Jackson POV.
I sat among the ranting crowd with a frown, feeling an immense pain in my head. It felt like the more I stayed here, the more the intense pain increased. I tried to strain my ears to know why they were ranting. "So what we're saying is that this pack needs more protection. We're safe and the only advantage we have is the experience we've gained." One blurted out in sheer anger. "I don't see any problem with what you say but what about the economy? I'm sure you've been paying close attention because if you were, then you'd know how fast the economy is dropping and how hard it has become for us to survive every passing day without much food." Another chimed. "Why are you making it sound like everything is over. We're still doing our best and if the economy is dropping, then I'm sure the alpha can't really do much. It isn't as if you expect him to fight our neighboring pack and claim their place." Another reasoned, but everything suddenly became quiet as his last words seemed to strike something deep within them. They slowly turned their head to look at me with a knowing look. Clearing my throat, as I broke the silence, I spoke briefly. "You think claiming the other neighboring pack would save us from the upcoming catastrophe?" I raised a brow. They fell silent, trying to figure out how to answer the question, but after a while of thinking, one finally responded. "You can't really blame us if we think they way. Remember,we're still trying to handle a living, and it just keeps getting worse and worse every time. If you ask for my opinion, then I'd advise we do as he says. The people are already suffering, so I would-" he was still talking when I cut him off. "That's unnecessary because no one is asking for your opinion yet. What else do you all have to discuss," they all paused with a deep frown as they exchanged unpleasant looks. "I'm a bit sure you heard our complaints. We just said that the pack is suffering, and we need to do something with an immediate effect. The more we delay, the more we put our pack at stake," he said with a conflicted expression, but my face remained but my face neutral. "The plan isn't bad, but it's quite impulsive to carry out something like that without proper thought." I tried to explain to them, but they seemed reluctant to agree. "I know you want us to think rationally, but I'll people are suffering, and it's either we fight for possession over the other packs, packs like middle forest are enjoying all the chaos. I doubt they even care about the vampire that has gone feral. They are hunting us, and we're the only one at the receiving end of all of these attacks. I'd advise as well that we found a way to get to safety," he started with a worried look. I waved, dismissing his admission. "That's insufficient reasons to plan an attack to hunt a pack. You all just complained about the lack of resources, and now you're still risking the lives of our pack. Isn't that more than being impulsive? Now what I want from you all is to calm down and rethink about what you really want. Do you really think risking our lives just for the means of survival is worth it? I'd advise you all to rethink before doing so," I replied before standing up unceremoniously. They stared at me in utter shock, not expecting the sudden end of discussion, and as I stood up, I called off the meeting. "There's no need to push further with this case. Let's talk about something else next time." I said with a stern voice. They parted their lips to retort, but I quickly shut them up with a stern look. They quickly bowed as I made my way out of the meeting room. Just then, someone rushed towards me and bowed her head in respect. "Alpha, I have news about the lady you're looking for. "What's that?" I asked with a frown, not actually in a good mood for any news, but upon hearing the words she said, I became very curious to know what actually happened to her. I've been desperate to get feedback ever since I instructed them for the search. "What about the news? What happened?" I asked earnestly. She lowered her head even more before responding. "The news is, she…" she trailed off looking worried about her response or was it fear I sighted in her deep brown eyes as beads of sweats covered her forehead. She was clearly nervous, which made me realize that whatever it was that she was about to say wouldn't be pleasant. However, she was just leaving me in suspense with how slow she was. I felt the urge to force the words out of her mouth as my heart beat faster in the sudden silence. I didn't know what I would do if something bad happened to her. She was the main reason I found a purpose to live. She was the only one who mattered to me. Unable to take the silent shy further, I finally snapped with a frown. "What are you saying? What happened to her and what is the news about?" I asked, urging her with a worried expression. "Well, the lady is dead." She said with a stern voice, but her face showed concern. I frowned as I tried to comprehend what she just said, but nothing was flowing through my head. Until the world seemed to slow down and finally I digested her words. My eyes widened in shock. "What did you say?" I asked, and she parted her lips to speak, but I turned back, walking away from her without waiting for her to reply. As I made my way outside, the