The Dom's Ty

Chapter 11

Dominic wondered through the woods aimlessly for a while and eventually found himself in the clearing where he and Tyler met. In the past week, they have made so many amazing memories. Dominic smiled as the memory of sitting by the campfire with Tyler and sharing a mug of hot coco. He had never felt so free with anyone before. How in the hell had he not realized that Tyler was his mate? He had to figure out how he could protect Tyler. Ashton was definitely going to figure out that Tyler had a mate soon and from what Tyler had said about The Pairing then he was going to be in big trouble. Dominic's lips curled back as a growl slipped through his elongated canines at the thought of another touching Tyler.

"Son," Zander said.

"Dad," Dominic said surprised.

Zander was at the edge of the clearing. His expression filled with worry.

"Sorry," Zander said as he slowly strode to his son. "I asked Noir to lead me to you."

Dominic shook his head. "It's fine," he said as Noir pushed her head against his chest.

"How did it go?"

Dominic smiled. "Tyler has some amazing parents." Dominic looked away as the smile faded. "What can I do to protect him, dad?"

Zander watched as his son struggled with his thoughts. His son had grown up so quickly. He had become a man.

"You can only stand by his side and be his strength," Zander said laying his hand on his sons' shoulder. "Ashton is a piece of work. All anyone knows about him are from rumors."

"What rumors?" Dominic asked uncertainly.

"For starters, Ashton was a lone wolf for a while. It's said that he roamed around challenging the alphas of this region. The nasty rumors started shortly after he became alpha of Tyler's pack. Some say that he tore the pack apart. Broke the wills of his pack mates and put in place laws that forbade interaction with outsiders. Rumors of his abusive ways also spread along with how he punishes those who try to escape."

"What do you mean?" Dominic asked. "Anyone can leave their pack if they want."

"Normally yes," Zander said. "But in this case, Ashton has strictly forbidden anyone from leaving. There's a few horror stories of what he does to those who try to leave."

Dominic went to the log by the fire pit and plopped down with a heavy sigh. "There's a ceremony that Ashton forces his pack to participate after they turn eighteen. Ashton chooses certain males to have sex with the females that have gone into heat. Tyler told me that if the female gets pregnant, they are forced to mate. It's called The Pairing yet many call it The Great Submission."

"That's terrible. Taking away one's chances of finding their mate." Zander was baffled. What on earth made Ashton do this to his pack?

"The thought that he has to sleep with a female." Dominic shook his head and clenched his hands into fists.

Zander watched his son fight to control his instincts. His whole body shook with the effort.

"Knowing that the female doesn't have a choice in the matter helps me control myself, but everything in me wants to rush over and rip Ashton apart." Dominic was filled with the urge to kill and to mark what was his. He knew that the moment he saw Tyler again he was going to claim him.

Zander grabbed Dominic by the shoulders turning him, so he was facing him and smacked him across the face. Dominic stood there stunned. His dad had never laid a hand on him before.

"What was that for, dad?" Dominic asked holding the side of his face that stung.

"You had to get a hold of yourself," Zander said. "Your wolf was starting to take over."

Dominic blinked.

"You're not only an alpha male, Dom, but you also just found your mate. You must be aware of your wolf and its instincts. You want to mark him, yet you can also imagine what would happen if you did."

Dominic dropped his gaze to the ground. Tyler would be in even more danger if he were covered in Dominic's scent. Even more so if he was marked.

"What should I do, dad?" Dominic asked feeling defeated.

"I can't tell you that," Zander said. "Only the two of you can figure that out."

Dominic sighed and knew his dad was right. He had to talk it out with Tyler, and they had to think of a plan, but before that he was going to confess to Tyler. He had to let Tyler know his feelings and that he planned to stay with him no matter what.

Zander wrapped his arm around Dominic's shoulders. "Come, son. Let's head home. You need a strong meal and a night's rest."

"As long as you're not the one cooking," Dominic said.

Zander grabbed his chest. "You hurt me, son."

Dominic couldn't stop himself from laughing. "Ill cook dinner. It always calmed me."

Zander smiled. "You're more like your mother than you think."

Dominic smiled.

"You have my smoldering good looks and your mother's personality."

Dominic laughed.

"That mate of yours," Zander said thoughtfully. "He's cute."

Dominic smiled. "He's strong too. So much stronger than me."

"Being raised in an environment where he had to hide his sexuality while enduring the harsh reality that his Alpha didn't care about his pack you only have two paths," Zander said. "You either come out strong or you come out broken."

"Having parents like his," Dominic said, "I'm sure there was no other path but to come out strong. Ty told me that when he was a kid, he saw his dad getting beaten by Ashton. Even as a kid, he tried to get Ashton to stop, but Ashton only went to hit him. His dad, beaten and weak had found the strength to get free and cover his son in time."

"He's a strong male, but" Zander said stopping. "Any parent worth their salt will give their life to protect their child."

Back at their house, Dominic went to the kitchen washed his hands and rummaged through the cabinets and fridge finding the ingredients to make French toast. He rolled up his sleeves and got to cooking. His memories of his mom were few and vague, but they were always of her in the kitchen. Whenever he was cooking, he would imagine his mom by his side guiding him.

Zander stood in the doorway watching his son. His son had finally grown into a man. Zander had done everything he could to guide his son right, but he also had to stand aside as his son stumbled trying to find his own path. He could only be there to help his son pick up the pieces after each mistake and to give advice when needed.

Gabriella, can you see our son? Zander thought. He has grown into a fine young man. His mate is just as strong as he is. There couldn't be any other who'd be fit to stand by our boys' side. Zander smiled. We think of you every day, my love.

"Dad, dinner's ready," Dominic said.

Zander went to the table and sat down as Dominic set a plate of four slices of French toast in front of him. Zander closed his eyes as he let the aroma fill his nostrils. He took a bite and paused.

"This is your mother's recipe."

Dominic smiled. "I found the notebook with her recipes in the attic."

Zander grinned taking another bite. He savored every bite as his mind was filled with memories of his beloved mate.