5: Crowd

I paused for a moment, unsure whether to speak or wait for Jacob to speak.

He looked really upset and it made me wonder if he heard the conversation but again Jacob always looks upset. Maybe he didn’t hear a thing, maybe he’s just upset that I was here and not in the room like I’m supposed to be.

As my mind pounder with thoughts I was unsure off, Noah swooped in "There you have it Luna. He’s here."

I turned my attention to Noah, slightly confused but then realized that he was trying to air the moment so Jacob won’t suspect a thing.

Though, it’s shocking. This is the first time Noah has tried to eradicate a situation like this. I guess he’s scared of Jacob but why though? He’s just a man.

Jacob didn’t bother saying a thing, he just held my hand and walked me out of the training room. "Were you looking for me?"

"Yeah, I didn’t see you when I woke so I was just wondering, nothing much," I said casually

He looked at me as if he knew I was lying and just scoffed. "I don’t trust you but it’s time you meet the pack so let’s go." He said

My heart dropped, meeting the pack only meant one thing; bullying.

I gulped "Do I have to?"

"What do you think?" He scoffed as we walked into the pack station where all the pack members were gathered.

As we entered, all eyes turned toward us. Everyone instantly stopped what they were doing and stared at me—some with anger, some with shock, and most with clear disappointment.

I could already tell they would hate me. After all, I was an omega, and an omega wasn’t fit to be the Luna.

My stomach twisted as Jacob walked us to the center of the room. He turned to the guards and commanded them to put everyone in order. Once they did, he raised his voice and announced, "Wolves of Crystal Palace, it is my distinct honor to announce that I, Alpha Jacob Arthur, have found and claimed my mate." His voice boomed through the room like a roar. "Everyone, meet my mate and your Luna, Osline Carter."

Just like I thought, the crowd filled with gasp. Some whispered, while others muttered words that stabbed at my heart.

“She can’t be our Luna; she’s an orphan!” someone in the back growled.

“She’s an omega; she’s not fit for anything.”

“Reject her! Reject her!”

Every voice seemed to carry venom. Alpha Jacob didn’t flinch. His eyes narrowed, fixed on them with a dangerous intensity.

Why wasn’t he saying anything?

As their words kept on, I badly wanted to leave but Jacob’s hand around my wrist held on tighter.

I glanced at him, still no sign of care. Then I moved my gaze to the crowd where I quickly noticed Noah standing in the midst of them. He didn’t say a word but his eyes showed he pitied me.

Noah looked like he was about to speak but suddenly Jacob lifted his hand, silencing every muttering voice.

He stepped closer "The three of you in black hoodies," He called sharply. "You with the blue dress, and you." He signaled his guards, who moved swiftly through the crowd and pulled out the people he had pointed at. Their faces turned pale with fear as everyone watched.

"To the dungeon," He commanded.

They gasped. "Alpha Jacob, we are sorry."

"As you should be," He growled, turning his attention back to the crowd. "I did not announce Osline as my Luna to ask your opinion. It was to show respect to my Luna, and I will not tolerate any disrespect toward her. She is my mate, my everything. If you cannot respect her, then you are free to leave the pack."

The room fell silent. He scoffed. "I thought as much."

He turned around and led me out of the area. As we walked farther, I leaned in and whispered, "Thank you for standing up for me."

His gaze darkened "Don’t thank me… yet," He said as a smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.

The way he said it made my stomach twist. I wonder what he means by that.

Jacob and I walked into the dining room where breakfast was already served. As we sat down, I noticed Noah standing at a distance, watching us. He didn’t look at Jacob or even acknowledge me, but I could tell seeing us together made him even more upset.

After a moment, Jacob called, "Noah."

Noah came over quickly.

"I need you to get the keys to the pack room. We need to make some arrangements in there."

"Okay, Alpha," Noah said, and left.

I watched Noah walk away. Deep down I know he doesn’t want to talk to me but I have to talk to him. Our conversation earlier had been cut off and I have to talk to him to clear things out.

"I have to go to the bathroom," I said.

Jacob barely glanced up from his plate. "You don’t have to announce it," He muttered.

I rolled my eyes and walked away, hurrying in the direction Noah had gone.

"Noah," I called. "Can we talk?"

He stopped but didn’t look at me. "I’m busy," He said, and started walking away only to stop and say "And stop following me around. Otherwise you’ll get yourself and me in trouble." With that, he walked away.

I let out a heavy sigh. I know he’s mad at me but I’m stopping. I need to make sure things are good between him and me.

I head back toward the dining room, but stopped I hear Dom speaking to Jacob.

"You’re unbelievable, Jacob. You think binding her with a contract will keep things hidden? No it won’t. She already knows about the room, and soon she’ll find out what’s in it and then everything."

My heart sank. The room? The one Jacob had forbidden me to enter.

"That’s none of your business. Stay away from her, or I’ll kill you," Jacob snapped.

Dom laughed bitterly. "Empty threats don’t work on me, and they won’t work on her so drop it."

Dom turned around and started to walk away. I quickly hid, not wanting any more trouble. Once he passed, I took a moment to compose myself before going back inside.

Part of me wanted to confront Jacob, demand answers. But I knew I couldn’t. He wouldn’t tell me anything, and pushing him could make things worse for my dad.

I have no idea what Jacob is doing but one thing is clear, Jacob didn’t want me because I am his mate. He wants me because of reason—something connected to that room—but what exactly?