world seemed to slow down while I tried to comprehend what just happened. Did I hear correctly, or were my ears playing tricks on me? Well, I couldn't wait for her to confirm that because the fear of confirming what I heard grew as I walked further. I met a servant on my way to my room. "Get a bottle of alcohol," I ordered without looking back. My questions swirled inside my head as I questioned everything. What was the purpose of leaving again if I couldn't see her anymore. If I was unable to have the choice to be with the woman that I had dreamed of. The thought alone was devastating, and I had no idea when the maid showed up with the bottle of alcohol. "Is there something you need me to do again?" She questioned and I found myself nodding my head. "Get me, Juliet," I ordered, and she nodded before walking away. Moments after, she knocked on the door. "Come in," I drawled, and she contemplative stepped in. "Yes, alpha. You called for me." She said, lowering her head. "I want to know what happened. How are you sure that she's dead?" I asked through gritty teeth. "I learned she died close to the middle forest… I don't know if that is the exact she died, but there's a high she died in the wilderness," she revealed. My brows knitted together. "Why was she there in the first place," I murmured to myself before waving for her to leave. She bowed then walked away. Without waiting anymore, I reached for the drink, hoping to find solace in the bottle of alcohol. I sat quietly remembering everything that had happened, and unknowingly I finished the bottle of alcohol. I was torn between accepting her death and rejecting it. Furthermore, I just wanted to see for myself. Furthermore, I couldn't quite believe it, so I stood up but staggered a little bit. I quickly made my way to the place where the servant reported she died. My eyes scanned the place, but something caught my ears. I heard sounds coming from close by. My legs immediately rushed to the source and I spotted newly transformed vampires surrounding a young, fragile woman. I instantly transformed into my wolf. I didn't take the time to check on the woman as a sudden motive to kill grew inside of me, but I didn't take the time to fathom it as I concluded that it was anger fueled by the news I got. Without waiting a moment, I ran through the forest, finding a perfect time to strike and without delay, I jumped out of the thick forest and fought off the vampires that looked perplexed and scared. The fight should've taken longer, but thankfully it ended with the unexpected help from the injured lady. After the tense fight, my eyes snapped towards the lady and I tried to take note of her features, belatedly realizing she was injured, I became furious. Why? I couldn't actually tell, but my wolf kept repeating the word 'mate'. I tried to ignore the strong urge that grew inside mine. My wolf, Lucifer, was more than thrilled. A feeling to connect with her only made me more perplexed. Staring at the unfamiliar beauty, I tried to think rationally. I checked her wounds and realized she needed urgent treatment. Transforming back, I immediately picked her up in a bridal style, bringing her back to the pack with me. As a few of the pack saw me coming in with her, they frowned and whispers erupted. The servant who sighted me looked bewildered as well, but she acted to the situation. "I'll bring water and a cloth with the medicine for treatment," she said.I nodded at her while I walked into my room and slowly placed her on my bed. The maid arrived shortly. I dismissed her before I started cleaning her wounds with a frown, slowly getting mesmerized by her beauty. She was curvy, beautiful, and attractive. Gulping down, I tried to fight off the feeling that aroused deep within me and instead focused on her injuries. After cleaning her up, I sat in the quiet room while buried in deep thought. Mate. The word still rang in my head, but I was inconclusive. Should I let her stay here? But she was a total stranger. How could I be enchanted by her beauty when I didn't know her? Maybe I should just reject her and send her away. I should still be grieving after all. Thus this wasn't the right time for a mate, but there was just this feeling that made me weak and confused and as I stared at her soft features throughout the night, I realized how impossible it was to decide. Perhaps rejecting her would be the best thing to do presently, right?Tana's POV. I stirred in my sleep, feeling discomfort and pain. I slowly opened my eyes and stared at the ceiling. A frown settled on my face, seeing the unfamiliar ceilings. Slowly pushing myself up while biting my lower lip, I tried to fight the pain from my aching body. I groaned when I put too much pressure on my wrist. I sighed, lifting my hand to check the wound on my wrist, which I clearly remembered, given the fact that I inflicted that myself. There was a bandage on my wrist and every jury on my body was already dressed. How come? I wondered inwardly as I took my time, looking around the unfamiliar room. I swung my legs down the pain, trying to walk to the door, but I failed in my attempt. My legs were hurting with marks caused by my rocks. I slumped to the ground the moment I tried to balance my weight, and just then a knock resounded. Glancing up, I stared at the closed door that was suddenly pushed open and someone stepped in briefly. My eyes scanned the lady quickly,
