When we arrived at Jasmine's place, I didn't want to leave her yet. Mostly because of Imani. My wolf wouldn't calm down after what happened earlier when we walked up on Jasmine and her ex, grabbing her the way she did. Imani was trying to go into full kill mode. It took everything in me to control her primal instinct. When you see your mate in danger, you want to protect them, no matter the cost.

Seeing the way she was grabbed brought back memories of the times I heard Mama and Pops talk about domestic violence cases within the pack. I remembered the countless times I saw women—and even men—battered and bruised by their husbands or wives just because the dinner wasn't hot enough, or the pups cried too loudly. There were times my mama had to step in numerous times to pull mates off their subs or omegas.

Physically harming your mate should tear you apart from the inside out. No matter how upset or stressed you are, no one should ever harm their mate. As the next Alpha of the pack, I would do what my mama used to do as an Alpha: handle cases like these. It wasn't a once-in-a-while thing. It was an everyday thing. And I wasn't ready for it.

"Are you sure you're okay?" I asked.

"Yeah, I am," she said.

"She's not gonna come to your place, right?" I had to be sure she wouldn't. But Imani had to be sure too—she was pacing in my mind, teeth bared.

I don't feel safe leaving her alone, Imani said.

I know, but we can't stay with her. We'll come back later tonight.

Even if her ex showed up and there was an altercation, I would react without thinking. How would I explain to Jasmine why I was hanging around her place without seeming like a stalker?

"No," Jasmine said, playing with the seatbelt strap.

"If she does, you can always call me."

I could at least use that as an excuse.

"You're like a knight in shining armor, huh?" Jasmine laughed.

"I'm whatever you want me to be." I teased. She reached across the console and playfully punched my arm. It felt like a marshmallow hitting me.

"So, um," Jasmine said, "I have this spring exhibit coming up, and I was wondering if you'd like to come?"

"Sure," I said. Of course, I wanted to be a supportive mate. And for some reason, this warm feeling bloomed in my chest. It didn't come from my wolf—it came from me.

"Alright, I'll let you know the time and date." Jasmine opened the car door and got out.

I wanted to reach across the console and stop her. I wanted to ask her to stay longer and talk with me. I didn't care what we talked about—it could be why her favorite color was her favorite color. As long as I was still with her, that's all I cared about.

Before she closed the door, I reminded her to call me if anything happened. She smiled, saying she would. I didn't drive off until she was safely inside her house and turned the front porch light on.

Treyvon and I had a movie night. The kitten joined us on the sofa, curling up in my lap. I patted her a couple of times. We were in the middle of watching Scary Movie 2 when Treyvon grabbed the remote, pausing the movie. He sat up on the sofa. I looked over at him because I could feel something was wrong with my Beta.

"What?" I asked.

"I told her."

"And... what happened?"

Treyvon ran his hand down his face, his leg bouncing up and down. "She freaked out."

"Okay, what exactly did you tell her?" I sat up slightly, and the kitten popped its head up before getting comfortable again in my lap.

"That she's my mate. And that I'm a wolf. She thought I was fucking mental. So, I showed her. That's when she freaked out. And then she passed out."

I laughed. Rude of me, I know, but I couldn't help it. Treyvon gave me a dirty look, and I choked back my laughter. This was a serious matter.

"Did she reject you?" I asked.

He sighed. "No. She said she needed some time to process things."

I thought of Jasmine. My stomach knotted at the thought of being rejected by her once she found out the truth. Eventually, I'd have to tell her I wasn't some normal human.

"Do you think she'll tell Jasmine?" I asked. A prickle of anxiety hit me. What if Jasmine found out through her friend?

"Doubt it. She probably doesn't want her friend to think she's lost her shit." Treyvon tapped the side of his head.

Yeah, because it's not every day someone meets a shapeshifter.

"Stay positive, man," I said. That's all I could offer.

He sank back into the sofa, grabbed the remote, and hit play. "Shit, that's all I can do."

Imani couldn't rest, which meant I couldn't either. She sniffed the ground, listening to the surrounding sounds. It was dark outside, and Imani's black fur blended into the night. We were across the street, in the field, watching Jasmine's house. After a while, Imani thought it was a good idea to check around the area, just to be sure. The forest behind her house was deep, with nocturnal animals scurrying about in the trees and fallen logs.

My wolf sat for a minute, listening.

Are you satisfied now? She's not in any danger. I have classes in the morning. Let's go home.

Not yet.

What do you mean, 'not yet'? Imani, we're not staying out here all night. We checked. She's okay. Now let's go.

You're not a true mate if you're not going to keep watch over your mate.

Guess I'm not. Now, let's go!

No.

Imani.

Dominic.

This stubborn wolf was testing me for real.

Did you hear that?

Hear what—

A twig snapped in the distance. Imani tilted her snout in the air. At first, it was just the damp forest smell. Then, there was a musty scent mixed with beer. And then we heard the barking of bloodhounds.

Imani stood up, turning toward the barking dogs.

What the hell are you doing?

I'm going to scare whoever it is away.

Imani, stop for a second.

It happened so fast, Imani didn't have time to react. A sharp pain shot through her side like a wasp sting. She howled in pain.

Shit.

She tried to walk but limped. The barking grew closer, and soon the bloodhounds surrounded us. A drunk hunter staggered up beside them, pointing his gun at my wolf. Imani took a step back, her breathing uneven.

Now what?

We attack.

Are you fucking insane? You're injured, and he has a damn gun.

So?

You are fucking shot!

Imani's senses heightened as the hunter slowly approached with his gun aimed at her. She snarled, baring her fangs. The bloodhounds closed in.

Fuck. Imani, run!

I can't turn my back on him now. He'll kill us.

He'll kill us if you attack him.

We'll find out, won't we?

You fucking crazy bitch.