Chapter Sixty-SixJenna's POVThe women's shelter is quieter than usual when I step back inside. After the morning at the park with Eleanor, Maddie, and Zoe, I feel a strange mix of unease and relief. It’s odd, feeling like I’m starting to belong in a place where I know I don’t. But I can't allow myself to derail from my true mission. I didn't journey for days in the forest, simply to come here and dillydally. As I head toward the common area, I spot Elizabeth at the far end of the hallway. She’s overseeing the delivery of some supplies, her sharp eyes scanning the workers as they move boxes into the storeroom. Elizabeth is a woman who doesn’t miss a thing. When I first arrived here, it was she who welcomed me, her eyes filled with a mix of empathy and warmth. But as the day progressed, I began to feel watched; sometimes during dinner, I'd catch someone watching me thoughtfully. "Jenna," Elizabeth calls, her voice cutting through the silence. She waves me over with a slight tilt o
Chapter Sixty Seven Jenna's POV Elizabeth’s smile fades slightly, and after a lingering glance, she turns to leave. When the sound of her steps is gone, I release a breath I didn’t realise I’d been holding. Alone again, I feel the familiar pull to venture further into the outskirts. The wild calls to me, the open, untamed land that lies beyond the boundaries of this human town. I glance toward the direction of the shelter, then back outside, where the sky is bright and the air looks promising. I don't forget about my growling stomach. Breakfast of syrupy pancakes had not done anything to ebb my natural hunger. Zoe and Eleanor had seemed to really enjoy the meal, and I couldn't resist pushing my plates towards them and watching as they happily divided my almost full plate equally and dived into it. My wolf stirs inside me, reminding me of its meal. Our meal, urging me to go deeper, to get closer to the forest that still feels like home in so many ways. Despite my mission to unde
Chapter Sixty Eight Jenna’s POVI swallow hard, my mind racing. She’s right—I do understand. I’ve been hiding who I am since the moment I stepped into this town, pretending to be human, just like she has."You knew," I say slowly, realisation dawning. "You knew what I was."Eleanor nods. "I suspected. There’s a certain... aura around those of us who come from the wild. But I wasn’t sure, not until tonight."My head spins with the weight of her words and the implications of what this means. “I suspected you were more than just human.” We’re not so different, Eleanor and I. Both of us are wolves in hiding, navigating a world that isn’t ours, trying to blend in while keeping our true nature secret.“Yes. I needed to be sure I could trust you with my secret.”"What now?" I ask, my voice quiet.Eleanor steps closer, her eyes softening. "Now, we talk. But not here."She glances around at the dark woods, her expression serious. "It’s not safe. The bear wasn’t the only threat out here."I n
Chapter Sixty Nine Jenna's POV As we head back towards the shelter, walking side by side in silence, I struggle to fully process what I’ve learnt about Eleanor. The fight with the bear lingers in my mind—her fierceness, her survival instincts. She had learnt to fend for herself early, and it showed in every movement, every decisive action. “It’s a lot to take in, isn’t it?” Eleanor asks, her voice calm but with an edge of understanding.I turn to eye her, feeling a mix of curiosity and uncertainty. “You’ve always been able to guess what I’m thinking. Are you a mind reader too?”Eleanor chuckles, shaking her head. “No, not really. But I do have a degree in human development and psychology. I can read your thoughts through your nonverbal cues. You make it really easy for me, though—you have a readable face.”I raise an eyebrow. “That’s not very flattering.”She grins, clearly amused. “No, but it’s cute. You’re like an open book.”An open book. That’s what Zephyr used to say too. I wi
Chapter Seventy Jenna's POV As we continue walking through the quiet night, the sounds of the forest falling into a lull, I can feel the weight of the conversation still hanging between us. Eleanor's offer to teach me how to use human weapons lingers in my mind, but there's another pressing issue I can't ignore—surviving here in the human world.I stop, turning to face her, and Eleanor pauses beside me, her dark eyes steady, waiting."I need to ask you something," I begin hesitantly. "You told me earlier about finding a job. I know I can't stay at the shelter forever, and I need money—the human currency—if I want to be independent. How... how do I even start?"Eleanor seems to consider my words for a moment before nodding slowly. "You're right. Money is necessary in this world, unfortunately. You can't get far without it."I shift uncomfortably. "But I don’t even know where to begin. Eleanor gives me a reassuring smile. "There are ways around that. I can help you get what you need—
Chapter Seventy-One Jenna’s POVThe sun is barely rising when I slip out of bed the next morning, nerves dancing in my stomach like a pack of restless wolves. Today’s the day. My first real job—if you can call waiting tables a "real job." But to me, it’s more than just a way to make money. It’s a way to blend in, to observe the humans up close without raising suspicion.Eleanor does not know this, but she's provided me with the best cover. It would be so easy to carry out my try mission undetected. Things couldn't have progressed any better. Eleanor is up early too, but I know that it's not due to nerves or anything like that. As I get ready for the day, Eleanor does the same. And we walk in silence as we each go about our morning business. I have to make sure breakfast is ready. Eleanor says, after we've both showered and downed our clothes. I nod and watch as she slips through the door. At breakfast, Zoe chatters away as usual, telling me about her new stuffed animal, Toddles.
Chapter Seventy-TwoJack's POV The crowd slowly disperses, the people murmuring to one another, discussing the sudden command to leave. The dread in the air is palpable, but beneath it, I sense a thread of reluctant acceptance. They know we cannot stay here, not with the threat of humans looming over us. And though it tears at my heart to leave our home, our ancestors' resting place, I know it is the right decision. The only decision.As I walk toward my own den to prepare for the journey, my mind races with thoughts of the upcoming challenge. Leading a pack to a new home is no simple feat. I have to be strong—stronger than I feel at this moment. Strong enough to make the hard decisions. For their sake.The night stretches long, sleepless, as I prepare for the dawn. When the first light breaks across the horizon, we gather once more at the base of the mountain. The air is crisp and cold, biting at exposed skin. The people are bundled up, their bags packed with whatever little they ca
Chapter Seventy-three Jack's POV We push on for hours, stopping only briefly for water or to rest our legs. The young children cling to their parents, their small faces streaked with dirt and weariness. The older wolves keep watch, their eyes sharp, scanning the surroundings for any sign of danger. But so far, the forest has been quiet. Too quiet. By the time the sun begins to dip below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the trees, I know we need to stop for the night. "We’ll rest here," I announce, my voice loud enough for everyone to hear. "Set up camp. We'll continue at first light."There’s a collective sigh of relief from the pack, and they begin to set down their burdens, their tired limbs sagging with the promise of rest. I watch them for a moment, my eyes scanning the group. Many of them are too vulnerable, too unprepared for the dangers that might lie ahead. The human attack was a harsh reminder that we can’t rely solely on our strength to protect us. We need mor
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