JAKE'S POV
Ryan screeched the car to a halt in front of the pack house. I flung open the door and stepped outside, her unconscious body in my arms. Her blood soaked into my shirt, warm and sticky, but I barely noticed. All that mattered to me was the faint, fragile breath I could feel against my chest.
Damien dashed out of the car a second later, his face a puzzled, worried expression.
“Jake, what are we going to do?”. His face and tone were a mix of concern and confusion.
“Find the head guard. Tell him to get Selene here right away,” I ordered. “Let her know the urgency of the situation.” My tone brooked no argument.
Damien’s footsteps were a blur behind me as I bolted up the stairs to the pack house
Damien nodded sharply and set out to the security post.
Looking down at her pale face with dark, tangled hair framing it made my heart tighten. I balanced her weight on my arm as I climbed the stairs up into the house.
The door swung open ahead of me, two junior guards stepping aside as they caught sight of me. Their eyes flicked to the girl, curiosity glinting in their gaze, but neither dared speak.
“Get back to your posts, and ensure the perimeter is secured!” I snapped, and they hurried off without a word.
Gently, I laid her on the examining table, cautious, not to move her body unnecessarily, ignoring the strong antiseptic smell that always has a way of making me nauseous.
The sight of her in this state caused a knot of anxiety to tangle inside of me. I couldn't leave her side, and this incessant mate Bond was screaming in my veins.
Each passing minute felt like an excruciating eternity. In the back of my mind, Lucio, my wolf, paced, his howls of frustration echoing mine.
“Selene should have been here by now,” Lucio growled in my mind, his frustration matching my own.
“She’s coming,” I muttered aloud.
"She is in pain. You shouldn’t wait. She’s our mate. Do something!” he snarled.
“And risk making it worse? I'm not a healer, Lucio," I snapped back immediately, gripping the edge of the table. "Selene will arrive shortly.”
I turned abruptly as I heard approaching footsteps. The door swung open and Selene, accompanied by Damien, stepped into the room. Her healer's bag draped over one shoulder.
She was still wearing casual attire, probably because Damien's eagerness had dragged her out of her evening routine. Tales have it that Selene is as old as time; ageless.
“What happened?” she demanded, moving quickly to the girl’s side.
“I found her in the woods. She was attacked by rogues.” I said, stepping aside, and giving her space to carry out her examination.
Without hesitation, Selene tore off the girl's bloody dress to examine her wounds. She had deep claw scars on her arms and side.
"She's lost a lot of blood," Selene whispered, her voice full of concern. “She's strong though, I can feel her energy. She will make it through.”
Those words brought a glimmer of relief to me as I sat and watched Selene move with experienced precision, cleaning and suturing the wounds. Her movement suddenly slowed down when he caught a glimpse of the crescent-shaped pendant around the girl's neck.
“Where did you say you found her?” Selene asked, her voice hesitant.
“hmm.. boundary between Howling Hills and the Red Keep,” I replied, narrowing my eyes. “Why do you ask?”
Selene didn’t answer immediately. Her fingers brushed the pendant as her brows furrowed. There was something guarded in her expression, something she wasn’t saying.
“It’s nothing,” she said quickly.
“Selene,” I called out, my voice low and threatening, “if you know something, tell me.”
She didn’t meet my gaze, instead returning her focus to the girl’s injuries.
Frustration built up in my chest, but I forced myself to step back. She continued cleaning and stitching up the wounds.
A couple of minutes later, she reached for a towel to wipe off the bloody mess, followed by washing and sterilization of her suture materials.
“That would be all, Alpha. She’ll need rest,” Selene said, packing her supplies. “Ensure you monitor her overnight.”
“Yeah,” I steeled myself and nodded subtly.
Selene hesitated, her eyes searching mine for a moment before she nodded. “Very well. Call me if there’s any change.”
She took her leave, gently shutting the door behind her.
My gaze fell back to her face as I pulled in a chair and sat beside the bed, leaning forward with my elbows on my knees. I couldn't help my thoughts spiraling into chaos.
“She’s beautiful,” Lucio said, his voice more calm now.
“Can you just stop!” I grunted, leaning back into the chair. “She’s a problem,” I muttered.
“She’s our mate, you know it! Not like you can change anything right now” Lucio pressed on.
“And that’s exactly the problem. I can't bear another guilt, I don't think I can love another after Alisha”
Lucio growled softly, but I shut him out.
