Restraining order.

“For the love of God, what on Earth are you doing here?” Dominic groaned in annoyance for a moment, focusing his attention on the unwelcome guest.

The Alpha thought that he and Seth might enjoy a moment in privacy - an intimate type of moment that brings two shifters together without sex involved.

He made sure to hold her hand and stop there, avoiding the possibility of stepping over any boundaries the young woman might have set without uttering a word.

“Since when I've been forbidden from seeing my big brother? Do you have a restraining order against me? One I wasn't aware of? Come on, it's not like I'm interrupting something important, am I?” A woman that neared them reminded a Goddess.

Seth turned around to face her and gasped.

She had never seen someone so unbelievably beautiful, let alone this close. Dominic and the woman did have some similarities, implying their kinship.

But then again - why would he fail to mention that he had a little sister somewhere out there? Perhaps he knew all along that Seth would meet at least one of his family members, and her appearance wasn't purely coincidental?

There was always the possibility that the Alpha had planned it all along - making Seth feel some kind of responsibility towards him and his family.

If that would turn out to be the truth - Dominic would be the first person she knew, playing such a dirty game. But then again, both Dominic and Ryder did mention that everything would be allowed in love and war.

“Matter of fact, you are. I'm busy, I'd find time to stop by and say hi later on, but now my attention had to be focused on a more important matter than your constant need of attention.” As the Alpha spoke, he stepped in front of Seth, shielding her from the curious glance of his sister.

The closer woman got, the more annoyed Dominic became. At one point, Seth felt as if the Alpha tried to protect her, not just hide her.

“What do you have there? Is it a cat? Come on, let me see, I've never met one before, and you'd be one to know how rare they are these days!” His sister whined, making Seth chuckle.

All thoughts about the possible danger and Dominic's attempt to protect her were gone as if there were none before.

“Hi, I'm Seth.” She tried to raise her hand high enough for the woman to see. It was quite tricky when a full-grown Alpha shielded her from his sister. Even more problematic, when Dominic showed off how he could feel her movements and tried to hide even those.

“I will give you two some privacy if you promise to bring her to the main building after you're done. Mom would never forgive you if you took away the chance to meet her. By the way, it's nice to meet you, Seth, in Irene.” The woman giggled and hurried to leave Dominic and Seth alone.

She never cared if her brother agreed to her conditions, but bringing up their mother had always been the easiest way to get whatever she wanted or needed.

As soon as Irene's figure disappeared from their view, and they couldn't hear the silent cursing as the woman stepped on a couple more branches, Seth burst out laughing, nearly losing the balance and falling.

She could feel the annoyance and anger radiating from Dominic, but she didn't care - the whole situation was way too ridiculous to keep quiet. The big bad Alpha wolf, intimidated by a young woman, and all it took was mentioning their mother.

Dominic kept quiet, turned around, and took Seth's hand in his once again. He led her closer to the waterfall and pushed her a little ahead of him, so Seth would stand with her back pressed against his chest.

Even though none of them bothered to speak up, the moment was more than enjoyable. His arms wrapped around her waist; his chin rested near her shoulder, giving him easy access to the godly sent Seth carried.

She wasn't sure for how long they stared at the waterfall in silence, thoroughly enjoying the moment spent near each other. She had so many questions, but none seemed important enough for her to bring it up.

Dominic, however, couldn't stand the silence anymore. Like any other Alpha, he was impatient, unable to ignore things happening around him for longer than five minutes, and even that was a challenge.

“When I was younger, Irene would follow me everywhere I went. It was fun and cute at the beginning, but as we grew older - her habit started to annoy me. The same as today, she would follow each step I took, especially if I went out on dates and appeared at the least moment expected. That little demon managed to become a full-time cockblock without knowing the meaning of the term."

"Sometimes, she would use the same line as today, but at times, Irene would go straight for my dates, introducing herself as my secret girlfriend. Funny enough, she's nearly thirty years old, and the habit hasn’t vanished. Could you imagine an eighteen-year-old crashing all parties I attended, always sticking nearby to make sure that I wouldn't get some random woman pregnant? That little Devil used to be a control freak, and I'm quite sure she's not planning to change anytime soon. Unfortunately, that's what we have to endure - family is family; my parents didn't allow me to send Irene overseas when I attempted to mail her to Abu-Dhabi.” Dominic smiled, explaining the behavior he was so used to, but might seem blizzard to outsiders.

As the Alpha shared his childhood memories, Seth struggled to keep a straight face. Dominic probably loved watching Garfield as a kid since that cat kept trying to mail his little, annoying friend to the same location. Who would have thought that a vicious Alpha could be such a softie?

“You never mentioned having a sister. I think she's nice. Definitely drop-dead gorgeous, I can see the genes of your family there. Pretty sure your mother is a truly stunning woman; there's no other way she could have such beautiful children.”

Seth knew that Dominic was worried about the outcome of their date. His hold around her waist tightened as if the Alpha thought that she might try to escape him.

So, to calm down his raging nerves, all she could do was point out that there was nothing wrong with meeting his sister and mother if he decided to comply with Irene's demand.

