JASPER I ground my jaw in anger as I watched him stagger in. Dora looked from him to me and I could see the confusion in her features. I knew how much effort it took to remove Dora’s mind from the topic and now this stupid man was bringing it all up again. “She looks a little bit skinny tho.” said the drunk. “I can see why you made the party so you can fatten her up.” He chuckled. “That’s enough!” I pinched the bridge of my nose. “Leave!” I ordered. The man stood in stupor as if taken aback. “Are you really going to talk to me that way?” He slurred and I had to signal to Chang to take care of him. “Come on, Buddy. Let’s go.” Chang said as he began to direct the man towards the door. “Don’t touch me!” The drunk staggered. “We can do this the easy way or the hard way. Your choice.” Chang said. The drunk seemed to think about that for a moment before turning to the door and letting Chang lead him out. I heaved a sigh of relief but as I was about to sit, I noticed Dora whis
JASPER Dora moved her head back and forth like a child. Suddenly, her eyes sparkled as she saw something behind me. “Look, see. It’s fireflies.” She beamed, and the next thing I knew, she was drawing me close to them. When she let my hand go, I suddenly felt empty, but then my emptiness didn’t last long when I heard her laugh as she chased after the fireflies. It was the most beautiful melody I had ever heard, and all I could do was stare at her as I saw her truly happy for the first time. She eventually ran to me, full of laughter and joy, and looked up at me with her head cocked to the side with the most childlike innocence. “What?” I said, suddenly feeling shy myself. “Are you really sure I’m your mate?” She asked, and her once happy demeanour disappeared, leaving behind an uncertain, fragile woman. “Yes.” I answered and took her hand in mine. “You are and always will be.” A small smile bloomed on her face. “I’m sorry I’m always asking about it. Since I don’t have my wo
DORA “So, what do you like to do for fun?” Angel asked as I sat on the living room couch. She grabbed a TV remote and turned to me, “Do you watch movies?” ‘Movies?’ I thought to myself. ‘When was the last time I saw a movie?’ A memory played before my eyes. I was six years old, hearing my mom sniffle and cry on her own in the living room. “Are you okay, Mommy?” I had asked then, as I approached her and she had quickly wiped her tears, pretending to be fine. “Yes, my Darling.” She replied, stroking my hair. “Why aren't you sleeping?” “Because I keep seeing that scary woman.” “The Moon Goddess?” I nodded. “Awww, my sweet child, come here.” My mother had said and I had climbed in on the couch with her. Afterwards, she had turned on the TV and watched some cartoons with me till I feel asleep on her chest. “Dora?” I snapped back to reality, and when I looked up, I found Angel staring down at me with concern. “You look upset. Are you okay?” I suddenly realized that I had been
DORA “Calm down, Rick.” Angel said, approaching him. “What happened?” Rick began to pace back and forth while Raven and Chang stood at a distance, watching the whole thing unfold. “Alpha told me to keep an eye on her pack and report anything unusual to him. Everything was going fine so far until all of a sudden, people started leaving their homes in the middle of the night.” My breath hitched as his story began to make sense. “They were dressed in some cloak,” Rick continued, “and they all went to an open field, formed a circle, and began to chant in a foreign language. It was really creepy.” “Okay, and?” Angel asked, still not fazed. “What happened after?” Rick seemed like he was going to cry. “I have no fucking idea.” He whimpered, rubbing his shaved head. “One minute, I was keeping an eye on them and recording their chants, the next, I-” He hit his head as if he was trying to make his memory work again. Angel turned to Jasper. “What’s going on? What happened to him?” Jasp
JASPER “And what did she say after that?” Angel asked as I paced in my office half an hour later. “Nothing.” I answered, feeling frustrated. “She just stared at me. It’s obvious the fear of her family far outweighs the trust she has in me.” “Well, what did you expect?” Angel asked, pulling the blanket around her tighter. “They’ve been bullying her for years, instillling the fear of the gods in her. Dora has only known you for what? Two days? You’re asking a lot from her. Be patient and give her time.” I sighed, nodding in understanding and Angel kissed my cheek before proceeding to leave my office. “Sis?” I called and she turned around. “Can you sleep over tonight in Dora’s room? I have to work late.” Her eyes narrowed at me in a teasing manner. “You sure that’s the truth or you’re just avoiding her?” I sighed and ran a hand through my hair in frustration. “I just need time to adjust, you know?” Angel nodded. “I understand. Take the time you need but don’t take too lo
DORA It’s been two days, yet I haven’t seen Jasper. I looked in the mirror and stared at the blue-eyed girl with wet dark hair, wrapped in a towel. Her scars had begun to fade, and her hollow cheeks had started filling out nicely. Thanks to The Reeds, who made sure all I do is wake, eat, sleep, and shower. It feels so unnatural, and yet I wouldn’t trade this peace for the world. I just wish I was able to share it with Jasper. Gods. Is he still mad at me? Is he punishing me for not telling him about my former pack’s tradition? I sighed, taking a comb to brush my wet hair. I just wish I knew where he spends his nights. Was he really at the office or in the arms of another? I wish I knew the answer to everything. Minutes later, I was changed into a yellow sundress Angel bought for me, courtesy of Jasper, and headed downstairs for breakfast. The moment I reached the landing, I heard an awful smell like food burning, and I traced it to the kitchen. Getting there, I found a disgru
