The Beaten Path.

Chapter 3

Kelly's POV

As I sat beneath the tree, the rustling leaves and twigs from the forest surrounded me. I wasn't too worried; I continued gazing up at the sky until a pure black wolf with stunning hazel eyes appeared. I watched, holding my breath, terrified that I might get punished for being out here.The wolf raised its head as if sniffing the air before locking its gaze on me. I pressed my body against the tree, but it was futile.The wolf approached, its head nudging my neck, taking in my scent, before darting behind the tree, presumably to shift into its human form.As he emerged, I slowly stood. He approached me, and I was enveloped in the intoxicating scent of mint and chocolate emanating from this green-eyed, handsome god. I fought the urge to leap into his arms and let him claim me.Looking deep into my eyes, he spoke the word I had longed to hear:

"mate."

His husky voice sent shivers down my spine.

"Mate, mate! Kelly, he is our mate!" Athena, my wolf, exclaimed through our link, and it finally clicked—this Greek god was my mate!

I looked up at him, stuttering, "I-I can't be anyone's m-mate."

I dropped my gaze to the ground, feeling the weight of my fears.He stepped back, confused.

"Why the hell not? We are made for each other!"

I whimpered softly and whispered, "I'm sorry," before sprinting toward the pack house.

Dominic, the wolf, was right behind me. What was I thinking? I mentally face-palmed; I couldn't outrun an Alpha, especially them most powerful one. He tackled me to the ground between the pack house and the guest house.Of course, everyone was out and about, including the Blood Night pack members who had come with Dominic.Before I could respond, Alpha Joe approached, his demeanor a chilling blend of disdain and calculated control.

"Dominic," he began, his voice deceptively smooth,

"Has this young lady perhaps inconvenienced you? If so, I assure you, you have my complete permission to deal with her as you see fit." The words dripped with an icy threat, sending a shiver down my spine as-he cast a dark glance in my direction.

I cowered closer to Dominic as an intense growl erupted from him.In a flash, Dominic lifted me from the ground and tossed me to his beta, then grabbed Alpha Joe by the neck, slamming him to-the ground before everyone.

"DON'T YOU EVER DISRESPECT MY MATE AGAIN, OR I WILL NOT HESITATE TO KILL YOU WHERE YOU STAND! DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?" His growl reverberated through the air.

Alpha Joe nodded vigorously, and Dominic scanned the crowd.

"Let this be a warning to anyone else who thinks it's okay to harm my mate! You will be dealing with me, and declaring WAR against our packs! You know you won't stand a chance!"His voice boomed, and everyone bowed their heads in submission.

I shivered at the power he wielded.

"D-Dominic, can we talk?" I whispered.

He turned to me, his hazel eyes indicating his wolf was in control. I stepped closer andplaced my hand on his chest, calming him as his eyes returned to green.

"Let's go inside; we can talk in private there," he suggested.

I nodded.Once inside, Dominic looked at me intently.

"What's your name?"I stared at the floor, afraid to meet his gaze.

"Please, look at me," he urged.

I finally lifted my eyes and said, "My name is Kelly Dixie."

A smile broke across his face, making me want to smile too, but I couldn't—happiness felt forbidden.

"Alpha..." I began, but he interrupted.

"Just Dominic or Dom is fine."

"Okay... Dominic, I'm sorry, but we can't be mates," I confessed, frowning.

He narrowed his eyes, asking, "Why?"

I looked at him, tears forming. "I'm broken, ugly, fat, worthless, and I have scars more than anyone can imagine. I'm not allowed to have happiness."

But even as I said it, I felt the cool metal of a small locket resting against my skin, hidden beneath my shirt.It was the only thing I had left from my father, a tiny emblem of defiance and hope tucked away against the self-loathing that threatened to consume me.

"Kelly, stop! He is our mate! He won't hurt us. Let's give him a chance! Your happiness doesn't answer to those people!" Athena growled.

"I..." was all I managed to say before a wave of agony surged through me, like a hot rod twisting inside. I screamed as Dominic rushed to catch me, my body crumbling to the floor.

"Relax; you're going to be okay, baby," he cooed, rubbing my head gently.

"Close your eyes and let your wolf take control. Just listen to me, and you'll be alright, my love. Do you understand?"

"Yes, please make it stop!"

"What's her name?"

"A-Athena."

"Athena, please come forward to help Kelly through this shift."As he spoke, I felt Athena push forward, and suddenly I was standing on four paws.

"Wow, Kelly, you're beautiful," Dominic said, gazing at me with love and pride.

"Look for yourself!" I turned my wolf head toward the mirror in the conference room and gasped at the sight: bright green eyes and a stunning silver coat that shimmered.

"Athena, we're beautiful!"

"Yes, we are, Kelly! Never forget that!"

"Okay, Kelly, I'll help you change back. Just picture your human form," Dominic instructed.

I followed his advice, and to my surprise, the transformation was painless. When I looked up, Dominic wore a shocked expression.

"D-Dominic, what's wrong?" I stuttered.

"You changed back with clothes on! Do you know how rare that is?" he whispered.

I shook my head, bewildered.

"We can't tell anyone about this; it could put you in danger. We need to leave by tomorrow night to return to our pack. You'll have more protection and training there," he said earnestly.

"Okay. I'll go home, gather my things, and meet you back here in ten minutes," I replied, turning toward the door, heading to mymother's house.