“You’re okay?” John asked. I nodded and sipped the hot tea nearly sighing as it warmed my body, John sat at a respectful distance beside me and I noticed him watching me keenly at a far corner. Jake stared at a fire sipping from a glass of liquor looking lost in his own world.
“What happened” John asked and I sighed, his dark eyes roamed my face and I noticed how handsome he was. “My father, chased me away” I said and his eye darkened even further, he looked annoyed. “That’s wickedness” he said and I nodded, the tears I have been holding and promising myself not to shed started pooling in the corner of her eyes. “I am so sorry” John said and I nodded. The tears dropped and he tentatively wiped them away and I stared at him in surprise. “Thank you” I said and he smiled. Jake stood and dropped the book he was holding “I am outta here before you two kiss and talk in love” he said and I reddened, John looked embarrassed and he shot his brother a glare but Jake flipped him off and grabbed his car keys and walked away. “Is he always like this?” I asked and John shook his head. “No, his moods changes quickly but he is very loyal” John said and I nodded and sipped the last of my tea that was getting cold. John stood and helped me up, they walked to a room and John dropped her backpack on a mahogany desk. “Thank you John” I said and kissed his cheek, he smiled at me and walked off. I plopped on the bed and smiled, this was definitely a welcome start of my life’s journey. I closed my eyes and drifted up to sleep. When I opened my eyes Jake was sitting on a chair and was staring at the window I jumped to my feet and grabbed something as a weapon which was a spoon, he chuckled without turning. “You want to use a spoon to fight me, hope you know how futile it is” Jake said and I shook my head. “What do you want” I snapped, tired of his attitude. He turned and his eyes darkened. He crossed his legs and glared at me. “The fact that I saved your ass, doesn’t mean I trust you one bit” he said and I scowled and glared at him. “If there is anyone not to trust, it’s you. You are evil and brutal and you don’t think twice before you do something rash” I said and he smiled coldly, he stood and grabbed one bottle of wine from a cabinet and poured it into a glass, he titled the glass to his mouth and drank. “You are right” he said and turned to stare at the landscape from the window. “I am a cold selfish bastard and be warned am not gonna pet you like John.” “So what do you want?” I snapped again and he scowled. “What do I want? Nothing. You are fool to think I want anything. I am just following the alpha orders to protect and train you” I noticed he said the word alpha with resentment and contempt something was definitely going on “I don’t want you in my room, you can guard it from outside” I said and his eyes darkened and I knew I had made an enemy, he nodded and pivoted on heels and was gone. _______________________________________ I grunted as I lifted the weight bar and I dropped it back almost immediately, ever since I had told John the reason why I was sent off my pack, we had been working to increase my strength, he had tried everything to no avail to bring out my wolf. Jake sauntered in his eyes roamed around until they sought me and John and he headed over, he grabbed my bottle of water and drank from it. “Jake” John greeted but Jake ignored him and turned to me. “Trying to bring out your wolf huh?” He asked and John nodded. “I have tried everything in book to kick start wolf abilities but to no avail” John chipped in and Jake shrugged, he pushed past me and grabbed the heavy weight bar and lifted it with ease, he shook his head and added four more weight bars and lifted it, still with ease. He dropped it and stared at us. “Another way, is joining her with her soulmate, that will four hundred percent bring out her wolf” he said and smiled, he turned and started to walk away. “Jake” John called and the older brother stopped, “Thank you” he said, Jake turned his head and for a moment I could have said his stone cold eyes softened but he turned away and waved as he disappeared into the forest. “What he is gonna do in the forest” she said and John grimaced. “He is going to hunt” he said and John frowned, “And the way he hunts is very monstrous, without mercy and sometimes for the fun of it” he said and I shook my head, it was best I stayed away from Jake, he was dangerous, unpredictable and arrogant. “Can’t you stop him” I said and John shook his head. “I can’t. I