JASPER “What are you doing here?” I snarled down the mindlink at Raven. A smile crept on her lips. “Just passing by and making sure our Dora is settling in nicely.” Our Dora? The nerve she has to call Dora, ours. “She’s mine. Not ours. Got it?” I replied. “Alpha R-Reed?” Dora called softly, getting my attention. I saw the fear and wariness in her eyes and decided to comport myself. “Hey.” I smiled at her, proceeding to take a seat at the table. “Raven dropped by to say hi.” She said, also sitting opposite me. “Well, nice to see you, Raven.” I said, faking a smile for my Gamma. “Would have asked you to join us, but I’m sure you have more important things to do?” Raven smiled. “Yes, I do. Alpha.” She bowed respectfully, putting me at ease. “I’ll be on my way now.” She said, and then I heard her voice in my head. “Take care of her. The people around are unkind.” She walked out of the cafe and I turned to look around. True to her words, there were people staring at Dora w
JASPER “Can I come and pick her for a trip to the shopping mall?” Angel asked cheerfully, making me wince again. “Dora will need the perfect dress and makeover.” “Yes, okay. Fine.” I pinched the bridge of my nose, giving my sister the go ahead, just so she could stop giving me a migraine but I noticed Raven was real quiet and that had me a bit concerned. Was I too harsh on her at the restaurant? At some point, we would have to talk and sort things out. Glancing at Dora, I discovered she had finished her meal but stared at the last piece of turkey sandwich left. “You want more?” I asked, reaching for it. Dora raised her sad gaze to mine and shook her head. “No. I just remembered a time when a sandwich was a luxury I had to steal.” She smiled bitterly. Taking her hand in mine, I planted a kiss on the back of it. “Things must have been really hard for you back then but I promise you won’t have to steal to survive anymore. Expect many more sandwiches to come, okay?” I kissed
DORA I sprinted out of the bedroom, my heart hammering wildly in my chest. "Help!" I screamed, my voice echoing through the hallways. My bare feet slapped against the floor as I ran, desperate to put as much distance between me and the assassin as possible. Behind me, heavy footsteps pounded closer. He was fast—too fast. Panic surged through me, tightening my throat. My breath came in ragged gasps as I screamed again, hoping someone, anyone, would hear me. Before I could make it to the staircase, a rough hand grabbed the back of my shirt and yanked me backward. I hit the floor hard, the impact sending a jolt of pain through my body. The assassin loomed over me, his dark eyes cold and focused. I scrambled backward on my hands and feet, but he closed the distance in an instant, pinning me down. The sharp glint of the knife in his hand sent fresh waves of terror through me. “Get off me!” I screamed, thrashing wildly, kicking and clawing at him. My nails scratched at his arm, but he
DORA When Jasper told me the news I was beyond shocked. The fact that I had family somewhere and my father didn't send me there was appalling. If I knew I had family, I'd have left a long time ago. I wouldn't have put up with so much that I did. Now, hearing that she's deceased just when we could have met, was beyond heartbreaking. I searched for the tears to cry but I found none. I was just blank headed, staring into space. Wondering what could have been. Had Cersei been alive, I'd most certainly visit her often to learn more about my heritage and my mother. I sighed, knowing I'd never have that now. Seeing that the ice cream Jasper got for me had begun to melt, I got out of bed first and took it to the fridge. The flowers i put in a new case and water and then after contemplating whether I should eat or not, I took the chocolate back with me upstairs. Upon entering the bedroom, I decided to go out to the balcony to try the chocolates and get some breeze. Maybe the fresh
JASPERAs soon as I told Dora of her deceased grandmother, her entire demeanor changed. The muscles in her forehead gree prominent as the weight of my information settled on her. “So, you mean I had family out there and I didn’t know?”I nodded. “Sadly, yes.”Dora stared into space, her face the mask of confusion. She scoffed and then shook her head. “Penny for your thoughts.”She looked my way, her eyes not really seeing me. Then she blinked a few times. “Can I please have a moment alone?” I wish she didn’t say that. I wished she’d let me be here for her but I understood people grieve differently and if leaving will be my way to be there for her, then so be it.“Okay.” I said and got off the bed. Before leaving, I kissed her head and caressed her hair. “I’ll be at the office but will be back soon, okay?” Dora nodded absentmindedly and I began to worry for her. On my way to the office, II mindlinked Chang and Raven to meet me there. Despite just being away for a few days, I rea
