Copyright to VedaPettigrew

"Pack Meeting tonight in the East House," Dominic's angry voice thundered through my mind. Judging by the way the women around me all grabbed their heads and a few even fell to their knees, it was announced to the entirety of Black Lake. Jasper and Wade winced but otherwise remained unmoved.

"Compulsory, seven sharp." He finished and dropped the line. As the others recovered and started gossiping about what was happening, Joan and I exchanged knowing looks. It must be about Greg Michaelson. I had told her all about the incident of course.

Dominic had caught us as we were leaving the house to make sure I was alright. He asked me how I was feeling and insisted upon seeing my arm. When I lifted my sleeve and he saw the faint bruising already beginning, a furious wave of anger rolled from him, palpable enough to force Wade to stumble back and lower his head in submission.

"Leave," he growled and everyone scattered quickly, heading out the front door. I stayed back and he looked at me in surprise, "Greta, you may go too, I know you don't want to be alone with me."

But I didn't want to leave, I suddenly realised I no longer feared him. How could I when he was the one I called to help me without a second thought? I wanted to help calm him down at least.

"I'll stay a moment," I murmured and a hint of surprise showed through his anger. I slightly lifted the arm he was staring at, "I'm alright you know, I just bruise easily. But I heal even more so."

His jaw gritted as he spoke through his teeth, "It shouldn't have happened at all."

"No," I agreed. "Why do so many men think they're exempt from following my rules? Are they really so shocking to everyone?" I asked plaintively. "But not even considering the uniqueness of my rules, why do men think it's okay to treat women like that anyway? I don't understand."

Dominic shook his head, lifting his foot to come to me but stopping at the last moment. I didn't encourage him forward, I wasn't there yet. "Etta, not all men treat women that way," he reasoned softly.

"No, but most do. And it's not right. What if I wasn't your mate? Would it be acceptable then? Do Joan or your mother deserve to be manhandled or shouted at, for something so simple as trying to leave a man who is making them feel uncomfortable?" I frowned as I looked up at him.

He shook his head, "It's not that simple, the Origins gave strict guidelines on how we live and the council laws follow them to the letter. I will not fight against what your Ori put in place. She gave men the right to reign over women, we are superior and I have to leave individual relationships alone."

The blame being put on Ori was frustrating, I had to stop the ridiculous argument once and for all, "Can I see the Origins? I refuse to believe they would ever condone the behaviour I see around me. I would bet on it in fact."

A gleam appeared in his eye, "Really, a bet? What would be the stakes?"

I was taken aback, I was talking figuratively not literally. "Surely you must know what the Origins say anyway?" I asked in confusion.

He shrugged, "No, I studied the law instead."

I frowned, that seemed incomplete. I'd take the bet, if only to force him to see the truth, "Fine, if I win and the Origins don't condone treating women in such a manner, then you must... must..." I racked my brain to think of something suitable.

He smirked and raised one eyebrow, "I must what Etta?"

"Make a public announcement that women are not to be treated like trash," I retorted, flustered by the tingles his deep voice was sending through my belly.

He shook his head, "No, I was thinking of something more personal. If the Origins do direct us differently, then I will make amendments to the way we live anyway." He bent his head lower towards me and said in a low tone, "What will you require of me if you should win?"

"Umm, well," I pulled gently on my hair, smoothing it down repetitively as I thought about what I could ask for. His smile grew slightly predatory and my breathing hitched at the added attractiveness it brought to his face. The sound caught his attention, I couldn't miss the way his eyes twinkled in response.

He cocked his head to the side, "Your heart isn't racing anymore," he muttered happily.

"No. I... well, I called out to you to save me, and," I blushed, dropping my head, "... and, it made me realise, I'm not scared of you. Even though you..." I shook my head, I didn't want to bring that up, "I... well, you I guess, you changed that with your patience and letting me lead the pace. Even though it's only been a few days, I believe you when you say you won't hurt me." I was mumbling so much I wasn't sure if he could hear me.

He gave a deep sigh of relief, "I'm incredibly happy to hear that. What for us now then Angel?"

