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Chapter 67
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2024-11-27 17:18:05
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ALPHA JAKEย ย ย chapter 68
The car ride to the packhouse felt like a funeral procession, slow and suffocating. My stepmother, Sarah, sat beside me, preening as if *she* were about to be named Luna. Sheโd spent the entire morning fussing over me, brushing out my wild hair until it gleamed and forcing me into a pale blue dress that clung too tightly to my figure. โYou look fine,โ she said, not glancing up from her phone. โJust...try not to embarrass me when we get there.โ I bit back a retort, my hands clenching in my lap. It wasnโt worth arguing. Nothing ever was with her. When we arrived, the packhouse loomed ahead, its stone facade both grand and imposing. There was something about itโsomething that made my pulse quicken. I couldnโt explain it, but as soon as I stepped out of the car, a strange sensation washed over me, like I belonged here. Then, the voice came. โProtect them.โIt was clear as day, ringing in my head like a bell. I froze, my breath hitching. โWhat are you doing?โ Sarah snapped, her
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-11-28ALPHA JAKEย ย ย Chapter 69
The morning sun streamed through the sheer curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. For a moment, I lay there, cocooned in the unfamiliar bed, hoping the events of the previous day had been a bizarre dream. But the ache in my chest and the distant murmur of voices beyond my door confirmed otherwise. This was realโI was the new Luna of this pack. The idea still felt foreign, like trying to wear shoes a size too small.I rolled out of bed, my hair a tangled mess again despite Sarahโs efforts yesterday. My thoughts wandered to her, no doubt thrilled to have me out of her house. Sheโd sent over my clothes early this morning, which had been neatly hung in the spacious walk-in closet. My stepmotherโs eagerness to see me gone still gnawed at me. Why had she been so insistent? Was it just her usual disdain for me, or was there something more?Donโt overthink it, Ayla, I told myself as I pulled on a simple white blouse and dark jeans. Today was the introduction ceremonyโanother step in thi
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-11-29ALPHA JAKEย ย ย Chapter 70
I woke the next morning to the sound of birds chirping outside my window. The packhouse felt quieter now, the hum of the previous nightโs celebrations replaced by a calm stillness. As I stretched, my thoughts lingered on the twins. Their small hands, their innocent gigglesโtheyโd made me feel something I hadnโt felt in years. But the Alpha... Jake. He was a puzzle I couldnโt piece together. His coldness was a shield, a barrier so firmly in place it felt like a tangible wall between us. I wasnโt naive. Losing his mate mustโve broken him in ways I couldnโt fathom, but his indifference toward me stung more than I cared to admit. I needed coffee. Badly. Sliding out of bed, I threw on a hoodie and leggings and made my way downstairs. The kitchen in the packhouse was massive, with sleek countertops and polished appliances that gleamed in the sunlight streaming through the windows. I figured Iโd sneak in, grab my coffee, and retreat back to my room unnoticed. But, of course, nothin
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-11-30ALPHA JAKEย ย ย Chapter 71
I was starting to learn that the packhouse was always buzzing with activity. From warriors training to the kitchen staff bustling about, there was never a dull moment. Sophie had insisted on giving me a tour of the pack today, and while I was nervous, I couldnโt deny a flicker of excitement at the chance to see more of the place.โReady for your grand debut?โ Sophie teased as I joined her in the foyer. She had Logan balanced on her hip, and Lily was securely strapped to her chest in a carrier.โI wouldnโt call it a debut,โ I muttered, adjusting the light jacket Iโd thrown over my shoulders. โItโs more like... a soft introduction.โSophie grinned. โCall it whatever you want. Youโll do great.โAs we stepped outside, the sun bathed the packโs grounds in a warm glow. Wolves of all ages were scattered around, either training or chatting in groups. Some paused to look our way, offering curious glances or polite nods.โTheyโre already warming to you,โ Sophie whispered, nudging me.I smiled a
