Her Tortured Mate

Episode 4. Attacked

Just as he opened his mouth to speak, his head snapped toward the entrance of the cave, his body going rigid. The relaxed demeanor he’d carried moments ago vanished entirely, replaced by a raw, feral alertness.

Before I could process what was happening, he moved faster than I thought possible. His strong arms wrapped around me, lifting me as though I weighed nothing.

“Wait, what are you—” I started, but the words were muffled as he dropped me onto the bed and began piling blankets and pillows over me. I struggled, trying to push them off, only to be met with an armful of his rank clothes. The scent made my nose wrinkle, but the panic in his movements sent a shiver down my spine.

He pressed a heavy hand against the layers covering me, silently urging me to stay hidden. His green eyes locked onto mine, not with the usual intensity but with something else entirely—fear.

Then he was gone, moving swiftly to the cave entrance, his massive frame blocking most of the light.

I strained to hear, my breath shallow beneath the suffocating pile of blankets. The sound of a low growl reached my ears, chilling and menacing. Moments later, two wolves entered the cave, their movements predatory and deliberate. One was a massive tan beast, its fur rippling like silk with each step. The other was smaller but no less intimidating, its gray coat blending with the shadows.

Behind them strolled a man, his presence as commanding as the wolves flanking him. His sharp features and cold eyes gave him an aura of authority that was as unnerving as it was undeniable.

“Hello, Dominic,” the man said, his voice smooth and mocking. “Good to see you’re still here. A little birdie told me you were spotted near town yesterday.” He tsked, shaking his head. “You know what would’ve happened if you were? You could’ve exposed us. Foolish.”

I peeked through a small gap in the blankets, heart pounding. Dominic stood tall, silent, his shoulders squared in defiance. "what do you want Sebatian." Dominic spoke roughly. it was clear his voice hadnt been used in ages.

The man smirked, gesturing to the wolves. “It’s a shame, really. I was hoping you weren’t here. That would’ve given me the pleasure of hunting you down. Maybe even torturing you like I did your mate.”

Dominic’s growl filled the cave, low and guttural, vibrating through the air like a warning siren.

“Oh, still touchy about her, are we?” The man feigned a pout. “Such a shame about her and the pup. So fragile. Not that it stopped us, of course.” His grin widened, dripping with malice. “She wasn’t much fun by the end, though. Lost all her fire when she realized the pup was gone.”

Dominic’s body trembled with rage, and a vicious growl ripped from his throat. But before he could react, the wolves lunged at him.

I gasped, stifling the sound behind my hand. One moment Dominic was a man, and the next, his body shifted in a blur of motion. A massive black wolf stood in his place, its eyes blazing with fury. The transformation was both terrifying and awe-inspiring.

The gray wolf leapt for Dominic’s throat, but he moved with lethal precision, throwing the attacker against the cave wall with a sickening thud. Before he could retaliate further, the man’s voice rang out, sharp and commanding.

“Submit.”

It wasn’t a simple word—it carried weight, almost like a physical force. Dominic’s body jerked as if he were fighting against invisible chains, his movements slowing. It gave the tan wolf the opening it needed, sinking its teeth into the back of Dominic’s neck.

The gray wolf recovered quickly, joining in the assault. Blood sprayed across the cave floor, a deep red that starkly contrasted the stone’s dull gray. Dominic’s whimper cut through the air, raw and pained, but he didn’t stop struggling.

The man chuckled darkly. “You know, Dominic, this is what happens when you disobey your alpha.” He stepped closer, his boots splashing in the blood pooling beneath them. “You should be grateful I let you live out here at all. The pack thinks you’re dead. If they knew the truth...” He trailed off, dragging his claws along Dominic’s side, leaving a deep gash.

Dominic collapsed under the weight of the two wolves, his fur matted with blood.

“This is your warning,” the man said, his voice cold. “You’re not in a dungeon, but make no mistake—you’re still a prisoner. Stay in these woods, and I’ll allow you to live. Try to leave...” His claws glinted as he flexed his fingers, the threat unspoken but clear.

With a snap of his fingers, the wolves released Dominic. They lingered for a moment, growling softly before retreating alongside the man.

The cave fell silent once more, save for Dominic’s ragged breathing.

I threw the blankets off and rushed to his side. His body convulsed as he shifted back into human form, his wounds looking even worse on bare skin.

“Dominic,” I whispered, grabbing the bucket of water and the cloth he’d used on me earlier. I pressed the cloth to the wound on his neck, my hands trembling.

His green eyes fluttered open, dazed but still sharp enough to meet mine.

“Stay still,” I said firmly, tearing at my bright orange Camp Half-Blood T-shirt. The thought of ruining my favorite shirt stung, but it was a small price to pay. I worked quickly, wrapping the makeshift bandages around his torso.

“Why am I doing this?” I muttered to myself, frustration bubbling up. “You’re my captor. I should be running, not playing nursemaid.”

He didn’t respond, his eyes closing as exhaustion overtook him.

Once his wounds were dressed, I stood and scanned the cave. My school bag caught my attention, buried beneath a pile of debris. I dove for it, praying my phone was inside.

Relief flooded through me as I found it, only to have hope snatched away—it was dead. Of course. I slapped my forehead, cursing my luck.

With no other choice, I returned to Dominic. He was barely conscious, his breathing shallow. I managed to haul him to the bed, though the effort left me winded.

After tucking him in as best I could, I stared at him. This was my chance to leave, but the forest outside now felt more dangerous than this cave.

“Guess I’m stuck here,” I muttered, grabbing the soap and a change of clothes. If I was staying, I might as well find a river and clean up.