MasukShare
Chapter 6: Departure
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2025-01-26 12:27:40I sat at the kitchen table, a cup of lukewarm tea in front of me. The steam no longer rose from the cup, but I didn’t have the energy to drink it. My mind was whirlwind. The summer trip to Alaska was becoming real, and the closer the departure date came, the more I felt the weight of it all.
Mom’s voice broke through my thoughts as she walked into the kitchen, her eyes warm but tired. “I just got off the phone with Alpha Jerry,” she said, standing in front of me with her arms crossed. “It’s all set. You’ll leave in two days. I’ve arranged for you to spend the summer with my old pack.”
I nodded silently, unsure of how to respond. She was right. I had known this was coming. After everything that happened with Jeremy, after all the pain, it felt like the only option. But even though I was preparing for it, even though part of me wanted the space, part of me still wasn’t ready. The goodbye would be harder than I thought.
“Okay,” I said softly. The word felt like it was stuck in my throat. “What now?”
“You’ll need to start getting ready,” Mom said, the urgency in her tone not matching her calm expression. “Pack your things, say goodbye to your friends. It’s a fresh start, Aurelia. You need it.”
The mention of saying goodbye made my stomach twist. Friends. I wasn’t sure if I’d ever feel normal again, but leaving Arizona—leaving everything behind—wasn’t as simple as it seemed. I glanced out the window, watching the dry desert landscape that had become so familiar, and a pang of sadness hit me. There were people here—people I’d miss. My pack. My old life. But mostly... Jeremy.
A heavy sigh left my lips. “And what about... Jeremy?”
Mom’s face tightened, her jaw setting. “I spoke to him, too,” she said, her voice a little firmer than before. “He agrees this distance will help you both heal. It’s not going to be easy, but I need you to understand—you can’t contact him while you’re in Alaska. No messages, no calls. He’s with his true mate now, and this space will be good for both of you. It’s time to let go.”
Her words stung more than I expected. Let go. It felt impossible to even consider that. But I knew she was right. I couldn’t keep holding onto something that wasn’t mine anymore.
I understand,” I whispered, though the words felt like they were wrapped in chains. I wasn’t sure if I believed it, but I knew it was the right thing to do.
Mom nodded, her eyes softening, but there was a firmness in her gaze that told me she wouldn’t budge on this. “You don’t have to forget him,” she said quietly, “but you do need time. And I think this will give you the space you need. The only way forward is by letting go of what’s behind.”
I was silent for a long moment, her words echoing in my mind. The idea of cutting ties with Jeremy, even temporarily, felt like it would break me. But maybe it was what I needed.
The next day, I started packing. I wasn’t sure what to bring—how do you pack for a summer you know will change everything? For a place that might feel like home but might also feel like a world away? I found myself staring at my clothes for longer than necessary, picking through my wardrobe with no real sense of what I needed. I stuffed a few shirts, jeans, and jackets into my bag, not sure why I was even doing it. Nothing seemed to matter.
Mom came in to check on me later. She sat on the bed, watching me, but said nothing for a while. Finally, she spoke, her voice softer now. “Are you okay?”
“I guess,” I said with a shrug, though I wasn’t sure if I was lying or just trying to convince myself. “Just... trying to get everything ready.”
“You’re going to need a jacket,” she said gently. “And some warm clothes. It’s cold up there. Not like here.”
I nodded absently. The cold. Alaska was nothing like Arizona. Everything about it was so... different. And I wasn’t sure how I felt about that.
What was I really leaving behind? I thought about Ares and Melissa—my brother and my closest friend.
They’d be here, continuing their lives, and I’d be... somewhere else. Alaska felt like a world away. And I didn’t know if I was ready for the isolation, but I also knew that maybe it was just what I needed.
But what about Jeremy?
That was the question that wouldn’t leave my mind. It was impossible to ignore the ache in my chest whenever I thought about him, and knowing that I couldn’t contact him while I was gone—it felt like a punishment I didn’t deserve. But deep down, I knew I had to do this for myself. For him too, maybe.