*****
The sound of the door creaking open, jolted me back awake. I had dozed off for God knows how long. I immediately checked on little Miss. She was still unconscious but stable.
“I was told you've been here for hours… What's going on? Are you okay?” My mum, Tessa queried as she hurriedly stepped in. “Oh goodness! Who is she?” She asked as she examined the unconscious lady.
“I’m fine, Mom,” I said, stepping back slightly, giving her room to examine me like a toddler growing a tooth.
She didn’t press further, her gaze returning to the girl. After a moment of silence, she turned to me again, this time, more relaxed but still curious.
“Who is she, Jake?”
“I'm yet to find out mum, but…” I stuttered.
“....But what, Jake?”
“She’s my mate,” I finally admitted, the words heavy on my lips.
Tessa’s brows lifted in surprise, but her expression quickly shifted to understanding. “And you’re afraid.”
She pulled up a chair beside me, her expression gentle but firm. “Jake, you can’t keep running from this. You’ve carried this guilt for too long.”
“I killed Alisha,” I said, my voice cracking. “I couldn’t protect her, and now the Moon Goddess wants me to risk someone else’s life? How is that fair?”
“She’ll die because of me, mom!” I said, my voice rough with emotion. “Just..just like Alisha. Mom, I'm a monster! She doesn't deserve this, I don't deserve to have another blood in my hands” Tears threatened to drop but I had to sulk.
Tessa reached out, placing a comforting hand on my arm. “Jake, you didn’t kill Alisha. You are no monster! The curse did.”
“And the curse is still here,” I said bitterly. “What’s to stop it from taking her too?”
“You…You Jake! You have to open up your heart to heal! Let go of your past!” Tessa said firmly. “You’re stronger now. Wiser. And this girl—she’s not Alisha. She’s your second chance. Don’t let fear rob you of that.”
Her words cut through the storm of doubt in my mind, but they didn’t erase the weight of the curse or the memories of what I’d lost.
I shook my head, frustration boiling over. “You don’t understand. What if I lose control again? The full moon is in two weeks!”
“You won’t,” Mum said, holding my hands firmly. “Because this time, you won’t be alone. Let her in, Jake. Let her help you. I'd be in my study if you need me”
“Yeah…Goodnight mum,” I said as she watched her leave.
Her words lingered long after she left. I sat in the dim light, staring at the girl. As the hours stretched into the night, I remained by her side.
“Who are you?” I whispered, my voice barely audible. “Why did the Moon Goddess send you to me?”
LYRA'S POV A bright light blinded my vision as I fluttered my eyes open. The sting of it made me wince, forcing my lids shut again. Slowly, I tried a second time, squinting until the room around me came into focus—blurry edges sharpening into unfamiliar shapes.The room was large- a curious blend of elegance and mystery. Paintings lined the wall, the chandelier hung like a frozen waterfall. Its crystals reflect shiny glitters. The room gave the antique setting of a 1960 movie, but this wasn't a movie and it was certainly not my room. My heart pounded as I panicked, Where was I?“You’re awake.”A deep voice startled me, cutting through my thoughts as I turned towards a man opening the door with a broad smile. His striking features were sharp and commanding. He was dressed simply in a blue sweatshirt that did little to hide his broad shoulders; his gray eyes were enchanting all at the same time. As he approached me, my breath hitched.“You’ve been out for three days,” he said calmly,
LYRA’S POVI sat in front of the mirror as Abigail, one of the maids worked on my hair. My heart, racing with thoughts of the evening ahead. Jake had earlier informed me I’d be formally introduced to the pack council. As if it was not overwhelming enough, he added I’d be meeting his mother. Just yesterday, I lost everything dear to me and almost my life. And now, I’m about to be introduced as Luna - well, a rather useless one. I can't even shift into my wolf. Of what use would I be? Oh goodness!I exhaled..“Do you like this hairstyle ma’am?” Abigail asked. Her words literally drew my wandering thoughts back to the present. She had chosen a stunning Chignon hairdo with finely woven braids with loose ripple curls framing my face.“It’s gorgeous”, I said half heartedly, trying to sound calm. I watched her fasten a diamond encrusted necklace around my neck. Jake had gotten it for me earlier today alongside my dress for the evening. He sure does have an eye for fashion to compliment br
