Chapter 8  The Pack’s Betrayal

Lily's POV

Dominic's instincts were on edge, a knot of unease tightening in his stomach. The Blackthorn pack had been his life, his responsibility, and his burden. For years, he had upheld the pack's traditions and enforced its rules without question, all while sacrificing his own desires for the sake of loyalty. But now, with Lily at his side and the undeniable pull of their bond growing stronger, everything felt different. The pack's expectations, the rules he had once followed unquestioningly, now felt like chains, heavy and unyielding.

As the leader of the pack, Dominic's word was law, yet tonight, the air around him was thick with dissent. His closest advisors, once loyal allies, had begun to speak in hushed tones behind his back. Rumors spread like wildfire, poisoning the unity he had worked so hard to maintain. And it wasn't just the whispers that bothered him. It was the coldness in their eyes, the questioning looks, the subtle challenges to his authority.

Dominic paced restlessly through the stone halls of the Blackthorn estate, his thoughts swirling in turmoil. The pack's loyalty had always been unquestionable, but now, with Lily, the human woman, by his side, everything was shifting. To some, she was an outsider, a threat to their way of life. The idea of him mating with a human, one who could never truly understand the power of the pack, was an affront to everything they believed in.

He stopped in front of the grand fireplace, the flames dancing and flickering in the hearth. The warmth from the fire did little to ease the cold knot in his chest. His father's disapproving gaze haunted him, the older alpha's eyes piercing through him even now. Patrick Blackthorn, the patriarch of the pack, had always been strict, demanding unwavering loyalty and conformity. Dominic had been raised under the weight of those expectations, and though he had never questioned them before, he found himself doing so now.

A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. Dominic turned to see his father standing in the doorway, his expression stern and unreadable.

We need to talk, Patrick said, his voice firm, laced with authority. It was not a request.

Dominic exhaled sharply, stepping aside to allow his father into the room. There was no avoiding this conversation. What is it, Father?

Patrick's gaze swept over him, taking in the tension in Dominic's shoulders, the furrow in his brow. You've been distant lately, Patrick began, his voice carrying the weight of years of unspoken expectation. I've heard rumors. The pack is restless. They are beginning to question your leadership, Dominic. They're concerned about your decisions, about your choice of mate.

Dominic stiffened at the mention of Lily. The bond between them flared, a fierce protectiveness surging within him. Lily is my mate, Father. I won't apologize for that.

Patrick's expression darkened, his eyes narrowing. You may not be apologizing, but you will have to face the consequences of your actions. You've put the pack in a dangerous position by taking a human as your mate. The others are starting to question your ability to lead with such weakness.

The words stung, each one landing with the force of a physical blow. Dominic clenched his fists, his jaw tightening as the anger he had carefully buried beneath layers of restraint began to surface. My decisions are not weaknesses. I'm trying to protect this pack, even if it means going against tradition.

Patrick's gaze hardened, his voice cold. This pack has thrived for centuries because we follow tradition. We are strong because we stay united. A human mate threatens that unity, Dominic. The pack's loyalty cannot be divided. If you continue down this path, you risk losing everything, the pack, your position, and ultimately, your honor.

Dominic's chest heaved with a mixture of frustration and fury. My honor is not defined by the pack's outdated rules, Father. You taught me that loyalty is earned, not demanded. And I will earn the loyalty of the pack through my actions, not by bowing to their narrow-minded beliefs.

For a moment, there was silence between them, the tension thick and palpable. Patrick's eyes softened slightly, but the hard edge of his authority remained unyielding. You are still my son, Dominic. But you are the alpha now. Your choices reflect on all of us. If you cannot lead the pack with strength and conviction, the pack will turn on you. You cannot afford to be weak.

Dominic looked his father in the eye, the weight of the decision pressing heavily on his shoulders. His father had never understood him. But now, more than ever, Dominic knew he couldn't let fear dictate his actions. The pack would either accept Lily and his leadership or they would reject him. He wasn't willing to compromise on what he had fought so hard to build.

I'm not weak, Dominic replied, his voice low but resolute. And I won't let anyone make me feel like I am.

Patrick regarded him for a long moment before turning away, his voice carrying a finality that left no room for argument. You will have to choose, Dominic. The pack or her

As his father's footsteps faded, Dominic felt the weight of the ultimatum settle on him like a crushing blow. The choice was clear, yet impossible. He couldn't choose between Lily and his pack. To do so would betray a part of himself. But the consequences of defying the pack's expectations were becoming clearer with every passing hour. His father was right about one thing: the pack's loyalty was fragile. And if he pushed them too far, the consequences could be catastrophic.

The sound of footsteps broke Dominic from his thoughts. He turned to see Lily standing in the doorway, her face pale, her eyes wide with concern.

Dominic, she said softly, stepping into the room. I overheard... what your father said.

Dominic didn't look at her at first. His thoughts were too clouded, too tangled with the weight of his responsibility. But as her presence washed over him, he felt the tightness in his chest loosen, if only slightly.

I can't lose you, he said, his voice hoarse with the emotion he'd been holding back. But I can't lose the pack either.

Lily's eyes softened, her hand reaching out to touch his arm. You don't have to lose either, Dominic. But you can't carry this alone. You have me, and I'm not leaving you. We'll figure this out together

Her words, simple and filled with trust, pierced through the storm of his thoughts. Maybe she was right. Maybe it was time to stop carrying the burden of leadership alone. Maybe the pack would have to choose a different path, one that didn't require him to sacrifice everything he loved. Together, they would fight for their future, no matter the cost.