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
Chapter Sixty OneJenna's POV“Eleanor is right.” Maddie says. “Meeting someone who has passed through the same things you did or do makes you feel less alone. I'm glad you're here, Jenna.”All I manage at Maddie's words is a nod, because I feel a little ashamed about my lie. I have never experienced memory loss, but because I am in another part of the world where everything feels different, I have to tell a lie to be accepted.The humans do not like our kind; the attack on Zephyr's pack had been a solid proof of that. Eleanor nudges at me, bringing me back to the present to notice Maddie's expectant gaze.“You're right. I have a feeling that we will get along swimmingly.” Apparently, the nod had not sufficed.“Yes, we will.”“Why wouldn't you? Maddie has the most adorable daughter.” Eleanor says the same time Zoe emerges out of the bathroom in a cute little dress that compliments her hair.“You're so pretty, Zoe.” Eleanor says as she picks her up and kisses her cheeks.Zoe giggles.“
Chapter Sixty TwoJenna's POVDinner is ruccous in a way that the humans seem to enjoy. Everyone talks at the same time, and even though they seem to be free with one another, they still seem to have their one favourite people.Zoe, Eleanor, and Maddie seem to form their own trio, and they are more than happy to add me to their little company.I spot Elizabeth at the other corner of the room, who has dinner with women that look her age. She waves at me and smiles, and I smile back.“Jen, you should try pasta with corn, I bet you'd love it.”“Ignore Maddie and her weird food combo.” Eleanor says with a smile.“Allow the young girl to live a little.” Maddie retorts, and I chuckle.The pasta tastes a little bland, not as good as the one that Veronica had prepared. The thought of Veronica soils my mood a little.I wonder about her and about whether she has returned to the pack. I wonder whether there's a good chance that I will see her here… That I would find her.“You okay?” Eleanor asks
Chapter Sixty ThreeJenna's POV “What are you talking about?” Eleanor asks, her face registering nothing but confusion. But I know better than to fall for that.I don't say another word but make my way up the bunk bed, promising to find answers tomorrow, when I have been well rested.“Look, Jenna. I'm not sure what circumstances led to your memory loss, but I wouldn't stand being attacked here. Like you mentioned, this is a safe place for women, and I wouldn't allow you to make it anything less than that.”“How did you know what I was thinking back there at dinner?”“In case you aren't aware, we can gauge people's thoughts through nonverbal cues. I have a certificate in human development for a reason. Don't you ever threaten me again.” Eleanor says, sounding like she means every word.For a second, I wonder whether I had been truly wrong about her. Knowing fully well that I wouldn't win the battle by showing all my cards, I decide to play by her tactics.“I am very sorry about the wa
PrologueJenna’s POVThe house is a haven of warmth and calm, filled with the low hum of contentment. Outside, the world continues to bustle—the sounds of children’s laughter echo through the air, accompanied by the chatter of pack members as they go about their tasks. We’ve built something here, something beautiful, and I never imagined it would feel like this. I sit in a sturdy chair by the window, my feet propped up and my swollen belly cradled gently in my hands. It's almost time—our child is growing inside me, and the thought brings a mixture of joy and anticipation. The days are passing slowly now, each one bringing us closer to the arrival of our little one. And with Jack by my side, I know we can face whatever the future holds. I hear footsteps approaching and look up to see Mia standing in the doorway, a soft smile on her face. She holds a bowl of warm water and a cloth in her hands, her expression a mix of eagerness and affection. “Jenna,” she says, her voice light. “I wa
Jenna’s POV The next morning, I find Veronica standing by the edge of the clearing, her silhouette framed by the soft light of dawn filtering through the trees. The previous day had been filled with lots of hugs of goodbye. I had witnessed people cry as they'd embraced and promised to stay in touch. Greta had decided to return to her inn and rebuild it again. She had enjoyed the thrill of fighting and was glad that she was on the right side of history, but she needed to rest, and she couldn't think of a better place to do it. Raina and Caleb, though, had chosen to stay with us. And I was more than happy to still have them. Veronica looks serene despite her exhaustion, her posture as graceful as ever. It’s a sight that brings a pang of nostalgia to my chest, a reminder of the countless hours we’d spent together training, laughing, and sharing dreams of a better future. I approach her slowly, hesitant for reasons I can’t quite articulate. She notices me immediately, her lips curvi
Jack’s POV “Are you both joined together by the hip?” Raina asks as she approaches Jenna and I. Jenna lets out a low chuckle as she disentangles from me and moves towards her friend to warmonger in a hug. “We did it!” I hear her say as she continues to stay in her embrace. Raina rubs her back fondly, returning Jenna's hug with a soft, sad smile. “We did it, even though we're no longer complete.” Jenna steps back and looks at Raina, whose eyes are now wet with tears. “The last thing I expected was Eleanor's betrayal.”Jenna's shoulders slump in sadness as she nods. “At least we still have Greta and Caleb.”Raina smiles again as she clasps Jenna's hands in hers. “At least we still do.” As they continue to talk, Caleb and Greta join them, and I decide to step away and give them the privacy to talk and reunite. As soon as I am a considerable distance away from the group, Zephyr approaches me with a calm but deliberate stride, his golden eyes steady and unreadable. He stops a few f
