Jack's POV“Hades will freeze over before I accept an omega as my mate.” I growl, anger snaking through my veins as I regard the hapless-looking woman who stands before me, eyes downcast, arms wrapped around her midriff as if trying to ward off my wrath.For two whole years, I had waited to feel this connection and to find my mate. And I finally do so with Jenna? The young, naive girl who can hardly carry her weight?Was this the god's hilarious attempt at a sick joke?If word got out that my mate was a young omega who was still wet behind the ears, the pack was going to be an easy target for constant attacks. And I couldn't allow that.I couldn't accept Jenna as my mate. Not when there was a war going on. I needed a mate who would fight ruthlessly by my side to keep the pack.I look towards Jenna, the daughter of David Abbot, who was killed two seasons ago. David had been one of the strongest wolves in the pack, whose strength had waned the older he got.Why wasn't his daughter like
Jenna's POV“I'm coming!” I yell out as I give my hair a final run-through with the wooden brush that had been a gift from my father.I brush my fingers over the engraving on the comb, remembering the evening Papa had called to me and handed me the beautiful comb.“I found it while I was hunting.” He'd mentioned it as I squealed in delight at the beautiful gift.Father was no more, and tonight wasn't the time to allow grief to ruin my day or for tears to cake my already washed face.I had a feast to attend, and I couldn't be late.“What's taking so long?” Elise asks, her voice tinged with impatience.I hurry through the doors of my trunda to find Elise waiting, foot tapping against the grass.“Sorry,” I apologize as we begin to make our way towards the path that would lead us to the alpha's abode, and my heart thrums with trepidation at what is to come.Memories of the conversation I had with the alpha from this morning flood me, and I shudder at the memory of those hazel eyes, which
Jack's POVWhen I scan the crowd again, I do not find Jenna anymore, with those bright green eyes that had been filled with so much trepidation and hope.Pain suddenly slams into me, and I stagger back, shocked at its intensity.Warm hands settles on my shoulders.“Are you alright?” Violent asks, eyes filled with concern and care.“I am alright.” I whisper, even though I am anything but. Violet doesn't look convinced, and those knowing eyes darken in suspicion.I take her hands in mine and drop a light kiss on her wrist, her pulse jumping at the first brush of my lips against the smooth flesh. I look up through hooded eyes to watch her, enjoying the sight of blood that rushes to her cheeks.“Trust me, there's nothing to worry about.”Violet nods with a beaming smile, and I right myself to take her hands, leading her towards a further corner, slightly darker, to afford us more privacy.“When you said you wanted to hold a feast tonight, I didn't know what to expect.” Violet admits.“Wel
Jenna's POVI don't know how long I'd lain on the forest ground, but as I slowly come back to myself, I realise that I might have been there for far too long, long enough to attract prey.As I crack one eye open and look around, the still midnight air alerts me to the dangers that lurk in these forests. And for a moment, I regret leaving the pack.However, now is not the moment to scrutinise hastily made decisions. Now is the time to get up as stealthily as I can and get the hell away from here.I can't help but remember the tales that Papa had told me about avoiding the forest as a younger child. I had first learned about rogues and shapeshifters from Papa, who had told me that they would never come into the pack to cause trouble, but getting lost in the forest could mean being harmed by them.I get up slowly, wincing when pain shoots through my ankle. I must have sprained something when I fell over the shrubs.Trying to make as little noise as possible, I begin to limp towards where
Jack's POVThere is still no sign of Jenna anywhere, and even though I try to ignore my wolf's whining, I feel her absence keenly.Suddenly, I miss those green eyes that had followed me everywhere tonight. Those large innocent eyes that had been filled with so much longing earlier tonight. So much longing, desire and hope.I had looked her in the eyes and squashed that hope because I had needed her to understand the impossibility of us being together. I had needed to make a favourable decision for the pack.If what I'd done had been for the safety of the pack and for the good of everyone, why did I feel so empty? Why was this sadness and longing for Jenna refusing to go away?I couldn't talk to my beta about this; I had already lied to him. And I couldn't bear the shame of going to him now with the truth.He would reproach me for it and could trust me less... I couldn't let that happen. I couldn't let anyone see me as weak. It could be used against me. I had to learn to live with the
Jenna's POV“There she is. Get her!”I pick up pace, fear propelling my legs faster and faster as I continue to run, ignoring the pounding of feet behind me. For a moment, I regret this decision. I regret leaving the pack, leaving my friend behind, and thinking it was a wise idea to leave the safety that Jack had afforded. I should have stayed. I should have sucked up the rejection and tried to court one of the eligible bachelors in the pack who were looking to find their mate. I should have remained there. I should have learnt to disengage. But I had allowed emotions to overrule logic, and now I was nearly at the mercy of strange neanderthals.Cold, callous hands clamp on my shoulders and reel me backwards, flinging me against a tree stump. My ribs connect with the hardness of wood, and I let out a scream as I land on solid ground. There's sudden silence as I lay on the ground, my head reeling from the acute pain that shoots from my side. I put my hands on my burning ribs, makin
Jack's POVWe search the entire cave without any signs of Jenna. We don't find her in her trunda either. Guilt eats at me as my guards and I continue the search, hoping that we find her before sunrise.This would not have happened if I had not denied Jenna as my mate. She would still be here, she would not have fled. This is all my fault, isn't it? “Alpha,” Sav murmurs several hours later. “I don't think we would find the girl.”I pause and then turn to my head-guard. We are now at the perimeter of the pack, the large land that divides our pack from the forest where the rogues and shapeshifters roam. Jenna understands what crossing this border means. After several hours of our futile search, I have begun to hope that she hadn't done the unthinkable. We have rules guiding our packs. And one of those rules, which is older than time itself, has always been to never cross the borders without the consent of the alpha. The only time anyone's ever been required to leave the pack has bee
Jenna's POV“Show your face, dimwit!” Scarred face yells, his breathing loud and harsh.The forest is deadly quiet as we wait for who might possibly be my saviour to emerge.“We should have gotten out of here sooner.” The second abductor says, his words laced with what can only be described as fear.“Shut the hell up.” Scarred face snaps. And then, turning towards me, eyes filled with nothing but hatred and contempt say. “You stupid shit, if you didn't try to escape, we would have been halfway out of here. I'll kill you myself before the vagabond gets the chance to.”Scarred face pulls a wooden dagger from his boots and aims it at me. I shut my eyes and await the sharp plunge I know will knock me completely out. This is it. Here is where it all ends. This is how my days have been fated to end. I won't even try to fight this inevitability. There's a loud grunt and a loud scream of pain that causes me to open my eyes. What I witness is a blur of movements. Scarred face is knocked dow
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