I shrugged, "I still don't feel right. Every time I think about this," I indicated the scar under my scarf, "I feel humiliated, like everyone is looking at me and judging me. I feel like a cow on the auction block. I hate it, feeling this way."

"I hate that I made you feel that way," his hand reached to smooth my hair but hovered inches away for a few seconds then dropped again. "Believe me that was not my intention."

"I know, you wanted me to be proud of it," I recalled the conversation I had overheard, before blushing madly at my unintentional admission.

"Really Etta?" he teased smoothly, "Where did you hear such a thing?" I stared at him wide-eyed, unwilling to get myself into deeper trouble. The side of his lip curled in amusement, "An eavesdropper eh? Maybe I should double-check where you heard me, as a matter of utmost importance," his eyes twinkled. "May I read your mind?"

Goosebumps broke out across my body as it remembered with clarity the delightful tingles his mind reading caused my brain. He pursed his lips in amusement, "I promise I won't look anywhere else, just that moment."

He had never lied to me so I nodded and immediately felt the gentle stroking sensation in my head. Tingles erupted through my brain almost making me fall to my knees. I shut my eyes and enjoyed the unique head massage. Soft tendrils of sparkles ran down each part of my skull, following down into my neck and along my shoulders.

It was delightful, so sensuous, beyond anything I had experienced, I couldn't help but surrender completely and unconsciously hummed in appreciation. Staying still proved impossible as the teasing tickles ran over my skin, my head lolled to the side then fell back as I wriggled my shoulders and back.

Time passed in delicious silence as he explored my mind, I don't know how long it lasted but I wished it would never end.

"I could watch you all day," Dominic's husky voice coincided with the withdrawal of the tingles. I took a deep breath, suddenly embarrassed by my reaction and feeling glad that when Dominic read my mind in the present tense I didn't react this way, only when he dug into my memories.

"I can't begin to tell you how glad I am that reading your memories gives you such pleasure," Dominic's tone was guttural. "Don't be embarrassed."

I managed to open my eyes and see that he was watching me with dark eyes, both hands clenched at his sides. I knew it was to stop himself from reaching out to me and I was glad of his restraint, it showed me he was respecting both me and the promise he made to me.

"I..." my throat was thick so I coughed to relieve it before trying again, "I hope you saw that I didn't mean to eavesdrop."

He smirked and shoved his hands in his pockets. "At first," he mocked. I bit my lip and looked up at him through my lashes.

"Sorry," I squeaked.

"It's alright Angel," he smiled. We stood watching each other, half smiles on our faces, clock ticking sonorously in the background. It was a good moment.

Until he frowned.

"I saw the hope you had for us," he lowered both his brows in disappointment. "You were so pure. So happy at the freedom I promised because you didn't have to wear the collar. And I ruined it. By my idiocy." He looked devastated once more and it hurt my heart.

"It was a mistake," I offered hoarsely.

"One that was easily avoided if only I'd thought it through properly. I kick myself for not thinking about the fact that it's obvious you wouldn't know what I meant when I asked you to bear my initials. It hurts me so much that I hurt you," the pain in his voice was easily heard and suddenly I knew what I must do.

"I... I forgive you." How could I not when his repentance was so real? Hope lit up his eyes and I had to take a step back, "I'm not ready to go back to everything the way it was, I still feel emotional about it, sad and embarrassed. But I," I looked him deep in the eye and knew I meant it, "I forgive you."

"Etta," he groaned, rifling his hair. "How can you be so good? How can you forgive me when I hurt you so badly?"

I shrugged, embarrassed by his praise, "I'm not good. I can be stroppy and impulsive. I judge people far too easily, I'm stubborn and it takes a lot for me to change my mind. If I think I'm right, I'll never yield. I get angry and snap at people I shouldn't. I'm far from perfect Dominic."

"You're perfect for me," he breathed and I was filled with bubbles.

