Chapter 284

Chapter 284
I felt her presence inside me—a separate consciousness pushing against mine, wanting control.

I stared at my reflection, transfixed by the icy blue eyes staring back at me. I'd never lost control of her before, but there's always a first time for everything.

Dominic stood behind me, his hands steady on my waist as our gazes locked in the mirror. My eyes flickered with blue light as I stared back at him. I could hear my heart pounding in my chest, blood rushing through my veins. She wanted to come out, but I wouldn't allow it. I absolutely refused to be controlled by her.

"Deep breaths, baby. Control her," Dominic's voice was low and calm in my ear. "The more you practice, the easier it gets."

"I can feel her," I whispered, my voice trembling slightly. "She's strong."

"You're stronger." His grip tightened reassuringly on my waist. "Remember, she's part of you."

I closed my eyes and focused on my breathing, trying to return to normal. When I opened them again, the blue had receded, replaced by my original color. I exhaled in relief.

"I don't like this," I admitted. "It feels like I'm about to lose control."

Her power, the scratching sensation beneath my skin. The burning feeling deep in my stomach. It was then that I decided to make an effort to learn more about my wolf.

"You won't," Dominic promised, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. "It gets easier, I promise." He squeezed my shoulders gently before disappearing into the bathroom.

I stood there, still staring at my reflection, trying to make sense of what had just happened. A question nagged at me: if my wolf wanted control, why was she only trying now? I'd been in Wolf Creek for months, why wake up now?

I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing. Despite the wolf awakening, I still didn't feel like a werewolf. I felt like I was still the same person I'd always been.

---

Dinner at William and Elizabeth's mansion was an exercise in restraint. I sat quietly at the ornate dining table, responding only when directly addressed. The food was delicious—Elizabeth had prepared a feast—but my mind was elsewhere. Part of me wanted to be back home, but politeness kept me seated.

I noticed Dominic and his father exchanging frequent whispers and meaningful glances. Their expressions shifted subtly as they spoke, and I assumed they were discussing pack business. I chose not to eavesdrop, instead sinking into my own strange thoughts.

"You're very quiet tonight, dear. Are you feeling alright?" Elizabeth's gentle voice broke through my reverie.

"Will my wolf die?" The words tumbled out of my mouth before I could stop them. I didn't know why I said that.

Silence fell over the table. All eyes turned to me, the atmosphere suddenly tense. I bit my lip, my gaze falling on Dominic, who looked worried. Should he be worried? Had I given him reason to worry?

"I just—" I stumbled, trying to explain the feeling. "I don't feel connected to her the way I thought I would."

William set down his fork, his expression serious. "Your wolf won't die, Riley."

He leaned forward slightly, his voice taking on a more authoritative tone. "As for not feeling connected, you need to let her into your heart."

His eyes held mine. "Your wolf is extremely powerful. Even I can feel it, as the Alpha. If you want to feel the kind of connection you're looking for..."

Dominic suddenly stood up, his chair scraping against the hardwood floor. "Enough. She doesn't need to do anything."

His jaw was set in a hard line as he looked at me. "Come on, we're going home."

"She needs to know, Dominic," William insisted. "It's the only way for her to fully understand what she is. Perhaps then she won't feel so out of place."

I glanced at Elizabeth, but her attention was entirely on Dominic. She looked concerned. We all knew he had a temper, and the smallest things could set him off. His hands were clenched into tight fists at his sides, his jaw locked.

I didn't understand why he was acting this way. What was his father going to tell me that could possibly be so bad?

"No. We're leaving," he growled, the words leaving no room for argument.

William's expression hardened. "You're her mate. Instead of keeping her in the dark, you should be teaching her. Let her see what incredible gifts she possesses. Instead, you keep her locked away, telling her nothing."

"William!" Elizabeth stood in front of her husband. "Enough." She took his hands in hers, whispering something in his ear.

Before Dominic could respond, Elizabeth intervened.

"I think dinner is over," Elizabeth announced, her voice firm but gentle. "You should both go now."

---

"I'm going for a run," Dominic announced as soon as we arrived back home. His body was still tense, jaw clenched tight. "I'll be back soon."

"So we're not going to talk about what just happened?" I crossed my arms, watching him pull off his shirt.

"We'll talk when I get back." He paused, his eyes softening slightly. "Riley, I need this run."

I understood. His wolf needed release after the confrontation with his father. Still, disappointment settled in my chest. "Fine. Whatever."

I spent the next hour alone, taking a long bath and washing my hair before climbing into bed to watch a movie. Through the open window, I could hear distant howls coming from the direction of Moonlight Lake.

As I stared at the screen without really seeing it, boredom and loneliness crept in. This was exactly what I meant when I said I had nothing to do—late at night, alone in the house on a Sunday evening.

I kicked off the covers, pulled on my robe, and went downstairs. I was too bored. I grabbed a pint of chocolate ice cream from the freezer, not bothering with a bowl.

I settled comfortably onto the couch and began eating. I wasn't sure when Dominic would return.