Page 6 of Her Dryad Dom

"Then help me," I urged, my eyes searching his for any sign of acquiescence. "Help me understand what's at stake here. Help me find a way to protect Beastly Falls without causing harm. Because if we can't send some kind of objection... you'll lose everything."

Dom regarded me with an inscrutable expression, the weight of his decision hanging heavy in the air between us. "Fine," he finally muttered, breaking the silence. "But if you're lying, I won't hesitate to make you regret it."

"Tell me more about the curse. If I can understand it, maybe we can reverse it so I can send the objections to the land seizure." I pressed, my curiosity piqued by the town's mysterious affliction. I needed to understand the root of his protectiveness and how it played into the larger picture. Plus, I just wanted to learn more about this alluring dryad that seemed to be sweeping me off my feet, one grumpy line at a time.

"None of your business," he snapped, his eyes narrowing as his gruff exterior returned in full force. "It's not my place to reveal the town's secrets. Besides, I'm not sure your client can even take the land if they can't pass the barrier."

"Fine," I said, trying to hide my disappointment. "Then who can tell me? If I'm going to help Beastly Falls, I need to know everything I can about this curse."

"I'll take you to the mayor. She can deal with you." Dom said, clearly irritated.

"Okay," I agreed hesitantly. I was determined to uncover the truth, no matter the obstacles in my path. My eyes flicked over tothe breakfast I had prepared earlier, and I couldn't help but feel a small sense of satisfaction when I saw Dom's gaze linger on the plate.

He must have sensed my attention, because his own eyes met mine for a moment. There was an unspoken understanding between us, a brief truce in our verbal sparring. Without uttering a word, he grabbed the plate I set out for him.

"Thanks," he muttered quietly, his demeanor softening ever so slightly as he took a bite of the breakfast. It was a small victory, but it felt like progress. "Don't do it again."

Well, so much for progress.

Chapter 4: Dom

Aspen had made me breakfast. Without any kind of dialogue, she'd just made a meal for both of us, even though I wasn't even here. I swallowed the last bite, savoring the delicious taste that danced on my tongue. The omelette was a masterpiece of flavors and skill on Aspen's part. But it didn't sit right with me that she was exerting herself for my sake. She deserved to be treated like royalty... a princess and a queen depending on the circumstances.

"Finish up and get ready," I grumbled, unable to meet her gaze. "Gather all your documents and pack your backpack." I felt the weight of guilt pressing down on me as I thought about dragging to the mayor since I intended to leave her there. I didn't want to see her here again. No, that wasn't true. I wanted to see her, but couldn't force this fate on her. Therefore, she'd be the mayor's problem soon.

"Dom?" Aspen's voice was soft, concerned, but I couldn't bring myself to look at her. "Are you okay?"

"Fine," I snapped, hating how my own emotions betrayed me. My insides twisted, knowing that every second we wasted here increased the risk of her becoming trapped in Beastly Falls. I didn't know exactly what the town's spirit determined as accepting of a mate, but I didn't plan on accidentally triggering it.

"Okay, I'll go get my things," she replied, clearly sensing that I wouldn't share more.

As she left the room, I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. Each step of this trip to the town proper would feel like I was carving my own heart out, but I had to do whatever it took to get Aspen to the mayor and resolve her situation.

"Here," Aspen said, returning with her backpack slung over her shoulder and refreshed from a trip to the bathroom. "I'm ready."

"Let's go," I muttered, still avoiding her eyes. As we stepped outside, I felt the forest closing in around us, its branches reaching out like hungry tendrils. I gritted my teeth, a surge of power coursing through me as I forced the trees to retreat.

"Is this normal?" Aspen asked, her voice shaky.

"Nothing is normal here," I admitted, the frustration simmering beneath my bark-like skin. I hated that she had to see me like this... weak and unable to control even the most basic elements of my domain.

"Dom," she breathed out, placing a gentle hand on my arm. "Maybe we should turn back?" she suggested, her blue eyes wide. The sight tore at me. I had sworn to protect her, yet now I was leading her to where I planned to abandon her.

"No," I growled, determination flaring within me. "We're getting you to the mayor, one way or another."

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