JAYDEN
After my brief conversation with Vanessa, I quickly informed the pack about our plan of action for when the bloodsukers return. They all agreed and appeared prepared for whatever challenges they might bring, but the anguish on their faces from losing our members was palpable.
As I gazed into the roaring fire, I couldn’t help but imagine the anguish the families left behind might be going through. I couldn’t help but blame myself for not being able to protect them. The weight of guilt settled heavily on my shoulders, threatening to crush me under its immense pressure. I knew deep down that I couldn’t bear the responsibility for every loss, but it didn’t make the burden any easier to bear.
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing thoughts. It was crucial for me to stay focused and composed for the sake of the pack. They were counting on me to lead them through this darkness and I couldn’t afford to let my self-doubt consume me.
With determination, I turned to face them. The way all of you looked at me back there, and now indicates that you have numerous questions about why I didn’t shift during that battle. As your alpha, I won’t explain myself, but rest assured, it won’t happen again.
“We will honour them by fighting with everything we have,” I declared, my voice firm and resolute. “We will not let their sacrifices be in vain. We owe it to them to stand strong and push back against the vampires and rogues.
They all nodded in agreement, their expressions hardening with resolve.
When the fire subsided, I quickly moved away to locate Vanessa for assistance with my wolf.
I discovered her sitting on the ground, her head lowered. I wondered silently what could be wrong with her before rushing over.
Vanessa, What’s the matter? Are you okay? I asked. She lifted her eyes to look at me, looking drained.
Can you take me inside? I need to relax a bit.
Without hesitation, I carried her in my arms and rushed her inside. Carefully, I laid her down on the couch. “What happened to you, Vanessa? You look pale. “I’ve never seen you like this,” I asked, genuinely concerned. She looked up at me and said, “Don’t give me that look. I hate it. Just help me to my room so I can wake up your wolf before you lose any more pack members.” I ducked down to carry her, but she stopped me. Jayden, wait. Are there any pack members outside the house perimeter?” she asked, making me furrow my brows. As I opened my mouth to reply she cut me and continued. “If there are, they won’t be able to cross through the boundary.
Now she gave me another thing to worry about because I sent some guys to track Catriona’s trails and they haven’t returned yet but the good thing is that I can still feel their presence. I should concentrate on getting my wolf back and then I’ll be able to protect them.
Before helping Vanessa to her room, she asked me to bring the serum so she could mix it with whatever was in her head. She insisted I wait outside and like an obedient boy obeying his mother, I obeyed her request. Having a witch around can be both beneficial and challenging. However, I wondered why she didn’t let me in and was eager to see how Jerome was doing. Despite my curiosity, I trusted her and respected her reasons.
As I waited for Vanessa, I leaned against the wall and slowly sank down onto my haunches. My mind wandered to the happiness I felt earlier when I believed that my prayers had been answered the moment I laid eyes on who I believed was Luciana. Unfortunately, I didn’t realise that my actions were hurting Catriona.
The weight of my behaviour towards Catriona in front of the pack members felt like a barrage of bricks hitting my heart. The guilt gnawed at me as I replayed the scene in my mind. Catriona with her eyes welled up with tears, stood there, her body trembling with hurt but as an idiot blinded I wasn’t seeing it.
Filled with anger, I held my head, frustrated that as an alpha I had been deceived. Why did that woman have to toy with my emotions? And why did she have to disguise herself as Luciana in the picture? Could it be my brother’s doing?
Vanessa’s sudden arrival disrupted my thoughts. I hastily stood up and she handed me a bottle filled with a greenish liquid. Confusion crossed my face as I examined it.
“What am I supposed to do with this?” I asked, although deep down I knew it was meant for drinking. I just didn’t want to make any mistakes.
“Drink it, but do it in your room because it has side effects. She replied.” I fell silent for a moment, pondering what those effects might be, but I couldn’t come up with a solution in my current state. I thanked her and made my way upstairs to my room.