I finished packing my bag in silence, the finality of it weighing on me. The thought of leaving Arizona behind was almost too much. But maybe this was what I needed to move on.
The next morning, I finished the last of my packing. Mom had already arranged for our flight, and everything was set. I couldn’t help but feel a knot in my stomach as I thought about the plane ride ahead. The cold. The isolation. The unknown. I wasn’t sure what I was walking into, but I knew it was going to be different from anything I’d ever known.
“I’m ready,” I said to Mom as I zipped up my bag.
“Good,” she replied. “It’s going to be hard, but we’ll get through this. I know it won’t be easy, but I believe it’s what you need. A fresh start.”
I nodded, though the anxiety in my chest didn’t go away.
As we drove to the airport, the silence between us wasn’t awkward, but it was heavy. The sun was still low in the sky, casting long shadows over the road. My thoughts drifted back to everything I was leaving behind—Ares, Melissa, this life I had known. Was I ready for what lay ahead? Was it possible to move on from something that had meant so much?
We arrived at the airport, and I could feel the weight of everything pressing in on me. Mom squeezed my hand, offering one last smile before she hugged me tightly.
“I love you,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
“I love you too,” I said, my throat tight.
I watched her walk away, the ache in my chest growing. I didn’t know what Alaska would bring, but I knew this was the only way forward.
I took a deep breath and walked toward the gate. The next chapter of my life was waiting, and there was no turning back now.
Bab terkait
Whispers of Frost and Fire Chapter 7: Mates
Jeremy POVThe morning sun filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow over the pack house. It was early, but I was already up, sitting on the porch with a cup of coffee in hand, staring out at the vast desert landscape. My thoughts were a tangle of confusion—memories of the past few weeks, of Aurelia, of the decision I had made, and now, of Shanika.Shanika.The name brought a bittersweet smile to my lips. She was inside, preparing breakfast, the scent of pancakes and fresh coffee drifting through the open door. I could hear her humming softly as she worked, and I couldn’t help but feel this quiet warmth in my chest. She was perfect. She was my mate.And yet, my mind kept wandering back to Aurelia. I couldn’t stop thinking about her—about the way I had hurt her. The guilt never really left.I ran my fingers through my hair, leaning back in my chair. I’d never expected this—to feel torn between my past and my future. Shanika was my true mate, no doubt about it. Every time I look
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-26Whispers of Frost and Fire Chapter 8: Arrival
As soon as the plane touched down, I felt the chill hit me like a punch to the chest. Chase, Alaska, was as cold as the rumors had said, and then some. The town itself was barely a shadow of what I had imagined—a cluster of empty, weather-beaten buildings, standing as if waiting for the inevitable winter that would likely last for most of the year. It was so quiet, so still, it felt almost deserted. There were no bustling markets, no busy streets—just a few scattered houses and shops that looked as though they hadn’t seen a visitor in ages. The kind of place where time itself seemed to slow down.The air was thick with a sharp, biting cold that made it hard to breathe at first. It stung my skin, sending a shiver down my spine as I stepped out of the plane. The snow-covered ground stretched out before me, a pristine, untouched white that seemed to go on forever. I could see the looming silhouette of the Foraker Mountain in the distance, its peak covered in thick snow and jagged cliffs.
