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
Chapter Seventy-Four Jack’s POVAs I stand back, watching the scene unfold, Violet steps up beside me, her eyes shining with satisfaction and pride. "They’re doing well," she says softly.I nod, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "They are. This will make a difference.""We’ll be ready," she replies, her voice filled with quiet determination.I turn to her, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "You’re incredible, you know that?" Violet has greatly demonstrated that I make no mistake choosing her as my mate. I had known that I needed someone strong and agile, someone who could match my energy and vigor. Violet jag greatly fits that description. My mind goes back to Jenna; I had begun to think about her less and less. But she remained at the back of my mind, never building to the surface. Her large green eyes sometimes flickered through my mind's eye, and sometimes I found myself wondering about her. Thinking about what had become of her. Maybe she had sojourned in another
Chapter Seventy-FiveJenna’s POV“I didn’t order egg sandwiches,” he says as soon as I drop the food on his desk. “I’m sorry about that,” I reply, looking down at my writing pad. Eleanor had taught me to write words; it had been quite easy to learn, and I had caught up in no time. “It says here egg sandwiches for table five.” “Are you deaf? I freaking didn’t order that. I said that I needed bagels and a cup of plain coffee.” I shake my head at the man who looks a little intimidating in his expensive suit. That’s far from what you ordered. “Are you implying that I am lying? Is that what you’re implying?” His voice is cold, and his tone is deadly. “Are you trying to push the blame on me for your foolishness and incompetence?” His voice has begun to rise, grabbing the attention of the other patrons, who turn to listen in on the conversation. My heart beats loudly, and I try to rein in my anger. I had been taught that the customer is always right, even though this suit man is clear
Chapter Seventy-Six Raina’s POVI watch Jenna walk away; her steps are light and graceful. She’s beautiful in a way that makes it seem effortless, like she doesn’t even realise the kind of effect she has. Her long, waist-length blonde hair catches the light, and when she moves, there’s something almost ethereal about her. Men in the café eye her, some of them staring a little too long, but she doesn’t notice. Or if she does, she doesn’t care. Her focus is entirely on the job—getting orders right, cleaning tables, doing what she’s supposed to do. She’s all about the task at hand, and I can’t help but admire that.But as much as Jenna looks like the typical girl next door, there’s something else about her. Something that feels... different. There’s an energy that radiates off her—something subtle but powerful. It makes me wonder, just for a moment, if she might be like me. If she’s hiding something under the surface, just like I am.I’ve always been good at sensing things in people. I
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
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