Chapter EighteenJenna's POV“Tell me more. Tell me everything.” I urge Veronica, eager to hear the rest of the story. “I will.” Veronica assures. Now more comfortable in my presence, she goes to lean against the wall but encourages me to take the bed. I sit gingerly at the edge of the bed, marvelling at its softness. “When humans first started living here, everything was perfect. In order for them to be accepting of us, we had to be accepting of them…”“They tried to understand our ways, and we tried to understand theirs. But when they drew a line on how we fed, everything changed. They began to see us as higher animals who fed off of animals and sometimes human blood.”Veronica looks down at her hands, and her expression morphs into that of anger. “They began to take recordings of everything we did, and and sold them for large sums of money.”“What?” I splutter. “They began to make money of you like you all were some sort of circus animal?”Veronica nodded. “And they invited more
Chapter NineteenJenna's POV“What do you mean by it's your turn to feed him? Do you do so against your wishes?”Veronica shakes her head sadly but does not say anything after that. “You don't have to give your blood to someone if you do not want to. That's completely wrong, and barbaric. I am a wolve too, and where we come from, my alpha—I mean, the head of the pack—does not drink the blood of anyone, not even that of an animal. I didn't even knew that it was common practice.”“The alpha just likes it. And it makes him stronger, more formidable. Everyone believes that it is the reason he's lived beyond natural years.”“I do not hate to feed our alpha. Veronica looks up at me earnestly.” You have to believe that. “I just hate the uncertainty about one's fate that comes with doing so.”“What do you mean by the uncertainty of one's fate?” I ask, my brows furrowed in confusion.I remember how I had found him this morning, after I had been tended to by the maids. Zephyr had his lips clam
Chapter TwentyJack's POV “We will do everything we can to bring her back.”“Thank you, Alpha.” The woman utters gratefully. “I am so glad that you have decided to do this for her. Like you, I am also certain that she didn't know what she was doing.”I don't say anything to that, as we both begin the journey again, trying to catch up with the others who have waited at the borders so everyone could cross together. As I make my way towards the bone totems and ashes, the memories of the first time Papa had brought me here flood me. ‘This is the pack border, son. You're never to cross it, except when there's war and you need to lead your people out or when there's a collective hunt. Within these borders lay security and safety, but outside of them, nothing is really guaranteed.’‘Papa, are you saying it's not safe out there? Even though I'm the son of an alpha?’‘Even more unsafe for you because you're the son of the Alpha. You might not know your enemies because you're too young, but
Chapter Twenty OneJenna's POV“What do you think she did?” I counter. I would no longer cower in the face of intimidation or perceived danger.Zephyr chuckles and gets up, moving languidly towards me. I watch him, trying not to let my fear show. Had I ratted out Veronica as a result of what I'd said? “Certain affairs within my pack should remain confidential. I cannot remember telling you about…” Zephyr's voice peters out as he searches for the best word to describe his bloodsucking habit. “....my feeding habit.”I begin to shake my head at the alpha. “Veronica would never tell me something that I had seen with my own eyes when I had gotten here. Don't you remember the first night when I was brought here? When I had found you feeding off of that port woman? Veronica hadn't needed to tell anything; you'd let out your own secret through your own actions of your own accord.”Zephyr smiles, looking impressed and irritated at the same time. “You are a smart one. But I am way older an
Chapter Twenty-twoJenna's POVI run blindly through the narrow passageway, with no idea where I'm headed, the loud thuds of footsteps alerting me of the dangers behind me. I need to make it out of here alive. I cannot watch Zephyr kill Veronica. I will never be a witness to that. My heartbeat thrums as I continue to run, Zephyr's men hot on my heels, reminding me of the night in the forest, when I had first been chased by my abductors. Wasn't it somehow ironical that the very man who had saved me now poised a danger to my life? Could I really trust anyone out here? “Hey girl! Stop, we won't harm you.” The men scream. But I pay them no mind, continuing to run until the light that spills through a large door causes hope to bloom.I could make it out alive. I am going to. But as soon as the thought creeps in, large hands grip my shoulders and drag me back with enormous force so that I land flat on my butt with a groan. As I rub my sore derriere, I look up to find Zephyr looking dow
Chapter Twenty-ThreeVeronica's POV“We should let her go. She has done nothing wrong.”“We are not holding her captive.”“We both know she will never make it out of the labyrinth on her own.”Zephyr turns to regard me, eyes filled with curiosity and something akin to jealousy.“What are you proposing, Vee?”“We have to help her. You did so when she was in the forest. It won't hurt to do it again.”Zephyr moves away from the window where he's been standing for the last hour, entertained by Jenna's futile efforts to make it out of the labyrinth.“I don't want her to leave... At least not yet.”“Why? Why would you want her to stay here? You understand that she is a guest, and she has to remain here of her own choosing?”“That's why we have to give her reasons to stay.” Zephyr responds with a smile, looking utterly pleased with himself.I shake my head disapprovingly at him.“I'm not voting for deception any more. She doesn't even trust us anymore... Let's not do that.”“Then, find a bet
