I woke up to the sound of low growls echoing through the compound. My muscles ached in places I didn't know could ache, and my chest still thumped from last night. Rain dripped through cracks in the roof somewhere, or maybe it was just the memory of the chaos but I couldn't tell.

Dominic was already awake, sitting near the doorway. He didn't speak but was just watching. I tried to tell myself it was nothing, that I wasn't afraid, but I couldn't shake the way he made the air heavy, as danger and control clung to him like a second skin.

"Up," he said in a commanding way.

Rafe leaned against the wall, pretending to stretch but really watching me with a smirk. "Morning, sunshine," he said. "Ready to survive another day in hell?"

I shot him a glare. "I'd rather crawl back to my old life and beg for death," I muttered.

He chuckled, sharp and a little cruel but not mean. I realized he was trying to make me laugh, to distract me from the tension that made my chest tight and my hands shake.

Selene appeared at the edge of the hall, moving silently as always. "Eat something," she said softly. "You're going to need strength, and try not to get yourself killed before breakfast."

I grabbed the bread she handed me, barely tasting it. My mind was already buzzing with last night's fight; the attack, Dominic saving Jax and me smirking, all of it. And somewhere underneath the fear, underneath the adrenaline, I felt it: the pull, the heat, and the way Dominic's amber eyes had burned into mine, the brush of his hands that made me shiver, and the danger that made every nerve in my body come alive.

Dominic moved suddenly, snapping me out of my thoughts. "Follow me."

We walked through the compound. The walls were lined with others, some watching with curiosity and some with open suspicion. I noticed how they reacted to Dominic. The respect, fear, and loyalty were clear. I was completely outside it, completely vulnerable.

"Your training starts today," Dominic said without looking at me. "You'll learn the rules, you'll learn the pack. Fail, and you'll regret it."

I swallowed. "And what if I don't want to learn your rules?"

He stopped, amber eyes flicking to mine, sharp and dangerous. "You don't get a choice."

I flinched, more from the way he said it than the words themselves. His dominance wasn't just in his voice, it was in the way he moved, the way he held himself. I hated how much it made my stomach twist.

We entered a training hall, large and echoing. Weapons, claws, and other tools lined the walls. Dominic gestured at one of the packs around us. "You'll spar, learn control, learn observation, and don't get killed."

A man stepped forward, tall, muscular, his eyes glinting. "I'm your first partner," he said, smirking.

I gripped the wooden training sword and forced myself to focus. Dominic stayed nearby, watching silently. Every instinct told me to panic, to freeze, to run. But I couldn't, I had to fight.

The fight was brutal and chaotic. My opponent moved fast, faster than I expected. I blocked, dodged, struck. My arms burned and the sound of Dominic's voice cut through the hall with precise instructions to keep me alive.

"You're slow," he said once, voice carrying over the clash of wood on wood. "Faster and anticipate. Don't think but just react"

I bit back a groan, lunged, and barely avoided a strike that would have sent me sprawling. My heart raced and my body was also screaming. I realized that I was learning, not just about fighting, but about the pack, about control, and about danger.

Rafe laughed somewhere behind me, letting out a short whistle. "Not bad, newbie. Not bad at all."

I threw him a glare over my shoulder, not slowing down. This wasn't a game but survival.

And then a crash from the compound gates made everyone freeze. Dominic's eyes snapped to the entrance, alert and dangerous. The hairs on my neck rose. 

Dominic's hand shot out, gripping my arm and pulling me close. Heat spread from his touch, fierce, claiming, and I hated how it made me shiver. My instincts screamed danger. This was bigger than training, bigger than sparring. Real teeth, real claws, real danger.

Rafe and Selene moved beside us, positioning themselves with precision. And I realized with a jolt that I wasn't just watching this unfold but I was part of it.

Jax stepped out from the shadows, grinning, flanked by his men. "Enjoying the tour?" he sneered. "Thought I should drop by."

Dominic's amber eyes fixed on him, but he didn't speak. The tension stretched, thick and heavy, making my chest squeeze. The pack around us growled low as they were ready.

My stomach twisted again, a mix of fear and something I refused to name. This wasn't just a rivalry anymore, it was war. And I was trapped in the middle.

Before I could react, a shadow lunged from the side, and Dominic intercepted with lethal precision. I barely had time to dodge, I rolled to the side, my heart beating uncomfortably and every nerve alive.

My hand brushed something sharp, a piece of debris, and the pain was unbearable. The fight was chaos, teeth and claws and wood flying, and I realized I had no choice. I had to survive, or I would die.

And as Dominic knocked another attacker aside. I knew I had stepped into a world where every move could kill me, every glance could cost me, and every heartbeat pulled me closer to him, whether I wanted it or not.

The rain-slicked courtyard was quiet now, but only for a moment. From the shadows, movement stirred again, subtle, silent, watching, and waiting.

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.

Dominic stepped closer to me, close enough that I had to tilt my head up to hold his stare. The anger in his eyes wasn't wild, it was cold and controlled. 

That was the part that made my stomach twist. He wasn't reacting out of panic, he was thinking and planning something that didn't feel safe for me at all.

"Tell me the truth," he said. "When you saw Jax last night, did he say anything strange to you?"

My mouth opened but nothing came out. Not because I was hiding something but because the question hit me sideways. "Strange how."

"Answer it," he said.

Rafe shifted beside us like he wanted to interrupt but didn't dare. Selene froze a few steps behind him, watching us with that quiet fear she tried to hide.

