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Chapter 21
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ALPHA REJECTION Chapter 22
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
ALPHA REJECTION Chapter 23
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
ALPHA REJECTION Chapter 24
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
ALPHA REJECTION Chapter 25
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
ALPHA REJECTION Chapter 26
Chapter Twenty-sixVeronica's POV“We have decided to make our pack feel like a home for you.” I say it in a softer, gentler tone. “Though lying to you was wrong, Zephyr needed to know your heart had purity.”“So is he now?” Jenna challenges, an edge in her voice. “I guess that's left for him to answer.” I reply. Silence falls between us, and I pick up the spoon that I had not realised that I'd dropped and go back to eating. But the now cold food tastes like sand in my mouth. I push the plate aside and get up. Jenna, who had long since abandoned her own meal, has moved to the window that overlooks my morning farm, bathed in the soft glow of the sunset. The room is quiet, and tension reigns supreme. I wonder what the young woman is thinking. Even though I am curious to know where she'd come from and why she'd left, I don't ask. Zephyr had warned me not to do so. Her eyes radiated an indescribable anguish and sorrow that profoundly touched my heart.“This place is lovely.” Jenna wh
ALPHA REJECTION Chapter 27
Chapter Twenty-SevenJack's POV“Something happened.” I mutter loud enough for Jordan, who has appeared beside me, to hear.Jordan and I share matching looks of worry, and I crouch down to assess the footprints better. “Do you think that she was attacked?” Elise asks tearfully.I do not answer her fearful question, afraid of instigating more worry and tears. I turn to the small crowd who have gathered around me and address them. “We have to hasten our search; Jenna could be in real danger.” I look down again, following the footprints that lead south with my eyes. “There's a small footprint right here. And several other larger imprints to show that whoever had decided to camp here had been attacked.” Violet speaks up for the first time since our last conversation at the border. I turn to her, noting that her eyes are already on me, cold and challenging. “I don't think it is wise to continue this search, not if this lady had been taken right here.” She concludes.“I don't think she
ALPHA REJECTION Chapter 28
Chapter twenty-eightJenna's POV“Will you teach me?” I ask, and my skin prickles with trepidation at what Veronica's response will be.“We have never really been keen on teaching weaklings how to defend themselves.”“I'm no weakling.” I growl, my wolf rousing for the first time since I was brought here. My wolf's presence fills me with happiness. I didn't realise how much I missed her.Veronica takes a cautious step back, her hands lifted in the universal sign of surrender.“I may lack knowledge of combat, but I am no weakling. I will fight you back with every strength within if you try to come for me. I only need to be trained.”I move towards the window, drawn to the scenic farmland and the golden look that twilight has cast upon the land. This might as well be my favourite view in all of Duskhowl.“We do not train people who might use our strategies against us.” Veronica replies, her chin lifted naughtily, as if did dare me to challenge her.“That's quite selfish of you.”“I would
ALPHA REJECTION Chapter 29
Chapter Twenty NineJenna's POV That night, after Veronica pushes out a constructible iron and transforms it into bed and invites me to use the one I'd come to see, the one that looks more comfortable, and feels just as comfortable when I lay my body on it, finding sleep becomes impossible.Veronica appears to have dozed off as soon her head touched the sheets, her even breathing goes to shows that, and the fact that she isn't tossing and tossing like I am.I stare wide eyed up at the ceiling, thinking about tomorrow morning and how my first training would be.I think about the earlier events of the day and how I had almost left there, certain that Zephyr was not the broad shouldered savior that I had thought him to be.Now, I was in the home of his beta, enjoying her hospitality. Even though I still had my niggling doubts about Veronica, it was apparent that she was kind meant me no harm.All evening, she had done everything to ensure my comfort. Even the way she had converse with m
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ALPHA REJECTION Chapter 161