Jack’s POV Jenna has returned to the women, helping them with whatever she can and rationing the last of our supplies. I watch her, marveling at how far she’s come. She’s not the same woman I foolishly rejected all those years ago. Jenna has always been brave, but now she’s a force to be reckoned with—a leader in her own right. Her quick wit and relentless courage have saved me more than once, and I know, deep down, that I owe her more than just my life. As she laughs softly at something Raina says, my chest tightens with a mix of pride and longing. Maybe I needed to be stupid enough to let her go back then to realize what I’d lost. Maybe my reckless decision to reject her wasn’t just a mistake but a painful lesson I had to learn to truly see her worth. And gods, she’s worth everything. I watch her for a moment longer, my wolf pacing restlessly within me, yearning to be close to her. The thought of spending the rest of my life with her—of building something lasting when all this
Jack’s POV The forest is quiet, save for the distant rustle of leaves and the occasional crackle of the embers still smoldering behind us. The air feels heavy, laden with the scent of ash and smoke from Violet’s pyre, and though her flame has burned out, the weight of her memory lingers. I catch sight of Jenna standing with Raina and a few of the other women. They're all talking and laughing, their voices ringing out steady and true. The sound of it makes my heart warm. We might have experienced our own loss, but we had emerged victorious. Jenna is beautiful in a way that makes my chest ache, her blonde hair catching the light and her shoulders held high despite the exhaustion I know she’s feeling. She’s always been like that since we met again—strong, unwavering. My anchor in a storm I was too blind to see for years. As I watch her, my mind drifts back to the look in her eyes earlier, when I spoke about Violet. It wasn’t judgment or anger I saw there, but confusion. Maybe even
Jenna's POVThe trek through the forest is quiet, somber. Jordan carries Violet’s body in his arms, his face set in a grim mask of determination. None of us speak, but the weight of what we’ve endured is palpable. Every step away from the battlefield feels heavier than the last.We find a small clearing as the sun begins to rise, its pale light filtering through the trees. The others gather around, their expressions weary but resolute. Zephyr and his people—no longer strangers but allies—stand a respectful distance away. Even Veronica, her frailty evident as she leans against Zephyr for support, watches silently.Jordan kneels, carefully laying Violet’s body on the grass. He brushes a strand of her hair away from her face, his hands trembling. “I’m taking her home,” he says, his voice raw. “She deserves to rest where she belonged.”For a moment I wonder whether he even remembers that there is no home for now. “Jordan…” Jack steps forward. “Carrying her all that way isn’t practical. I
Jenna’s POVAs we prepare to leave the hideout, I look around, still in utter disbelief that it's really over. Blood stains the ground, and the metallic scent of it lingers in the air. The bodies of the council elders lie scattered, their once-mighty forms now lifeless and cold.Violet’s lifeless form rests where she fell, and though I ache to go to her, to pay my last respect, something else draws me forward.Eleanor.She’s still kneeling where we had chained her. She doesn’t look up as I approach, her head bowed, her long hair falling in a curtain around her face.Sue doesn't look up, nor does she say a thing as I approach. I watch her, my heart acting as I recall all that we had been through together. I remember the first day I had arrived the shelter, saved by a wonderful woman by the name Caroline. A kind human that I'd never forget. When I had gotten to the shelter, Eleanor had been one of the sheltered women who had been introduced to me. I had known as soon as I saw her that
Jenna’s POVThe laughter of the elders grates against every nerve in my body, but it’s Jordan’s raw cry that truly shatters me. The sound of his grief echoes through the chamber, cutting through the taunts and jeers like a blade. Violet’s lifeless body lies in his arms, her sacrifice an unbearable weight on all of us. “Get up, Jordan,” Jack commands, his voice cold and fierce. His hazel eyes are fixed on the elders, blazing with an anger I’ve never seen before. “She gave her life for this fight. Don’t let her sacrifice be in vain.” Jordan doesn’t respond at first, his shoulders shaking as he clings to Violet. But then, something shifts. A low growl rumbles from deep within his chest, growing louder until it fills the room. He lifts his head, his eyes no longer just filled with sorrow but something far darker—pure, unrelenting rage. When he speaks, his voice is guttural, barely human. “You’ll pay for this.” The ground beneath us trembles as Jordan rises, Violet’s body lifelessly la
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