"I can forgive you because you are truly sorry. It's easy to see. I forgive you because everybody makes mistakes. When I do the things I just said, my friends forgive me. Ori forgives me. When I let her down by behaving badly, she gives me second chances, third, fourth fifth and hundredth ones as well. My friends do too." I swallowed and stepped closer, taking his hand in mine. He stared at the place our bodies touched in awe. "Everybody needs forgiveness Dominic. I will too. You will need to forgive me too one day."

He looked up at me, argument written on his face and I smiled softly, "I'm really not perfect Dominic. You remember the cider incident?" He nodded sternly. "Unlike that, one day you might have to forgive me for something I actually did wrong."

Exasperation showed on his face and I giggled. His thumb started stroking my skin and it was my turn to look at our joined hands. "Etta, I very definitely surface love you, and I'm sinking deeper with every new thing I find out about you, warts and all," he rumbled.

Those bubbles started popping and fizzing excitedly as I looked up at him with tears in my eyes, "I want to be loved the way I truly am, so you need to love those warts. I want to learn to love yours, big as they are."

He grinned, "So warty, deep, unconditional love? That's what we're going for?"

"Now look who has a way with words," I teased. "Yes, I want to warty love you and I want to be warty loved in return."

"I think we can do that," he murmured.

I nodded in agreement, "So do I."

We held each other's gaze, unwilling to break the moment. The warm heavy blanket settled over me again but instead of feeling stifled, I snuggled into it. Something miraculous had happened between us in these last few minutes.

"Now," his smile turned predatory, "About that bet?" I rolled my eyes and he chuckled, "What do you want from me Etta? Maybe I should tell you what I want if I win?"

"Alright," I said scratchily.

"You want to prove that the Origins don't support male superiority," he stated and I nodded unnecessarily. "If you can't then I wish you to sing for me again..."

"That sound more like a punishment for you apparently," I muttered grumpily.

He grinned, "I told you I loved it and I've never lied to you, nor will I. But that's just Day One. Day Two, hhhmmm, a back massage. Day Three, bake me delicious treats all day while wearing an outfit of my choosing," he wiggled his eyebrows and my heart spluttered, much to his obvious delight. "I'll work from the kitchen table that day." Of course he would, the rascal. Anxiety stole over me as I imagined what he would get me to wear. "Don't worry, it won't be anything that will make you feel uncomfortable... too much," he grinned, I wrinkled my nose at him. "Day Four, another back massage. Day Five..."

"Just how many days are you expecting?" I pulled my hand back.

"I think a week will suffice," he looked at it longingly but made no move to retrieve it. "Day five you will dance for me. Day six, a head massage. And day seven, you will let me look into your childhood memories. I want to see little Greta."

"You don't want much do you?" I mumbled sarcastically.

"Etta, I want your whole world," he stated. "Now, if you can prove the Origins support female equality, what do you want from me?"

"Umm," I nibbled my lip.

"Whatever you ask for, we can wait until you are ready. Neither will I force you to do any of mine until you are happy for such intimacies," he qualified with a smile, correctly guessing the reason for my hesitation.

"Alright then," that opened my options up. "I want you to do my bidding for a week, whatever I demand, you must obey. If I ask for a massage or a cup of tea or a cookie, you must serve it up," I grinned challengingly. "And don't worry, I don't mean to interfere with pack business, like you say, this is personal, just between us."

I held out my hand, "Deal?"

He took it firmly, his thumb immediately rubbing against me, "Deal. Shall we say you have a month to disprove what I believe to be true?"

"Fine," that should be plenty of time. "So where do I find the Origins?"

He grinned wickedly, "In the East Packhouse basement. There's a reference library."

I frowned at him, why was he looking so pleased with himself? "Why didn't Hammer take me there when he took us round the house?"

"It's locked, not for the general public. As it holds copies of many important documents, it's fireproof, earthquake proof, bombproof, people proof, pretty much everything proof. I will give you the key and full permission to explore and read whatever you find," he squeezed my hand lightly, his thumb driving me to distraction.

"Okaaay," I knew I sounded suspicious but he didn't elaborate, just laughed deeply.

