Chapter 5 How Does She Know My Secret?

The sprawling compound of the Crystal Blood Pack was nothing like Jade had imagined. Nestled deep in the Texan wilderness, the buildings were a mix of rustic and modern—log structures intertwined with sleek glass and steel. Women of all ages bustled about, their movements purposeful and confident. Despite its size and energy, the place exuded an air of secrecy. It was unlike any pack Jade had ever seen. Lyra led them through the main entrance of the largest building, motioning for them to follow. “Athena’s expecting you,” she said curtly, not looking back.

Inside, the main hall was warm and welcoming, yet every detail seemed calculated for efficiency. Jade and Sofia were too exhausted to do more than glance around, but Lyra didn’t give them time to linger. They were ushered through the corridors and into a spacious office at the top of the building. Behind the desk sat Alpha Athena, a striking woman with dark, piercing eyes and a commanding presence. To her left stood Gamma Lilly, a petite woman whose calm demeanor was offset by an aura of quiet strength.

Athena leaned forward, her gaze locking on Jade with an intensity that made her stomach twist. “Welcome to the Crystal Blood Pack,” she said smoothly. “You’ve traveled a long way. Please, sit.” Jade hesitated but complied, her protective instincts on high alert. Sofia perched nervously beside her, while Lyra stood silently by the door. Athena’s voice broke the silence. “I’m sure you have questions, Jade. Why don’t you start?”

Jade didn’t waste time. “How does a pack this size exist without being on the registry? I’ve never heard of the Crystal Blood Pack before.” Athena’s lips curved into a faint smile. “We’re not on the registry because we don’t want to be. We’re rogues, by definition. Every woman here escaped from oppression, whether from a father, a mate, or an alpha. We don’t follow the rules of traditional packs. We make our own.” Jade frowned, the explanation raising more questions than it answered. “And no one’s come after you?”

Gamma Lilly spoke up, her voice measured. “They’ve tried. But we don’t go down easily. Athena built this pack to protect women like you—women who needed a place to start over, free from the chains of traditional pack life. We’ve fought hard to keep this sanctuary a secret.”

Jade leaned back, trying to process what she was hearing. “That still doesn’t explain how you know who I am—or what I am,” she said cautiously. Athena’s smile faded, and her tone grew serious. “You’re an Alpha Luna, Jade. It’s rare, but not unheard of. The power in your bloodline is unmistakable, and it’s something that can’t be hidden—at least not from someone like me.”

Jade’s heart skipped a beat. “How do you know that? I’ve never told anyone—” Athena cut her off with a raised hand. “I know because I’ve seen it before. Women like you are targeted because of their potential. Your father knew it, and so does that alpha he tried to force you to bond with. But here, you’ll be safe. We protect our own, and your secret will stay within these walls.”

Sofia finally found her voice, her tone filled with awe and apprehension. “Why would you risk everything for us? For so many women?” Athena’s gaze softened, though her strength never wavered. “Because someone once did the same for me. I know what it’s like to feel trapped, to have your power used against you. This pack exists to give women like us a chance to reclaim their lives. Our purpose is to protect, to heal, and to fight back when necessary.”

Jade sat in silence, her mind racing. For the first time in her life, she felt like she wasn’t running—like she was exactly where she was meant to be. But beneath the hope stirring in her chest, a flicker of fear remained. If Athena could sense her secret, who else could? And would her father—or anyone else—stop at nothing to destroy this sanctuary to get to her?

Athena seemed to sense her unease. “You’re safe here, Jade. You’ve taken the first step toward freedom, but the journey isn’t over. When you’re ready, I’ll show you what it means to truly embrace who you are.” Jade nodded slowly, the weight of her secret no longer feeling so heavy. For the first time, she allowed herself to believe that maybe—just maybe—she and Sofia had found a place where they could belong.