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-26Whispers of Frost and Fire Chapter 9: Alpha
As I stepped out of the vehicle, the cold air of Chase bit at my skin, sending a shiver down my spine. I took in my surroundings, eyes scanning the military-like compound that stretched before me. Everything seemed so different from home, so distant.And then, I saw him.Alpha Rhett stood at the entrance of the pack house, his tall frame cutting a striking silhouette against the darkened sky. At 6'4", he was a giant, his broad shoulders and muscular build only adding to his imposing presence. His brown hair was tousled in a way that made him look effortlessly handsome, and his brown eyes were sharp, as if they could see right through me.In that moment, I couldn’t help but stare. He was the most handsome man I’d ever seen, with an aura of power that felt almost suffocating. But there was something about him that felt cold, distant. As if he was above even acknowledging my presence.When I finally walked closer, his gaze shifted. His eyes widened for a fraction of a second, then narrow
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-15Whispers of Frost and Fire Chapter 10: Interrogation
Sitting in front of Alpha Rhett’s desk felt like being on trial—except I wasn’t guilty of anything. I wasn’t even sure what was happening, but I could feel the weight of his eyes on me, sharp and calculating. My mom sat beside me, her posture rigid, but her eyes were still distant. It was like she was physically there, but mentally, she had drifted somewhere else entirely.Alpha Rhett leaned back in his chair, folding his arms across his chest, eyes never leaving mine. For a long moment, the room was silent, heavy with anticipation. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, not sure what to expect. But then, he broke the silence.“Tell me about yourself,” he said, his voice stern but not unkind. It wasn’t a friendly request—it felt more like an order. Like he needed to know who I was, what I was, what I could bring to the table.I swallowed hard. “I’m Aurelia,” I started, my voice quiet, unsure. “I’m from Arizona. I came here with my mom.”Alpha Rhett raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed.
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-15Whispers of Frost and Fire Chapter 11: Settling
Aurelia’s POVThe way he looked at me when he first saw me… He seemed surprised, but maybe it was just my imagination. The expression disappeared as fast as it came. He spoke to us in a very military-like manner, but when he looked at me, it felt like he was staring into my soul. At times, it almost seemed like he was disgusted.“You can settle in your family’s old cabin. It remains uninhabited. There is some work that needs to be done. I don’t take it easy on my people, and I won’t take it easy on you. It is your responsibility to ensure the cabin is livable,” Rhett said with such disdain that I almost scoffed. I guess if I had, he would’ve made me do twenty push-ups or something. What a stuck-up Alpha.My mom and I made our way to the cabin, which was located on the edge of the compound, near the forest. It had been abandoned for years, but it used to belong to her. The small space was cold, most of the furniture was broken, and dust covered every surface. A fireplace stood in the c
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-15Whispers of Frost and Fire Chapter 12: Gatherers
The night was eerily quiet as I sat on the floor of the loft, my fingers trembling as I reached for another box. The others had been filled with relics of the past—coats, journals, maps—but something told me this one would be different.As I lifted the lid, my breath hitched.Inside, neatly folded beneath a layer of silk, were dresses.Not just any dresses—gowns of breathtaking elegance, made of rich fabrics like velvet and silk, embroidered with delicate silver and gold thread. They weren’t the kind of clothes meant for a warrior, nor for someone surviving in a harsh mountain pack. They were regal, like something out of a forgotten fairy tale.Who had worn these?Nestled on top of the garments was a brush, its wooden handle worn smooth by time. A small, clear crystal was embedded into the back, faintly catching the dim light. The moment my fingers brushed against it, a strange warmth spread through me, like a forgotten memory trying to surface.Then, at the very bottom of the box, I
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-15Whispers of Frost and Fire Chapter 13: Ready