Jackson's POV.I scanned her length the moment she stepped into the room. Her eyes were down as she greeted, clearly unaware of the time of the day. She looked stunned when I corrected her. Her eyes snapped towards me, but she held her breath the moment our eyes met. I could feel a spark at the moment. Her mouth fell open in awe as she stared back.She quickly came out of her shock as she cleared her through, which confused me. Was she just in shock and didn't actually feel something?Because I could feel the strong connection with her and I noticed how close we stood, something she didn't realize even after looking around for a seat. I could barely take my eyes off her, but she could do it freely without any delay, which made me question everything. The unknown feelings I had towards her and the connection that only I could feel. Why was she the only one oblivious about it?After gesturing to a chair close to the table in my office, I walked around to sit in front of her.Caroline. H
Caroline's POV.I frowned seeing the numerous bodies that lay dead on the floor with a little chance of them surviving, and the frown deepened on my face with just the thought of it. How could this happen to them? Who did this to them?My gaze searched the place, and suddenly, I stopped instinctively, smelling a particular scent that could only belong to one person. My heart sped up in fear as my gaze finally landed on a toy that looked oddly familiar. I remembered my father got me that when he was still alive.My legs instinctively moved towards it curiously until I reached it and leaned over, my heart sank, seeing the unrecognizable body of my mother.My legs trembled as I crouched down to inspect her face, but after looking further I became sure that it was my mother lying about the group of dead bodies.I covered my mouth in utter shock as I stared with a tearful gaze. "M-mum. What happened?" My voice broke while I slowly reached for her almost cold hand. I could barely believe it
Jackson's POVSeeing her devastating state and how she cried over one of the dead bodies was disheartening. I walked over to her after inspecting the bodies carefully. I had a hunch that something was behind this. Kneeling on one knee, I drew her close into my arms, trying to comfort her, and she didn't object or try to pull away.I felt her body weaken in my arms as she went unconscious. I quickly carried her in a bridal style, but I paused when I felt someone walking towards me. The atmosphere became tense as my gaze searched for the course until they landed and the man walking towards me, who I recognized immediately with a glance.He looked furious, but what baffled me was the aura about him. I could sense something bad from him, and it made me alert as I watched him with a suspicious gaze. Someone was beside him and the person kept glancing around, noticing the dead bodies."What are you doing here?" I asked when he walked a bit closer.He narrowed his gaze at the lady in my arms
Caroline's POVI blinked in surprise as I tried to absorb the shock that he knew Tana, but how? I knew I hadn't seen his face before, and I doubt he was from the middle forest too, so how then did he know of Tana? But what caught me off guard was the sadness on his face when he told him that she was dead and long gone.Besides to me, Tana was indeed dead, killed by those monsters and gone with my mother's spirit and the one left is the lingering spirit that was set to take revenge for the innocent side that was oblivious of the world around her. I would never make that mistake of being fooled by the people I trusted. I've learned from my pain and past.However, this man confused me with his sudden question. I tried to read his expression, but he turned his face to the other side. His attempt to hide his expression only baffled me further, and I stared at him with a perplexed expression.I lowered my gaze as I got buried in deep thoughts. It was just so confusing, and I could barely be
Caroline's POV I groaned and stretched on the bed, my muscles strained as I stretched and yawned. I couldn't remember the last time I slept so well. I never thought I'd enjoy the mundane feeling it brought, but halfway through my stretching, I heard a voice from close by. "You must've enjoyed your night," a masculine voice made me jerk from the bed as I turned to the side, with an accusing look. Wondering what a man was doing in my room when my eyes met Jackson, who had a rueful smile on his lips as he stood beside where I sat on the bed. "W-what are you doing here?" I asked, instinctively pulling the sheets up to my chest as his scrutinizing gaze made me feel vulnerable. He crossed his hands over his chest as he tipped his head to the side. "What do you mean?" He asked with a slightly creased face. "Why are you in my room?" I snapped almost immediately and his face switched, and a muscle tickled on his jaw. I swallowed, thinking he was angry at my admission but was greatly stunn
