Chapter Thirty threeJenna's POVThe next day, Veronica and I continue our training, and even though my arms hurt and I feel like I'm seconds away from face planting on the ground, I am determined to not give up.“You're doing great, Jenna.” Veronica breathes as she lunges at me.I slip past her, and having studied her movements, I predict what she is about to do next, which gives me the sliver of opportunity to elbow her in the ribs and jerk her weapon from her hands.With a scream, I push a shocked Veronica to the ground and straddle her, balling my fist and pointing it at her in a threatening manner.Veronica brings her hands to her face to shield it, and I smirk as I get up and dust off my soiled dress. Even though I am a sweaty mess and my hair feels damp from all the running and punches that I have had to block, I feel incredibly pleased and really accomplished.“That was a nice one.” Veronica says, getting up and mirroring my earlier movements of dusting off the dirt from her d
Chapter Thirty FourJack's POVThe days pass by in a blur of activities that begins to feel monotonous. I settle scores between packmates and organise hunting to ensure that we have enough meals stored away for winter.But none of those activities seem fun anymore, even the sheer act of spending time with Violet leaves me feeling empty. As the days continue to go by, I begin to experience a level of sadness that I cannot shake. I begin to long for so much more than just the daily hunts and settling scores. I find myself wondering about Jenna and the kind of life she lives now. Because I have a certain conviction that she had somewhat lived. And the fact that a young woman, whom I barely knew, could consume my thoughts like this makes me want to smash my head against something.It's Violet that I should be thinking about. It is she whom I should desire, but why isn't that so? Why do I still think about the young woman that I had rejected? This morning, I am filled with the same str
Chapter Thirty Five Jack's POV“I just want us to go back to how we were. It feels like agreeing to be your mate changed things.” She sobs against my shoulder. Guilt tears through me, and I shut my eyes, trying to tamp down the feelings of pain that rams through me. “I am very sorry, Violet.”Violet sniffles and pushes away from me, wiping the last of her tears and meeting my eyes, which are now red-rimmed. “I know that you're sorry, Jack. But what really changed? I need to know.”I shake my head slowly at her, turning away to look into the distance, lost in thoughts. Violet was right, something had really changed. And although I could not deny that Jenna's departure from the park had been the genesis of this change, I couldn't tell Violet so. I felt a lot different now. The activities that used to hold so much meaning for me no longer did. And sometimes I knew that these recent feelings had less to do with Jenna's absence in the pack but more to do with my state of mind. I had
Chapter Thirty SixJenna's POVZephyr joins us a moment later, clad in a beautiful robe that draws attention to the tight muscles of his shoulders and the broadness of his chest.“Sorry for keeping you waiting.” Zephyr apologises as he takes his seat. He looks different, with a shaven jaw and hair perfectly brushed back. I watch him smile in Veronica's direction, his eyes lingering on hers for a few more seconds. You demanded our presence. Veronica speaks as if she's conversing with a complete stranger, not her alpha, the same man she had conspired with to deceive me.I can't help but wonder whether anything had happened between them. The tension in the room is palpable. “Yes, yes. I've asked you to come here because we need to discuss something important.”“Then by all means, let's.” Veronica encourages. The alpha turns towards me, and my heart gives a start. He looks at me with a whisper of a smile on his face and a regret in his eyes. “I would like to apologise first to you, J
Chapter Thirty-SevenJenna's POV“Veronica is right.” Zephyr voices finally. He doesn't get up and move towards me like Veronica did, but his eyes convey his pity. “It's his loss. You're exceptionally beautiful, any man would be lucky to have you.”Even though they're right, I know that deep down, sometimes what truly matters isn't the physical traits of people, but what they carry within. I wasn't strong and agile, and so I was unfit to be the alpha's mate. Jack had chosen the woman who possessed these qualities to be his mate. While I had been rejected, left to wither... “Thank you.” I mutter. “But I think his rejection made me realise that sometimes people look past our physical qualities.”“A lot of men usually reject their mate because they feel she's not as attractive as they would have wanted. Women, for a lot of men, are like prized possessions, kept for gazing, just like we do some items we loot from war.”Zephyr picks up his glass and dangles it in the air for emphasis.
Chapter Thirty EightJack's POVViolet’s words are my final undoing. With a groan, I tear the clothes off her body, enjoying the gasp that falls from her puckered lips.Arousal pumps through me as I grab her again, pulling her against my body and allowing her to feel the evidence of my arousal.“Oh Jack.” She moans, “I have imagined this for so long... “ She whispers against my ear, her breathing laboured, skin damp with sweat.I won't lie and say that I have imagined this with Violet, because I have not. I have never imagined possessing her like this, touching her and watching her unfold in my arms. But in this moment, I do. I do want Violet with every fibre of my being. I want to soak myself in her essence, drown myself in her moistness. I kiss Violet again, allowing her to taste the extent of my desire for her. I move my lips to her neck and bite the delicate skin, enjoying the low moan that falls from her lips. Violet slides against my body, as if she's in need of more. And I w
Chapter Thirty NineVeronica's POVYou're right. I agree, realising how insightful the young woman is. Even though she is just a young adult, she'd had to grow up really quickly. What with the death of her papa and how she'd lost her mom at birth.She had turned out really okay, and her mate was really foolish to have let such a spectacular woman go. What she lacked in physical strength, she made up for intellectually. Jenna was a beautiful woman with intriguing layers. I was certain that there was more to her than met the eye. And I wished that she was more open. I sincerely desired to learn everything there was to know about her. I wanted to ask her about her mate to know what it had felt like for her. I wanted to know why I was feeling so conflicted about my feelings for Zephyr and my own chosen mate. I expected the bond with my mate to surpass the physical attraction I felt for Zephyr. So, why wasn't that so? “Veronica?” Jenna's inquisitive voice pulls me out of my thoughts. I
Chapter FortyJenna's POV “I will continue to teach you to fight.” Veronica says, her eyes never leaving mine.“Thank you.” I swallow hard as gratitude fills me. I don't know how my life would have turned out if I had not met Veronica. Perhaps the gods were truly directing my steps.“You're already learning so quickly.” Veronica tells me. “Sooner or later, you'll have my back on the ground.” She turns to give me a wan smile, and I smile back. “Thank you so much, Veronica. I would have been able to do very little without you.”Veronica gives me a side hug. “Let's go back. It's getting cold out here, and we haven't had dinner.”I nod my consent and follow Veronica back inside. We eat in silence as I think about the earlier events of the day. I think about Zephyr's offer and the strange tension that had existed between Zephyr and Veronica. Suddenly, I am curious about Veronica and her mate. She had said very little about him, and I had yet to meet him. “Something on your mind?” Veron
Jenna’s POV The air inside the council’s hideout is stifling. The tension is palpable, thick enough to taste. The scent of blood, fear, and raw power swirls together, making it hard to focus. Jack stands at the forefront, his hazel eyes blazing with determination as he squares off against the council elders. The elders—seven of them—move with calculated grace, their faces calm despite the chaos. The leader, a tall woman with cold, sharp features and hair like spun silver, surveys us with disdain. Her power radiates from her like heat from a fire, crackling in the air around her. “So, these are the mutts who’ve dared to challenge us,” she says, her voice smooth and venomous. “Fools.” I feel the weight of her words press down on me, but I refuse to show weakness. My fingers tighten around my blade, and I glance at Jack, who stands tall and unyielding. “Your reign of terror ends here,” Jack growls, his voice firm. “You’ve exploited our kind for long enough.” The elder smirks. “And
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