Chapter Twenty-fourJenna's POV“You don't have to cry. If you come with me, I can help.” The familiar voice causes me to tense up and for tears to cease.“You are deceitful. How can I trust the things you say?”I turn to eye Veronica, who looks at me with nothing but regret and kindness in the depths of her eyes.“I understand that it is wrong to lie. But you must understand that you are a stranger here, and we needed to be sure that we could trust you.”“Did he actually even feed off of you, or was that a lie too?”“We take turns feeding the alpha; I didn't lie about that. But he would never have harmed me.” A blush coats her cheeks at her words, and she looks down in an attempt to hide her reddened cheeks. ”At least not in the way you thought.”“I really don't care about you or your alpha anymore. I want to get out of here. You said you could help me—maybe help me get out of here.”“It's pretty simple. The only way out is to follow the paths where the fireflies are.”“What do you m
Chapter Twenty FiveJenna's POVVeronica's home isn't anything like Zephyr's sprawling mansion. And the sight of her simple home, with fire flickering in her fireplace, a well-used chair and a simple bed makes me feel more comfortable than I have in days.“I know it isn't as tasteful as Zephyr's mansion.” Veronica says as she gives a self-conscious smile, gesturing at the little space that houses everything she needs.“Zephyr's home is gorgeous.” I admit, because even though I may not really like the man, I won't fail to tell myself the truth. “But yours makes me feel more at home; I think I like simplicity a lot.”Veronica beams at my words. And then she almost skips towards a large bowl of food she had placed on her centre table.“I made broth before I stepped out this morning; if you'd sit, I can make it warm for us again.”“Alright.” I settle on the only sofa chair in the room and look around; there's a collection of clothes in a corner of the room, neatly arranged. The bed, tucke
Jenna’s POVThe forest is alive with sound—the crunch of leaves underfoot, the whisper of wind through the trees, and the occasional snap of a twig. Our pack moves as one, each step purposeful, every glance a silent exchange of understanding. There’s a unity among us now, forged in fire and strengthened by necessity. Zephyr is ahead of me, his golden eyes scanning the trail for any signs of danger. Veronica is at his side, though her pace is slower. She’s recovering at a remarkable rate, her strength returning faster than any of us anticipated. Despite this, Zephyr keeps a hand hovering near her, ready to catch her should she stumble. “Zephyr, stop treating me like I’m made of glass,” she snaps, her voice firm and laced with irritation. “You’re still weak—” “I’m fine,” she growls, coming to an abrupt stop. Her fiery gaze meets his, and for a moment, the two of them are locked in a silent standoff. Zephyr’s jaw tightens, but he relents, stepping back. “Fine. But don’t push yoursel
*Jenna’s POV* The morning sun filters through the trees, painting the forest in shades of gold and green. Jack stirs beside me, his arm still draped protectively over my waist. The warmth of his body, the steady rhythm of his breathing—it’s a comfort I hadn’t realized I craved so deeply. But as the light grows brighter, so does the weight of reality. Last night feels like a distant dream, its magic still lingering but now overshadowed by the raw truth of what lies ahead. Jack’s eyes open slowly, hazel orbs soft and full of warmth as they meet mine. He smiles faintly, brushing a kiss to my temple. “Good morning,” he murmurs. “Morning,” I reply, my voice quiet but steady. For a moment, we lie there, the world outside the cave forgotten. But it’s fleeting. The faint sounds of movement beyond the cave remind us both that we don’t have the luxury of staying here. Jack sighs, his hand gently squeezing my waist before he sits up. “We should get back to the others.” I nod, though part
Jenna’s POV The first thing I feel is warmth. Not the faint chill of the morning air or the coolness of the cave, but Jack’s body pressed against mine. His kisses are soft and unhurried as they trail along my face, brushing against my cheeks and jaw before finding their way to the sensitive hollow of my neck. A soft hum escapes my lips, and I open my eyes to find Jack looking at me with a smile that makes my chest tighten. His hazel eyes glimmer with affection, and his lips curve into that boyish grin that’s always undone me. “Good morning,” he murmurs, his voice deep and husky, the sound sending a shiver through me. “Morning,” I reply, my voice still thick with sleep but no less sincere. Jack leans down, kissing the curve of my neck, and I instinctively tilt my head to give him better access. His touch is so familiar, yet every brush of his lips feels like the first time all over again. “I had the best sleep of my life,” he whispers, his tone playful but with an undertone of si