“Holy cow, you still have to meet Irene and my mom. I don't think that I'll ever survive that.” The Alpha gasped out loud, intentionally putting an extra effort into sounding desperate.

Seth would laugh at his attempt if not the fact that Dominic did point out that she wouldn't have to see his family today.

Even though everything seemed to happen way too fast, she didn't feel the usual anxiety attack building up in her. Plus, Dominic had all rights to feel whatever he felt - the man had grown up under one roof with his sister, he would know better than others.

“Oh, stop being so overdramatic; I'm sure you'll be fine. I'm the one who should be worried, yet out of us two - I seem to be calmer than you are. Nobody likes meeting parents, especially for the first time, since that's when we get judged the most, but I'm sure everything will be alright. Have a little faith in yourself and your family.”

“I didn't intend to bring you here with the sole purpose of meeting my family. Such things should be done after going out on the dates the period has ended, and the two in question publicly announced their relationship as exclusive. Besides, Irene never bothered to ask you if you wanted to spend some time with them. I swear, I love them to bits, but at times, both of them can be the most annoying creatures in the whole universe. However, I might have an idea if you want to help me calm down a little.”

Thus far, Seth had learned one thing about Alpha's and their behaviors. Even the biggest, meanest, and most vicious men would freely show off emotions if they felt comfortable and free enough around the person.

Whenever they felt excitement, the tone of their voices would rise a little, usually sounding as if men spoke with a wide smile on their lips. At first, as Dominic spoke, Seth wondered if she had to feel worried since his words dripped in pure annoyance. But then, as soon as he brought up the idea, the Alpha sounded as if he had the widest smile on his lips, one that would make everyone know that he had something in mind.

“I don't mind. We could end up as great friends for all I know, if not more, and I don't see an issue if I get to know your family. It's different for you - it's your mother and sister, the two women you grew up with side by side. I would say so many different things about my siblings, yet there would be people who love them as soon as they meet. It depends, you never know - they might find me interesting enough, and by the end of the day, I might have a chance to see some childhood photos of you. For some reason, I'm sure you were a pretty damn cute baby.” Seth chuckled, intentionally adding some extra details to get Dominic a little more worked up.

The Alpha had to know that all things didn't happen as he expected or wanted them to happen. Sooner or later, any man would face the day that they have no power over the situation.

Seth closed her eyes and leaned her head back against his chest: “Well, go ahead, tell me this great idea of yours.” Seth tried to avoid getting herself more in-depth into the topic.

A person shouldn't discuss people without getting to know them first. She couldn't form an opinion, based on the small talk she had with Dominic's sister and the facts he had stated, so all she could do was assume that his family was great.

‘Expect the worst, hope for the best.’

Everyone would have a different outlook on life, so it was understandable that every other person couldn't be the same as the person she would meet before them.

“A kiss might help,” Dominic suggested, grabbing her hips and spinning Seth around.

His right arm snuck around her waist, caging her tightly pressed against his body. Her breath shook a little, eyes still closed. The Alpha brought his left hand closer to her face, cupping her cheek as she finally met his gaze.

If anyone had eyes bright enough to make Dominic want to look into them for the rest of his life - it was Seth. He might stay silent and hide many things, but he would find time and place to tell her everything sooner or later.

Perfectly, by the time when such a moment would come, Seth would choose him as the perfect life partner. Dominic wouldn't give up until he would have used all opportunities he had to prove his worth and commitment.

Perhaps it was the moment and his actions, or maybe the fairytale-like setting that made Seth feel butterflies in her belly, but she didn't push him away, not the thought crossed her mind.

His face neared hers, eyes darting from her lips to her eyes and back to lips. The cold, dominant Alpha who seemed to seek only for sexual contact with someone was gone.

Instead of the arrogant asshole stood just Dominic - a man who did his best to make Seth feel special, still doubting if she would return the kiss. As their lips met, a low growl of delight formed in his chest.

Almost instantly, Dominic nibbled on her bottom lip, demanding to deepen the kiss. Seth complied with his demand, parting her lips, letting the Alpha thrust his tongue into her mouth.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer, leaving little to no space in between their bodies. Dominic savored her taste, mentally promising himself that he would never forget the moment while their tongues fought for dominance.

Their lips parted only when Dominic managed to win; the fact that his victory came in time made the whole deal even sweeter.

Both of them panted for breath, foreheads rested against each other, arms still wrapped around their bodies, unable to let go.

As Seth met his gaze, she couldn't stop wondering how on Earth she was supposed to choose from all those men.

Dominic and Ryder took their competition to a whole new level, both taking just a couple of hours to show off the traits Seth wanted to see in the man she could possibly start a relationship with.

Aside from the two jackasses who let go of their dreams, there were two more who kept leading their life as it was before she appeared, yet did pop up from time to time.

“You truly are one of a kind woman, Seth. I wish you could see all those things that I see, fuck it - even Ryder can see how unbelievably amazing you are. Hold your head up, doll; you're about to enjoy one hell of a ride. Time to meet the crazies of my family, aka my mother and sister.”