an excuse to get between my legs."

He raised an eyebrow. "Wow, that's quite an assumption. I helped you get home because you were drunk, not for any other reason."

I crossed my arms, my glare still furious and fixed on him. "Well, maybe I don't trust you.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Look, I helped you cause you seemed to be stranded, if you wanna bring up this false narrative about being between your legs, then leave here."

"As you can see, I was getting to it before you interrupted," I said with a hint of sarcasm.

"Fine, move."

As I stormed out of the apartment, I couldn't help but think of how silly that jerk was. I brushed it off and didn't want any negative energy to wash through me, I had a class in a few hours so all I needed was to freshen up, have breakfast, and go for the lecture. Last night was so crazy and I will make sure it never repeats itself, I can't believe I ended up staying at that jerk's place.

I brushed my hand through my face, letting out a sigh. I hated him but those eyes were something I couldn't forget.

I drove to my school feeling a bit good, I had taken my breakfast and freshened up for class. I parked at my usual spot- under a mango tree which was near to the ice cream shop. I got out of the car and headed to my class.

The classroom was rowdy as always. As I got in, I settled down on my seat, waiting for the lecturer to arrive. Meanwhile, everyone else was milling around, greeting friends, and chatting which all added to the noise.

As Professor Brown walked in, the class instantly grew quieter, other students noticing his arrival and returning to their various seats.

He opened his big literature book, it looked like one of those ancient books, just by glancing at it, you could tell it had valuable knowledge. The title read "American Classics."

"Alright class, we will be diving into one of the most iconic poems in American literature. He is also a favorite poet of mine- Edgar Allan Poe."

"The title of this poem is 'The Raven', anyone familiar with it?"

I heard a mix of distant murmurs from the class- some saying 'no' others 'yes'.

"You wanna know why I find Edgar Allan's poems fascinating? His ability to evoke strong emotions in readers. The depth of Poe's poems such as "The Raven" and "Annabel Lee" resonates with us readers on a profound level."

"Now let's get back to "The Raven".

This poem," he said, tapping the page lightly, "is a perfect blend of Gothic atmosphere, melancholic tone, and poetic mastery.

He began reading from the second stanza, his voice calm and deliberate.

Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December.

And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor...

"These aren't just random descriptions. What mood does this create? What might the dying ember represent?"

My eyes were suddenly distracted by a green-eyed beautiful being, I tilted my head for a better view as he stumbled into the classroom, gripping his books as if he had just remembered he had a class. His hair was messy, but he still managed to look indisputably attractive.

It hit me when I realized, that was the guy from Madison's.

"He's in Hamilton?" I furrowed my brows together trying to process everything I had just seen. He slipped into a chair at the end of the row on my right, making sure Professor Brown wouldn't notice him.

As I took a glimpse of him and looked away, a wave of guilt washed over me as I'd remembered how I reacted to him earlier.

I knew I should probably apologize; I decided that I was going to do that after my class and any other necessary things I had to do today. I couldn't keep my gaze off him, so I made sure not to look in his direction again, not wanting him to notice me staring.

Professor Brown glanced at the time, signaling that it was time to wrap up.

"The dying ember is a reflection of the narrator's internal state, just as much as the cold, bleak December is. Poe wants us to feel that sense of sorrow and decay in every line" He continued.

He closed his textbook softly and stepped forward to get closer to us. "For your assignment, I want you all to dive deeper. You'll be working in groups of three."

Murmurings from the class members began to rise as he cut through.

"Trust me, this will be more interesting than you think. Here's what I want each group will pick a different stanza from The Raven. Your job is to do a close reading of that stanza. Study it and beak it down. Analyze the language, tone, and symbolism just like we did today."

He paused briefly, waiting for the class to settle, as the chatter gradually died.

"I also want you to interpret how this stanza contributes to the overall theme of the poem- whether it's about loss, despair, or madness. You'll present your findings in two weeks."

"I expect you to explain why Poe chose the words he did, and how they make us feel the way we do when we read it."

"I expect you all to treat this strongly, as this will account for 30 percent of your overall grade. Remember to review the material for our next class."

As I tried to retrace my steps to his apartment, pieces of my memory returned, I remembered myself having a conversation with him. The more I remembered, the more guilt I felt.

When I arrived at his apartment, I heard him on the phone, his voice laced with laughter, each chuckle ringing out like a taunt. My curiosity got the better of me, and I leaned closer, straining to catch his words.

"She thought I'd call her back," he chuckled. "What kind of person forgets her own address? That's the dumbest thing ever."

As I heard him, the realization hit me like a slap in the face. My fists instinctively knotted, the nails digging deep into my palms, as a wave of cold realization came crashing over me.

A freezing sensation gripped my stomach, and I struggled to process what I'd just overheard.

ABIGAIL'S POV

I stormed away, barely noticing the people I bumped into as I shoved through the crowd, his words echoing in my head. My chest tightened as the hurt started to set in. Nothing could make me like him, not after this. Absolutely nothing.

My room was my sanctuary. Even in a shared student apartment, it was the one place that was all mine, where I could shut out the world and breathe.

I had two roommates, but we each had our separate rooms. The common areas were shared, but my room? That was where I could breathe.

For now, at least.

My former roommates had moved out, luckily for me. We weren't compatible.

One was all bossy, and the other one was an obvious kiss up, The third? Always prying into my business. It was exhausting and inconvenient.

"Hey, are you okay?" Adeline said, snapping me out of my angry march toward my door.

"I'm fine Adeline, thanks" I muttered.