Once in my room, I took the lid off and drank the liquid in one go. I couldn’t help but wonder what Vanessa had made this out of. The smell and taste were absolutely horrible, making me want to vomit. Anxiously, I waited to see what it would do to me. The first thing I noticed was the intense presence of my wolf. I could feel its anger, as it howled and growled within me. The impact of its power was so strong that it felt like my bones and veins were on the verge of bursting at any moment.
The anger emanating from my wolf overwhelmed me, consuming my thoughts and clouding my judgement. It was a raw, untamed rage that I struggled to control. My fists clenched and my jaw tightened as I resisted the urge to let it consume me completely. The pain was unlike anything I had ever felt before, and it continued to intensify. I sank down and gripped the chair tightly, desperate for some semblance of stability. The room around me seemed to shrink, the walls closing in as my wolf’s anger seeped into every corner. I could hear the sound of my own heartbeat pounding in my ears, matching the rhythm of the fury coursing through my veins. It was as if a storm had erupted inside me, and I was caught in the eye of its destructive power.
My vision blurred as I struggled to maintain control, my wolf’s primal instincts threatening to take over. I knew I couldn’t let that happen; the consequences would be dire. But with each passing second, the pain intensified, pushing me closer to the edge of my sanity.
I closed my eyes, attempting to shut out the world and find solace in the darkness. But even in the depths of my mind, the anger raged on, its flames licking at the edges of my consciousness. It was a battle I couldn’t escape, a battle I had to face head-on.
“Beast, please stop whatever you’re doing,” I said through clenched jaws. “If you’re punishing me for what I did to you, I apologise.”
The moment the words left my lips I felt his anger dissipating, his fiery tendrils retracting and retreating. I felt him transforming into a cool, gentle breeze that swept away the pain, leaving behind a sense of calm and serenity. The chair creaked as I released my grip, my knuckles aching from the strain. Are you feeling better now? I asked but he didn’t respond.
I took a deep breath and stood tall, my shoulders squared and my posture strong. I Was about to head back to my people to finish some unfinished work when suddenly my stomach growled loudly resembling colicky cramps. The pain became unbearable, causing me to quickly rush to the toilet.
After leaving the toilet, I quickly showered to get rid of the stench. Once I was dressed, I went downstairs to check on everyone. Most of them seemed fine but the students appeared to be in distress. However, I decided to address their issues later, once the chaos had subsided. One of the men I sent out for a task contacted me via mindlink. His voice seemed uncertain. I went to the other side of the house, only to find more of the ones I sent, standing there, staring blankly into the air taken aback.
Their once stanned faces changed when they saw me approaching.
Alpha we can’t pass through. They said in unison.
Hold on, I only sent out two people. Why are there eight of you?” I asked, walking closer to them but unexpectedly colliding with an invisible wall. The shock on their faces intensified as they tried to explain what I had just experienced.
You see that. That’s what we were trying to explain. They said.
Don’t make a fuss. I know what it is,” I said, silencing them. It’s a barrier that Vanessa created to prevent the vampires from reaching us. However, she didn’t mention that it comes with its own set of terms and conditions. I turned to the ones I had sent. So, what’s the news?” I asked.
We followed her scent but couldn’t catch sight of her. However, we came across the Blood Moon Alpha’s car abandoned in the middle of the road, leading us to believe that he went after her.
My wolf stirred before I heard him speak. I can’t believe that bastard is with my mate. I should’ve been the one by her side, protecting and comforting her when she’s scared. This is a bitter pill to swallow but I have to admit that he will protect her. He will never let any danger come her way.
Without adding to my wolf’s words, I turned to the guys. I’ll go get Vanessa to see how she can help you through. But don’t stay alert. I said and began to walk away when my wolf broke his silence, his words hit me like a lightning strike.
When everything ends, fetch Catriona and break the mate bond.