Chapter 4

I awoke and glanced around, stretching and yawning.

"We're almost home," Dominic informed me. I nodded and leaned my head against the car window, reflecting on what I had been told earlier.

"Hey, Dominic," I began, turning to face him.

"Yes?" he responded.

"Are you going to leave now?" I inquired softly.

"Of course not, Princess. You're stuck with me," he reassured me with a warm smile. I returned his smile and nodded.

"We're here," Dominic announced. I looked out the window and was amazed by the size of this place. It was three times the size of my pack house.

"Is this where we stay?" I asked.

"No," he chuckled. "This is the pack house. We stay over there." He gestured to a smaller house on the left, about half the size of the pack house.

"Oh," I murmured, my jaw dropping in response. I eagerly got out of the truck, grabbed my bags, and headed toward his house.

Once inside, I noticed the stark emptiness of the house. There were no pictures or decorations.

"Where are all the pictures?" I asked, curious.

Dominic shrugged his shoulders and walked ahead. "Don't be sorry. I'll explain one day," he replied. I nodded and followed him upstairs.

He opened the door to a room that was completely white, furnished with a bed, dresser, and a TV.

"Am I staying in a guest room?" I inquired.

"No, this is my room," he stated.

"Okay," I said, looking around, noting the room's simplicity. I already planned to add some personal touches.

"Hey, Ruth," I looked at him.

"I have to go check on pack matters. I'm having Joseph come give you a tour of the land; he's my beta," Dominic informed me. I nodded and placed my bag of clothes on the bed, beginning to unpack. I chose a white short-sleeved shirt and put it on as Dominic exited the room.

With my room to myself, I decided to change into more comfortable attire. I swapped into a pair of black sweatpants and a tank top. My thoughts drifted to the empty house and the lack of food. I knew I needed to go grocery shopping. Changing into a more suitable outfit, black boots and a red sweatshirt that smelled like Dominic, I noticed his absence. Peering out of the window, I spotted two cars in the driveway, the white truck alongside his black one. I headed downstairs in search of the keys.

"If I were keys, where would I be?" I muttered to myself. After rummaging through a few drawers, I found the keys and a piece of paper. Jotting down a quick note about my whereabouts, I placed it on the kitchen counter before heading out the front door.

I unlocked the white truck, climbed inside, and started the engine, making my way to the store. As I drove, I couldn't help but feel an odd sense of belonging to this place, despite it being my first day. It was beginning to feel like home.

My contemplation was interrupted by the ringing of my phone. I retrieved it from my pocket and answered, putting it on speaker.

"Hello?" I greeted.

"Ruth!" Dominic's frantic voice came through.

"Where are you?" he asked, clearly agitated.

"I'm like two minutes from the house," I replied. "Why?"

"Because a rogue was spotted in town. I didn't know if you were okay," he explained.

"I'm okay. I'll be home in a minute," I started to reply, but then a sudden shock gripped me as I noticed a wolf standing in the middle of the road. In a panicked reaction, I swerved the truck, slamming on the brakes.

"Ruth! What is it?" Dominic's voice crackled on the phone. I could hear him hurriedly leaving his location.

"There's a wolf. It's just standing there, staring at me," I whispered, paralyzed with fear.

"Dominic, I don't know what to do," I stammered.

"Stay in the car, Ruth. I'm coming to get you," Dominic assured me. "I'll be there in a second."

"It's walking toward the car!" I cried out, anxiety taking hold.

"Oh my God, Dominic!" I exclaimed, unable to contain my fear.

"Lock the doors, Ruth! I just turned the corner! I see you!" he commanded.

I ensured the doors were locked and sunk down in my seat.

"Just stay put," he reassured me, and the call disconnected. I hung up and set my phone down, my eyes fixed on Dominic as he shifted into his wolf form and charged at the rogue wolf. I let out a terrified scream as I noticed the wolf was dangerously close to the truck. My hands trembled as I helplessly watched Dominic confront the rogue, who was now approaching. I closed my eyes, but as my phone rang, I could hear the sounds of their confrontation through the speakers.

"Ruth! Lock the doors!" Dominic's voice came through the phone.

I quickly complied and watched, trembling, as he pounced on the rogue, sending it flying. He stood over it, his paw on its neck, ending its life. I cautiously unlocked the door and dashed toward Dominic.

"Dominic!" I called out, throwing my arms up as I spotted two wolves emerging from the forest. He turned and placed himself in front of me, protecting me from the approaching threat. I attempted to use my powers, but I struggled, realizing I didn't know how. I watched my hands helplessly as Dominic snarled at the approaching wolves, shifting back into his human form.

"Ruth, stay in the car," he told me before turning to confront the rogues. I was trembling as I watched, realizing my inability to assist. One rogue was menacingly pointing at me, and Dominic growled, asserting his dominance.

"Mine," Dominic snarled possessively. The rogue shook his head and sneered.

"The boss wants her, and the boss gets what he wants," he taunted.

In response, Dominic growled menacingly and approached the rogue, snapping his neck in a lethal strike. I gasped and stepped back in shock. He then turned to the other rogue, delivering a powerful punch. Joseph emerged from the shadows with another pack member, detaining the remaining rogue.

"I'm sorry, Princess," Dominic whispered, coming back to me and pulling me close. Tears welled in my eyes, but I shook my head.

"Don't apologize. You saved me. You're my hero," I whispered.

Dominic nodded, leading me back to the truck. He lifted me onto his lap, and I hesitated.

"This is dangerous," I pointed out.

"I need you near me," he stated. I shrugged and smiled softly, resting my head on his shoulder as he drove us home.

Once we arrived, Dominic picked me up and carried me inside, along with the groceries and my phone. He deposited the groceries in the kitchen and then carried me upstairs to our room.

"Let's just go to sleep, Princess," he said, placing me on the bed and joining me.

I nodded and snuggled up next to him.

"Goodnight, Dominic," I whispered.

"Goodnight, Princess."