Chapter 289

Chapter 289
Twenty minutes later, I sat in my car. I had thought we would sit down, chat, and go back to how we were before, but that didn't happen.

This was our first coffee together in months. Maybe next time would be better. I suppose we just needed to get to know each other again.

A knock on my window jolted me back to reality. Dominic stood outside.

"Planning to sit out here all day?" he asked.

"Just thinking," I replied as he opened the door and slid into the passenger seat.

"How did it go with your grandmother?"

I sighed. "She wants to meet for coffee every week. Try to fix things."

"Is that what you want?"

"I don't know... The whole coffee date was weird, but I agreed to weekly meetings."

Dominic brought my knuckles to his lips. "This could be good, you know. I remember how close you and Sarah used to be. Nothing's beyond repair."

"Maybe." I smiled, unbuckling my seatbelt and getting out of the car. "I guess we'll find out soon enough."

"Ready to go out tonight?" he said.

"Where to?" I asked.

"Dinner," he smiled.

When he said he was taking me to dinner, I thought we'd go to a diner or café, but instead, he turned into his parents' driveway. I frowned. I mean, technically we could have just walked there.

"Seriously?"

Dominic's lips quirked up in a half-smile. "My mother insisted, and she doesn't allow me to refuse. You know what she's like."

"Besides, you must be hungry," he added.

As usual, Elizabeth had prepared enough food to feed the entire street. The kitchen island was laden with dishes.

"There you are!" Elizabeth beamed, wiping her hands on her apron. "I was beginning to think you two weren't coming."

The atmosphere was much lighter than our last visit. At least this time nobody was throwing us out. And Dominic and his father were getting along peacefully.

He kissed his mother's cheek before disappearing with his father into the study, no doubt to handle some pack business. I helped myself to a plate, realizing just how hungry I actually was.

"I hear you and Dominic are heading to the cabin for a few days," Elizabeth said, sitting across from me with her own cup of tea.

"Yes," I stabbed a piece of pancake. "Getting away for a while will definitely be nice."

"Are you two doing alright lately?"

I couldn't help but smile. "He can be difficult sometimes, but I can handle it."

Elizabeth laughed, the sound warm and genuine. "The Moon Goddess chose well for my son. You're exactly what he needs. You're a strong woman, and you're also a formidable female wolf."

I traced the rim of my mug with my finger. "Sometimes I think he wishes I were just human."

"He's being protective."

"Sometimes too much so." I sighed. "It's his leadership side coming through."

This wasn't the first time I'd heard this kind of reasoning.

"If he doesn't let me become my true self, then I have no value to this family. I need to connect with my wolf, and he needs to allow that to happen. Whatever the outcome, it's best for me—for us."

Elizabeth nodded. "Then connect with your wolf. Go to the training grounds. If you want to become one with your wolf nature, you need to let her take full control."

I blinked at her in surprise, not expecting her to say that.

"I don't know how to do it. It only happens when I'm angry."

A mischievous smile spread across Elizabeth's face. "Then get angry."

"What?"

"Get angry," she repeated. "Trust that she'll give control back to you, and if she doesn't, I'm sure Dominic can take care of her pride."

"Take care of her pride?" I frowned.

"Make her submit, dear. He'll make her accept him. Though if your wolf is anything like you..." She laughed.

"Have him take you to the training grounds, and enjoy the process." She winked. "I suspect you'll end up having quite a bit of fun."

My cheeks heated as I caught her meaning.

Before I could respond, Elizabeth excused herself to check on something in the oven, leaving me to contemplate her suggestion.

I was so lost in thought that I didn't notice Dominic until his arms wrapped around my waist from behind.

"Can we go to the cabin?" he murmured against my ear.

His lips brushed against my neck, sending a shiver down my spine.

I turned in his arms to face him, a new idea forming. "Actually, I was thinking... could you take me to the training grounds first?"

"The training grounds? Why?"

He knew the reason, and he was breaking his promise again. I sighed and lowered my arms.

"Never mind, let's go."

"Hey." He tightened his arms. "If that's what you want, then that's what we'll do. I promised I'd help, and I will."

My stomach fluttered with butterflies as we drove toward the training grounds. I couldn't stop my mind from racing with doubts and fears about what lay ahead.

What if I can't do it? What if I'm one of those werewolves who can't properly connect with their inner wolf?

I sighed heavily.

"Why the sigh, baby?"

I just feel stupid. He shouldn't have to teach me this because it should come naturally. My wolf spirit is part of my body, but it doesn't feel that way.

"We can turn around if you want," he offered, already slowing the car.

"No," I straightened my spine. "I want to do this."

"It has to be voluntary, princess. You must be willing." His voice deepened slightly.

"Why is this so hard for me?" I whispered, more to myself than to him.

Dominic reached across the console and took my hand. "It's not hard, baby. It's just unknown to you. We'll keep trying until you can do it on your own."

I nodded. I needed to put aside all negative thoughts and overthinking. I can do this. I was born a werewolf.