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
Chapter Forty OneJenna's POVVeronica looks at me with eyes full of wonder.“You're such a young woman, but so wise in thinking.”I blush at Veronica's compliment and, without dropping her hands, say.“You reminded me about how amazing I am. I want you to know that you're an amazing woman, as well as a good one. You've housed me, clothed me and fed me. Taking a lover for yourself isn't a really horrible thing to do, and choosing to reject someone you cannot bring yourself to love isn't bad.”“It's never happened here, you know.” Veronica says as she steps away from me towards the door.#What never has?”“The rejection. We take the mates fate has chosen for us very seriously.”“So, you'd rather live with him and become unhappy.”“I don't think being with him would make me unhappy.” Veronica confides.We're outside now, and like always, the evening twilight casts a golden glow on everything. Despite being in this environment for the past few days, I still can't get over how wondrous th
Chapter Forty-Two Jack's POV Violet and I spend the rest of the night exploring each other's bodies. I am patient with her, allowing her to try everything with me that she has only always imagined. The night is exceptional, and the connection I feel with her makes me feel like I made the right decision about her.“You're so much stronger than me.” She whispers, her head tucked in the crook of my neck, fingers lazily sliding over my bare chest as she lays against my body, purring in satisfaction. I had gone down on her minutes earlier, tasting the sweetness of her honeypot and becoming intoxicated by her naturalness.I chuckle at her words and turn to lay a soft kiss on her sweaty, dampened forehead. “That's how it's meant to me, sweetheart.”“I like it.” She confesses, pushing her head back to meet my eyes. Her beautiful blue eyes are filled with love and contentment, and I can't resist pushing her against me once more, allowing myself to enjoy the feel of her soft, plain flesh a
Chapter Forty-ThreeJack's POV“Secure the borders, make sure none of them leave with the children.” I shout telepathically.Another bullet sinks into my skin, and I groan painfully as my strength begins to wane. Some of the men have begun to drop dead from the deadlines of the bullet.But I don't allow the bullet attacks to stop me from tearing through the humans and running after those who try to escape.“Scour the surrounding forest, make sure none of them leave with the children.” I order again, a little glad to see some of the fellow fighters run into different corners of the forest.The acute smell of blood and death fills the air, and I am filled with bloodlust. I move through the humans with unrelenting hatred and a violent energy that cannot be tamed. I don't allow myself to feel weakness or pity until the last of them crumble to the ground, so that the only sound that reaches my ears are the soft cries of the women and children as they each try to find their loved ones. My
Chapter Forty-Four Jenna's POVThere's a sense of freedom and complete abandon I experience as I tear through the forest, Veronica right beside me. The soundless wind ruffles my coated fur, and the earthly scent of the forest fills my lungs, causing me to experience the almost alien feeling of happiness. Because yes, this is what happiness feels like. It cannot be further than this. I am filled with a sense of purpose and such vitality as I continue to weave through the forest, the thudding sound of our hoofs against the forest ground like music to my ears. Suddenly, I sense it—the presence of a prey close by. And then, the hunger tears through me again, causing me to race harder, the incessant need to feed overcoming all sense of caution and logic. Soon enough, our prey comes into sight—a large deer with ears perked to catch the slightest sign of movement. “We have to be discreet, or else we lose him.” Veronica cautions through telepathy, and I give a nod in answer. We approac
Chapter Forty Five Jack's POVWhen I step out into the bright sunlight and warm air, I find pack members huddled around each other, faces crestfallen and their expressions bereft of hope. A little boy of five is the first who catches sight of me, his eyes widening and quickly filled with excitement as he points in my direction with an excited shout. “Look, it's the alpha!”“He's awake,” they cry with joy.And just like that, the crowd breaks into a joyous roar of excitement. Seconds later, some of the women begin to dance around me, while the bold men invade my personal space to deliver pats on my back. Jordan is one of those men, his eyes filled with relief and a little bit of mischief. “For two whole days, you kept me worried that I was going to be forced to choose a new alpha for your people.”Jordan's crude joke pushes a short laugh out of me. “Well, it's not my time to join our ancestors yet.”“Welcome back to the land of the living.” Jordan smiles with a fond expression as
Chapter Forty-SixJenna's POV I am harshly woken up by Veronica, who shakes me almost violently. “Wake up, Jenna.” Her voice is a little bit above a whisper, filled with fear. I am instantly awake, alert but confused as I look around through bleary eyes. “What is it?”“We have to leave now.” Veronica drags me out of the bed and creeps towards the door. As we peep through the cracks on her door, I begin to hear the voices of men. “You have to be careful; these animals are ruthless. They'll tear you into unrecognisable pieces before you can say jack. Remember, we are here for the young women and children. We gun down the rest of them on sight.”My eyes widen at their words, and I turn to Veronica, whose heartbeat thumps so loudly and erratically. “Who are these people?”“Humans.” Veronica spits with venom. “Oh gods..” I exclaim as palpable fear snakes through me. “What are we going to do now?”“You have to escape to safety. But I have to try to keep my people safe.”“Safety?” I as
Jenna’s POV The battle rages on, each moment more chaotic than the last. The air crackles with energy, the shouts and snarls of my pack mixing with the mocking laughter of the council elders. Blood stains the ground, and the scent of it makes my stomach churn, but I can’t let myself falter. Jack fights with the ferocity of a true Alpha, his hazel eyes blazing as he clashes with the leader of the council. She meets his every move with a smirk, as though she’s toying with him, her power radiating in waves. Nearby, Jordan fights with an unmatched intensity, his movements fueled by both desperation and determination. He’s holding his own against a wiry elder, but I can see the strain in his stance, the exhaustion creeping into his limbs. “Jordan, fall back!” Jack shouts, his voice commanding even amidst the chaos. But Jordan doesn’t retreat. He presses on, his strikes fierce but reckless. I can’t blame him—his daughter had not only betrayed her own pack but had been chained and kept
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