LYRA'S POV I scrambled to my feet, my heart was beating so fast that I was gasping and exhaling long breaths almost simultaneously. Leaned against the wall waiting for the unsettling murmurs in the kitchen to slowly die down. Moments later, it was replaced by clattering of utensils and footsteps shortly before the switch was turned off. This was a cue I had to leave immediately before anyone saw me.I quickly made my way back to my room with my thoughts racing with what I just heard. He murdered his mate? That couldn't be possible or could it? .I badged into my room, quickly shutting the door behind me. My palms were sweating and my hands trembling. Could it be true? I wondered. But then, what do I truly know about him? He was an alpha, a leader forged in ruthlessness. Secrets were bound to exist.The meeting with the council members had already left me shaken, and now this? It was a lot to process. I laid on the bed, sleep refusing to come until darkness overwhelmed me. *****I wo
JAKE’S POVThe incident at last full Blood Moon haunted me everyday. The memory persisted in my mind like a festering wound that would not go away, regardless of how much time had passed.I remembered the heat of it, the way my blood boiled as my wolf, Lucio, struggled for control. The Blood Moon's tug was more powerful than anything I had ever experienced. My entire body shook, my muscles tensing up and my claws sticking out against my will. I had tried to resist it. But it was more powerful.And Alisha paid the price.She had looked at me with such love, even in her final moments. Her dark eyes, wide with fear but unwavering in trust."Jake, it’s me," she had whispered, hands cradling her stomach, protecting our unborn child.But I hadn’t heard her. Not truly. The beast inside me had drowned out everything—her voice, her scent, her pain.Her body laid lifeless beneath me. My claws buried in her chest. The howl of agony that ripped from my throat when reality snapped back.I had kill
LYRA’S POVI stood there in the arena, battered and breathless. Blood dripped from the deep cut on my side and arm. I could barely move. My opponent towered towards me. Her eyes, red, burning with cruel satisfaction.“You failed yet again!” She sneered.Before I could react, it's body contorted into sickening cracks, muscles ripping apart, bones stretching, saliva dripping, bloodshot eyes, slowly transitioning into a ferocious monster.I tried to escape but my body felt frozen. The ground beneath me split open, black twigs sprawled upwards, twisting around my legs, dragging me down into darkness. “No, let me go!” I struggled, trying to break free, but it wouldn't let go. I clawed dirt, trying to get a grip on something but its pull was stronger.“You are mine.” It growled. Its claws sliced through my face with a swipe as it dragged me into the underworld.“NO!!!!”I jolted from my bed, my eyes fluttering as I tried to adjust to the dark surroundings. My breathing was ragged, confusio
LYRA’S POVThe quietness in the room was broken by my alarm buzzing sound. I let out a moan and slammed it shut. For a few seconds, I considered sliding back under the duvet but the constant movement and footsteps around the house succeeded in pulling my mind awake.“Jeezzz…don't y'all sleep?”. I rolled over my pillow, muffling my mouth with it before letting out my frustration in a muffled scream.Today is my first day of training.For a moment, I stared into the ceiling thinking of how best to make this work. I let out a deep sigh before rolling over the bed, forcing myself up, and making my way to the bathroom.I gripped the sink, staring at myself in the mirror. With pale skin and eye bags, I didn't look like someone cut out for a fight. Come to think of it, I had always imagined mate Bond being all rosy and a happily-ever-after union. Not some Vikings show-off. Pushing the thought aside, I grabbed my towel and entered the shower.I quickly dressed up and made my way to the kitche
JAKE'S POVI hurried off with what seemed like the speed of light. I didn’t know where I was going at first but I kept running. Away from Lyra, away from the pack, away from myself!..I burst out to the lakeside. There was something about the scenery that gave me a rather calming effect, so it became my spot when I was troubled.I dropped to my knees by the water bank, digging my claws into the sand before letting out a loud growl. “Ahhhhh… why me? Why always me?” I screamed my lungs out. “ Why have you forsaken me, moon goddess? I never brought this upon myself. Haven't you punished me enough?”. “You took my wife! My son! And when I was beginning to build another life, you were back to steal it too.” I punched hard on the ground, tears streaming down my cheeks.I could still remember the smile on Alisha’s face that night. It was a day to our anniversary and we had organized a pre-anniversary dinner- just the two of us. I knelt in front of her, my ears slightly resting on her baby