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-12-02ALPHA JAKEย ย ย Chapter 72
The spark haunted me. It was such a small thingโjust a brush of handsโbut the shock it sent through me lingered, refusing to let me forget. The last time Iโd felt anything like that was when I met Ashton. The realization made my stomach churn. It wasnโt possible. Jake had a mate, and Iโd had a mate. The universe didnโt just go around handing out second chances like party favors. โGet a grip, Ayla,โ I muttered to myself, pacing my room. But the memory of Jakeโs gray eyes, wide with confusion, kept replaying in my mind. I couldnโt make sense of it, and the more I thought about it, the more my head spun. I flopped onto the bed, groaning. โJust let it go.โ And I decided to do exactly that. I would focus on the twins, settle into this new life, and leave the spark in the past where it belonged. The next morning, I resolved to shake off the weirdness by doing something productive. The pack grounds were alive with activity as I stepped outside, the crisp air invigorating me. Iโ
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-12-02ALPHA JAKEย ย ย Chapter 73
I was up early, as always, feeding the twins their breakfast. Lily sat in her highchair, grinning as she smeared oatmeal on her face, while Logan banged his spoon against the table like he was conducting a symphony. โAre you trying to give me a headache, Logan?โ I teased, wiping a bit of oatmeal off his cheek. He gurgled in response, and Lily burst into giggles. The morning sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow over the dining room. I didnโt mind these moments; in fact, I cherished them. Taking care of these little ones felt natural, like Iโd been doing it forever. Jake, on the other hand, sat silently at the head of the table, sipping his coffee. His presence filled the room, commanding without trying, but his attention wasnโt on us. He seemed to be lost in his own world. I hesitated as I glanced his way, trying to summon the courage to say what was on my mind. The tension between us had been unbearable since the training fieldโฆ and that spark. My wolf
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-12-03ALPHA JAKEย ย ย chapter 74
The knock on my door came just as I was attempting to gather my thoughts. My heart was still racing from the storm of emotions that had overtaken me last night in the shower. Jakeโs possessiveness, his touch, his kissโฆ it haunted me in ways I didnโt want to admit. I took a deep breath, smoothed my hair, and opened the door. Sophie stood there, her usual warm smile faltering slightly as she studied my face. โAyla? Are you okay?โ โIโm fine,โ I lied quickly, plastering on the most convincing smile I could manage. Her brow furrowed, but she didnโt push. โIf you say so. But listen, I have a favor to ask. Could you watch the twins tonight? I have a few things I need to take care of, and theyโve been restless lately. They might sleep better with you.โ The thought of being with Lily and Logan brought an instant wave of comfort. โOf course,โ I said, my smile more genuine this time. โIโd love to.โ Sophieโs shoulders relaxed, and she gave me a grateful nod. โThank you, Ayla. Youโre r
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-12-03ALPHA JAKEย ย ย Chapter 75
The pack was a storm of activity. People hurried through the halls, warriors arming themselves with blades and armor, and the air buzzed with tension. The commotion pulled me from my restless thoughts, and I stepped out into the corridor, catching snippets of conversation. โAlpha Jake is preparing to leave,โ someone murmured. โA neighboring pack has been attacked.โ I frowned, unease curling in my stomach. Why was I so bothered by this? He was an Alpha; of course, he had responsibilities beyond these walls. Still, the thought of him leaving, of stepping into danger, made my chest tighten. โKeep it together,โ I muttered under my breath. โWhy should you care? He despises you.โ But my wolf stirred restlessly, her voice echoing in my mind. 'Heโs our mate. He shouldnโt go.' โStop it,โ I whispered fiercely. โThatโs not possible. Heโs not my mate. He had a mate.โ 'He is. You know it.' I shook my head, trying to push the thought away, but it clung to me like a stubborn shadow
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-12-04
์ต์ ์ฑํฐ
ALPHA JAKEย ย ย chapter 154
