Her father arrived just as they were finishing up. Polly shooed Jared away and set the table. The men chatted about possible changes in the training program.
They had a pleasant meal and her father also asked about their trip. She prompted Jared to reply this time and he essentially copied her earlier words. Then, he and her mom began planning what dish they’re going to make next time.
“I mean, there are plenty of substitute spices we can use. It’s not going to taste exactly the same, but we can still make it delicious.” Her mom had to compromise as they really wanted to try and see if they could replicate those dishes.
Going back, he still held her hand. She washed up and went to bed first. When he showed up, the atmosphere seemed to change. She was slightly nervous. Jared didn’t utter a word and simply moved slowly towards her. She watched his every step so she ended up facing him.
Shit! She got butterflies in her stomach w
Polly took a deep breath before facing him. “Would it be possible for you to be . . . less annoying?”She held up a hand before he could speak. “Let me finish first.”“Go ahead.” Upon hearing what it’s about, he was slightly relieved. It shouldn’t be very serious if it’s just this.“I mean, I understand that as someone experienced and skilled, you have plenty of things to comment on less experienced people and less skilled trainees and fighters. It’s fine if you do it moderately and with the right intentions, but . . . you come off as irritating when you do it excessively. Also, your tone . . . sure, you’ll become an Alpha in the future, but still . . . you shouldn’t look down on others, or belittle them. People know I’m your mate . . . so I get embarrassed when you . . . and when you do it to me, I get mad, too. Is there something you can do about it?”When he smiled, she was dumbfounded. He still had the audacity to smile? What the heck?“No, don’t misunderstand. I’m not laughing at
“I’m sorry. I don’t know what else to say. I have no excuse. I’ve given more attention to the pack and neglected you. I thought giving you free reign would be enough. Clearly, I was wrong. I’m so sorry. I can’t undo what already happened, but from now on, I want to make sure you’re doing well and enjoying everything you do.”He sounded very sincere and looked somewhat sheepish . . . maybe feeling guilty. She was assured that he somewhat understood her this time. She was right. She feels lighter now. Finally being able to tell him her resentments made her more at ease.“This time, what should I do? What do you want me to do? And please, don’t just tell me to do whatever I want. What do you think I should do? I’m not saying I’m going to do it, I’m just going to consider it. If it’s too much and it would be too taxing, then I won’t. It should be reasonable. I will continue training, as I want to become strong, too. I want to become a trainer when I finish the program. Maybe an assistant,
His tone changed, becoming gentler and . . . uhm . . . husky? Polly shivered in his arms as she took a deep breath. She’s fine with hugs and kisses. She has already gotten used to them, and quite frankly, she likes them. She gulped as he closed the gap between them and capturing her lips in a seductive kiss. It was unlike he’d ever done before. It didn’t take her three seconds to respond, which eased his worries. But fuck, it might be a little too much. He tried to maintain the pace, lightly caressing her back and holding her nape in place. He was tempted to pull on her hair, but he knew it wouldn’t be a welcomed gesture. Damn! Her moans are slowly tearing down his sanity. He licked and sucked her lips, battling with her tongue and consuming her. She mainly mimicked his actions and he was done. Fuck it!He pulled away but he didn’t release her. He was craving her softness and he couldn’t easily let go when she seemed willing. He was panting near her ear and she didn’t dare move.Groan
“How is this training?” She asked as she struggled against him.“Is it not? If you ever get captured, you must know how to free yourself.”“I feel like you’re just taking advantage of me.” She retorted as she stopped to catch her breath. It’s too difficult to escape from him, even though he’s only caging her by the waist and she’s free to use her limbs.“Why would I when you already allow me to hug you every night?” His reply was valid and she took a deep breath to try again. His muscled arms were just too strong, no matter what she tried. This would require strategy. Surely, he’s not expecting her to escape through sheer strength? She could be stupid at times, forgetting to use logic. Still, the ideas coming to her also seemed stupid. If she tried to slide down, he can simply tighten his hold on her, keeping her trapped. Is there really a way? She’s starting to doubt it. Kicking his legs didn’t work. Punching and pinching his arms also didn’t. She was tempted to bite him, if only she
Jared noticed the change, but couldn’t figure out the reason.“What’s wrong?” He asked as he touched her chin to make her look at him.“Nothing.” And yet she didn’t smile. That wasn’t reassuring.“It’s not nothing. Tell me.”This time, she smiled. “It’s really nothing. We should start.”They’re at the back of their house for her training with him.“Did someone bully you? What are their names?” He asked as he prepared some weapons they will be using. There were knives and ropes, which made her curious.His questions made her chuckle, though. “No one. What are those for?” She tried to sound upbeat, not wanting him to ask further.“Do you want to guess?”“Are you going to trap me with ropes and I have to use the knives?”His lip twitched. “These are separate exercises, but the first one is correct. You won’t need to use knives, though.”She immediately understood, “You want me to use my claws?”“You should try. It won’t be easy.”“I expect as much. What about the knives, then?”“I’ll tel