Caroline's POVLauwren threw the sword towards me and I caught it in midair. She drew a sword from a sword and faced me, she had an expressionless face.Swinging the swords in the air and stood my ground, ready to play defense for a while before striking, and she took the bait. She instantly started attacking me mercilessly. I was surprised by her strength because I knew that she was just being gentle with me, and she was stronger. I tried to keep my stand as her attack became stronger as well, hitting harder without resting.After she was done attacking and having a hard time breathing, I took the opportunity to start attaching instead. She dodged each swing and kicked the sword from my hand. She was the only one holding the sword now, and she immediately swung into my direction but dodged the attack and went behind her, hitting her hand holding the sword, and it fell from her grip. There we stood without swords.She folded her fists and I did the same. This was the thrilling thing a
In a dimly lit surroundings stood a man with a bag as he watched a man's back with a frown. "Are you ready to accept the offer? Think about and the gain involved," said and lifted the bag in his hand with a smug look.The man slowly turned to look at him. "What you ask of me is quite excessive, and although the offer in exchange is quite…" the man trailed off and swallowed when his gaze fell on the bag. "... convincing, but still, I'd rather think first before doing something this dangerous.""There's no harm in this. The lady in question is not as experienced as you, but I fear what Jackson sees in her that he decided to make her his Luna. All I don't really care though, I just want you to teach the alpha a lesson. She is of great importance to him now based on the reports I got, so do whatever you want but just make sure you stick with the sole purpose," the man explained."Jason I'm not sure if you understand the complexity of the matter and the gravity of your words." The man warn
Caroline's POV"Good morning, Luna," a maid passing by greeted me as she walked past me. I was getting used to the new title, and I wasn't really shocked by how they addressed me. I felt somehow satisfied recently. With the fact that phoenix was back, and I had my powers back. However, I felt stronger and faster than before, almost making me unpredictable whenever I launched an attack.Lauwren was having a hard time beating me whenever we trained and she also pointed out that I was stronger than before. I looked around as the maid busied around, trying to rearrange the place which was the evidence of the ceremony that took place.Jackson had been smiling since the day we fought the vampires off. "Luna, is there something you want me to assist you with?" A servant asked, walking towards me.Shaking my head, "no, thank you," I responded."Luna, Jackson wants to have a word with you in his office," another came from behind. I nodded at her and immediately walked in the direction of his
Caroline's POVI snapped out of my shock when he suddenly ordered his men to tie me down on the floor. I groaned when they roughly loosened me and dragged me from the chair, their tight grips on my arms almost distorted my arms as I felt like my bones would soon be crushed."Look at me!" He demanded, and I forced my teary eyes to stare at his ugly face. "What do you say about a bite? Just imagine the humiliation Jackson would feel once I sink my fang into that slender fair neck of us." He trailed his fingers along the lines of my neck down my collarbone, and he looked enchanted, his gaze glued to my neck as they followed the movement of his eyes."Maybe more than a bite would be great. It depends on how divine your blood tastes," he murmured, and as his eyes went further to the little cleavage of my dress. I felt the urge to throw up, greatly disgusted by his perverted thoughts. I struggled, trying to free my hands, but they pulled my hands back painfully, almost twisting it.I shriek
In a dimly lit surroundings stood a man with a bag as he watched a man's back with a frown. "Are you ready to accept the offer? Think about and the gain involved," said and lifted the bag in his hand with a smug look.The man slowly turned to look at him. "What you ask of me is quite excessive, and although the offer in exchange is quite…" the man trailed off and swallowed when his gaze fell on the bag. "... convincing, but still, I'd rather think first before doing something this dangerous.""There's no harm in this. The lady in question is not as experienced as you, but I fear what Jackson sees in her that he decided to make her his Luna. All I don't really care though, I just want you to teach the alpha a lesson. She is of great importance to him now based on the reports I got, so do whatever you want but just make sure you stick with the sole purpose," the man explained."Jason I'm not sure if you understand the complexity of the matter and the gravity of your words." The man warn
Caroline's POVLauwren threw the sword towards me and I caught it in midair. She drew a sword from a sword and faced me, she had an expressionless face.Swinging the swords in the air and stood my ground, ready to play defense for a while before striking, and she took the bait. She instantly started attacking me mercilessly. I was surprised by her strength because I knew that she was just being gentle with me, and she was stronger. I tried to keep my stand as her attack became stronger as well, hitting harder without resting.After she was done attacking and having a hard time breathing, I took the opportunity to start attaching instead. She dodged each swing and kicked the sword from my hand. She was the only one holding the sword now, and she immediately swung into my direction but dodged the attack and went behind her, hitting her hand holding the sword, and it fell from her grip. There we stood without swords.She folded her fists and I did the same. This was the thrilling thing a
