Chapter 6 I Don’t Want To Go

Five years had passed since Jade and Sofia had first stepped foot into the Crystal Blood Pack. Those years had changed Jade in ways she could never have imagined. With the guidance of Athena and the unyielding support of her wolf, Artemis, she had mastered the ability to conceal her Alpha Luna power. It wasn’t easy—her blood carried a natural dominance that sometimes threatened to surface. But with Artemis’s help, Jade had perfected the art of blending in, choosing subtle strength over outward displays of authority.

During those years, Jade threw herself into the work of the Crystal Blood Pack. She and Athena had led countless missions to save she-wolves from forced marriages, slavery, and wrongful executions. The satisfaction of breaking chains and giving others the freedom she once longed for became her purpose. Despite her Alpha bloodline, Jade had made it clear early on that she had no desire to lead.

One evening, not long after her arrival at the pack, Jade had approached Athena in her office. “I want to make something clear,” she said, her voice steady but firm. “I’ll do whatever it takes to support you, but I don’t want to be Alpha. Ever. That’s not who I am.” Athena studied her carefully, then nodded. “If that’s what you want, Jade, I won’t force it. But know this: leadership isn’t just about holding a title. It’s about stepping up when others need you. You’ve already proven you can do that.”

True to her word, Athena named Jade the pack’s Beta, a position that allowed her to lead missions, train warriors, and ensure the pack’s safety—all without the burden of ultimate leadership. It was a role Jade embraced wholeheartedly, supporting Athena with fierce loyalty while avoiding the spotlight of Alpha. Sofia, on the other hand, had flourished as a healer within the pack, her gentle nature providing comfort to the many she-wolves who arrived wounded in body and spirit.

But the peace Jade had come to cherish was about to be shattered. Word had spread beyond the rogue networks about the Crystal Blood Pack’s existence. Whispers of its growing size and strength had reached the ears of the Lycan King, a ruler desperate to address a growing issue within the werewolf world: the decline of true mate bonds. Over the years, fewer and fewer wolves were finding their destined mates, leaving many packs vulnerable and fractured.

When Athena received the summons, the tension in the air was palpable. The letter, sealed with the royal crest, invited—or rather demanded—the unmated leadership of the Crystal Blood Pack to attend the upcoming Moonlight Ball. It was a calculated move, meant to demonstrate sincerity, as the King’s letter emphasized that he was not summoning the entire pack. Specifically, he requested the presence of unmated leaders: Jade, Gamma Lilly, two of the pack’s Deltas, and four Epsilons. The exclusion of Athena, as the mated Alpha, was notable.

As Athena read the letter aloud in her office, her voice was edged with suspicion. “This says the King ‘understands’ the nature of this pack’s creation. How does he know? And why would he single out leadership?”

Jade frowned, Artemis bristling within her. “You don’t think… He knows about the women and children who ran from their packs, doesn’t he?”

Athena nodded, her expression grim. “It seems he does. The letter says this is a gesture of respect, acknowledging the pain these women have endured. The King claims he’s offering ‘an olive branch,’ a chance to restore trust between us and the wider werewolf world. But the fact that he wants unmated leadership to attend is strategic. He’s looking for something—or someone.”

Gamma Lilly, standing beside Jade, crossed her arms. “It’s no coincidence he wants unmated wolves. He’s likely testing us to see how vulnerable we are—or who can be swayed.”

Athena turned to Jade. “I would go myself, but as a mated Alpha, my presence would raise questions. It would also contradict the King’s request. This is a delicate situation. Refusing could be seen as defiance, but sending a full contingent of leadership puts us at risk.”

Jade’s stomach tightened. “This isn’t an invitation. It’s a veiled threat. He knows enough about this pack to think he can manipulate us.”

Athena sighed. “We don’t have a choice, Jade. The King’s power extends far beyond his territory. If we refuse, we risk exposing not just the women here, but every mission we’ve undertaken. The King may claim this is a gesture of peace, but it’s a reminder of his control.”

Jade paced the room, her mind racing. The thought of leaving the pack vulnerable—even for a moment—made her stomach churn. “Then let me take the others. You’re the Alpha. You can’t leave the pack undefended. I’ll lead the team, and we’ll ensure the King sees our strength without giving away more than we must.”

Athena studied Jade, pride shining through her concern. “You’d put yourself in the King’s sights for this pack?”

Jade didn’t hesitate. “Always. This is my home now. These women are my family. I’ll do whatever it takes to protect them.”

Athena nodded reluctantly. “You’ll take Gamma Lilly, the two Deltas, and four of the strongest Epsilons. They’re our best fighters, and their loyalty is unwavering. You’ll need them if things go south. I’ll remain here to protect the pack and keep operations running.”

As Jade prepared for the journey ahead, one thought echoed in her mind. I don’t want to go. But deep down, she knew she had no choice. The survival of the Crystal Blood Pack—and everything they stood for—depended on her.