I didnโt sleep that night. Even after Jake had walked me back to my room, his touch still lingered on my skin, and my mind was a storm of emotions I couldnโt untangle. What had we done? What did it mean? I lay in bed staring at the ceiling, my fingers grazing my lips, remembering the way he had kissed me in the lake. He had pulled me close. Held me like he didnโt want to let go. Kissed me like I was something more than just the woman forced into his life. But when we left the lake, he didnโt say much. He had been quiet, almost thoughtful, his gaze flickering toward me more times than I could count. I wanted to ask him what he was thinking, but I was afraid of the answer. What if it meant nothing? What if it had just been the heat of the moment? I rolled over with a frustrated sigh. My body was exhausted, but my mind refused to shut off. Somehow, I must have dozed off at some point because when I opened my eyes, the room was bathed in soft morning light. I was still
ALPHA JAKEย ย ย chapter 153
The heat was unbearable. Even inside the packhouse, where the walls were thick and shaded, the air felt suffocating. Sweat clung to my skin, and I could feel my clothes sticking to me uncomfortably. The heatwave had settled over the territory like a thick, oppressive blanket, and it didnโt seem to be letting up anytime soon.Sophie had already declared war on the sun, dramatically flopping onto the couch and refusing to move, while Fatima had gone to the kitchen, attempting to make some kind of iced drink that wouldnโt melt within seconds. The twins were in their nursery, the coolest room in the house, surrounded by enchanted ice packs to keep them comfortable.I, however, was suffering.Standing by the open window, I fanned myself uselessly, hoping for a breeze that never came. My hair was damp at the nape of my neck, and my tank top and shorts felt like they were trapping the heat against my skin instead of providing any relief.โI swear, Iโm melting,โ Sophie groaned from the couch.
ALPHA JAKEย ย ย chapter 152
Jake's office was exactly what I expectedโneat, organized, and painfully impersonal.The large wooden desk was stacked with reports and maps, the shelves lined with books and ledgers. The only thing that seemed remotely personal was a framed picture on the far wall. Even from here, I could tell it was of Prisca.I swallowed the lump in my throat and forced myself to look away.Jake was already at his desk, flipping through a folder. "Close the door behind you."I did as he asked, stepping further into the room. "So, whatโs the plan?"He didnโt look up. "We need to tighten security. I want to know how someone got past our patrols and drugged the guards."I crossed my arms. "Thatโs obvious. But do you have any leads on whoโs behind this?"Jake finally met my gaze. "Nothing solid. But whoever it is, theyโre getting bolder."A chill ran down my spine. "Then we donโt have time to waste."He nodded. "Which is why I want you to go over the patrol routes with me. I need a fresh set of eyes."
ALPHA JAKEย ย ย chapter 151
The room was quiet except for the soft, rhythmic breathing of the twins. The dim glow of the nightlight bathed everything in a warm, golden hue, making the moment feel strangely intimate. Jake was still standing close, his presence looming but not suffocating. For once, there was no tension, no sharp words or cold glares. Just him and me, existing in the same space without fighting it. I exhaled slowly, brushing my fingers through Lilyโs soft curls. "I donโt think theyโll ever be truly safe, Jake." My voice was soft, barely above a whisper. "Not when someone out there wants them." Jake's jaw tensed, his arms still crossed as he stared down at the twins. "Then we make sure whoeverโs after them never gets the chance to try again." The protectiveness in his voice sent warmth through me, but I quickly pushed it down. I had to focus on the bigger picture. I turned in my seat, looking up at him. "We still donโt know why they want them or whoโs behind it." His gaze flickered to m
ALPHA JAKEย ย ย Chapter 150
Jakeโs thumb brushed against my cheek, slow and deliberate, as if memorizing the feel of my skin beneath his touch. My breath caught, my chest tightening with emotions I wasnโt ready to name.I could feel his warmth, his presence surrounding me, and for once, he wasnโt pulling away. He wasnโt running."Jakeโฆ" My voice came out softer than I intended, almost a whisper, as I met his eyes.He held my gaze, his expression unreadable, but I saw the battle waging inside him. The hesitation. The need. The conflict.For the first time, it felt like he was allowing himself to just be here with me, in this moment, without the weight of his past dragging him back.His fingers tightened slightly on my jaw, his body impossibly close to mine. "You make it hard to stay away."A shiver ran down my spine. "Then donโt."Something in his expression shifted, something raw and vulnerable flickering in his eyes before he exhaled heavily. "You donโt know what youโre asking for.""Yes, I do." My hand came up