"I'm already looking forward to the feel of this hand on my bare skin," he grinned. My cheeks burned at the thought of his naked back under my fingers.

I swallowed dryly, "When I'm..."

"Ready," he finished calmly. "And not one moment before."

We stood in silence again, joined by our hands that neither of us seemed ready to relinquish. I searched his face, the way he looked at me with such warmth and longing made my heart beat almost painfully.

This male was mine. He was strong and vicious, his anger implacable, his reign unchallengeable, his temper notorious. Yet, he was all softness with me. My scar pulsed, but this time it felt different. I remembered the agonised look on his face as he told me he didn't want me to be in pain as I was going under the drug. I thought about the way he trusted Sophie just because I trusted her, and he kept me sedated until all the pain was over.

He would never hurt me on purpose, I knew that.

"I surface love you Dominic," I whispered, struck by the fact that like him, I was able to say it even in the midst of trouble.

His eyes widened and a grin split his face in half, "Really?"

I nodded, "Really."

He stepped closer, opening his arms to scoop me up, but froze swearing viciously. I knew what he wanted and in this moment I wanted it too, so I stepped into his arms and wrapped them around me. He immediately squashed me against him and I tucked myself into his embrace.

Air filled my lungs, this is where I wanted to be right now. I felt him almost trembling as he held me and knew how much this meant to him. His nose buried into my hair and he sniffed me deeply. I couldn't complain because I was doing the same to his shirt. I gripped it and held it to me.

How did we get to this place so fast? I wasn't expecting to feel like this for weeks, maybe even months. Silver and Alarick were prancing around us, bouncing all over each other in joy. Occasionally they would spring on and off Dominic, who of course, didn't move even a millimetre.

I felt the special breeze that always accompanied Ori's presence and knew she was helping us along. I sent her my thanks and asked that she help us as we moved forward. Help us heal completely please Ori. Make us better than ever. Help us warty love each other. Oh and please, help me win that bet.

I knew the truth of who she was, but that wouldn't help me win. I needed the proof.

As he pulled me tighter against him I winced in pain, he caught one of the bruises on my arm. Immediately he looked down at me and then to my arm with a frown. He rolled up the sleeve and bent his head, laying kisses along the marks.

I buried my fingers into his hair and felt tears spring up at his tenderness. I suddenly knew with utter clarity that I was right to forgive him. I was right to give him this chance. He truly cared for me more deeply than any other person. I was his female and I would be looked after by him for my whole life. He would honour me the best way he could and that's what mattered.

His heart was pure even if his actions weren't. And if I thought about it long enough, the silver in the scar was almost like a permanent wedding ring that wouldn't get broken when I shifted. If I had agreed to it, then I would love it. I decided that that's what I would do, somehow I would train myself to love it.

I would remind myself daily that Dominic hadn't given it to me in anger or hatred. It was through his dominance, yes. It was because he wanted to make sure everyone knew I was his, yes. But I didn't actually mind his dominance, it made me feel safe and cared for, even when it ticked me off. I didn't even mind that he wanted everyone to know I was his. By doing so it let everyone know he was mine too.

Silver and Alarick were wrapped around the two of us, completing this beautiful moment. His soft fur brushed against my bare arms as he rubbed his head lovingly against me. Silver's nose was firmly buried in Dominic's hair, snuffling and sniffing him. She'd bounced her front paws onto Alarick's back so she could reach as soon as Dominic had bent his head to kiss my arm.

"He will pay for this. Nobody hurts what's mine," Dominic growled as he pulled me into his hold again, I saw his hand go to my disgruntled wolf and smooth the fur over her snout until she was happy at his withdrawal and smiled internally.

"Everyone will learn not to mess with your rules my angel. You'll be safe here, I promise. And don't worry, I'm not planning on changing anything regarding your protectors, I've seen the way you skip about without them, I won't take that from you. From now on, visitors will always be accompanied right to my door, you won't be put in the same situation again."

Happiness burst through me, I looked up at him, "Thank you Dominic, I was worried about losing my freedom." I sobered as I wondered what he was planning for Greg, I opened my mouth to ask but he beat me to it, yet again knowing what I was about to say.