Jenna’s POVThe caves are quiet now, a soothing stillness settling over our small sanctuary. Outside, Jordan and Eldris, along with a few other wolves, keep watch. Their murmurs blend with the rustle of the trees, a low hum of vigilance that eases my nerves. But Jack refuses to leave my side. “I’m not letting you out of my sight,” he’d said earlier, his hazel eyes blazing with determination. We lie together on a blanket in a corner of the cave, the cool night air brushing against our skin. His presence is maddening. The steady rhythm of his breathing, the warmth radiating from his body—it’s like every part of me is hyper-aware of him. “Jenna,” he says, breaking the silence. His voice is soft, almost hesitant, but there’s a weight behind it that makes me turn to him. His hazel eyes are locked on mine, glowing faintly in the dim light. “I need to tell you something,” he continues, his tone raw, each word heavy with meaning. I brace myself, unsure of what’s coming. “I made a mistak
Jenna’s POVVeronica’s breathing is steady now, her cheeks no longer pale but tinged with the faintest blush of life. The transformation is remarkable, and though her eyes remain closed, she looks as though she’s merely asleep. Zephyr hasn’t moved from her side, his hand wrapped gently around hers as though his touch alone is keeping her tethered to this world. “She’s stable,” Raina says softly, crouching beside her. She glances at Zephyr and offers a faint smile. “She just needs time now.” Zephyr nods but doesn’t speak. His golden eyes stay on Veronica, watching her chest rise and fall with every breath. Jack clears his throat, breaking the silence. “We can’t stay here.” Jordan, standing nearby, crosses his arms and frowns. “Agreed. The council’s forces might still have scouts in the area. If they find us here, we’re sitting ducks.” “What’s the plan?” Caleb asks, his voice weary but resolute. Jack looks toward me, his hazel eyes sharp and focused. “We need to find shelter. Some
Jenna’s POV“Get up,” Jack orders, his voice firm and commanding. “Lead the way to the Elder Council’s hideout.” Violet stumbles to her feet, her movements slow and deliberate, as if every step is a reminder of her shame. She glances at me briefly, her expression wary, then turns toward the gates. I follow silently, my thoughts spinning as I process everything she’d said earlier. The tether. Jack’s true mate. Is that why it’s been so hard to forget him? I’d spent years trying to bury the pain he’d caused me, trying to convince myself that I was better off without him. But it never worked. No matter how much time passed, no matter how far I tried to run, I could never truly let him go. My chest tightens as I think back to all the times I’d tried to form a bond with someone else. Every time, it had felt wrong—forced, like I was trying to fit a piece of myself into a mold it didn’t belong in. Was that because… because Jack was the only one? The realization hits me like a storm
Jenna’s POV“Get up,” Jack orders, his voice firm and commanding. “Lead the way to the Elder Council’s hideout.” Violet stumbles to her feet, her movements slow and deliberate, as if every step is a reminder of her shame. She glances at me briefly, her expression wary, then turns toward the gates. I follow silently, my thoughts spinning as I process everything she’d said earlier. The tether. Jack’s true mate. Is that why it’s been so hard to forget him? I’d spent years trying to bury the pain he’d caused me, trying to convince myself that I was better off without him. But it never worked. No matter how much time passed, no matter how far I tried to run, I could never truly let him go. My chest tightens as I think back to all the times I’d tried to form a bond with someone else. Every time, it had felt wrong—forced, like I was trying to fit a piece of myself into a mold it didn’t belong in. Was that because… because Jack was the only one? The realization hits me like a storm
Jack’s POVThe silence after Jordan’s declaration feels endless. Violet remains on her knees, trembling. Her pale face is streaked with tears, her eyes empty yet desperate. “I can’t go anywhere else,” she whispers, breaking the quiet. Her voice is hoarse, strained. “No other pack will take me. You all know what I’ve done.” She looks up at us, her expression pleading. “Please. Don’t leave me behind. I can make things right.” I clench my fists, my patience wearing thin. “You’ve had your chances, Violet. We trusted you, and you turned on us. Why should we believe you now?” Her lips tremble, and for a moment, I think she won’t answer. But then she takes a shaky breath, lifting her chin. “Because I didn’t betray anyone to Eleanor. Not once. Not when I could have.” Her words hang in the air, sharp and unexpected. Jordan scoffs, his silver eyes narrowing. “And we’re supposed to give you credit for that? After everything else you’ve done?” “No,” she says quickly, shaking her head. “But
Jack’s POV Jordan teeters at the edge of the balcony, the cold wind whipping his silver hair. My breath comes in harsh gasps as I lunge forward, my hand outstretched. I can’t let him fall. “Jordan!” I shout, my voice raw. My fingers close around the collar of his coat, yanking him backward with all the strength I can muster. His body hits mine hard, and we tumble to the floor in a tangle of limbs. Behind me, I hear the clatter of hurried footsteps. Violet’s voice cuts through the chaos, high and desperate. “Jordan, no!” I glance back just as Violet reaches us. Her pale face is streaked with tears, but the older man snarls, his fury raw and unfiltered. “Stay back!” he roars, his voice a thunderclap in the still night. His hand lashes out in warning, and for a split second, I think he’ll strike her. Violet freezes, her hands raised in surrender. “I... I just want to help,” she stammers, her voice trembling. Jordan’s eyes blaze, filled with a mix of anger and anguish. “You think y