Chapter Fifty ThreeJenna's POV I hold the blue dress tighter against my chest, the weight of Veronica’s absence bearing down on me. This dress is the only thing I brought with me when I fled Jack’s pack, the only piece of my old life I couldn’t leave behind. Veronica had taken the time to repair it, to make it new again. Now, it feels like the last connection I have to her, to everything she did for me. I can’t stay here any longer. I can’t wait for answers that may never come. I have to set out and find her. She sacrificed so much to protect us—now it’s my turn.I strip out of my worn clothes and pull the dress over my head, the fabric soft against my skin. It fits perfectly, as if Veronica had known I’d need it again. Looking in the mirror, I see the woman I’ve become—a reflection of the person Veronica helped me grow into.Bold. Assertive. I no longer walk with my head bowed, nor do my shoulders remain perpetually slumped. I walk with the awareness of one who understands who sh
Chapter Fifty Four Jenna's POV With a final glance at the castle, I turn back to the path. The forest ahead is thick, the trees towering over me, their leaves rustling in the breeze. I draw in a breath, steadying myself for what’s to come. The blade at my side is a reminder of Veronica’s lessons and strength, and I grip its hilt firmly, reassuring myself that I’m ready.The forest air is damp; the smell of earth and moss is heavy around me. I move silently through the trees, each step taking me further from the safety of the pack and deeper into the unknown. Every crackle of leaves and snap of twigs keeps my senses on high alert. The humans might not be the only danger in these woods. Stories of strange creatures lurking in the shadows whisper through my mind, but I shake them off. I’ve faced worse.Suddenly, a sound catches my attention—something unnatural, a low growl that sends a chill down my spine. My hand instinctively tightens around the hilt of Veronica’s blade as I stop dea
Chapter Fifty FiveJack's POV‘You should never kill animals. They have never meant you any harm.’‘That's not how the food chain works. Even your beloved squirrels depend on things for survival, they hunt for food too. We are lucky enough to be on top of the food chain.’I really didn't know what Papa had meant. But I had understood Papa's lessons the older I got. I had begun to experience life outside of happy bubbles and childish dreams. Hands wrap around my midriff, soft, tender hands that cause me to inhale and then exhale slowly. The presence of Violet gives me strength, and I am glad that I have her by my side and that she has saved me when I needed saving. I bring my hands to her soft, smooth forearms, sliding my fingers sensually down the length of her arm. Violet gives a soft, contented sigh as I do this, and suddenly, everything falls away and it's just us. The word outside ceases to exist; the chaos, wars and loss becomes a distant memory as I turn her around, so that h
Chapter Fifty-sixJack's POVUnder the tall mountain, the people assemble. I look around, noting the sombre expression that they all wear. The pack seems considerably smaller, and the absence of some of the strong men in the pack seems almost impossible to ignore. Again, the dreadful feeling of failure washes over me and for the first time ever, I doubt my ability to govern, to lead and to protect. But when I look into the faces of my people, I see in their eyes trepidation and snatches of hope and trust that give me the strength to go ahead, even though the only thing that I want to do is run and hide. “The gods had blessed us this season with good crops and a great bounty from our hunts. Our women birthed without the doom of death.”“We had remained safe and happy here until the humans attacked a few days ago.” I take a deep breath as the memory flashes, as well as the screams and painful cries.“We have tried to stay as far away from the humans as possible, but it would appear
Chapter Fifty SevenJenna's POVFor three days, I journey through the forest, and with my lack of direction, what should have probably taken a day or two ends up taking several days.Having learnt my lesson from my first attempt at abduction, I avoid lighting fires at night, instead, I shift and, in my wolf form, pass the night on trees.I've also gotten better at hunting and even managed to catch a deer on my own. I have managed to keep my stomach full throughout the journey. Veronica's blade is my only companion on the dreary, lonely journey. On the fourth day, I decide that I will stop wandering aimlessly and try to be more intentional about the direction that I am headed. I take note of the trees, noting that the denser and thicker the trees, the more likely that I am in the heart of the forest; however, the lighter, taller trees signal that I could be heading towards habitation.I also make marks on the trees that I pass with the help of Veronica's blade, so I'd know if I were
Chapter Fifty EightJenna's POVThe humans were far ahead of us, creating items that bordered on the magical. If I didn't know better, I'd have thought them smart, but I understood that they'd used their knowledge for evil, creating weapons that could kill in seconds.I wondered if their weapons worked on them as much as they did on us.“So, Jenna, do you want to tell me a little about yourself? I could attempt to contact anyone you know, your family, or your spouse, so you wouldn't have to spend the night at a shelter with strangers.”Caroline continues to navigate her car, but I can tell that she's waiting for my response.“I think I'd like for you to take me to the shelter.”Alright then, the shelter it is. Caroline says. She doesn't ask me anymore questions, and I welcome the silence as I look out the window of her car.We pass by houses of different sizes and colours. Everywhere appears to be littered with houses. The more Caroline drives, the fewer trees there are, until the gre
Chapter Fifty NineJenna's POV“It's in your eyes, that sadness. I lost my papa too.” I say, commiserating with her. “I am sorry about your loss too. And even more so about the things that you have been through. Can you tell me what happened to you?” Elizabeth asks. “Can you remember?”I shake my head from side to side without looking up. “That's alright.” She says so in a gentle and understanding voice. “This is a safe place. You can stay here for as long as you like, until you are ready to look for your family or tell your story.”I look up into the woman's kind eyes and then turn to Caroline, whose smile is just as gentle and kind.I had expected the humans to be vicious and aggressive. Nothing had exactly prepared me for how kind they would be. “Meanwhile, allow me to call someone who will show you around.” Elizabeth steps towards the door and beckons someone over. She returns to the desk and flashes me a smile as she settles.A moment later, a young woman, much like myself, s
Chapter SixtyJenna's POVEleanor gives me a thorough tour of the place and takes her time to explain all the strange equipment, metals and fixtures. “This is the kitchen. Meals are prepared here. We store food in the silvery container, it keeps it cold for days, even weeks.”“The little box up there is the microwave. It warms up food real quick.”Eleanor moves out the door, and I follow suit, looking about as I try to acquaint myself with the facility. “This is the hallway.” Eleanor gestures towards the long passageway. “All of the sheltered women stay in rooms on either side of these halls.”She gives a sharp knock on one of the doors and calls out.“Hey Zoe!”Immediately, someone pushes open the door, and a little girl of about four leaps excitedly into Eleanor's arms.“Hello, sweet pumpkin.” Eleanor holds the little girl close and drops affectionate kisses on her cheeks and forehead.“Mon said you couldn't make it with us to the park.”“Yes, honey. I unfortunately couldn't, I ha
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