The cabin was finally ready. It was small but comfortable, with a single bedroom, an open space that served as the kitchen, dining area, and living room, and a loft where I created a cozy reading nook. I hung some of the dresses I found in the chest, which I will wash later and carefully laid out the photographs and other trinkets on a small wooden table. The space felt like mine now—a mix of old and new, of discovery and belonging.“Aury, are you ready? Get your bow,” my mom called from the doorway.We were heading out to hunt—Alpha Rhett had made it clear that we had to provide for ourselves. The elk we caught would last a week, with its bones useful for making broth, and the antlers could be crafted into knife handles or even jewelry for trade. The hide would be turned into satchels and other items we could exchange for supplies. I was learning so much.“It’s amazing how I forgot all these skills in Arizona,” my mom mused as she opened the cabin door. “But now that I’m here, it’s a
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-15Whispers of Frost and Fire Chapter 14: Soldier
We were cooking the last fish from the bear incident while my mom canned the jam she made with the berries when a sharp knock sounded at the door.“I suppose you’re Aurelia and Amanda,” a deep voice said when my mom opened it. “I’m here to notify you that, starting tomorrow, both of you will be required to participate in training. Morning training begins at 0600, and the evening session is at 2000. I’ll be here at 0545 to escort you to the training arena. Be ready.”The man was tall, broad-shouldered, and stiff as a board. His face was as serious as a heart attack.“And you are… Mr. Bossy, I suppose?” I shot back, crossing my arms. “Listen, I’m here for a vacation and some mental healing, not boot camp. I won’t be joining you at the crack of dawn. Besides, I don’t even own a watch, so good luck dragging me anywhere.”Looks like I found more than wild animals in Alaska—I found my attitude.“Young lady!” my mom scolded, shooting me a warning glare. Then she turned back to the man. “Hi,
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-15
Bab terbaru
Whispers of Frost and Fire Chapter 57: Return
Ares' POVThis ball was a crazy idea. I wasn’t privy to most of the conversations swirling around the pack, but it was obvious this event was a strategy. A smart one. It brought in people, sparked bonds, and created the perfect cover to talk about the real issue—the attacks—without tipping off any potential enemies. The Council rarely met—once a year, tops—and only when something serious hit the fan. Alpha Rhett was smart. Maybe even brilliant. Honorable, too. I saw the way he looked at my sister. He hadn’t made a move, but the tension was thick. Maybe they were mates. Maybe not. Either way, the guy had restraint.The ball itself? It was a blast. I met a bunch of girls who made it very clear what they were after. Lucky for them, I’m available. Willing. But not a liar. When they asked, I kept it simple: I don’t date. I fuck. I’m waiting for my mate.My wolf growled about it sometimes—he didn’t love the casual flings. But my body? Well, that part of me didn’t exactly complain.The gue
Whispers of Frost and Fire Chapter 56: Gammas
I noticed Mom dancing with Brandon—rather closely. They were smiling, laughing, and whispering like no one else existed. I wondered when they’d finally admit their relationship. They were so cute together.Werewolves could live up to two hundred years. We grew up like any human would until we reached adulthood at eighteen. After that, our aging slowed thanks to our regenerative abilities. Mom was only forty-six, and Brandon was probably around one-twenty. A big age gap by human standards—but nothing unusual for us. They could even start a new family… though fertility was rare among older wolves.Rhett walked up on stage, and the room fell into silence.“Good evening, everyone,” he said, his voice smooth and commanding. “I hope you're enjoying the
Whispers of Frost and Fire Chapter 55: Couples
The party was in full swing. Some people from my previous pack were here. Melissa hadn’t come this time—each pack had a limited number of guests, and priority went to those over 25 and unmated.You could see some pairs forming. The fated ones were obvious. You could also see all the hopefuls looking around, waiting for their moment.I was once that bright-eyed hopeful too. Now I was a little jaded.While chatting with Jasmine, I felt a weight settle on me. A gaze. I looked for the source—and there he was. Alpha Rhett. Watching me like he was starving. It was exhilarating… and terrifying. I was so drawn to that man, and I was scared of falling.