"Want me to get you some coffee?" She offered, her voice sweet and gentle.

"Maybe later. Thanks." I forced a smile before slipping into my room. I let out a loud sigh, sliding down until I hit the floor.

DOMINIC'S POV

We stayed close, foreheads nearly touching as I dodged his punch, the sound of fists cutting through the air.

"You're getting stronger Walter, tell me what's your routine?" Enzo said as he threw a punch at me, which I dodged.

"Just a little more practice," I said with a smirk on my face, my voice steady.

Without warning, he threw a punch in my direction, his fist cutting through the air. I caught his hand mid-swing, holding it firmly in place, using my knee, to strike his gut, then swung his head towards the ground causing me to let out a slight chuckle.

"You've gone soft, mate," I taunted, grinning down at him. Enzo was heavier and more muscular and therefore had put up more of a fight. I chuckled, looking down at him as he sat with his legs splayed on the ground.

He turned to his front, picking himself up, and he gave me a low sweep me causing me to fall on my butt. He stood up, his face giving a mocking smile, wiping the sweat off his forehead.

"Didn't see that coming. You just got owned." He chuckled.

I got up, still half out of it. "Smooth move, man," I said, standing there with my hands on my hips, staring him down.

Enzo let out a dry laugh. "Bro, that's the same look you had when Charlotte caught you banging her sister."

I frowned for a second, then it clicked. "Dude, shut up. She came onto me!" I said, brushing off my shirt. "And you weren't even there!"

Enzo smirked, shaking his head. "Man, I've got eyes everywhere."

Enzo kept messing with me, laughing like an idiot, so I cut him off. "Yo, we got practice today, don't forget."

"Ugh, don't remind me." He groaned.

"You hitting up the party tonight?" I asked

"Definitely," Enzo replied.

"Good, because I don't want to be the cause of another fight between two best friends. I could use some company," I muttered.

"Hey, it wasn't your fault. Those girls came up to you, and you being you, did what you had to do," Enzo said with a loud laugh, as he gave my shoulder a playful shove and started walking.

As we walked together in the woods laughing about old times, that was when we heard a low familiar echoing from behind the lair. Someone was about to turn. We both picked up our pace and moved towards the sound.

We got there and realized he was struggling through his first shift. My pack members gathered gathered him, cheering him on as he fought through the pain.

He probably was a first-timer, and to watch him reminded me of my first shift- unsure of myself, terrified of what I was becoming. I had been afraid of my own power, my own instincts. But in time, I learned to control it, and eventually, I got used to it.

"Let's get out of here," I said to Enzo, nudging him slightly with my elbow.

ABIGAIL'S POV

I woke up groggily to the feeling of someone bouncing on my bed.

"Wake up!" She yelled, my eyes slowly opened, and I realized it was my best friend- Elizabeth.

She had been my best friend and my number one supporter and defender since middle school, I was always the shy quiet type- more of an introvert. Building relationships never came naturally to me, but Liz had a way of breaking through my walls.

When Liz came along, I felt a freedom I had never known. Like the missing piece of my soul, she took me above all my insecurities and allowed me to fly high. I'm grateful we crossed paths.

I remember when she saved me from those cornering bullies back in high school, I was one of those bookworms who spent her afternoons in the library. But that day changed everything. There went Liz, bursting in, pepper-spraying them, giving me my freedom. From that moment on, we became official best friends.

Liz was studying psychology, nothing that surprised me, she was one of those intuitive types making her a fit for the field.

"Liz?" I mumbled, rubbing my eyes to sit up slowly.

"Well, look who finally decided to wake up!" Liz teased, her voice loud and playful. "How's my little sleeping beauty?"

I shook my head, a small smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "You're too much, Liz," I muttered, still a bit sleepy.

"Come on, you know you love it!" she laughed, throwing a pillow at me.

I'm going to this party tonight, and I met this guy... super hot." She grinned mischievously, fidgeting with her hair as she did whenever she was up to something.

"Oh?" I raised an eyebrow, trying to seem blasé

"Yeah, I might just... you know, have a little fun, I'm telling you Abby, this guy is so my type."

I gave her my usual stern expression whenever she wanted to do something silly.

"What?!" She giggled. "

You know me. I live in the moment. And tonight," she said with a melodramatic pause, "is gonna be one hell of a moment."

"Just... be careful, okay?" I replied, not knowing how to respond.

"What do you mean? You're coming with me."

"What?" I blinked in disbelief.

Liz dragged me to the party, as always. It was some social sciences department thing that the president insisted everyone should attend, but it wasn't a big deal. It happened every year, and plenty of people skipped out on it.

As we entered, the strong smell of liquor and body odor knocked me right into the kisser. The place smelled incredibly bad. I held my breath, forcing a smile to mask my discomfort.

Elizabeth noticed someone across the room, her cheeks highlighting a pale pink. She looked at me, her eyes sparkling.

"Don't tell me you're leaving me," I begged, knowing full well what was to come.

"I'll be back, just give me five." She said stretching out her five fingers.

I sighed, giving her the go-ahead.

"You're the best!" she replied, her eyes filled with excitement as she left.

As she left, I couldn't stand it any longer, the smell in the room was unbearable, I turned and made my way out.

The hallway was surprisingly quiet and peaceful, not until when I started hearing faint sounds of moaning, I increased my walking pace, eager to find out what was happening.

As I continued, I noticed the noise coming from the left corner. I saw a girl bent over, letting out soft moans as she received hard backshots.

My eyes traveled up from her to the guy, and I recognized him.

Is this a joke?