DOMINIC’S POV

His jaws clenched as he looked at me fiercely with a hint of disgust as he struggled to let go of the other members holding him back.

With one final grunt, he released his grip with frustration and took a few steps towards me.

You... you're so pathetic. How dare you defy me?"

I looked at him with a mix of confusion and anger, I only took a break for two days, I needed some time off to breathe, I’ve been guarding our pack since forever, while facing my own personal life, and it’s the day I finally take a day off is the day something bad decides to happen.

Of course.

“Better corny than a tyrant who's lost the respect of his own pack.”I said out loud.

His eyes went dark and he stormed forward, reaching for me furiously as his grip latched onto my shirt, the anger radiating off him palpable and electric.

In that one charged moment, pent-up emotion an electric tension between us, the storm of his anger rose, sparking a fierce, savage battle between us. We jerked each other closer and closer, oblivious to the circle of pack encircling us, curious about this building fight.

Then their voices cut through the air as they rushed in, anxious to pull us apart before we could get to tearing into each other.

We both ended up dragging each other, catching the attention of the other pack members. They quickly rushed over to prevent us from tearing ourselves apart.

Between us, pack members pushed trying and pulled apart at it. We both staggered back.

“You fool”, he grunted his eyes burning with fury.

I wiped my blood off from my nose and glared back at him. “Call me whatever you want, but we both know that real leaders don’t need to bully their pack.”

“You know what? I’m done with this.”I said, my voice chilly, I hit him on my way out as I turned to leave. Other pack members intervened and kept him from countering.

I strode into the woods, the tension in my jaw a physical reminder of the anger still racing through me. Every step felt heavier, as if the weight of my responsibilities clung to my limbs. A reprieve was what I wanted-to breathe and maybe, for one second, shut out the relentless duties weighing upon me: the expectations of being a protector, the pressure to find a mate, the overwhelming need to keep our pack united.

Why can't I have a life of my own? I thought, frustration surging through me. First, it was the pressure to find a mate; now it was about staying consistent in pack duties. Isn't there room for me in all of this?

I found the perfect spot in the woods, stood with my hand on my hip, running the other one through my hair. I could hear from far away someone yelling my name.

As I looked back at the woods, I let out a tired sigh. I desperately hoped to avoid hearing any more unsolicited advice or opinions from anyone. I kept walking, picking up my pace as I sought to create more distance between me and the persistent voices calling my name. Gradually, the calls faded away, giving me the peace and solitude I craved.

As I stepped out of the dense woods into the busy streets of New York was like being washed over by a warm tide. With each step away from the pack's tension, it felt freeing to a little slice of tranquility that I hadn't harnessed in such a long time.

As I walked along the strip of colorfully lined shops and eateries, a more distant sign called out to me that read "Maddie's Corner." It was the animated groups going in that seemed to spark my curiosity, an attraction like a moth to a flame. I could not resist the cold drink and the idea of being relieved for a minute from my musings, so I decided to enter the bar.

As I strolled along, I noticed a sign for "Maddie's Corner" from a distance. There were small groups of people entering, piquing my curiosity. Allured, I decided to step inside the bar. The atmosphere was inviting, with a wide variety of drinks available and attentive staff at each counter catering to their customers' needs. It was a place full of character despite being boisterous and alive.

My eyes scanned the room as I entered the bar, locking onto an open seat at the counter.

I made my way over and settled in.

A redhead with stunning hazel eyes approached to take my order. Her captivating gaze seemed to enhance her beauty as she flashed a seductive smile in my direction. I returned her gaze with anticipation, taking in her white sleeveless top and the badge that read "Toria."

"What can I get you?" she asked, breaking the spell of our mutual gaze.

“Let’s do old-fashioned.”

I leaned closer, placing my hands on the counter as I scanned her pretty face.

“Coming right up.” She swiftly replied.

Her gaze never swayed from mine as she gracefully turned around and departed to prepare the drink, leaving me unable to tear my eyes away from her.

“Here you go”

She said, delivering a smile as she dropped the drink filled with ice to me.

“Let me know if you need anything.”

I nodded with a smirk playing on my face, leaving me to fix my gaze on her as she walked away. I inhaled deeply and let out a muffled sigh as I lifted the glass to my lips and chugged down the drink. It felt like just what I needed; it was like the medication to deaden the pain that gnawed at me.

The rich taste of the drink danced on my tongue as I washed it down, bringing me to the comfort I had been longing for.