Whispers of Frost and Fire Chapter 54: Awkward
Aurelia's POVMy heart beat loud enough to drown out the music as Rhett extended his hand.He looked like a carved statue come to life—tuxedo tailored perfectly to his broad frame, jaw sharp enough to cut, that dark hair pulled back into a man bun I had no business liking as much as I did.His eyes were fixed on me like I was the only thing in the room. And Goddess help me, I wanted to walk into that gaze and never come out.But then I remembered who stood beside him.Jeremy.Shanika.My ex and his mate. Her dark eyes caught mine, unreadable. Jeremy looked… tired. And
Whispers of Frost and Fire Chapter 53: Ball
Aurelia’s POVThe day before the ball felt like an entire lifetime compressed into twenty-four hours.There were wolves everywhere—unmated guests arriving by the hour, laughter and footsteps echoing through the corridors, flurries of movement between the apartments, dorms, tents, and the grand hall that would serve as the ballroom.I stood in the center of that hall, hands on my hips, staring up at the ceiling. It had once been a training arena—all cold concrete and sharp echoes. Now? It shimmered.Ares and his entourage had transformed the space. Silk drapes billowed from the ceiling like swirling snowstorms, catching the breeze from the AC vents and dancing in the air. Jasmine had strung fairy lights across the beams, woven with dried herbs and sprigs of pine that released a warm, woodsy scent when the bulbs heated them. It smelled like winter in the middle of summer—comforting, nostalgic, and a little wild.We’d gone with a winter elegance theme: dark woods and chrome accents, soft
Whispers of Frost and Fire Chapter 52: Planning
Aurelia’s POVThe parchment was thick and slightly textured, dyed with the faintest hint of rose gold. The script shimmered slightly with silver ink, old-fashioned and elegant.You are honorably invited to the Mate-Matching Ball at the Foraker Mountain Pack. All unmated wolves are welcome. We hope this gathering helps you find a union—whether fated by the Moon Goddess or chosen by your heart.I stared at the invitation in my hands, heart fluttering. It was official. Real. Somehow, this felt like more than just a ball.Rhett’s POVInvitations had gone out to every corner of the world—Alaska, Canada, across the states, even overseas. We were expecting a massive turnout.Luckily, we were prepared—at least in terms of infrastructure.We had two three-story buildings just inside the front gates. They looked like government bunkers from the outside—plain, cold, intimidating. That was the point. It was all part of the façade of a military base meant to keep outsiders wary. But in truth, th
Whispers of Frost and Fire Chapter 51: Recounting
Chapter 51: Recounting Rhett’s POVThe attacks had become routine. That was the real horror of it all. People no longer screamed in terror or scrambled blindly. They just reacted—defended, regrouped, and returned to what they were doing as if an ambush by demonic beasts was just another line item on the daily agenda.It was too much.The numbers were dwindling. Every attack left behind fewer warriors. Fewer civilians. Fewer healers. It wasn’t just a battle anymore. This was a war. And we were losing.And yet, that night—our night—was different.The fire crackled beside us, casting a warm glow on her face. I had prepared this spot in secret: a soft blanket spread across a bed of moss, a thermos filled with hot chocolate, and a picnic basket holding a few sandwiches, chocolate-covered berries, and some marshmallow snacks I had seen her sneak from the pantry once. She thought no one noticed. I did.Aury’s eyes had widened when she saw it. Her surprise surprised me.We had trained togeth
Whispers of Frost and Fire Chapter 50: Picnic
Aury’s POVHere I am yet again—injured. I’m beginning to think I do need a babysitter. My brother was doing such a great job. He got his wolf, and nobody died during today’s attack. But realizing I’m the target? That was a rough pill to swallow.I could feel energy coursing through me, but I couldn’t get it out. I guess I need my wolf for that. But where is my wolf? Why won’t she come out?“Aury, dinner is ready. Come down,” I heard Mom call.When I arrived at the table, my big bro was
Whispers of Frost and Fire Chapter 49: Wolf
Chapter 49: WolfBoom! The fireball shot wide, hitting a tree instead, igniting it instantly.The adrenaline was still pumping through me, my knees pressed into the cold, damp earth. I’d just frozen a lava demon with powers I barely understood—and still, it wasn’t over. I felt it in the air, like the tension before a lightning strike. Something worse was coming.The half-wolf demon, though wounded, snarled and lunged at me again, faster this time. There was no time to react.I turned my head, bracing for the impact—But I never felt it.Ares POVEverything was fire and chaos.