LYRA'S POVWhat in the good heavens just happened? I hadn’t expected him to lash out like that or did I do anything to trigger his temper? I kept pondering on what just happened as I walked back to the packhouse clenching my wrist lightly, trying to ease the throbbing pain that stung me as a result of Jake's tight grip. The sight of blood smears on my skin made my stomach twist.“He could’ve killed you,” Tara whispered, her voice finally breaking through the racing thoughts in my mind. “That wasn’t just a slip. Something’s wrong with him.” She kept bellowing loudly but I altered no word.I pushed through the side entrance, avoiding the main hall, but the moment I stepped inside, Abigail’s sharp eyes landed on me.“My goodness! Miss Lyra, what happened?” She exclaimed. Her eyes widened as she rushed forward, her hands already reaching for mine.“I’m fine.” My response was sharp and my body tensed as she tried to inspect the wound. Her flinch made me regret my tone, but I couldn’t brin
LYRA’S POV“Pregnant?” I asked, walking back to the bed with shock over my face.“No, I’m not! Why would you think that?” I retorted.I’ve already been through enough, getting pregnant by someone who has practically rejected me will be the last straw that would break the camel’s back. A rejected pregnant Luna? Hell no! That would be a disaster. I don't think I'd be able to stand such a level of jest and shame. I heaved a sigh trying to shake off the thought from my mind.“I wouldn’t be totally wrong asking,” Lisa said, with her brows slightly raised. “As much as there are no physical signs chances yet, we cannot rule out the possibility. Not like Alpha Jake is impotent, plus the day you got out of coma,...”“Yes! The day I got out of coma,” I said, rolling my eyes. I remember throwing up but that should be the side effect of the medications I had gotten.” I retorted, cutting her assumptions off. “Me and Jake were not always in each other's bed except for one time; the day he came to
LYRA’S POV"Lyra, please come on, we've got to go now," Lisa pleaded as she crossed her arm into mine pulling me away from the choking tension.I stood there frozen, and I didn't realize she was pulling me to walk away. My heart at that instant was drowning with emotions. The moment Jake refused to deny Ella’s claim, something inside me cracked—something I wasn’t sure could ever be repaired.I got a hold of myself and decided to listen to Lisa. I walked blindly, letting Lisa lead me while I wished I'd somehow open my eyes to realize it was just a nightmare.Sadly, it wasn't. My mind kept playing back everything that had just taken place, from Jake’s cold response and expressions to Ella’s sneers.I was so lost in my thoughts that I barely noticed when Lisa stopped walking. I looked up to see Tessa standing in front of me. As much as I tried to be calm, none of them was left out in my wrath. From Jake to his mother, down to the council members. They all knew about this.“Lyra…” she sta
LYRA’S POV"Do you know who she is?" I whispered to Lisa still maintaining a firm stance while she walked in, in a chaotic manner. I briefly turned to Tessa, who looked like she expected it but not so soon. I took a few steps forward, meeting up with her halfway into the house. “I don’t know if you have issues with hearing, but I just asked a question a few seconds ago?” My voice came out sharp. “I am going to ask you one more time, what are you doing in my house or do you have the wrong address?” I asked again.She threw her chestnut-colored hair behind her shoulder with a smirk on her face while scanning me with her emerald-colored eyes as if checking if I was worth a response from her or not. She was tall and slim, and her curves were obviously not hidden. She carried herself effortlessly in a way that suggested she was used to luxury. Her shiny designer dress and the glittering accessories made a statement but I care less about those.She arched her perfectly carved brow. "Oh, I
LYRA’S POV“Oh, Thank goodness you’re here!” I overheard Tessa talking to Lisa from behind my door. It’s been three days now since my encounter with Jake and I haven’t stepped out to feel the sunlight. I wasn’t ready to have the eyes of the pack members on me and obviously the crazy gossips that would be flying around. Just yesterday, I overheard some maids talking about me from the laundry cot which was just behind my window. I was clothed in shame. How can I stand the faces of everyone who had thought so highly of me. But on the brighter side, I’m still Luna. I can’t let Jake’s flimsy attitude get the better of me. I should have gotten used to it by now.“Please open the door, Lyra!” Lisa pleaded, followed by her incessant knocks on the door.“Please go away, Lisa. I don’t want to talk to anyone. You all should let me be, Please.” I echoed back to her, sliding down to the hard floor with my back leaning against the door.“Just let me in, please. I promise not to talk. I just want
