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
Chapter Seventy-Seven Raina’s POVThe days at the café slip by quickly, and it’s hard to ignore how fast Jenna is picking things up. She’s good at this, maybe even better than I gave her credit for. Despite the rude customers and the chaos of the morning rush, she keeps her cool. Jenna's been sticking around during my cigarette breaks lately, which is unusual. It’s not like she’s taken up smoking; in fact, the smoke makes her eyes water, and I can see her holding her breath sometimes, trying not to inhale too deeply. But she’s there, keeping me company, chatting about mundane things, like the way the clouds look today or how the coffee machine keeps breaking down. It’s nice, but the more I’m around her, the more curious I get. She doesn’t talk much about herself, but when she does, it’s in small, careful doses. I know she’s staying at a shelter, but I don’t know why. Whenever the topic of her past comes up, there’s a shift in her. She stiffens, her eyes grow distant, and the conver
Chapter Seventy-Eight Jenna’s POVBack at the shelter, the familiar sound of quiet conversations and the clinking of dishes greets me as I step through the door. The place is bustling with activity as usual, people coming in and out, some seeking comfort, others trying to find a moment of peace in a life that never seems to slow down. I’ve gotten used to the rhythm here. At first, it was strange—being around so many people yet keeping my distance. But now, I’ve started to settle in, even bonded with a few of the others.There’s Shirley, a woman in her sixties who never talks about anything except her dogs. She used to have three of them before she ended up here, and she talks about them like they’re her kids. Every time we sit down for dinner, she tells me about how much she misses them and how they were the only family she had. She’s got this soft spot for them, and I’ve grown used to hearing her stories. There’s a warmth in her voice when she talks about those dogs, and I can’t h
Chapter Seventy-Nine Jenna’s POVAfter our shift, Raina had suggested we visit somewhere to cool off our heads. The day had been hectic and rush hour had been hellish. Raina and I visit the park, though she promises to take me to more interesting places by weekend. The park is quiet, but my mind is not. As I sit beside Raina, my thoughts start to drift, and I can’t shake the growing discomfort in my body. It’s subtle at first—a restless itch under my skin. Then it starts to build, an unsettling sensation creeping into my bones, making my muscles tense. The pull of the moon is there, faint but undeniable. I try to push it away, to keep it buried like I’ve learnt to do, but the moon is waxing, and I know it won’t be long before the full moon is upon us. The need to shift—to run wild and free under the night sky—hums beneath the surface. It’s always like this as the full moon approaches—an overwhelming desire to let the wolf inside me break free. To feed. To hunt. It’s a primal urge,
Chapter EightyJenna's POVThe pull of the moon had become unbearable. Every step toward the shelter felt like a weight pressing down on me—the hunger, the need to shift clawing at my insides. By the time I reached the door, the pressure in my chest was so intense, it was a wonder I hadn’t already given in. I could hear the blood rushing in my ears and feel the rapid thump of my heartbeat as the wolf inside me stirred, growing stronger and more insistent with each passing moment. I push through the door, barely registering the familiar sounds of the shelter, the quiet conversations, the clatter of dishes. My senses were elsewhere—heightened, sharp. The smell of the earth, the cool night air filtering through the open windows. The world outside was calling to me. And I wasn’t the only one who felt it. Eleanor stood by the window, her back to the room. I could sense the same tension in her, the restlessness radiating off her in waves. Her body was rigid, hands clenched at her sides a
Chapter Eighty-One Jenna's POV Everything at the café is still running smoothly. My relationship with Raina keeps getting better, and I’ve grown accustomed to hanging out with her during her cigarette breaks. I’ve even gotten used to the smoke—my eyes don’t water anymore, which I take as progress.The café is a great place to work, and with my weekly pay cheque, I’ve started saving up. It’s still kind of strange how much humans value these paper bills, but I’ve learnt fast how essential they are in this world. Food, clothes, even a place to live—it’s all controlled by money. The more I understand, the more I adapt.But everything changes when a new hire arrives. Cassie.It’s the middle of the afternoon shift when she walks in, all smiles and wide eyes, looking younger than I expected. She’s introduced to the team by our boss, and the second she steps into the room, I feel it. Something’s off.“This is Cassie,” the boss says, clapping her on the shoulder. “She’ll be working with us f
Chapter Eighty-TwoJenna's POVThe air is thick with tension as I make my way back to the shelter after another day of working alongside Cassie. The café had been its usual bustling self, but every encounter with her leaves me more unsettled. She’s too sweet, too eager, and always watching. The younger lady also has a sunny, bubbly disposition that doesn't match her aura at all. And she always tries to find ways to belittle me. Today, she has her makeup done to perfection, with the perfect cat-eye that causes a few of the male patrons to stop and stare. As we continue to work, I notice that Cassie develops the habit of giving me the wrong order and trying to correct me in the presence of customers, portraying me as incompetent. And then, another time she watches me struggle to balance five coffee cups on a tray and scoffs. “That's not how you do it, Jenna. You're going to end up spilling that whole drink on your shirt, or worse, the floor.” Unfortunately, the rude Mr. Williams 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