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 Ten Minutes Earlier For the first time in my life, I am shopping. My fingers curled into the fabric of my sleeve, trying to make myself smaller, invisible. The rows of clothes seemed to go on forever, each one more colorful and stylish than anything I’d ever worn. I didn’t belong here. I could feel it, like eyes on me, judging me for even daring to touch the racks. I reached out to a soft silk dress, hesitating for a heartbeat before my fingers brushed it. It felt expensive, too nice for someone like me. I kept glancing at the other shoppers, the way they moved with purpose, so confident. They knew what they liked, what looked good on them. I didn't even know where to start. I’d never been allowed to pick out my own clothes before. Someone asked if I needed help, and I flinched, mumbling that I was just looking. The fear of doing something wrong clung to me, heavy and unshakable, even with Angel by my side. When Angel informed me of the upcoming event, a knot twisted
DORA “What’s going on here?” Angel appeared at my side, and when she saw Anita, she looked at her from head to toe. “Who is this, Dora?” I opened my mouth to speak, but my tongue felt like lead, and my throat suddenly went dry. Anita smirked. “What? Cat got your tongue?” Then she turned to Angel. “You must be Alpha Reed’s sister. So let me do the honours of introducing myself. Hi.” She stretched forth her hand for a handshake. “My name is Anita Hernandez, Alpha Campbell’s fiance.” She raised her left hand to show us a sparking diamond ring. Angel looked at her hand but refused to shake it. Instead, she turned to me with concern in her eyes, “Are you okay?” I was not okay. The world seemed to be shrinking around me, making the air too tight and too thin to breathe. My heart pounded violently in my chest, each beat like a fist pounding against a locked door. It was like I was trapped inside my own body, and no matter how much I tried to gasp for air, nothing seemed to fill my lu
JASPER Since the mall was outside my pack, it took a while for me to get there but no less than twenty minutes. I went with Chang and a couple of my men and briefed Raven on recent developments. By the time I got there, I found most of the clothing section of the mall empty, leaving Angel and Dora with their security, having a face off with Alpha Campbell, his woman, and their security. “She’s a good-for-nothing piece of trash!” I heard Alpha Campbell say, pointing at Dora, who hid behind my sister. “She doesn’t deserve a dress that expensive. You’re wasting money on her.” Anger sparked in my veins. “How we choose to spend our money is none of your concern, Alpha Campbell.” I said, coming into view. The anger I saw on his face suddenly morphed into a kiss-ass smile. “Alpha Reed.” He said, stretching forward his hand. “I didn’t know you’d be here.” I stared down at his hand, wondering if I should take it. If I don’t, it might signal hostility and make the Moonstone pack be on gua
JASPER Eventually, Alpha Campbell caved in first and told his men to stand down. Then I mindlinked mine to stand down as well. “The Luna is my past,” Alpha Campbell said, holding hands with his fiance. “Anita is my future. I’d like for you to respect that, Alpha Reed, and respect my woman.” We stared at each other for a moment. “What an ass.” Lupus muttered before going back to sleep. “Of course.” I smiled. “I’d also like for you to extend that respect to Dora. She’s now a part of my pack, and I will tolerate no disrespect towards her.” Although he didn’t seem too pleased, Alpha Campbell nodded in agreement. “Of course.” Afterwards, he signalled for Anita and his men to disperse much to Anita’s visible displeasure. I, as well, signalled to Dora and Alice to continue their shopping along with their security. Dora hesitated, but I gave her an assuring nod before she followed after Angel. As I stood beside Alpha Campbell, we watched our women meet at a certain aisle and give
JASPER As soon as we got home, I dismissed Chang and carried Dora, bridal style into our home. Her frail body clung to mine with her bony arms around my neck and I hated that her weight was next to nothing. How did she survive all these years without wasting away? I looked down at her serene face and decided I’d make it a priority to feed her more and get her to a healthy weight. The moment we got to our room, I laid her in bed gently and removed my shoes before changing into something comfy. Afterward, I drew her body close in bed and spooned her, but she wiggled around to face me. “Hi.”“HI.” She replied softly but avoided my eyes.“How are you feeling?” I asked, sweeping her hair behind her neck.“Tired?” She replied, absentmindedly fidding with her pendant. “I feel like I have been running for miles.”I stroked her hair, loving the silky texture between my fingers. “It’s normal for someone who’s been through severe trauma to experience such. How did seeing your father again m
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