am not as strong as Jake, he is too strong. “ he said and I sighed. “Why is he this evil” I asked and Johna shook his head. “He has been through a lot, plus he hates me.” John explained he stared at me then at my lips. “You are so beautiful” he said and I smiled, he leaned forward and kissed me on the lips, he pulled away just as quickly and chuckled nervously. “I am so sorry” he said, but I threw caution to the winds and pulled him in for another kiss. We pulled away when we were out of breath “Wow” he said and he pulled me into his arms, “Reyna you are one of a kind” he said and I smiled, my father chasing me off was starting to look like a blessing in disguise. Then Jake walked in an scowled, his eyes look wide. “Kissing already” he mocked and walked off, I noticed his hands looked bloody and he didn’t even bother hiding it. Monster.“Where is Jake?” I asked and John shook his head, “He doesn’t like parties” he said loudly over the loud music, around us werewolves danced to loud hiphop music, John twirled me around and I danced coming close enough to stare into his eyes and kissed him, ever since the day we kissed, we had become more exclusive and I learned werewolves males were very jealous with their woman and John certainly was, his hand held my waist possessively as if afraid I would wander off. “I won’t wander off” I said and John grinned and kissed my check. “Never trust when a lady says that” he said and I gasped playfully. “John! Ouch! So you don’t trust me” I said and he grinned. “One bit” he said and I punched him playfully in the shoulder. “Kidding” he said and we walked to a bar and he poured wine for me. “Cheers” I said and he smiled at me. “To what?” He asked and I shrugged. I flunked my glass with his and we drank
“Come on you dumb ass shit” Jake yelled, “One more” he said and with every once of my strength I pushed myself up and then collapsed onto the grass. Jake made no move to help me up, instead he circled me and scowled. “You are fucking weak” he said and I scowled at him, he grabbed my arms and roughly force me to sit. I smacked away his hand and he growled angrily. “Don’t ever touch me” I snapped and he nodded. “Good, I want you to be angry. Now channel that rage at me, think of everything you hate about me. Our power are mostly at their peak when we are in rage now punch me” he said and I hesitated, even though I probably detested him, for some reason I didn’t want to punch him. “Come on, don’t be such a wimp you idiot” he said and I scowled and charged for him. I punched him right in the face, and he stood there and took it without blinking, bleeding from the mouth. He threw back his head and laughed then he grinned at me. “T
I opened my eyes slowly and sat up, I suddenly remembered yesterday and peeled back my shirt and stared at my shoulder. It was perfectly fine and with no trace that I had been stabbed there. “You are good as new” came Jake’s voice and I turned to see him in the doorway, looking handsome, his long dark hair fell to his forehead enhancing those roguish good looks of his. I scowled at him and he smiled. “You stabbed me” I said and he grinned as if he enjoyed the moment. “You asked dear” he said with mock sweetness and I rolled my eyes. “And you still stabbed me” I said and he grinned and grabbed my hair brush and swung it like a sword. “I couldn’t miss that opportunity” he said and plopped on the bed beside me. “You’re a beast,” I said and he smiled. He extended a claw and grabbed my teddy and stabbed it in the heart. “Hey” I complained and he grinned and tossed me the teddy. I hid the teddy behind the bed and h
“What do we do?” I asked and Jake eyes darkened like he didn’t like the situation he was in, I didn’t either. He shook his head like he couldn’t believe I was asking that question. “What do you want us to do? have sex?” He asked and my cheeks reddened and I glared at him. “Do you have to say that?” I asked and he shrugged and grabbed a bottle of tequila and drank I watched as his throat bobbed as the drink went down his throat. “Yes” he said. He regarded me and smiled like he had an evil plan. “We should tell John” he said and my eyes widened. I still liked John and didn’t want to hurt his feelings. “What? No” I don’t exclaimed and he grinned like that was the reaction he was waiting for. He offered me a glass and I shook my head he frowned. “Take the damned drink from me or I’ll tell dear brother that you are my one true soulmate the one I get to bang” he said with a mock smile and I scowled.