JASPER As soon as I was driven into my pack, anxiety hit me. First, I was worried about how things was left off with Dora. Is she still mad at me? Will she let me try and help with her heat?Considering what happened last time, I doubt she’d let me touch her again and I couldn’t even blame her. I just wish she’d forgive me. Secondly, I thought about her grandmother, and the more I thought about her, the angrier I got. Dora was supposed to hear that she has a relative somewhere that cares for her. She would have been ecstatic about the news and I would have felt somewhat like a hero. Now, she’s gone, killed by an unknown assasin just like her mother. Who knows if they’d come for Dora too? Especially because of this book?I sighed, rubbing my face. I was exhausted and craving for rest but most especially, I was craving for her. As soon as my car arrived and I stepped into the house, my wolf became on alert. I sniffed the air, basking in the sugary scent of my mate’s heat. She sme
DORA I paid attention to everything Angel said, and after she left, I checked the alarm clock and counted down the time at which Angel told me the pills she gave me would expire. Five minutes to the time, and I found myself extremely nervous. What if I make a mistake? What if, despite the lessons, I still don't know how to use the tools? A terrible image of me throwing the tools away in frustration passed through my mind, and I shivered. Angel had assured me that I had nothing to worry about, and the tools were afoolproof's way to get quick relief. I wondered if Jasper would arrive before I dive into this unknown world. What if he came while I was doing it? Gods! That would be extremely embarrassing. True to Angel's words, the moment five minutes counted down, my body surged with heat as if a fire had been lit from the pits of my stomach. I removed my top, suddenly drenched with sweat, and then I proceeded to remove my shorts as well. My face burned with embarrassment,
ANGEL I blinked in surprise when Dora confessed to me about her inability to read. Of course, I should have known that, especially the way her family kept her a slave. “I’m so sorry.” I face palmed myself, coming to sit beside her on the bed. “I should have known.” Dora’s face grew a shade redder as she looked away and I took her hand in mine to assure her that she had nothing to be ashamed of. Afterward, I spent about half hour, explaining the different toys and how she could use them. The more I explained, the pinker her neck and ears became and I had to stilfe my smile at her shyness. After I was through, I asked she had any questions and she went silent for a moment. “Will I still need to use these if he comes back?” “It’s totally up to you especially if you’re not ready to go that mile with him.” Dora nodded slowly, her gaze drifting away as she fingered her pendant, then a question came to mind. “Were you wearing your pendant when Jasper tried to mark you?” Dora’s ga
DORA A day had passed since the Scott incident and no one else picked up on any scent that could be foreign or anyone that could be harmful. I sighed, wondering if it was all up in my head. Raven had brought in more guards to stand guard throughout the hospital and now that she was about to dismiss them, I felt bad. I turned to Angel who had been by my side. “Is there food in the kitchen?” “Enough to feed an army, why? Are you hungry?” I shook my head. “I want to make some sandwiches for the patrolmen. I heard Raven telling them, they can't go home and must go to their patrol posts. They will need something to eat.” “You don't need to worry yourself. I can have someone make that or order pizza.” “I know but I insist. Just before I go home.” “Are you sure you are strong enough for that?” I nodded enthusiastically. Angel stared at me before smiling. “Alright then. If you insist.” Afterwards, she led me to the kitchen area which was big and well equipped. Immediately, I g
JASPER I blinked in surprise, coming to the realization that Cersei could be Dora’s grandmother. “Tell me about this granddaughter of yours?” I stated, “Any pictures?” My intention was to connect Dora to her roots and give her a long-lost relative she could probably share some good memories with. Maybe that would get her to forgive me. The elderly woman shook her head, her expression, one of sadness. “I never met her. I only knew of her name when her mother visited briefly.” Then she paused and looked at me. “For the sake of the help you’ve rendered my community in the past, I’ll tell you this. This blessed girl was my daughter but before I could understand who she was or what she could do, she was quickly married off to the Alpha of the Moonstone pack.” Like a lightbulb switch coming on, I was finally sure that Cersei was Dora’s granddaughter. “What kind of powers did your daughter have?” “I can’t tell you much about it because I barely had enough time to figure her out when
JASPER AN HOUR AGO “Are you sure this is the spot?” I asked, as I and six of my best men rallied around a map spread out on the car. The one with the geography skills among us nodded his head, very sure about the spot marked X. I raised my head and looked at the thick forest beyond. The pack I need to get to live in there and this probably be one of the most dangerous ventures we would ever make. I turned to my men. “If you want to back out and wait here for me, I won't hold it against you. You've got wives and kids and I am not sure how dangerous this place might be.” My men glanced at each other with confidence before they all agreed to go with me and I was overwhelmed with gratitude. Within minutes, we were venturing into the forest, high on alert while trying to find the pack we came for. After the war that occurred years ago, people of the Nightreach pack split in two. The staunch followers of the evil Alpha Martin Dumas chose to perish with him or become rogues while the