My moment of tranquility was interrupted by the familiar buzz of my phone. Reluctantly, I paused to check it, only to find that it was nothing more than a trivial distraction from my temporary escape. I hastily tucked the phone away into my pocket and then downed the last shot of my drink.

I rubbed my hands over my face and surveyed the bar – that was when I saw her- a wavy blonde-haired girl with captivating blue eyes. She looked drunk, unsteady on her feet, swaying and dancing to the faint music playing in the background. Curious, I cocked my head and changed direction to my right, just for a better view of her.

Despite her tipsy demeanor, she had an effortless charm and looked stunning.

After moments of watching and admiring her, I finally decided to walk over to where she was sitting. As I approached her, a wave of panic washed through me, afraid that she might turn me down, but I could not resist her, her body was immaculate. She wore a low-rise flared jean with a strapped top adorned with a silver necklace, her nipples seemed to point out of the top, adding more beauty to her.

As I arrived at her location, she bumped into me and wrapped herself in my embrace.

Got yah.

As she noticed she was in my arms, she turned and looked up.

“Woahhhh...you are strong” her face filled with admiration as her hands trailed through my pecs.

“You okay?”

“Yes yes, just..”

“Tipsy?”

“I guess” she replied rubbing her hand on her forehead.

“Did you come with anyone?”

I looked around scanning her area for anyone who seemed to be with her.

“Oops...” she giggled as she wobbled on me, leaving me to grab her forearm. She looked like she was about to throw up. I leaned down to look into her eyes, she looked responsible, what could have pushed her to this point?

Her eyes were sexy, mixed with innocence and seduction.

“Of course, mum” she replied.

“You should take a seat.”

I led her back to where she was previously seating holding her back with one arm and holding her hand with the other.

She sank into the soft plush chair as let out a long sigh, as she sank in, I scanned to confirm if she was comfortable before I went ahead to sink in with her.

“Tough night huh?”

“Yup.”

“What brings you here?”

“I caught my boyfriend giving booty shots to some girl.”

“Your boyfriend?” I raised an eyebrow, trying to process what she had said.

“Well… ex”

“Well, he was an asshole anyway”

I tilted to her to catch a glimpse of her face as I noticed her slight change of mood.

“How do you know?” She asked.

“That he was an asshole? He cheated on the sexiest, breathtaking girl I’ve ever laid eyes on. So yeah, he is an asshole.”

A small smile played across her face giving me a sense of relief as I saw her smile. God she was beautiful.

“Well…You're the most attractive man I've seen in a long time.”

As I looked into her eyes- I noticed her pupils were still dilated, she probably didn’t mean a word of what she said.

I chuckled. “Thanks.”

Why are you here, anyway?" she asked, turning fully towards me from her seat on the couch, one leg crossed over the other.

"It's complicated."

She raised an eyebrow, gesturing to herself. "You're talking to someone who's complicated, so it sounds like a perfect match.

I let out a sigh, massaging the back of my neck. "My pack. Especially our leader. They’ve been riding me pretty hard lately. I I came here to clear my head.

“Your.. Pack?” She raised a brow.

I turned fully to face her directly, my gaze never leaving hers.

“Yes, gorgeous.”

“So what? You’re like a hyena or something?” She teased.

Her eyes sparkled as if she thought I was kidding, along with a small smile playing on her lips.

This gorgeous girl still thought I was joking, so I decided to prove her wrong. While my gaze still on hers, I summoned my senses. I felt the heat rise in my eyes as they flared with a fiery golden glow, they returned to their usual color.

“Fireee.” She cooed softly, like a baby. “

I chuckled. This girl was hilarious, especially when drunk.

“I think we should get you home now”

“I am home…wait this isn’t my house?”She slurred.

“Alright alright, I got you.”

I stood up right away, adjusting my pants to ensure they were at the right position of my waist. I stretched both my hand forward to grab her forearms, pulling her up to her feet.

“I wasn’t done sitting.” She murmured.

I took her arm, guiding her to walk alongside me as I led the way.

“Where are you taking me mum?”

“So, do you remember this place?” I asked as we stood outside of the bar, hoping she would start to feel a sense of familiarity of her surroundings.”

“ I don't think I live around here," she replied softly, her eyes betraying a second of realization before she snapped back into the present.

"I'm hungry, are you hungry?"

Shit.

I looked at her, realizing this wasn’t going to be as straightforward as I’d hoped.