Chapter 6 The Chase

Lily's POV

The wind howled through the dense forest, carrying the scents of pine and damp earth. Dominic's focus was razor-sharp as he moved swiftly through the underbrush, his ears tuned to every sound, his nostrils flaring to catch any hint of danger. The moonlight filtered through the canopy above, illuminating his path in silver and shadow. Behind him, Lily struggled to keep up, her breaths coming in quick, shallow gasps. Slow down, she called out, her voice a mix of frustration and fear. I can't run as fast as you.

Dominic stopped abruptly, turning to face her. His intense gaze softened just enough to show a flicker of concern. We can't afford to slow down, he said, his voice low but firm. They're close. I can feel them.

Lily leaned against a tree, trying to catch her breath. Her heart pounded, both from exertion and the mounting terror of being hunted. Who exactly are they? she demanded. And why are they after us?

Dominic's jaw tightened. Rogue wolves, he said. They're dangerous and unpredictable. They see you as a weakness—a way to get to me.

Great, Lily muttered, brushing a strand of damp hair from her face. So I'm baiting now?

You're not bait, Dominic snapped, his voice sharp. You're my mate. That makes you their target. But it also means I'll protect you with everything I have.

His words sent a strange mix of warmth and fear coursing through her. She wanted to believe him, to trust in his ability to keep her safe, but the reality of their situation was hard to ignore. They were in the middle of nowhere, pursued by creatures she barely understood, and her only ally was a man who seemed more wolf than human.

"We need to keep moving, Dominic said, his tone gentler now. Stay close to me. If anything happens, do exactly as I say.

Lily nodded, her legs trembling as she pushed off the tree and followed him deeper into the forest. The darkness pressed in around them, every rustle of leaves and snap of a twig setting her nerves on edge. She couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched, that unseen eyes were tracking their every move.

As they pressed on, Dominic's posture grew even more alert. His head tilted slightly, his ears catching sounds Lily couldn't hear. Suddenly, he stopped and held up a hand, signaling her to stay still.

What is it? she whispered, her voice barely audible.

He didn't answer right away. His eyes scanned the trees, his body tense like a coiled spring. Then, in a voice so low it was almost a growl, he said, They're here.

Before Lily could react, a low, guttural snarl echoed through the forest. Her blood turned to ice as a pair of glowing yellow eyes appeared in the shadows ahead. Then another pair. And another. The rogues were closing in.

Dominic stepped in front of her, his body a wall of muscle and determination. Stay behind me, he ordered. No matter what happens.

Lily's heart raced as she clutched the knife Dominic had given her earlier. It felt small and useless in her trembling hands, but it was all she had. She watched in terrified awe as Dominic shifted before her eyes, his human form replaced by the massive, powerful body of a wolf. His fur was as black as the night around them, his eyes blazing with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine.

The rogues didn't hesitate. They lunged from the shadows, their snarls filling the air. Dominic met them head-on, his movements a blur of speed and strength. Teeth clashed, claws raked through fur, and the forest floor became a battlefield.

Lily pressed herself against a tree, her knife clutched tightly in her hand. She wanted to look away, but she couldn't tear her eyes from the scene before her. Dominic fought like a force of nature, his sheer power overwhelming the rogues. But for everyone he took down, another seemed to appear, their eyes glinting with malice.

One of the rogues broke away from the fight and turned its attention to Lily. Her breath caught in her throat as it stalked toward her, its lips pulled back in a snarl. She raised the knife, her hands shaking so badly she could barely keep hold of it.

Stay back, she shouted, her voice trembling.

The rogue ignored her, its eyes locked on hers as it crept closer. Lily's mind raced, her fear threatening to paralyze her. But then she heard Dominic's voice in her head, clear and commanding: Trust yourself.

Gritting her teeth, she tightened her grip on the knife and waited until the rogue was close enough to strike. Then, with a burst of adrenaline, she lunged forward and plunged the blade into its side. The rogue yelped in pain and stumbled back, giving her just enough time to scramble out of its reach.

Dominic was there in an instant, his massive form colliding with the rogue and sending it crashing to the ground. He finished it off with a swift, brutal bite, then turned to Lily, his eyes scanning her for injuries.

Are you hurt? he asked, his voice rough but filled with concern.

She shook her head, her chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath. I… I'm okay, she managed to say. But that was…Terrifying, he finished for her, his lips curving into a faint, wry smile. You did well. Better than I expected.

Lily let out a shaky laugh, the tension in her body slowly easing. Thanks, I guess.

Dominic's expression grew serious again as he surveyed the forest. We need to move. There could be more of them.

She nodded, her legs still unsteady but her resolve stronger than before. As they continued through the forest, she couldn't help but feel a small sense of pride. She had faced a rogue and survived. It was a small victory, but it was hers.

Dominic stayed close to her, his presence a constant reminder that she wasn't alone in this fight. Despite the danger, she felt a strange sense of comfort knowing he was by her side. For the first time, she began to understand what it truly meant to be his mate. It wasn't just about the bond or the connection they shared. It was about trust, about standing together in the face of whatever challenges lay ahead.

And as they disappeared into the shadows of the forest, Lily knew that this was only the beginning of their journey.