Ashen's POV
The room was too nice.
That was my first thought when I dropped my bag onto the bed, scanning the space.
A large window overlooked the forest. The walls were a deep gray, the furniture sleek and modern. A private bathroom was attached.
This wasn't just a guest room.
It had been prepared for me.
The thought sent a shiver down my spine.
I clenched my jaw, trying to push back the unease. I had to stay here. I didn't have a choice. If my suppressants weren't working, if my heat could hit at any moment—
I gritted my teeth.
I hated this. Hated that my body was betraying me. Hated that Dominic looked at me like he already knew how this would end.
I dropped onto the bed, running a shaky hand through my hair.
I wouldn't let this break me.
No matter how much my body ached.
No matter how much his scent made my instincts scream.
No matter how much a small, treacherous part of me wanted him to take control.
I took a deep breath, closing my eyes.
This was just temporary.
I could handle this.
I had to.
I lay on the bed for a long time, staring at the ceiling, trying to slow my breathing.
Everything felt wrong.
The air in here carried his scent—dominant, woodsy, laced with something sharp and intoxicating. My body was too aware of it. Of him.
I clenched my fists, willing my heart to stop racing.
This is temporary. I repeated the words like a mantra. I can handle this.
A knock on the door shattered my focus.
"What?" I snapped.
The door pushed open slightly, and Dominic leaned against the frame, arms crossed, smirking. "You settled in yet, roommate?"
I rolled my eyes. "Don't call me that."
His smirk widened. "What should I call you, then? Sweetheart? Baby? Mate?"
Heat shot up my neck. "Call me Ashen and get out."
Dominic chuckled but didn't move. "Dinner's ready. Unless you plan to starve yourself out of spite?"
My stomach twisted I hadn't eaten since this morning.
I shouldn't go downstairs. The more time I spent around him, the worse this would get.
But refusing food out of pure stubbornness? That was stupid.
I pushed up from the bed, brushing past him without a word.
The dining area was just as sleek and modern as the rest of his house dark wood, steel fixtures, no unnecessary decorations.
He had already plated two meals, setting one at the seat across from his.
I hesitated. "Did you cook?"
Dominic shrugged. "I had some free time."
I frowned but didn't question it further. I took the seat stiffly, ignoring the way he watched me.
The first bite nearly made me moan.
I forced myself to stay expressionless, but fuck. I wasn't expecting him to be a good cook.
Dominic smirked. "Good?"
I glared. "It's edible."
His chuckle was low and knowing, but thankfully, he didn't push.
For a few minutes, there was silence just the sound of utensils clinking against plates.
Then, Dominic leaned back in his chair, golden eyes flicking to mine.
"You've been quiet."
I clenched my jaw. "I don't have anything to say."
"That's new."
I scowled at him, and he grinned.
Then, he set his fork down. "Look, Ashen. I know this situation isn't ideal for you. But you can either fight it every second or try to make this easier for yourself."
I scoffed. "Easy for me? You're the one who gets what he wants. I'm the one stuck here."
Dominic's gaze darkened slightly. "You think I want you suffering?"
I bit my tongue.
He exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "Like it or not, you need me. So instead of acting like I forced you into some prison, maybe accept that I'm helping you."
I gritted my teeth. I didn't ask for help.
But I couldn't say that, not when I had called him during my last heat.
Frustration burned in my chest.
I hated this. I hated that my body kept betraying me. I hated that a part of me did feel safer here.
I pushed back from the table abruptly, standing.
"I'm done eating," I muttered.
Dominic didn't stop me as I turned and left.
But as I climbed the stairs, my chest ached.
Because no matter how much I fought
A part of me knew he was right.
I made it back to my room, shutting the door harder than necessary, as if that would somehow keep him out keep his words from sinking in.
I paced, my thoughts tangled, my chest too tight.
I didn't ask for help.
But I had called him.
I had let him touch me.
And worse—I'd needed it.
My body had betrayed me in ways I couldn't ignore anymore. The heat, the way my omega kept pushing to the surface, the way I felt drawn to Dominic despite every ounce of resistance I had.
It wasn't fair.
I pressed the heels of my palms against my eyes, swallowing back the frustration clawing up my throat.
Why was this happening?
My suppressants had worked for years. I had control.
And now?
I was weak.
I felt weak.
I hated it.
A soft knock on the door made me stiffen.
I didn't answer, but Dominic pushed it open anyway, stepping inside like he owned the place. Which technically he did.
He leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, watching me with that unreadable expression that drove me insane.
"What do you want?" I snapped.
"You tell me," he said smoothly. "You've been pacing like a caged wolf since you got up here."
I clenched my jaw. "I'm fine."
Dominic sighed, shaking his head. "You don't have to lie to me, Ashen."
I scoffed. "Right. Because you care so much?"
His golden eyes flashed, something sharp in them, something that made my heart stutter.
"You think I don't?" His voice dropped, low and dangerous.
I swallowed hard, looking away.
Dominic exhaled heavily, rubbing the back of his neck. "I know this is hard for you."
I snorted. "Wow. What gave that away?"
His lips twitched, but he didn't take the bait. Instead, he stepped closer.
I took an instinctive step back.
He didn't stop.
Another step.
Another.
Until my back hit the wall, and he was right there, towering over me, caging me in with nothing but his presence.
I sucked in a breath, my entire body locking up.
Dominic tilted his head, studying me like he was figuring out a puzzle.
Then, slowly, he reached up, brushing his fingers against my jaw.
I flinched but I didn't pull away.
"You don't have to fight me every second," he murmured.
I swallowed, my throat dry. "I don't trust you."
Something flickered in his eyes. "I know."
Then, his hand dropped, and he stepped back, giving me space.
I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding.
"I'll be downstairs if you need anything," he said, his voice softer than before.
I didn't respond.
Dominic lingered for a second, then turned and left, closing the door behind him.
I let my body slide down the wall, my legs feeling weak.
I pressed my forehead against my knees, my chest tight, my omega stirring.
I didn't trust him.
I couldn't trust him.
But the worst part?
A part of me wanted to.
I buried my face against my knees, my shoulders shaking.
Tears burned hot in my eyes, spilling before I could stop them.
I'm pathetic.
I'd spent years fighting, forcing myself to be strong, to be more than what they thought I was. But now? Now, I was exactly what they always mocked me for.
My uncle would laugh if he knew.
Hell, the entire pack would.
They'd whisper behind my back. Look at Ashen. The omega who pretended to be a warrior. The weak little bitch who thought he could be more.
My throat clenched.
My entire life, I fought against this. Against my nature. And now, my own body was betraying me.
I dug my nails into my arms, my breath coming in ragged gasps.
What do I do?
I felt trapped.
Dominic thought he was helping, but he didn't understand. He couldn't.
To him, this was normal. A part of life.
But to me?
It was the one thing I feared the most.
I gritted my teeth, trying to force myself to stop crying, but the tears wouldn't stop.
I hated this.
I hated me.