The wounds on my body are partially healed on the surface due to the blue gel the healers used on me last night. Yes my injuries look healed on the outside but on the inside they are just as fresh. The door to my cell is pushed open as a gentle voice interrupts my thoughts. "Miss Aura, please follow me."Without struggling, I allow the maid with a scar under her chin escort me, flanked by two guards. Their bruising grip supports my weak, sore limbs. I'm taken through unfamiliar walls. All my stay in Jakpounders Pack, I'd never been to the pack house. My parents had been rightfully scared to let me even catch a glimpse. If I could go back in time, I'd save them all the pain they went through for me. I'd run away or probably let myself drown. I'm taken to a bright chamber, soft floors and white walls merched with brown sofas. As we move, I tremble, anxiety coursing through me. The guards slowly let me go and step back to the door. I look around my heart pierces when I notice th
Xzen's POVThe moon is shinning bright, projecting the shadows of five of my pack warriors, pretending to be sneaking past Jakpounders pack. It's Ace plan, one that I have to clench my fists to stick to. Why is it taking so much time?!A flood of relief rushes through me when I spot the silhouette of Jakpounders’ watch guards move in the planned direction. Sticking to my part a bit earlier than planned, I creep through the shadows, my eyes fixed on the Jakpounders' entrance. The guards, completely absorbed in the commotion don't notice me slipping closer.Skillfully darting between trees, I use the nights darkness to conceal myself. For the first time, the light from the moon poses as a threat. My heart is still in my chest. I strongly believe they have her but I'm not with enough backup. I need to be careful so this doesn't go south. I can't risk getting her hurt. And goddess save that bloody Alpha if any harm comes to Aura. Once I see an opening, I seize my chance. I slip insid
Xzen's POVAs we approach Blackvine's borders, our pack's healers rush to meet us. Giona, our lead healer, takes one look at Aura's pale face and the blood-soaked shirt wrapped around her waist."Get her to the ward, now!" Giona orders, her voice firm and urgent. The pack healers move, quick and precise trying to rip Aura off my arms but they retreat when an angry growl rumbles deep in my throat. “Back off!” My voice thunders as I continue my race towards the pack's ward. Loud claps of thunder roar in the quickly darkening clouds as Aura's cries grow weaker. Fear grips my heart when her body suddenly goes limp against me. No, no, no. Please Aura, please.I burst into an already prepared room, Dr. Banks and his team run in soon after with worried faces. Gently, I lay Aura on the makeshift bed, her eyes fluttering open.Giona begins examining Aura's wound, her expression grave. I watch, helpless, as they work to save the woman I love.“P…please Alpha we'll need you o…outside. Your ph
Xzen's POVI burst into Aura's room. My heart beats with excitement and concern. But I'm met with a scene that makes my blood run cold.Ace is standing beside Aura's bed, her eyes are red-rimmed with tears streaming down her sullen face. My Omega's awake, but her eyes are sunken, her face pale."M..my pup...my pup," Aura sobs, her voice cracking.I slowly approach the bed, instinctively feeling the fire need to comfort her, but surprisingly she turns away, her body language screaming rejection.I glance at Ace, only now recognizing the defeated look on his face. "P...please leave. Please," she begs with a voice barely audible.I freeze in place, my mind trying to process her request…her plea. I glance again at Ace, not wanting to believe I'm the one she's refering to while looking so scared and hurt. What's going on?"What's wrong?" I ask gently, taking a sit while trying to understand.But she shakes her head, her eyes welling up with more tears."Please, Xzen. Just do as she says
Xzen's POV "I can't!" I exclaim, my voice echoing off the large office walls. Aunt Emily remains calm and collected. Her expression is a mask of serenity. She slowly sips from her cup of water while her long lashes flutter over her bored gaze. With a deliberate motion, Aunt Emily sets her glass cup on the desk. The clink of the glass on wood serves as a stark contrast to my explosive outburst. "Relax, Xzen. It's her right," She says, her voice magically measured…unruffled. My anger boils over and although Emily isn't the reason for my fury, I lash out, "What right? To up and leave?!" I still can't wrap my head around her possible reason for wanting to move out of the pack house. Why is Aura doing this? “When did she ask you to grant her the permission to leave?” Aunt Emily asks her gaze a little bit curious. “Earlier today.” I respond, recalling how she'd stepped into my office after sunrise. Joy had easily filled my heart, and I'd blindly rushed to her, eager to hol
With a drop in my aching shoulders, I step out of the warm pack house, and the silence itself is deafening. No one speaks, not even a whisper. Everyone's eyes follow me, their faces etched with sadness and…guilt. Some gaze down, unable to meet my eyes, while others watch with muted emotions that mirror my own.I feel like I'm walking through a sea of regret, their unspoken words hanging in the air like a challenge. But what's there to be sad about? I'd been the one to make the wrong decision of running away. I'd caused the death of my unborn pup. I'd caused it all and now that I think of it I feel I've mistaken their pitiful stares for guilt. But they have every reason to pity the weak omega. The fool who lost her pup when she tried to find a better route in life. Two guards approach me, their expressions calm. They both offer to help me move my belongings. I nod at them, grateful for their assistance, as I'm still a bit tired. It's been over a week but my body is still recovering.
My heart drums in rhythm with my feet pounding against the damp earth, mud coats my bare feet, slipping through my toes just like my breath coming in ragged gasps as the wolves close in around me. Panic claws at my heart when I spare a glance behind me. Their eyes glow like lanterns in the dark, the zeal to kill burning like wild fire in their orbs. I move faster, my soul freezing, blood curdling as my mother's scream pierces the air. I don't see him at first but as I get closer, the trees around me blur and I see my father standing in the direction I'm heading. Blood pours down his eyes and the open slit in his throat. My steps falter as hot tears break free. “P…Pa!” I scream. He gazes at me with accusing eyes. His voice is barely above a whisper, "You caused this." Those words sear into my mind like a branding iron, the guilt and horror boldly threatening to consume me.“NO! NO!” I scream in fright when sharp claws dig into my skin, scraping against my bone. Alpha Mich pays me
Ace's POVI'm aware that whatever I'm about to say will possibly make no sense to Aura at this moment. My words might hold no value to her but I must at least try. I've tried getting her alone, in a quiet setting where my thoughts would be more organized but if I keep waiting for that time, I may never find it. That bright and radiant eyes or the petite omega now look dull. The sight causes an unpleasant feeling in my chest, and although I'd like to wipe it off with a joke, I know now's not the time. We are sitting on a bench in the open filled outside her healing class. I notice some trainees checking us out but I pay them no mind.As I prepare myself to speak, I notice how Aura's shoulders are slumped, her arms wrapped tightly around herself, as if trying to hold together the shattered pieces of her heart. I should have been there for her. I would have been there for her. I still wish to be there for her, if she'd let me.. I take a deep breath, my own heart racing with a mix of