ALPHA JAKEย ย ย chapter 149
The morning light streamed through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. I stretched slightly, feeling the warmth beside me before reality set in. Jake was still here. He hadn't left before I woke up like he usually did. My heart did an involuntary flip at the realization. I turned my head slowly, trying not to disturb him, and took in the sight of his face, relaxed in sleep. His usual stern expression was gone, and in its place was something softer, almost peaceful. I had seen him vulnerable only a few times, but never like thisโso unguarded, so human. I swallowed hard, resisting the urge to reach out and brush my fingers along the sharp lines of his jaw. This was dangerous territory. Before I could think too much about it, his eyes fluttered open, dark and sharp, instantly alert. It was fascinating how quickly he transitioned from sleep to full awareness. "Youโre staring." His voice was rough with sleep, deeper than usual. I felt the heat rise up my neck and imm
ALPHA JAKEย ย ย chapter 148
The man knelt in the center of the room, his face battered and streaked with blood. His shirt was torn, stained with sweat and fear. Behind him stood two of Alaricโs men, their grips firm, unyielding. And then there was Alaric. He stood before them, every inch the cold, untouchable king. His suit was immaculate, his presence suffocating. In his hands, he toyed with a sleek dagger, twirling it between his fingers like an afterthought. He didnโt speak immediately, letting the silence stretch unbearably thick. โso you think you can steal from me? โ Alaricโs voice was a death sentence, quiet but unwavering. The man trembled, his breathing ragged. โI-I swear, I didnโt take the money! I was framed, I-โ The crack of Alaricโs palm against the manโs face echoed through the room. I flinched. The force of the slap sent the manโs head snapping to the side, blood trailing from his split lip. โI didnโt ask for excuses,โ Alaric said, his tone calm, terrifying. โI asked if you knew why you were
ALPHA JAKEย ย ย chapter 147
I took a deep breath as I stood outside Jakeโs office. My hands clenched into fists at my sides, my heart pounding so hard it felt like it might jump out of my chest. I had been waiting for this momentโto finally have a real conversation with him, to get everything out in the open. But now that I was here, an odd sense of hesitation filled me. Would he listen? Or would he just shut me out like he always did?No. I couldnโt afford to second-guess myself. Not now.I pushed the door open without knocking. He was sitting behind his desk, scribbling something on a piece of paper, his expression cold and distant. At the sound of the door opening, he looked up. For a moment, something flickered in his eyesโsomething I couldnโt quite placeโbefore he masked it with his usual unreadable expression.โWhat is it?โ he asked, his tone clipped and impatient.I swallowed hard, forcing myself to stay strong. โWe need to talk.โโIโm busy.โMy nails dug into my palms. โToo bad. Iโm not leaving until we
ALPHA JAKEย ย ย chapter 146
I wasnโt sure what startled me awake at first. My body felt heavy, my limbs sluggish, and the warmth of my blankets begged me to stay curled beneath them. But something was wrong. The air around me feltโฆ charged. A presence lingered in my room, unseen but **felt**, and a whisper brushed against my ears. **"Aylaโฆ wake up."** My breath hitched, and my eyes snapped open. The room was dim, only faint moonlight streaming through the window, but I knew I wasnโt alone. My heart pounded as I pushed myself up, scanning the shadows. **Prisca.** I had heard her before, always in my dreams. But this time was different. This wasnโt a dream. **"Wake up. The twins."** Panic gripped me. I threw off my blankets and ran. The hallway was eerily quiet, the only sound my hurried footsteps as I rushed toward Lily and Loganโs room. Dread settled deep in my stomach, a horrible premonition clawing at my chest. When I reached the door, my heart stopped. The guard. He was slumped against th
