But Jared wasn’t exactly evil. Her cries registered in his head and he knew he couldn’t forcefully mate with her. He has respect for her, his mate. But the situation still made him mad. He’s so angry! Why can’t she just accept him? Why must she insist on leaving? He stopped and just laid there with her as he thought what to do. He liked the feel of her body and she shivered as he slowly caressed her sides. He groaned at how difficult it was to stop, to take control of his desire. Her scent . . . this close . . . it was madness! He tightly closed his eyes and took deep breaths. He would love to mark her, if he hadn’t already.She continued to cry until she noticed the lack of movement. Then, she resumed struggling against him. He’s still squashing her with his weight.“Don’t move.” His tone was commanding and though she’s very much rattled, her instinct told her to heed his words.He couldn’t refut
James wouldn’t dare to approach her in his brother’s room, so he went to ask Jared.“How’s Polly?”“She’s fine.” This reply was clearly perfunctory.“When’s the last time you saw her?”Jared paused, recalling the time they fought with words.“What’s it to you?”James carefully studied him. His brother didn’t even bother to glare his way.“Well, I haven’t seen her for a while. It’s been three days. No one seemed to have noticed her presence. Did you perhaps lock her in your room?”Jared frowned. “My room’s locked from the inside. She can get out if she wanted to.”“Good. When’s the last time you checked in on her?”Jared pursed his lips. He took a deep breath before approaching the door. James followed him. They went to his room first, but she wasn’t there. Her
Polly knew she’s dying. Her whole body hurts so much. It was agonizing, suffering in pain while waiting for death to come. Why? Why couldn’t she just die quickly? Why must it be a slow and painful process? She has gotten bursts of pain from time to time and wondered if death is like that. It took her a while before her consciousness returned to the surface. She frowned when she thought she heard Jared’s voice. The bastard even haunts her last moments? Why couldn’t he simply disappear? Her anger towards him returned and she got even more irritated when she realized he’s uttering her name. She wanted to yell at him and curse him, but her throat felt dry and she couldn’t seem to say a word. She went under again and who knew how much time has passed? She coughed and it was what woke her up. Her mouth and throat were so dry, she kept coughing. And with each cough, she became aware of the pain everywhere in her body.Jared became rattled, forgett
When Polly woke up, she saw his sleeping figure and it was somewhat pitiful. She stared for a while and studied his features. He looked different. She was truly caught off guard by his gentleness that she forgot to act angry with him. She didn’t want to forgive him so easily. He must know what he did wrong. Ugh, right. This guy doesn’t know how to apologize.Still, the change was very noticeable. She wondered if it would last, though. Or was he only like this because she nearly died? She didn’t want to assume what his feelings were, she could only wonder. If she died, would he regret the things he did? Or would he say “good riddance”? Staring at him and realizing he’s the one taking care of her, he probably felt bad, right? He’s probably feeling sorry for her.As she kept on contemplating, she focused on one issue. She’s back in Blood Moon when she’s trying to return to Snow Mountain. How long would she be staying in this place? She misses her mom. If she was home, her mom would be ta
“You should rest. You’re still in recovery. When you arrive in Snow Mountain, don’t go straight into training. Give yourself a break, at least a week of it.”“Hmm, okay.” Polly was slightly worried that he’s too tired to continue driving, but she didn’t dare to voice it out. He already said that he’s fine, she didn’t want to annoy him.He did make a stop at a restaurant and they had a hot meal for dinner.She’d been thinking, but wary of making the suggestion. Finally, she gathered up the courage to do so.“Should we find a hotel and sleep for a few hours?”Jared stared at her for a minute. He thought she must be feeling cramped in the car and couldn’t properly sleep. At the back of his mind, he also thought that it would allow him to spend a bit more time with her, before they part.“Alright.”She was relieved when he agreed. She was somewhat nervous, expecting him to disagree.They drove for a couple more hours before finding a motel on the roadside. When they entered the room, Poll
Polly spoke to her parents for nearly an hour and when they emerged from the room, he was already gone. She went to look for him, thinking he might be at the place he bought for his own use. But he wasn’t there. She didn’t dare to ask around. People who saw her were somewhat surprised. She’s not sure what to tell them and she didn’t want to share what truly happened.He played his part well when he stayed in Snow Mountain for a month. It’s clear that he only did what was necessary so that her parents would let him take her to Blood Moon. When they got there, he acted differently and seemed to disregard her most of the time. She sighed as she thought, “It was such a mess.”Later, she decided to visit the pack house. She figured she should report to her alpha. Clyde seemed to be expecting her.“What’s your plan?”“Uhm, I wish to resume my training.”“And afterwards?”“I was hoping I’m competent enough to become a trainer.” She wasn’t confident but that’s what she would like to do.“Actu
The elders are also in attendance, and even they don’t like Jared’s leadership approach. These last few months that he’d been stripped of his authority, the men and the pack members have become more vocal about their assessments and opinions. They’re not a fan of Jared.“You had your chance. You wasted it. You can’t lead this pack if you don’t know how to listen.”James sighed. How many times has he heard these statements from their old man. He watched as they quarreled like stubborn teenagers. He eyed the elders, urging them to speak up and break the argument. Huh, they’re all wary of Jared and his bad temper. He disrespects anyone who goes against him.The exchange died down after a while, but as usual, there was no conclusion. He would bet his arm they would rehash it at least one more time before the meeting is over. Jared and their father are like oil and water. They just can’t get along well.Thankfully, an elder finally took charge and questioned Jared regarding his mate. His s
Fuck! When James arrived, his brother was already engaged in combat. He could count a handful of men down on the ground. There were yells all around and the exchange of insults kept going. They’re now very personal.He flinched when Jared knocked another one down. He’s too powerful to be stopped, especially when he’s consumed by anger.“Are you just going to stand there?” One person frowned at him.“Did I make him angry? Who’s stupid enough to make him angry?” His own tone and expression scared that person. He would make sure the bastard who caused this madness will be punished accordingly.“Uhm, I don’t know.” The man scampered away. James clucked his tongue in annoyance.Oh, good. Someone brought a potion over. Just as he was about to relax, Jared turned to that person and pummeled him with punches. They watched as the potion fell to the ground and was rendered useless. Fuck! James can’t help but curse. These guys . . . were they actually so useless? No wonder Jared couldn’t be both