I stood frozen from the stair case. John was back but he wasn't alone. He had come in with someone else, a lady. I was sad, and I couldn't hide it.“Brother!” John shook hands with Jake. “This is Stephanie.”I swallowed hard, wondering what he was doing with this lady whom he had introduced to Jake as Stephanie.I felt threatened by her striking beauty. She wore a ponytail and she had a smile that made me feel she was having something with John.“Steph,” Jake grimaced. “Where did you meet her?”“I'll tell you all about it later, but for now she'll be staying with us.” John brushed past Jake. He was yet to notice my presence, and I was waiting for him to ask after me.“Where's Ryena, and how's her training going?” John finally asked. “She's pathetic!” Jake’s reply didn't come as a surprise to me. I stepped down from the staircase, and I noticed the smile on his face. He closed me in a warm embrace, pressing his lips against mine.“I've missed you,” I whispered into his ears, and he s
I woke up to find Jake seated by my side, making me to wonder what had happened and why he was the one by my side instead of John.“Where's your brother?” I tried to sit up but felt too heavy to do so. My head was spinning and I felt a sharp pain.“You're finally awake,” I heard John say as he walked towards me from the door, accompanied by someone else.Jake stood up without a word and John took his place, sitting beside me on the bed.“How're you feeling now?” He was soft spoken and the tenderness in his voice said a lot.“I feel dizzy,” I looked at Jake and he looked away.“You're going to be feeling that way for sometime,” the man who had come in with John announced. “It's your wolf form trying to find expression,”“Huh?” My eyes opened wide in disbelief. That didn't sound nice. I knew exactly what I had gone through just before I passed out, and I didn't want it to be a recurring thing.“Thank you so much Seth,” John greeted the man, as he stood up from the bed.Jake had refused
Chapter nine Jake's POVThe 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
Chapter tenStephanie's POVI woke up that night on my way to use the restroom when I began to hear the Alpha brothers, and from the tone which they spoke with, it was obvious there was something about their relationship that they weren't talking about.John was the Alpha of the pack but it appeared as though Jake wasn't happy with it. I quickly slipped away so as not to get seen, and that was when I met Selena the stewardess.Her room was just beside mine, and I guessed she too, had overheard the heated argument between the brothers.“Peeping on the brothers? If I were you I wouldn't do that.” Selena smiled at me.“I…I…I wasn't….” I stuttered. “Forget about what you've heard tonight. They've always been like that since they were boys,” My eyes narrowed, and a smug smile tugged at the corners of my lips. “They've always been like that since they were boys,” I mimicked Selena, though not audibly.“There has always been this tension between them, but believe me, they're the best broth
Jake's POV The faint buzz of chatter outside John’s office drifted through the slightly ajar window, a reminder that the moonlight party was about to begin. I leaned back in the chair opposite his desk, trying to focus as John talked about the final inspection.“The decorations in the main hall are flawless,” John said, flipping through a stack of papers. “Food is already set, and the security team is stationed at key points. Everything’s coming together.”I nodded absentmindedly, my mind elsewhere. Seeing Reyna earlier had shaken me more than I cared to admit, and now, sitting here with John her supposed protector only made the tension inside me worse.“And after the party…” John trailed off, a small, almost shy smile playing on his lips as he leaned back in his chair.I raised an eyebrow. “What about after the party?”He hesitated for a moment before pulling a small velvet box out of his pocket. My stomach dropped as he opened it to reveal a simple but elegant silver ring, adorned
Jake's POV The knock at the door lingered in my mind as I stood there, my hand still gripping the doorknob. Behind me, Reyna was pressed against the wall, her chest heaving, her lips swollen from the kiss we’d just shared. The heat of the moment was still coursing through my veins, but I had to pull myself together.“Jake?” John called again, his tone sharper this time.I exhaled slowly, glancing over my shoulder at Reyna. Her wide eyes met mine, and for a moment, neither of us moved.“I’ll handle this,” I whispered to her, my voice low but firm.She nodded, biting her lip as I turned and opened the door just enough to step outside. John was standing there, arms crossed, looking impatient.“What’s so urgent?” I asked, keeping my tone neutral even though my mind was still spinning from what had just happened.“We need to finalize the plans for the moonlight party,” John said, his eyes narrowing slightly. “You weren’t at the briefing earlier.”“I was... preoccupied,” I replied, glancin
Reyna's POV The dress was breathtaking a flowing silver gown that shimmered with every movement, hugging my figure perfectly. Two makeup artists fluttered around me, adding the finishing touches to my makeup and styling my hair into elegant waves. Their chatter faded into the background as I stared at my reflection in the mirror. For a moment, I almost didn’t recognize myself.“Perfect,” one of them said, stepping back to admire their work. “You’re going to be the star of the party tonight.”I smiled politely, though my mind was elsewhere. Tonight wasn’t just about beauty or elegance it was about navigating a night filled with uncertainty and hidden motives.The door opened, and Stephanie walked in, already dressed in a sleek emerald-green gown that complemented her complexion perfectly. She looked stunning, and I couldn’t help but smile.“Reyna,” she gasped, placing a hand on her chest as she walked closer. “You look incredible.”I laughed softly. “Look who’s talking. You’re glowing