He grinned. “Fine. But since you didn’t succeed earlier, you already owe me one.”Her lip twitched. He likes to keep count, doesn’t he?“Alright. Come at me.” She wanted to go on defensive and assumed the proper stance.Jared squinted as he formulated a plan. First, he gauged how good she was with that knife and how much strength she’s exerting. It could never be as good as his, so there is that.To her credit, Polly did give it her best. She held that knife as tightly as she could.He felt a little helpless. “It’s a weapon. You’re supposed to use it!”She gritted her teeth at his reminder, somewhat embarrassed. “Fine!” She stopped treating it like a treasure to be stolen.Jared nodded at the change and sparred with her for a few minutes. Her reflexes are good, being able to deflect his attacks.“Now, try exerting more force.”She grimaced. Just how much more? Her body was sure to ache tonight, what with her limbs being stretched to the limit. Still, she heeded him.“Good, but you’re
When Polly came out of the bathroom, Jared was nowhere to be found. She called out for him, but she got no answer. She washed up and changed her clothes before setting up the table. She waited for him, but an hour quickly passed by.Then, she received Sab’s message. She was informed of the details.“I see. Is he being punished tonight?”“That, I don’t think so.”“He’s not home yet.”“I wish I could tell you, but I don’t know where he is.” Sab didn’t like lying, but that man probably needed to be alone for a while.“Right. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to . . . I’ll just wait for him.”“Alright. I’ll see you tomorrow.”“Hmm. Thank you.”Polly stared at the food on the table. She doesn’t have an appetite but she forced herself to eat. It would be too much of a waste.She kept waiting for him. After a while, she was tempted to go out and look for him.“Where are you?” She felt even more sad. They only have limited time together and now he’s nowhere to be found. She felt like crying again. And
Jared called her but she was so mad and ignored him. He was rattled by her actions. She rarely shouts and she looked really angry. He wasn’t sure what to do.“Fuck!” He ran a hand through his hair, getting frustrated. What should he do? He stared at the food he was cooking and turned off the stove. He went out to go after her. He could tell she’s really mad and it was a first. His gentle and sweet Polly showed a different side to him. He wanted to admire it but now is not the time.She didn’t exactly run, so he was able to follow her. She seemed to be fuming as she went into her parents’ house. He didn’t dare to follow her inside. He waited from a distance. Heck, he’s feeling stupid. The only reason he followed her was to make sure she was safe. He was reminded of the time she walked out of Blood Moon and got into trouble. He knew she’s safe here, but still . . . He has no other reason for following her. Sighing, he considered what he could tell her. He’s sure she would remain angry u
The alpha king audibly sighed in exasperation. These kids! Why don’t they listen?Thankfully, Jordan didn’t react negatively. In a way, he felt relieved that he could tolerate her proximity now. He managed a smile, which she promptly returned. He looked more handsome when he smiles!When the guy Alex called showed up, Jordan tensed up again.“Just stay there for now. We’re doing an experiment.” Alex instructed.“Alright.”“You’re not looking at him.” Alex noted, wondering why the boy would display aggression.Jordan grunted, “I could very well imagine him looking this way. At her.”Alex sighed. So, the potion worked for his possessive tendencies, but not for aggression.Through the mind-link, Alex asked the other boy to move closer. Jordan growled in warning and Alex told the boy to go, thanking him for his participation.“Were you like this yesterday? It’s a wonder you haven’t brawled with anyone yet.”“The training helped in distracting me. Right now, there’s nothing to distract me.”
She sheepishly told her parents what happened and she didn’t like the look her father was giving her.“He already told you that he’s having difficulty controlling himself and you still went to corner him? What were you thinking?”She pouted as she explained, “I just wanted to see for myself what exactly he’s going through.”Alex sighed. “What would you have done if he lost control? You should be thankful he managed to stop.”“Why is it my fault? It’s his responsibility to control himself.”“But you went to him, triggering the bond further. In that sense, it was your fault.”“Still, nothing really happened. I’m fine. Why is it that he’s strongly affected by the bond? The others I’ve seen weren’t.”This time, it was her mom who replied. “It’s different for everyone. You should be glad you’re not as affected as he was.”Xandra took a deep breath. “Fine. I understand.” She’d seen it for herself, so what else can she say? She also became curious. Why is it that he’s feeling more compared t
Xandra sat on her bed. She took a deep breath before closing her eyes and doing her best to locate him within the castle. She can’t mess up and link to a random person. She’d done that before and it was mortifying.She pictured his face in her mind and called for his name. Jordan. She called him three times before receiving a reply.He frowned when he heard someone calling him, but he’s currently alone in his room. He thought maybe someone was calling from outside the door. Also, it was a girl’s voice. What’s a girl doing in the men’s dormitory?“Who is it?” Frowning, he got up and went to open the door. He saw a couple of guys further down the hallway but that was it.As he closed the door, he heard her voice again.“It’s me, Xandra. You know who I am, don’t you?”“Xandra?” He gulped, unsure if he’s hallucinating or not. They’re not mated, so how can they have a link?“Hmm, you know who I am, right?” She badly wanted his answer to that.“The younger princess.”“And?”Jordan took a de