Jenna’s POV The world feels distant, as if I’m watching everything unfold from the outside. My side throbs, a constant reminder of the bullet lodged deep in my flesh. The cool air bites at my skin, but the pain is worse, gnawing at me like an animal digging in my gut. Eleanor kneels beside me, her fingers surprisingly gentle as she peels back the fabric of my shirt, exposing the wound. Her face is set in hard lines, but there’s a quiet intensity to her movements, as though she’s done this a hundred times before. I’ve seen her heal others, but I didn’t expect it to feel so... personal. “You’re lucky it didn’t hit anything vital,” she murmurs, her voice focused. She dabs the wound with a damp cloth, and I flinch, the coolness stinging like fire. “Just get it over with,” I mutter, the words escaping before I can stop them. Eleanor doesn’t respond, but I see her eyes flicker to my face, assessing the depth of my discomfort. She doesn’t push me to talk, just continues working, wh
ALPHA REJECTION Chapter 160
Jenna’s POVThe smoke clings to my lungs as I crouch by the edge of the forest, my pulse thundering in my ears. The flames consuming the inn crackle and roar, lighting up the dark night like a funeral pyre. My claws ache from the fight, my body trembling from exhaustion, but I can’t stop moving. Not yet. Greta and Mia are safe, but the council won’t let us have this small victory for long. My wolf growls low in my chest, restless and furious. She wants to chase after the hunters to finish what we started. But I force her back, knowing the cost of giving in to that instinct. The council’s hunters are trained for this—calculated, ruthless, and relentless. Tonight was just a warning. I glance around the clearing. Raina stands a few feet away, her usually playful smirk replaced by a hardened glare. She wipes blood from her knuckles, muttering something under her breath. Eleanor is near Caleb, examining the gash across his cheek with her practiced precision. Despite the chaos, her hands
ALPHA REJECTION Chapter 159
Jack's POV The morning breaks sharp and cool, the kind that gets under your skin and wakes you up fast. I step outside the house, the crunch of frost under my boots the only sound for a moment. The younger ones are already stirring, their faces alight with a mix of excitement and nerves. They hover near the clearing we’ve set up, glancing at the knives laid out on a rough wooden table.And it reminds me of the first turn that they'd learnt to fight, but not without weapons, how they'd learnt to use the forest to their advantage and protect themselves. Eldris stands at the edge of the group, calm and composed, as usual. He’s giving quiet instructions to one of the older wolves, gesturing toward the targets we’ve rigged up from logs and rope. His efficiency never ceases to amaze me.I draw in a deep breath, feeling the weight of the day settle on my shoulders. It’s my job to guide them, to make sure they understand this isn’t about picking fights or proving dominance. It’s about survi
ALPHA REJECTION Chapter 158
Jack's POV The house is too quiet, even with the faint hum of activity outside. The younger ones explore the space, their laughter and chatter muffled by the walls. It feels wrong—unnatural—to hear those sounds without the rustling of leaves or the distant howls of the pack in the background. Eldris stands in the doorway, his arms crossed and that familiar, calculating look on his face. He doesn’t say anything right away, but I can feel the weight of whatever’s on his mind. “What is it?” I ask, leaning back against the worn chair. “The younger ones,” he starts, stepping into the room and sitting across from me. “They’re restless. Eager to learn. I’ve been teaching them what I can, but it’s not enough. Jack, we need to consider sending them to school.” The words hit me like a blow. “School?” I repeat, leaning forward. “You’re talking about sending our kids into human schools? Among them?” “Yes,” he says, his tone calm and resolute. My fingers tighten around the armrests. “Y
ALPHA REJECTION Chapter 157