Caroline's POV I groaned and stretched on the bed, my muscles strained as I stretched and yawned. I couldn't remember the last time I slept so well. I never thought I'd enjoy the mundane feeling it brought, but halfway through my stretching, I heard a voice from close by. "You must've enjoyed your night," a masculine voice made me jerk from the bed as I turned to the side, with an accusing look. Wondering what a man was doing in my room when my eyes met Jackson, who had a rueful smile on his lips as he stood beside where I sat on the bed. "W-what are you doing here?" I asked, instinctively pulling the sheets up to my chest as his scrutinizing gaze made me feel vulnerable. He crossed his hands over his chest as he tipped his head to the side. "What do you mean?" He asked with a slightly creased face. "Why are you in my room?" I snapped almost immediately and his face switched, and a muscle tickled on his jaw. I swallowed, thinking he was angry at my admission but was greatly stunn
Caroline's POVI blinked in surprise as I tried to absorb the shock that he knew Tana, but how? I knew I hadn't seen his face before, and I doubt he was from the middle forest too, so how then did he know of Tana? But what caught me off guard was the sadness on his face when he told him that she was dead and long gone.Besides to me, Tana was indeed dead, killed by those monsters and gone with my mother's spirit and the one left is the lingering spirit that was set to take revenge for the innocent side that was oblivious of the world around her. I would never make that mistake of being fooled by the people I trusted. I've learned from my pain and past.However, this man confused me with his sudden question. I tried to read his expression, but he turned his face to the other side. His attempt to hide his expression only baffled me further, and I stared at him with a perplexed expression.I lowered my gaze as I got buried in deep thoughts. It was just so confusing, and I could barely be
Jackson's POVSeeing her devastating state and how she cried over one of the dead bodies was disheartening. I walked over to her after inspecting the bodies carefully. I had a hunch that something was behind this. Kneeling on one knee, I drew her close into my arms, trying to comfort her, and she didn't object or try to pull away.I felt her body weaken in my arms as she went unconscious. I quickly carried her in a bridal style, but I paused when I felt someone walking towards me. The atmosphere became tense as my gaze searched for the course until they landed and the man walking towards me, who I recognized immediately with a glance.He looked furious, but what baffled me was the aura about him. I could sense something bad from him, and it made me alert as I watched him with a suspicious gaze. Someone was beside him and the person kept glancing around, noticing the dead bodies."What are you doing here?" I asked when he walked a bit closer.He narrowed his gaze at the lady in my arms
Caroline's POV.I frowned seeing the numerous bodies that lay dead on the floor with a little chance of them surviving, and the frown deepened on my face with just the thought of it. How could this happen to them? Who did this to them?My gaze searched the place, and suddenly, I stopped instinctively, smelling a particular scent that could only belong to one person. My heart sped up in fear as my gaze finally landed on a toy that looked oddly familiar. I remembered my father got me that when he was still alive.My legs instinctively moved towards it curiously until I reached it and leaned over, my heart sank, seeing the unrecognizable body of my mother.My legs trembled as I crouched down to inspect her face, but after looking further I became sure that it was my mother lying about the group of dead bodies.I covered my mouth in utter shock as I stared with a tearful gaze. "M-mum. What happened?" My voice broke while I slowly reached for her almost cold hand. I could barely believe it
Jackson's POV.I scanned her length the moment she stepped into the room. Her eyes were down as she greeted, clearly unaware of the time of the day. She looked stunned when I corrected her. Her eyes snapped towards me, but she held her breath the moment our eyes met. I could feel a spark at the moment. Her mouth fell open in awe as she stared back.She quickly came out of her shock as she cleared her through, which confused me. Was she just in shock and didn't actually feel something?Because I could feel the strong connection with her and I noticed how close we stood, something she didn't realize even after looking around for a seat. I could barely take my eyes off her, but she could do it freely without any delay, which made me question everything. The unknown feelings I had towards her and the connection that only I could feel. Why was she the only one oblivious about it?After gesturing to a chair close to the table in my office, I walked around to sit in front of her.Caroline. H