CHAPTER 10

MIA POV.
As the car wound its way up the driveway, the house came into view. No, not house. It was a mansion. Even with my current mood, had to acknowledge that it was breathtaking. It had a neatly trimmed lawn that seemed to stretch into the surrounding forest and as we passed the gates and got closer, I could see the exterior walls were made of gleaming black stone. It was so different from the others that I have seen or have read about. The windows were tall and narrow, like slices of darkness like the walls, and the front door was a massive, iron-reinforced slab that I was sure could withstand a tank attack. The mansion loomed above, exuding an aura of power, wealth, and dominance, a testament to the Alpha's status and authority. I thought bitterly as the car pulled up to the entrance. The guard opened the door for me, and I unwillingly got out. I felt so small and out of place.
“This way.” The man said, motioning for me to follow him. Taking a deep breath, I clutched my bag that I had brought with me tightly and followed him. The interior was dimly lit. It shadowed the outside of the mansion and gave the feeling of holding many secrets amidst its walls.
The hair at the back of my neck stood up and I turned to see Dominic standing at a doorway that led to another extravagant room. His expression was stern, his eyes narrowing as he began to speak. "Mia, I thought I made myself clear this morning?" he said, his voice stern and commanding and I felt a sense of unease wash over me. “Hopefully now, you will learn to accept the realization of the situation.” He spoke as he made his way over to me slowly, his gaze locked on me.
I took a shaky breath as I tried to blink away my tears. I nodded my head in submission. “Where is Emma?” I managed to ask. Dominic's gaze didn't waver from mine. "I've placed her under close surveillance. She's being watched to ensure that you continue to so operate and to ensure her safety.” He said and my eyes narrowed at the last bit. “I have also sent people to keep an eye on your foster parents' and their whereabouts.” He said and my mouth dropped open in shock.
"Why?" I demanded, my voice firm despite the fear coursing through my veins. "What could you possibly gain from watching Emma and my parents?" I asked. “I am already here and being forced to do what you want so what more do you want from me?” I asked as anger and fear stirred in my chest, meeting his gaze fully. Dominic's expression didn't change, but his voice took on a warning tone at my challenging one. "I'm simply taking precautions, Mia. He said in all seriousness before continuing. "Unless, you'd rather see Emma, your foster parents, or their pack fall into the hands of the Shadow Moon pack, then I'll be more than happy to arrange it." Dominic said, his voice cold.
I sucked in a shocked breath. “W- what?” I stuttered and Dominic clenched his jaw as he looked down at me. “Mia, you are the daughter of Alpha Hunter Ryker from the Crescent Moon Pack. I thought that alone would be enough for you to have realized what dangers wait around the corner.”
He said and it was like a light bulb that went off in my head. I haven’t really come to terms or accepted that I was an alpha’s daughter and that I was to marry into another pack. This meant that two packs would be united, strengthening their status and numbers. I closed my eyes as the full reality of who I was dawned on me.
When I opened my eyes, Dominic nodded at me as he too must have seen me come to this realization. His gaze was unwavering. "Yes Mia, you. You're the key to securing the Pack's future, and I won't let anyone, or anything jeopardize that so the best would be to keep an eye on everyone that you are close with.” He said and I felt a pull on my heart as he almost sounded like he cared but I knew he had another motive too. “But that is not the only reason for keeping an eye on my friends and family, is it?” I spoke. “No, it’s not.” He simply said and I nodded my head as I tried to blink away a new wave of tears.
Dominic was right; if I didn't comply, the people I cared about would suffer the consequences. "Fine, I'll do what you want." I said and Dominic looked at me intently. “Good.” He said. "I'll gather Emma, your foster parents and your other loved ones.” he said, his voice firm and business like. "I'll keep them safe, protect them from Shadow Moon to the best of my ability but you must agree to one more thing." He said and my heart skipped a beat in trepidation.
“A- And that is?” I asked, not really wanting to know what it was. “You have to cut off your old life and leave it behind you.” He said and I felt a wave of despair wash over me as I realized the true extent of his demands. I had to leave behind my friends, my family, my studies, my freedom in exchange for Pack duties, werewolf politics.
Dominic didn’t wait for my answer as he turned to face the guard that brought me here. It was not like I had to give him one since I had no choice in the matter. “Please escort your future Luna to her room please.” Dominic said.
Without another word, I followed the guard up to a pair of fancy dark wooden doors and went in, still not saying anything.
As the door closed behind me, I felt the weight of my surrender crash down upon me. I had given in to Dominic's demands to ensure the safety of those I loved.
I stood still for a moment, my eyes fixed on nothing. Slowly, I felt the dam break within me. Tears burned at the corners of my eyes, and I let out a shuddering sob, sinking to the floor, my body wracked with grief as I dissolved into tears.