Mindlink

Dominic 's POV

 Once everything was packed and ready, Daniella and I boarded the company helicopter. The hum of the rotors filled the air as we lifted off, leaving the city skyline shrinking behind us. Daniella sat beside me, her hands gripping the armrests tightly. Her gaze was locked on the window, her expression caught between fascination and nervousness.

 She hadn't said much since we left, but I could sense her thoughts racing. Before we departed, we agreed on how to handle Lucas, her ever loyal secretary. Daniella was adamant about keeping the truth about me, a werewolf for now.

 " He'll think I've completely lost it," she had said, her tone firm. "Let me see this for myself first. If you're right, I'll decide when and how to tell him."

I respected her choice, though it felt strange not to be upfront with someone so close to her. Instead, I kept things simple when I spoke to Lucas.

 "I'm taking Daniella to meet my family," I'd told him. "This is serious."

 Lucas had practically burst with excitement. "That's amazing! Finally, a guy who knows what he wants. Daniella deserves someone who'll treat her right, especially after the mess with Brandon and her so-called best friend. You're going to propose, aren't you?"

 His enthusiasm had made me smile, though it also stirred something uneasy in me. Propose? It was the first time the thought crossed my mind. But Daniella still had doubts about my world, and there were challenges waiting for us in Mariposa. My focus now was on making her feel safe and accepted. Only then could I even think about asking her to stay with me forever.

Back in the present, her voice cut through my thoughts. "What exactly did you tell Lucas?"

 I turned to her, smiling faintly. "That I'm taking you to meet my family because I'm serious about us."

 Her eyes widened slightly. "And what did he say?"

 " That it's great, and I should propose soon," I replied, leaning back with a grin.

 She groaned, covering her face with her hands. "Of course, he said that. Lucas has been trying to push me out of my routine every holiday, telling me to live a little. Now he's going to think he succeeded."

 I chuckled softly, reaching for her hand. "He just wants you to be happy. So do I."

 The ride to Mariposa was brief, just fifteen minutes but the weight of what lay ahead made it feel longer. Daniella's fingers stayed tightly curled around the seat edge as she stared out at the sprawling forests of Mariposa coming into view.

 "Are we close?" she asked, her voice soft but curious.

 "Yes," I said. "We'll be landing soon. But first, I need to… make a connection."

 Her brow furrowed slightly, but she didn't question it. Closing my eyes, I reached out through the pack link. Nick, I called. Meet us at the border. We're landing nearby.

 There was a brief pause before Nick's familiar voice came through, tinged with disbelief. Alpha… Is that really you?

 Yes, it's me, I answered calmly. Be ready.

 "What are you doing?" Daniella's curious tone broke my focus.

 I opened my eyes and met her questioning gaze. "I mind-linked my beta to meet us at the border," I explained.

"Mindlink?" she repeated, her tone skeptical.

 "It's like telepathy," I said. "Every werewolf in the same pack can communicate this way. It's faster and more private than a phone."

Her eyes widened slightly, intrigued. "So, you don't need a phone to talk to your pack members?"

 "Not while we're in the pack lands," I clarified. "Outside the pack, we use phones like humans. The mind-link has its limits range and only pack membership."

 She nodded slowly, still processing. I squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Don't worry, Ella. You'll learn everything step by step. I'll teach you, and my mother will help too. You're incredibly smart. You'll pick it all up in no time."

 She smiled faintly but didn't look completely reassured. "I just… I still worry," she admitted quietly. "About Eva, about what your parents will think of me, and… honestly, I'm still struggling to believe all of this. Even after seeing you transform into a big wolf , it doesn't feel real."

 I nodded, understanding her apprehension. "It's a lot to take in. But once we're inside the Blue Moon Pack, you'll see. You'll believe it."

 Her lips pressed into a thin line, but she didn't argue.

 The helicopter began its descent, and I spotted Nick waiting at the border. His tall, broad frame was unmistakable, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon.

 "That's Nick," I said, pointing out the window.

 Daniella followed my gaze, nodding. "He looks serious."

 "He takes his role seriously," I said with a chuckle. "He's been like a brother to me."

 The helicopter landed smoothly, and the door swung open. I stepped out first, offering my hand to help Daniella down. The crisp mountain air greeted us as Nick approached.

 "Alpha," he said, his voice tinged with relief. "Where have you been? We searched everywhere for you. It was like you'd vanished into thin air."

 I clapped him on the shoulder. "I'll explain everything on the way home. But first, I want you to meet someone." I turned to Daniella. "This is Daniella,my mate."

 Nick's surprise was evident as he bowed slightly. "Welcome to Mariposa, Luna."

 Daniella blinked, her brow furrowing. "I'm Daniella, not Luna," she corrected quickly.

 Nick shot me a curious look, and I mouthed the word human. He nodded in understanding but didn't press further.

 As we walked toward the pack lands, I couldn't help but feel the enormity of what lay ahead. Daniella was stepping into a world she didn't believe in a world that would challenge her at every turn. But I was determined to stand by her, guide her, and show her that she would always be mine.

 This was only the beginning.