"He didn't say anything, he  just stared at me like he wanted me to speak first." I swallowed. " And besides, I was with you the whole time. You wouldn't let go of my hands."

Dominic's jaw tightened. "And you didn't?"

"No, why would I? He looked like he wanted to fight you right there."

Rafe scratched the back of his neck. "He actually did. If you weren't with him, they would have torn into each other."

Selene glanced at me. "That man doesn't look at people, but he looked at you like he knew you."

I felt a shiver crawl up my arms. "Well, I don't know him."

Dominic watched my face carefully, like he was searching for lies I didn't even have. Something in his expression softened for a second before hardening again. "We are moving you," he said. "You won't stay in that room anymore."

My heart sank. "To where?"

"You will stay in the main house, on the second floor which is near my room."

My brain short-circuited. "Why near yours?"

"Because you are not safe anywhere else."

Rafe lifted his eyebrows. "She can stay in my room, that's closer to the stairs."

Dominic didn't bother looking at him. "No."

Selene folded her arms. "You could at least pretend you're not being controlling." Dominic ignored that too. His eyes stayed on me. 

"Are you serious," I asked him. "You barely tolerate me, now you want me near you like I'm some kind of bag you need to keep locked up."

"Not locked up," he said. "Protected."

"I am not helpless."

"Right now you are."

The words hit like a slap. I stepped back as hurt was flushing through my chest. Rafe grimaced like he wanted to defend me but held himself back.

Dominic exhaled, the sound frustrated. "I didn't mean it like that."

Selene shot him a glare. "You always mean it like that."

He closed his eyes for a moment then looked at me again, calmer. "Something is happening, something we didn't expect. And it revolves around you whether you like it or not. Until we understand why, you stay where I can reach you first."

My pulse sped up. "Reach me for what?"

"To stop anyone else from reaching you first."

He stepped aside and nodded toward the house. "Get your things, now."

I didn't move. A part of me wanted to argue, but another part of me knew he wasn't making this up, something was wrong and I had to follow his instructions.

Rafe touched my arm gently. "I'll come with you, just breathe, everything will be fine."

I let him guide me toward the small building where my things were. As soon as we entered, I dropped onto the bed. Rafe stood near the door, rubbing his hands together like he was trying to decide if he should speak.

"Say it," I muttered.

He sat beside me. "Jax came back different, he was more focused on you as he kept staring like he had a reason to. And Dominic hates that he can't explain it."

"I don't know Jax," I said again, quieter this time. "Why would he look at me like that?"

Rafe tilted his head. "Sometimes wolves sense things before we do, maybe he smelled or recognized something."

"Recognized what?"

He shrugged. "I don't know, but Dominic does not get this protective unless the threat is real."

I looked at the floor. "It feels like everything is turning upside down."

Rafe bumped his shoulder softly against mine. "Then hold onto something."

I let out a shaky breath and started packing only a few clothes, my notebook, and a bottle of lotion. 

I glanced across the yard as we left the room and Dominic was standing near the house entrance talking to two wolves in their human form. His eyes kept flicking towards the trees like he expected someone to come out of there any moment.

When he saw me walking toward him, his whole body sharpened like he was preparing for a fight even though I was the one approaching.

He took my bag without asking and walked inside. I followed him up the stairs, Rafe behind me. The hallway felt warm in a suffocating way, the air heavy with the scent of pine and smoke.

Dominic stopped in front of a door on the right. "This is yours now," he said.

The room was bigger than the old one, cleaner and brighter, and was close to his room as well. I could feel his presence even without turning around.

Rafe stood in the doorway. "If anything happens, call, shout, or even throw something that would make a sound for us to hear."

Dominic shot him a look....,  a dangerous one that signaled he didn't like what Rafe said. Rafe had to raise his hands like he was innocent.

I placed my bag on the bed. "So what now?"

"Now I will explain what I didn't want to say outside," Dominic said as he leaned on the wall with his arms crossed.

"What is it?"

He stood there for a few seconds without saying a word. This was strange as Dominic never hesitates in saying anything. 

"There is a mark," he said finally. "Not on you, not yet, but someone out there is trying to force a bond with you. A bond that would tie you to them against your will."

My mouth went dry. "A bond?, Like claiming me?"

"Yes."

"Who?"

"We think it is Jax, or someone connected to him. But the way he looked at you last night... it wasn't normal."

I grabbed the edge of the bed to steady myself as my heartbeat felt too loud in my ears.

"So what does that mean for me?"

Dominic pushed off the wall and stepped closer to me. In a low voice he said, "It means you are the center of a fight you didn't start, and if someone is trying to bind you, they will come again. They always do."

I swallowed hard. "And you think keeping me here will stop them."

"No," he said. "But it means I will get to them before they get to you."

The words made my skin prickle. I didn't know if he meant them to comfort me or scare me into obeying. Rafe cleared his throat softly. "Dominic, she needs some rest, this is a lot."

Dominic didn't take his eyes off me. "You can rest but do not leave this floor." I nodded. My voice wasn't strong enough to reply.

They both stepped out and closed the door behind them.

I sat on the bed, my hands were trembling in fear and my heart was beating so fast as I was scared of what was coming. " Why me, why is this all happening at once?" I kept asking myself questions I had no answer to.

As the silence settled around me, I realized something sharp and cold. The kind that crawls under your skin and refuses to leave. If someone truly wanted to claim me, then they weren't going to stop. They would push hard and keep trying till they succeed.