A few years later, in the middle of the night . . .Xandra gasped as she woke up, her surroundings still shrouded in darkness. What is it? She asked in her head. She sniffed as she caught a faint scent in the air. It was faint but something she immediately recognized. Her mate! He’s here!She grinned as she hurried from her bed and went to her older sister’s room.“Kaia!” She shouted with much excitement.The older woman bolted from her bed and even managed to take out the knife she kept strapped on her thigh. Her expression was one of confusion, even so, she was ready to fight. “What?”“Do you still sleep with that thing? You’re inside the palace.”Kaia frowned, looked outside the window, and stepped off the bed. “What did you yell for?! The sun’s not even out yet!”Xandra jumped up and down in front of her. “My mate! He’s here!”“What?”“I can sense him! I think he just arrived!”Kaia grimaced. “Why are you excited? He might not even be someone you’ll like. Calm down!”Yeah, that se
The thing is . . . the guy she likes is a year younger than her. She was nervous when her eighteenth birthday came, hoping she won’t feel a mate bond towards someone else. She was both relieved and disappointed when she felt nothing, though. If he was her mate, they’ll only know when he turns eighteen. And so, they continued their training.As his birthday loomed, she couldn’t help the trepidation she’s feeling. Still, they remained close and for his part, he was somewhat excited. He already told her when his exact birthday was, as if it was important that she needed to know.“What’s this about?” Janelle accepted his invitation to hang out. The Royal Pack has a dormitory for all visiting trainees, but this guy was a nephew of the reigning royals. He has a room of his own, which was twice as big as a regular room in Red Rogues.“Your room is nice.” She commented after looking around.Austin cleared his throat. “Tomorrow’s my birthday. I’m wondering if you would care to celebrate it wit
“You fucked up.”Polly stated from behind Jared as they watched their son walking away.He sighed before facing her. “What do you think I should’ve done?”“You could’ve told him much earlier.”“It’s not as if it was a secret. Everyone knew we meant for Janelle to take over as alpha.”“He’s still young. He might have heard but he might not have taken it seriously. Still, you haven’t properly discussed this with Janelle either, have you?”“I’m waiting until she’s of age.”“Shouldn’t you do it sooner? What if she declines? You would’ve made your son upset for no reason.”Jared grunted before sighing. “Would she?”“From my observation, I don’t think she’s quite interested.”He sighed again as Polly stood next to him.“He’s as mature as his sister. And I think she understands that as they grow older, she’ll be physically weaker than him.”His lip twitched. It’s true that he initially planned it that way because he wanted to be unconventional. He wanted to show that he doesn’t care if his h
Jared was worried. He left his mate and their daughter home. Polly was sick and couldn’t come with him to the celebration. The Alpha King and Luna Queen will be officially recognized. He was reluctant to go but she convinced him that he must.“You’re an alpha now. Your presence is required.”When he didn’t look convinced, she added, “We’ll be fine here. Nothing would happen. Alex already confirmed that there are no more Lycans. No one would attack us while you’re gone. Besides, don’t you remember Luna’s words? We’ll have a son soon.”Her eyes twinkled, looking forward to having another child. She has waited for so long before they were blessed with one. The prospect of having another made her excited. She wanted to be a mother. She wanted them to have an actual family, complete with children.He sighed as he relented, “Fine. I’ll come back as soon as I can.”“I know. Try to have a little fun, Jared. The war is over. When you return, we’ll be able to focus on our own lives. I’d like to
He sighed, holding her tighter, “I’m not. I’m sorry I made you worried.”“I thought you were upset that I finally got pregnant and that you didn’t really want to have a child.” She finally aired her complaint, wanting to hear his reassurance.He seemed surprise by her assumption, “How could that be? I want this child. I want to give you everything you want, anything that would make you happy.”He bent down and gave her a long kiss, which was exceptional.“I want you to name her.” She implored him after recovering her wits.“Me?”“Yes. Please?”Damn. He’s feeling more pressure from this task than the possibility of becoming an alpha.“Wait. Her? How do you know it’s a girl?” He raised an eyebrow and looked down at her stomach. That’s a pity. He wanted to have a boy, an heir.She grinned at his reaction and knew what he must be thinking. “Luna told me. Didn’t she tell you we’ll have another child after you become an alpha? That one will be a boy so you don’t need to worry about an heir.
“It’s not about the baby. He loves you and he wants the baby as much as you do because he knew it would make you happy. I told him one other thing. Just like you, he probably didn’t believe me at first, but now that you’re pregnant, he must be thinking the other matter will also come to pass. It’s something he has already given up on, so he’s probably having a hard time accepting it again. He’ll come around. Just give him time and continue to support him. You two are made for each other. He needs you.”Polly was relieved to hear it, but she became curious, too. “What else did you tell him?”Luna pursed her lips. “It’s not my matter to say. You should hear it from him. I’m sure he would eventually tell you. Just wait a bit more. Don’t be hurt by his actions. He’s already struggling so just show him your support. You’ve done it before, right?”She gave Polly an encouraging smile and the woman was reminded by her words. Yes, she has done it before. Years ago, she told him to open up to h