Four

I DON'T KNOW much about lycans because they are rarer than werewolves. They were even rumoured to have gone extinct. But from the few hours I've spent with them, I've had a little more knowledge about them than I had before. 

I've always known that, unlike werewolves, lycans do not shift completely into wolves. Their paranormal form is a humanoid wolf. A pretty monstrous sight.

I read somewhere that their connection with the moon goddess was also not as strong as that of werewolves and it was the reason they don't shift uncontrollably and howl at the full moon. 

I know they were stronger than werewolves. 

How much stronger? I wasn't aware of that. 

All I knew was, a werewolf would have whimpered in pain at my spell - I had seen My father bat off hordes of Vampires with just that spell - but these ones just shook it off like it was nothing. Or maybe I just wasn't good at making that kind of effect with magic yet.

No pressure though. At least, I could finally feel the magical energy in my bloodstream.

I sat in the passenger seat, watching Jason, who was at the wheel. The way he handled the steering wheel with his long, slim fingers was so sexy. 

It felt too seductive to be sitting next to him when I find everything he does to be sensual. I tried to caution myself but it was impossible. I could feel Jared and Jake gazes on me from the back seat too.

Occasionally, Mine and Jared's eyes would meet in the side view mirror and he would give me a small wink. 

Luckily the journey was not a long distance.

I had butterflies in my belly when I thought of the pack and if they would accept me. 

I'm not really an expert at meeting new people and I don't want them to think I'm powerless like the triplet thought too.

We swerved into a side road off the highway. I gave Jason a confused look. "What is going on? Why are we turning here?" He kept quiet. 

"Shortest route," Jared supplied from the back seat. 

I sighed and slumped back against my seat. 

After driving in the woods for about 10 minutes, we came upon a huge mansion with a very wide yard. Jason parked the car just outside the front door. "We're here." He said. 

This was their territory? Where are the pack members?

I leaned out my window and stared at the imposing structure.

I could not see much. The night air was thick and cold against my skin. 

Jared got out and opened my door. 

"Shall we?" He held out his hand to help me out. "You'll get a cold if you stay out here for long." 

I scoffed and leapt out of the car on my own. I heard Jake chuckle behind me.

We went to the front door, which opened as we got near and a young boy stood behind it. He gave us a wide smile

"Welcome home, Alpha heir." He said to Jason, beaming at them

The boy went out to the SUV that we came in and started unloading our luggage. 

"I'll show you to your room." Jared told me. I nodded and followed him.

"Be down in 5 minutes." Jason called out. 

How does their pack crisis involve and concern me?? I yelled inwardly. I didn't intend to be helpful to them at all! After all they did, they should be glad I don’t know how to make impressive magic yet.

"You have a suite just right next to ours." Jared's voice interrupted my thoughts as we took the stairs.

"So, Jason is like the Crown Prince, huh?" I raised an obvious question and he smiled at me fondly.

"The three of us all have Alpha blood running in our veins. But seeing as Jason was the first to come out, it is only proper that he takes up the rank." 

"Not like the territory is much to look after." I mumbled nonchalantly.  

Jared’s eyes hardened. "The land we own here is not walkable. It is about 10 hectares. The mansions stand in the middle of it."

I gasped. "I'm sorry if you feel insulted." 

He nodded grimly. "Here we are." 

I pushed open the polished oak doors. The room was large and lovely. A king-size bed sat in a corner. 

"We have breakfast and dinner together." Jared said. 

"Everyone lives here?" I asked. 

He nodded. "We're not that much, yet. Just a little over 30 of us." 

"That's enough to take out 3 medium-sized werewolf packs." I pointed out. I never knew they were this large in numbers.

He shrugged again. "Some went into hiding, some only have a few members of their family here to keep their roots.”

“Oh..” 

“We should get back." 

"Why should I?" I pouted stubbornly. "I'm neither a lycan nor part of your Alpha bloodline." 

"Well, my father is Alpha and he married your mother.”

“So?” I raised a brow at him to explain himself.

“You agreed to be here, Cassy.”

I opened my mouth to refute, “I —” damn mum. Why did you have to put me in this situation?

Jared chuckled when I subtly closed my mouth.

“Besides, he might not say it, but Jason needs all the help he can get and you're a witch." 

I nodded, but decided not to tell him that my magic show earlier might have been a one time thing, or a fluke.

A mischievous smile crept on my face as I imagined Jason's disappointment when he found out that I will only be a burden to him and his brothers.

Didn't they like to play? I will also play with them. 

I smiled as I followed Jared downstairs to the meeting hall, giving him the impression that I might be a powerful witch. 

****

AFTER TWO HOURS of boring talks about what to do to the Vampires' threat of an attack, Jason didn't ask for my opinion even once, but they concluded on waiting to see the Vampires' next move. The meeting was dismissed. 

I left for my room, my luggage was already delivered and was arranged in the middle of the room. 

I went to the bathroom to wash up and try to relax. 

But I couldn't sleep. I proceeded to the open window and looked out. It was a vast expanse of trees as far as my eyes could see. 

I could here vague sounds of cars passing by as the wind blew the past my ears

The highway mustn't be that far away then. 

The night was so full of life, I couldn't just go retire…not yet.

I grabbed a shawl and wrapped it around my shoulder as I snuck out of my room. I headed downstairs and out into the yard. 

I looked at the mansion again. 

It was enormous.  

I saw a trail that led into the woods and without thinking, I sorted to follow it. 

It felt good to be in the open air and be surrounded by tall trees. The sky was dark and cloudy, just as I like it. 

"What are you doing?" 

I gave a small squeal and turned to see Jared walking out of a cluster of thorns. 

"What are you doing here?" I asked. "God. Do you want to give me a heart attack?" 

"Sorry." He smiled sheepishly. "I constantly run this route when I can't sleep." He came to walk beside me. He matched his strides to match mine, taking shorter steps because his legs were longer than mine. 

"What is on your mind?" I asked softly. 

"A lot of things." He said. He ran his hands through his hair. "This place doesn't hold fond memories for me." 

"What happened?" 

He sighed and prepared to talk but then my leg caught in a tangle of roots and I started to fall, but Jared's strong hands wrapped around my waist and held me in place. 

Our eyes met and locked. 

He took in a sharp breath as his eyes flickered to my lips. "Oh, damn" He grunted before he lowered his head for the second time today. But this time, I didn't use my rational thoughts. I opened my mouth and let him slip his tongue inside.