Jack’s POVThe days pass in a blur of unease and fascination. Each morning, we wake to a world that feels alien—smooth floors beneath our feet, no damp earth or leaves clinging to our skin. The house itself is strange, with its glowing orbs that light up the night and its doors that shut with a tightness that keeps the wind and cold completely at bay. On the first day, Eldris shows us how to use the objects around us. He calls them “appliances.” A box that keeps food cold without ice, a stove that heats without fire, and strange fixtures in the walls that bring water at the twist of a handle. It’s all overwhelming, but there’s no denying how useful these things are. For the pack, adapting to human ways is harder than I expected. Eating from plates with knives and forks feels unnatural, but Eldris insists we must. “If you want to pass as human, you must live like them,” he tells us. “They eat with tools, not their hands. They use furniture, not the ground.” At first, the pack res
ALPHA REJECTION Chapter 156
Jenna's POV The sharp crack of wood splintering jolts me awake, the sound echoing through the inn like a gunshot. My wolf growls deep inside me, her instincts flaring to life. Something is wrong. I’m out of bed in an instant, yanking open my door just as Eleanor appears in the hallway, her expression grim and focused. “They’re here,” she says, her voice barely above a whisper. “Humans?” I ask, already knowing the answer. She nods, her gaze darting toward the stairs. “Armed. Council dogs."My blood runs cold. The council wasn’t wasting time—they’d sent their human hunters to flush us out. “Wake Caleb and Mia,” I say, my voice hard. “I’ll find Greta." Eleanor nods and disappears down the hall as I race toward Greta’s room. The old wolf is already awake, her sharp eyes scanning the darkness. She doesn’t ask questions—she doesn’t need to. “We’re under attack,” I tell her. “You need to take Mia and run. Get her out of here." Greta frowns, her jaw tightening. “And leave you behind?
ALPHA REJECTION Chapter 155
Jenna’s POVThe soft knock at my door jolts me awake, my wolf stirring restlessly at the disturbance. The inn is usually quiet at this hour, but the urgency in the sound puts me on edge. I swing my legs off the bed and pad to the door, opening it to find Eleanor. She stands with her arms crossed, her eyes holding a strange mix of calm and tension. “Come with me,” she says softly, gesturing for me to follow. I don’t question her. Something in her tone tells me this isn’t about the spy we’d uncovered earlier—it’s something else. I throw on a sweater and trail her down the creaky stairs, out the back door, and into the crisp night air. Eleanor leads me toward the cluster of trees at the edge of the inn’s property. There, in the faint moonlight, two figures emerge—a young man and a woman, their clothes worn and their faces etched with fatigue. “They showed up tonight,” Eleanor says, stopping a few steps away from them. “They need help." I glance between the strangers and Eleanor, my
ALPHA REJECTION Chapter 154
Jack's POV The forest opens before us, the dense canopy giving way to the edges of human civilization. For days, we’ve trudged through the wilderness, the ground uneven and slick with fallen leaves, but now the terrain changes. The air smells different—cleaner yet tinged with the faint aroma of smoke and something else I can’t place. Ahead, Eldris halts and raises his hand, signalling us to stop. His sharp eyes scan the horizon, and I follow his gaze. Just beyond the treeline, the human settlement comes into view. It’s nothing like I expected. “Is that... brick?” Violet whispers, her voice unsteady. She steps forward, her amber eyes wide with disbelief, her usual guarded demeanour replaced with genuine curiosity. I nod slowly, though I can hardly believe it myself. The structure ahead is a small house, built from smooth red bricks that seem unnaturally uniform. The roof is sloped, its tiles perfectly aligned, and a strange reflective material covers the windows. The whole thing lo
ALPHA REJECTION Chapter 153
Jack's POV The forest breathes with life as dawn breaks, the air crisp and laden with the earthy scent of dew-soaked leaves. I rise before the others, my senses attuned to every sound. The pack sleeps in scattered clusters, their forms wrapped in blankets and cloaks against the chill. Last night’s feast brought a rare sense of calm, but it won’t last. It never does. I stretch, my muscles tight from days of travel, and take a moment to survey the clearing. Eldris is awake too, perched on a fallen log near the edge of the camp. His eyes are distant, his posture stiff, as though he’s wrestling with thoughts; he doesn’t dare voice. It’s not unusual for him to keep to himself, but something about his demeanour today feels different. I approach him quietly, my footsteps deliberately light to avoid waking the others. He doesn’t flinch or startle as I sit beside him, his gaze fixed on the horizon. “Couldn’t sleep?” I ask, breaking the silence. He shakes his head. “Not much use in it thes
