Chapter 9

Chapter nine

Jake's POV

The night was soft and serene, with the soft glow of the moon casting a silvery sheen over the pool. The water gently rippled, reflecting the stars and the surrounding trees swaying lightly in the breeze.

There, I sat alone, my legs dipped in the pool, staring at the stars, with a bottle of whiskey by my side, my loyal companion whenever I felt I neded to be alone.

The memories of how I had lost my mother came back to me that night, a night that whenever I remembered, always reminded me of trusting too much.

“You seem lost in thought, what's wrong? What's the issue?” Seth asked, coming to sit next to me as he dipped his own legs in the pool.

Seth was the only one who really understood me. He taught me everything I knew as far as being a werewolf is concerned, and I would be forever indebted to him for that.

"Thinking about what happened five years ago? When will you accept the fact that it's not your fault?" Seth said, patting me gently on the shoulder.

"It was Seth..., it was." A sigh escaped my lips.

“No, it wasn't. You did the right thing.”

“But that right thing led to the death of my mother. I hate to think about it.” I poured some whisky into the glass that was by my side, and took it down in one swift gulp.

“This isn't just about your mother, is it?” Seth's voice was soft, but at the same time insinuating.

“What do you mean?” I furrowed a brow.

“I saw how you were looking at her, Jake.”

“Who?”

“Reyna. You seem to have a thing for her. You know you can always talk to me about it,”

“Of course not,” I debunked it, even if somehow Seth was right.

Reyna was my mate, and after we had shared that kiss, a lot had been happening within me that I couldn't quite understand. But I didn't want to have a feud with my brother over a lady. He loves her, and she loves him too.

“Well, if you say. But trust me Jake, the earlier you tell yourself the truth, the better it'll be for you and your brother. I know you two love each other and will go to any length to protect one another, but when it comes to matters like this, there are no sentiments.”

“There's no need to worry. Thank you,” Seth stood up to take his leave, while I remained seated by the pool. I poured some more whisky into my glass and gulped it down one more time.

Too many memories for one night, and I needed to head back to my room for a good night rest.

“Brother,” I heard John call as I was about taking the staircase.

“Still awake?” I stopped to pause, wondering why he was calling.

“Yeah, and you? What have you been doing outside?”

“I was just taking some fresh air. How's your girlfriend?” I teased, patting John slightly on the shoulder, but he didn't seem to fall for it.

“Tell me, Jake,” John's expression was serious, more serious than I could have ever given him credit for.

“What?” My eyes narrowed, wondering what was going on in my brother's mind. He's been acting different since he returned from his meeting with the other Alphas of the werewolf clan.

“Seth said Reyna’s fever was as a result of her wolf form trying to find expression,”

“Yes, so he said,” I nodded in agreement.

“What kind of training did you exactly give to her?” John's tone was filled with suspicion.

“I don't understand,” I feigned ignorance.

“Cut the crap bro,” I could feel the anger building up within him, like he was about pouncing on me. “What training did you give to Reyna while I was away?”

“I merely followed your orders as the Alpha. I never wanted to train her anyway. I did it because you wanted the wolf in your so-called girlfriend to find expression.”

“This has nothing to do with being the Alpha or not. I asked you a simple question,”

“And I gave you a simple answer,” the tension between us was building up, and I could feel it. “I think I need to rest,” I attempted walking away but John wouldn't let me.

“You dare not walk out on me, Jake.” His breaths became fast, and I had to halt not because I was afraid of him, but because of the promise I had made to my mother before she died. She had made me promise her that no matter what happens, I would never fight my brother for being the Alpha even if I was the one who really deserved it.

“It's your duty to protect your brother and make him a great Alpha, even if it means you'll have to sacrifice your own happiness for him,” My mother's voice on her dying bed replayed in my head.

“I don't know why you are asking, but since you want to know, I'll tell you. I stabbed her with a knife on her shoulder,” I shrugged.

John furrowed a brow, like he didn't believe what I had told him. “You stabbed her?”

“Yes I did. You can ask her yourself,”

Without saying anything further, John turned to take his leave while I took the staircase that led to my room.

Entering into my room, I slumped on the bed, staring at the ceiling. Images of Reyna and I kissing replayed in my head, but I shook them off.

It's been one hell of a night and I could already feel the threat that Reyna's presence had on my relationship with John.

I knew I had to stop fantasizing. Me and Reyna, it was never going to happen. Not when John loves her so much.

It was time to let go of whatever funny thoughts I was conceiving. The only painful thing was that Reyna's wolf form might never find expression, not until she has mated with her soulmate. But that wasn't in my place to decide.

Never!