Friend With Benefit

Dominic's POV

 The relief I felt after explaining everything to Daniella was indescribable. She didn't believe me entirely how could she? but her willingness to follow me back to Mariposa to see for herself was enough for now. She was determined to prove or disprove my words, and that courage made me love her even more.

Since Lexy, my wolf, had made his first appearance right after midnight on my 21st birthday, all my memories had returned. I knew exactly who I was, the future Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack, a descendant of Lycans. And I also knew why I ended up in that ravine months ago, three rogues had attacked me, they mustbe sent by my cousin, Antoni. He'd been scheming to take the Alpha title from me for years.

I needed to return to Mariposa immediately, especially since Antoni's 21st birthday, the age when a wolf can formally challenge for leadership was tomorrow. If I didn't reclaim my position before then, the pack might fall into his hands.

I glanced at Daniella, who was packing a suitcase. She looked up and asked, "Do I need to bring a gown?"

 Smiling, I walked over and wrapped my arms around her from behind. "My dear, you don't need to bring anything. Nancy, my pack's omega who handles household needs, will provide everything for you."

"Omega? What's that? Like a personal assistant?" she asked, her brows furrowed in confusion.

 I chuckled. "Something like that. But she only manages the pack house and personal necessities. For work-related matters, I rely on my Beta, Gamma, and Delta."

 "Wow, so you really are royalty," she teased, turning in my arms to face me. "It makes sense now why you could casually ask me for a hot towel when you woke up at my place."

 I laughed, holding her closer. "You'll see for yourself soon enough. You'll learn everything about my world, step by step."

 "Okay," she replied softly, then pulled back slightly, her expression more serious. "But since you've remembered everything, I have a really important question before I go with you."

 "Go ahead," I said, meeting her gaze.

"Do you already have a wife?"

 I shook my head. "No."

"A fiancée?"

I shook my head again.

"What about a girlfriend?" she asked, her tone firmer now.

 "There's Eva," I admitted honestly. "But she's not my girlfriend. Our relationship is purely... friendly."

 She arched an eyebrow. "But you've slept with her?"

"Yes."

 "So... friends with benefits," she said casually, without a hint of drama.

 I frowned. "Friends with what?"

 "Friends who have sex," she explained bluntly.

I nodded. "Yes, but it's not serious."

 "Will she be okay with you bringing me to Mariposa? Won't she be upset that you're not taking things further with her?" she pressed.

 "She'll understand," I assured her. "You're my mate, chosen by the Moon Goddess. Eva knows the significance of a mate bond. She'll step aside."

I knew it wouldn't be as simple as telling her. Eva had been by my side for years. We weren't in love, but she had always made it clear that she hoped we could be something more. The thought of her reaction when I brought Daniella home was... complicated.

Her skepticism was clear in her furrowed brow. "I'm not so sure about that."

Would Eva accept Daniella as my mate? Or would she let jealousy cloud her judgment? She wasn't the type to cause drama, but the mate bond could be a hard pill to swallow for someone who had harbored feelings for me.

 I glanced at Daniella, who was carefully zipping up her suitcase. Her face was calm, but I could see the slight furrow in her brow, the way she pressed her lips together as if holding back doubts.

"I know you're worried," I said gently, moving to stand beside her. "About Eva."

 She sighed, meeting my gaze. "It's not just her. It's all of it. I don't trust women when it comes to relationships." She hesitated before continuing. "My ex, Brandon, cheated on me with my best friend, Alana. She was like a sister to me, someone I would've trusted with my life. And she betrayed me. It's hard to believe someone like Eva, who clearly has feelings for you, will just step aside without causing problems."

Her words hit me harder than I expected. The pain of her past was still fresh, even if she tried to hide it behind her strength and independence. I reached for her hand, but she pulled it back instinctively, her guard still up.

"Daniella, I understand why you'd feel this way. But Eva isn't Alana," I said firmly. "She's a good person, and she knows how sacred the mate bond is. She won't fight it. And if she does, I'll handle it. No one can come between us."

 "Maybe not her," Daniella said, crossing her arms. "But what if she's manipulative, or worse, secretly hates me? I've seen women pretend to be kind while plotting behind my back. I can't deal with someone smiling at me while they secretly resent me."

"I won't let that happen," I promised. "Eva is loyal to the pack, and to me. She won't jeopardize that."

Daniella stared at me, her expression unreadable. "You sound confident. I hope you're right. But I've learned that people aren't always what they seem."

I nodded, understanding her hesitation. I couldn't erase her past or magically heal her scars, but I could show her, step by step, that I would protect her. "You'll see for yourself soon. Trust me."

 She exhaled, her shoulders relaxing slightly. "I guess I'll just have to see how things go."

I smiled, pulling her into a gentle hug. "You won't regret coming with me. I'll make sure of it."

 Daniella didn't say anything, but she rested her head against my chest, her fingers lightly gripping my shirt. Her vulnerability made me want to shield her from everything, even her own fears. With her suitcase packed and ready, we headed out, prepared for the journey to Mariposa. But in the back of my mind, I couldn't help but wonder, would Daniella's fears come true? Would Eva or worse, Antoni become a threat to us?