LYRA'S POVA grave of silence spread through the chambers, very thick and suffocating. I knew if I yelled from now till centuries later, it would only take the command from Alpha Jake to make them leave the chambers. How can the heart of man be so wicked, I kept wondering with my heart pounding hard in my chest. I could feel the heat of my anger escaping through my nostrils as I waited for an unfortunate person who would dare speak to me so I could lace them with my venom.The council members moved uncomfortably in their seats, staring at each other without a word. I had stood behind the door listening to them argue before walking in, though it came as faint whispers, I couldn't make out the reason for the argument. Gamma Rhea’s lips parted in shock, while Elder Gregor, who had been the loudest in his opposition earlier, seemed momentarily at a loss for words.Jake’s voice sliced through the tension breaking the silence. “Leave us.” He ordered. His tone was low yet firm as he sat ba
JAKE'S POVMy words hung heavy in the chamber and hearts of everyone seated around the neatly polished conference table. The murmurs and gasps still simmered within. I could feel the disappointed looks and the disbelief etched into their expressions as they tried to suck in my words. Even my most loyal advisors seemed shaken, Damon especially. He still hadn’t lifted his head.I sat patiently waiting for them all to kick against my decision because I knew it was inevitable in this situation. But, what they didn’t understand was, I wasn’t doing this out of cruelty. I'm doing this to keep Lyra safe. I am very sure they do not know what it feels like to have blood in your hands and I'm not willing to go down that lane.I bit down on my inner lip, trying to get myself ready to hear several angry tongues lash out at me."I think you are joking, Your Grace, because you can't be serious," Elder Gregor finally spoke, his voice laced with disbelief. He was the oldest member of the council, his
JAKE'S POV“Do you want to question my authority?” I barked at the maid standing in front of me. My chest heaving as I spat at her.“No..No sir!” the maid responded, her voice trembling as she bowed before me.“I thought as much. Now get out of my sight before I throw your miserable self to the dogs to feed on!” I hissed.“Ye.. yes sir!” She responded before running off from my presence. My heart fell into my stomach immediately when she left my presence. This is obviously the toughest decision I have ever made as an Alpha. Hurting someone I care about without flinching. Not intentionally, but it was necessary to save them. “I hope Lyra gets to understand this hard choice later on,” I muttered to myself.“Jake!” I heard my mum yell my name while storming into the house. Whenever I hear her call me by my name in that manner, I know I'm about to have my head on a plate, but I care less right now. With time they will all understand why I have to do this.“Yes, mum?” I responded casua
LYRA’S POV“I don't know exactly what is wrong with Jake,” I yelled. “One moment he's nice, the next, he treats me like a piece of furniture decorating the house,” I busted out in anger.“You have every right to feel this way, Lyra. But what can I possibly say? I'm facing the same problem with my husband. He has been distant from me and that is so unlike him.” Lisa said. I don't know if those words were meant to comfort me, but they did nothing to calm my mind. If this was how other mates suffer in their union, maybe the moon goddess would have considered making me a loner, other than pairing me with a nut head. I paced up and down the room, sneering in anger.“I overheard my husband talking about a new pack ruled by a vicious Alpha, Leo and he is threatening to take over our territory. I think they are engrossed with handling the threat,” she suggested in a low tone.I flinched at the mention of that name. “Leo?” I asked. My tone was laced with a bit of curiosity.My brother, Leo,
LYRA'S POV "Who are you?" I voiced out, in search of who was talking. "You should know better than hiding behind those trees, you coward! Show yourself!" I barked."The moment is drawing near Lyra..it's time!" I heard the voice whisper into my ear again. This time around, I felt chills forming on my skin and my eyes pushing out of its sockets in fear. I could hear my heart banging in my chest until someone held my arm from behind. My heart immediately sank into my stomach.“Oh my God!” I muttered under my breath, slowly turning around to see who it was. A woman with an eerie figure stood behind me. I couldn't make her face but her eyes glowed from the dark veil across her face.“Who.. who are you?” I stuttered, my body trembling. I waited for a response but got none. I tried to summon courage this time around, “Who are..” I was cut off forcefully.She pulled out my hand with a speed I never expected, making a straight cut on it. “What do you think you're doing?” I asked, groaning a