Marcus’s POVFrom my office window, I watched as Jacob stepped out of his car. His usual confident gait was evident, but there was an urgency in his stride that piqued my curiosity. He wasn’t the type to come unannounced unless there was something pressing.My fingers drummed against the desk as I waited for him to appear. Moments later, the door swung open, and Jacob strode in, his face tense.“Where’s Sarah?” he demanded without preamble, his tone sharp.I raised an eyebrow and leaned back in my chair, feigning indifference. “You don’t have the right to question me about Sarah. And besides,” I added, my voice lowering, “shouldn’t you be more concerned about getting your men ready? You’ve got a bigger problem at hand—your precious daughter, Reyna.”Jacob’s jaw clenched, but he didn’t back down. “I’ve heard rumors that Reyna has been spending time with Stephanie,” he said, his voice cutting through the tension. “And since Stephanie is Sarah’s sister, I need to know if you’ve been in c
Jake’s POVThe amber liquid swirled in my glass as I stared blankly at the bar counter. The mansion was quiet, save for the distant hum of activity as the staff prepared for tomorrow's moonlight party. I brought the glass to my lips, letting the alcohol burn its way down, but it did nothing to dull the storm in my mind.How did I get here? A few months ago, I didn’t care about anyone least of all any woman. Life was simpler then. No distractions, no attachments. But now? I couldn’t go a day without thinking about her.Reyna.Her name haunted my every waking moment. The way she laughed, the way her eyes lit up when she was happy, and even the way she frowned when something didn’t sit right with her. It all consumed me, and I hated myself for it.The door to the bar creaked open, and I glanced up to see Diane and her assistant step inside. Great. Just what I needed.Her sharp eyes landed on me immediately. “Jake,” she said, her voice laced with a mix of curiosity and disapproval. “Drink
Jake’s POVThe twilight air was calm as John and I sat on the porch, the sky streaked with hues of purple and orange. The clan had been unusually quiet lately, and for the first time in months, it felt like we could breathe. It was a rare moment of peace, and the upcoming moonlight party seemed like the perfect opportunity to celebrate.John leaned back in his chair, arms crossed behind his head. “Feels good, doesn’t it? No threats, no unnecessary drama. Just peace.”I nodded, my gaze fixed on the horizon. “Yeah, it’s been a long time coming. Let’s hope it stays this way.”He chuckled lightly. “Don’t jinx it, Jake. Trouble has a way of finding us when we least expect it.”We shared a laugh, but my thoughts were elsewhere. The party wasn’t just a celebration; it was a time for significant decisions. Decisions I wasn’t sure I was ready for.After a few moments of silence, I cleared my throat. “So… have you decided?”John raised an eyebrow. “Decided what?”“Who you want your mate to be,”
Reyna's POVSitting on my bed, I pulled my knees to my chest, staring out the window as I spoke to Stephanie. She was lounging on the chair near the dresser, brushing her hair but listening intently.“I know Diane set me up,” I said, breaking the silence. “She’s been waiting for any opportunity to embarrass me, but thankfully John didn’t give her the satisfaction.”Stephanie smirked and set her brush down. “You’re lucky John handled it so quickly. Diane’s schemes are getting ridiculous, but she won’t stop. You need to be on guard.”“I know,” I replied with a sigh. “I can’t let her get to me, though. That’s what she wants—to push me out of the way.”Stephanie tilted her head, studying me. “You’re stronger than her, Reyna. And let’s be honest, she’s desperate. It shows.”I smiled faintly at her encouragement, but my thoughts quickly drifted elsewhere. “By the way, have you seen Jake today?” I asked, trying to sound casual.Stephanie raised an eyebrow. “Not since dinner last night. Why?”
Diane’s POVThe next morning dawned crisp and clear, with the soft glow of the rising sun casting golden hues across the estate. I was already awake and bustling about before the first rays of light even pierced through the curtains. Today was the day of the Moonlight Party—a pivotal event, not just for the clan, but for me personally.Everything had to be perfect, and I would ensure that it was. This was my chance to solidify my position, to show everyone—especially John—that I was the right choice for him.I summoned my personal maid and gave her a long list of instructions. “Make sure the hall is spotless. The decorations must be flawless. The tables need to be set with the silverware I selected yesterday, and the flowers—only white lilies and red roses, nothing else.”“Yes, ma’am,” she replied obediently before scurrying off to fulfill my demands.Next, I sent for Stephanie. If Reyna was truly too “sick” to help, Stephanie would have to pick up the slack. I smirked at the thought
Reyna's POVI sat on the edge of my bed, staring out the window as the moonlight spilled across the forest outside. My mind was a tangled mess of thoughts, mostly about the two men who had somehow taken over my every waking moment. I sighed and leaned back against the pillows, trying to push the confusion aside.A soft knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts.“Come in,” I called, though my voice lacked the usual warmth.The door opened, and my heart sank just a little. It was John. I had been hoping—no, wishing—it was Jake, but of course, it wasn’t.“Hey,” he said, stepping inside and closing the door gently behind him. “Stephanie told me you weren’t feeling well, so I thought I’d check on you.”I forced a small smile, not wanting to appear ungrateful. “Thanks, John. I’m fine, really. Just needed some time to myself.”He walked over and sat on the edge of my bed, his gaze soft and filled with concern. “You’ve been through a lot. It’s okay to take a breather.”I nodded, unable to