"He will pay a fair price for disobeying me, for outright ignoring your rules, and mostly," his eyes darkened angrily, "for hurting you. I will not debate it. I know you won't agree with what I'm planning, you're too gentle-hearted and compassionate. But it will be done, people must know the consequences of harming my Luna so that it doesn't happen again."

I wrapped my arms around him, "But what if he realises his mistakes and feels bad."

"That will be good but he still deserves punishment," Dominic said implacably.

"But..."

"Angel, no more," he ordered softly. "He did something bad and now is facing the consequences."

"Okay," I sighed. I wasn't against justice but the brutal way things were dealt with in packs was a far cry from what I was used to.

"Are you mad with me?" he asked and I had to laugh, the big bad Alpha sounded like a lost little boy.

"No Dominic," I rested my head against his broad chest. "I don't even know what you're planning, I'll leave it in your hands. You know how I feel, but you have to do what you think is right."

"Good, I don't think I could bear it if you were mad at me. Not right now."

"Softy," I teased.

"Humffph," he grumbled and I giggled.

"Don't worry, I'll ne-evveer te-eell," I sang at him and he groaned.

"Not you too."

We'd parted soon after that and I went with Joan and my half battalion to visit the West Packhouse. I felt like a weight had been lifted, I could breathe easier. Forgiving him had physically lightened me. However, I knew I would have to do it over and over. Just because I wanted it, didn't mean that it was done-and-dusted, easy-peasy. Forgiveness took effort, there would be times when I would want to bring it up or sulk, and I would have to overcome it somehow.

The angry announcement came while we were chatting with some Pi women we'd met before we went in the house. I wondered what had made him so angry, he was calm and happy when I left.

"Dominic, is everything okay?"

"Yes Angel," his voice was softer than before.

"Then why did your announcement send some people to their knees?" I mused.

"That was not my intention. You need not feel guilty about Mr Michaelson, he had the audacity to put the blame on you. When I reminded him of your rules he tried to advise me to amend them, that it was only making you uppity," he sounded furious and I sent him some soothing feelings.

"That man is ridiculous," I muttered. "You have to wonder how he's able to be a lawyer with his stupidity. Did he also explain the reason he was coming to see you in the first place?" Another wave of anger rolled into me and I guessed that he had. I can't believe he had the bravery to do so after facing Dominic's wrath, though I refer back to his stupidity. It was more likely that than bravery. "Hey Dominic," I said softly, "Remember earlier, when you held me in your arms?"

Immediately the anger receded and I felt a warmth coming through the link, "Yes my Angel. What about it?"

"Nothing, I just wanted you to feel better," I said cheekily.

"Well it worked," he said huskily.

"Good, I um, I was also thinking that I might move into the bedroom you prepared for me upstairs. I'm still not ready to..."

"That sounds amazing," he interrupted, "I'll have your things brought up this afternoon."

I laughed at his eagerness, "Give me one more night with Joan, I'll move up tomorrow."

"Fine," he mumbled sulkily.

"We could go on that run tonight, after the pack meeting, if you like?" I offered.

His tone brightened, "Yes I would like. Very much."

"Good, you can finally show me the famous lake," I said excitedly.

"You haven't gone to see it?" He sounded incredulous.

"No, I wanted it to be you who took me there first."

"Oh Ets," he whispered in awe. "Thank you."

"That's okay," I whispered back, another magical moment passing between us. The connection between us hummed, neither wanting to leave.

"Luna, are you alright?" One of the women I was chatting with questioned, concern evident in her tone. She would have no idea what I was doing so I must look bizarrely loopy.

"Dominic, I've got to go," I said regretfully, "See you at the pack meeting."

"Right, I'll see you later. You'll be on the stage with me."

I smiled internally at his bossy attitude, that would never change, "Fine, bye you."

"Bye you."

I turned to the woman, excited to have an opportunity to introduce the idea of Ori, real wolves and mind-linking, to someone new.