MasukJessica’s POVRight after the meeting, Ronald and I left for the market while the others stayed in the pack house to take care of some other matters.As soon as we got into the market, everything became quiet. Too quiet for a place like market, especially this one, where the major trades were occurring on an hourly basis.We moved from stall to stall, acting like we were checking out some goods, but I couldn&r
Jessica’s POVZane’s expression darkened while I felt a jolt of worry.“He’s trying to turn them against the crown,” I sharply said in realisation.Fred nodded his head. “Seems like it. But here’s the kicker. He’s always buying favors from lower-ranked pack members.”
Jessica’s POVAfter we had the dinner the servant had sent into his office, I helped Zane with his paperwork, reviewing some safety protocols and financing matters. After a few hours, we finally finished.“That’s exhausting! I can’t imagine how you do all this alone,” I dramatically exclaimed as I leaned back on my seat with my arms hanging on the side and head on the top of the backrest with it a little tilted to stare in his eyes.Giving out a charming smirk, he boasted, “I’m the King.”“Don’t be smug.” I laughed.“Alright, let’s get to business.” He clapped his hands and stretched out before sitting properly and pulled out a map from the drawer under his table.“Agh, maybe after a while? My brain cells are burned!” I complained but sat up properly nonetheless, which he only laughed at.Looking down at the map, he scrolled open. The entire kingdom’s maps were sprawled. It marked where the noble families were, every trader, trading places, markets, and so much more that was related t
Jessica’s POVFred flinched, his hold on the punching bag tightening as he hid behind it. “Okay… Okay… Let’s keep it co–”Before he could finish his words, I punched the bag he was holding, but not too hard, or he’d be flying away.“Ouch!” Nonetheless, he still dramatically clutched his chest in pain. Walking out from his hiding, he looked at me like I betrayed him. “Straight to violence, really? My poor, fragile heart. How dare you?”I rolled my eyes before turning around. Slamming down to the bench with my legs apart and my elbows on it, I started removing my hand’s wrap.Fred’s shadow loomed over me as he stood in front ot me. “What’s wrong?”“Eric… Again,” I said with a hint of helplessness in my voice as I threw the wrap to who knew where.“Ah, the walking plague,” he commented with understanding before seating down beside me.“I talked to him yesterday in the market. Like you said, maybe closure will make it all stop. Will make him stop…” I shook my head. “But…But something is r
Jessica’s POVI could see Eric flinch from the sharpness of my voice, and maybe also because of the fact that I was telling the hard truth.What was he here for? Finding a mistress? Or did he want to make himself stronger, so he suddenly wanted me back in his life again and use our bond as a fated mate?I hoffed in my mind. In his dreams!Seeing him flinch made me want to smirk, but that didn’t last long because he recovered immediately and sighed. His shocked eyes turned to guilt, looking deeply into my eyes. “Paige and I… our bond is complicated, more than you think it is. You… You were…”Looking intently at me, he heaved a sigh and continued with difficulty, “You were supposed to be mine. We’re fated to each other.”When I saw him trying to take a step closer and hold my hand, I immediately stepped back, treating him like a plague that would hurt me if he got even the slightest closer. “No, Eric. I was never yours. You made sure of that.”His jaw tightened. Probably realizing that
Jessica’s POVFred’s brows lift in surprise. Interest piqued, he let go of his things and leaned back on the seat with his arms crossed over his arms. “The infamous fated mate.”Tilting his head, he stared at me. “I assume this isn’t about rekindling the old flame?”I scoffed in disgust, flatly replying, “I’d rather set myself on fire.”“Spicy!” He grinned. “But seriously, what happened?”Exhaling to let out a bit of my frustration, I replied, “He’s up to something. He’s slithering his way into the kingdom, into politics, into…”Slamming my hands on the space of the bed beside me, I emphasize, “Into my space!”He thoughtfully nodded his head as he processed what I said. “And what does our mighty Lycan King thought about this?”Hearing his question instantly made me scoff. “Oh, you know your best friend. He’s a walking storm cloud of jealousy and stubbornness. He tries to play it cool, but I can definitely see right through him.”“That’s to be expected and understandable, by the way,”







