Jackie was throwing daggers at the target, her movements sharp and restless, but her back prickled, burned under a gaze she couldn’t ignore. She turned and froze. A tall blond man stood barely two meters away, watching her with eyes that radiated hate. The moment he realized she'd noticed, he forced a tight, crooked smile. “I just came by to say hi,” he said casually, like they hadn’t shared some unspeakable history. “Wanted to see if you needed help with training. I’m Jamie.” “Thanks,” Jackie replied, managing a strained smile. “I’m Jackie. Cristian usually trains me, so… I think I’m good.” “Alright. See you around then.” He turned and walked off like it meant nothing. "See me around?"she thought bitterly. The only places she ever went were the training grounds and her tent. She hadn’t even eaten in the cafeteria once. They said she needed rest, that she shouldn’t overwhelm herself while recovering.
After John’s reveal, Darina felt even more on edge. Their Beta and Gamma couples joined them in the office, along with Lily, to brainstorm. Darina was pacing back and forth when Kai pulled her onto his lap. “Should we use me as bait?” she asked, inhaling his scent. “Out of the question. I’m not risking your life,” Kai snapped, tightening his arms around her. “I already lost one mate—I won’t let them take you too.” A sharp sting of jealousy pricked Darina’s chest. “So… are you still grieving Julie? Do you still love her?”A part of her hated how easily Julie's name still lingered in the air between them—like a ghost she couldn’t compete with.Even gone, Julie still had pieces of Kai that Darina wasn’t sure she’d ever truly hold. Kai sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “Darina, she’s gone. This isn’t the time or place to be jealous—especially over someone who’s no longer here.” “I’m sorry,” she whis
Jake stood silently by the edge of the training grounds, his sharp eyes fixed on Jackie. She was soaked in sweat, her fists relentlessly pounding the heavy bag. There was fury in her strikes, but also desperation like she was trying to punch her way out of a nightmare. She was learning and she was strong.A warrior approached him, jaw tight with barely restrained anger. “Alpha,” he said, voice low. “Because of that girl, I lost my brother. And my best friend. I think it’s only fair I ask for her punishment. She should be flogged.”Jake’s head snapped toward him, eyes blazing. “She wasn’t the one who pulled the trigger, Tim.”“But Alpha,” Tim insisted, “she’s the reason those three died. She refused to submit. Her arrogance cost lives. She needs to learn.”Power pulsed off Jake like a crashing wave, suffocating the space between them. In one swift move, he gripped Tim’s throat, squeezing hard enough to make the man wheeze. “She is my assassin,” Jak
The next day, John arrived swiftly after Kai’s call. Silvia clutched his hand, her head held high, confidently striding in a red bodycon dress and stilettos. From a distance, she resembled Jackie—a detail that sent cold chills down Darina’s spine, considering Jackie was supposed to be dead.Darina was seated on Kai’s lap in his study when John and Silvia were escorted in. Strangely, she no longer saw them as the fated mate who had once broken her heart and his sly chosen partner—but simply as a loving couple.“Your Highnesses,” they greeted with a slight bow before taking a seat on the sofa.Darina and Kai returned the gesture with a nod.“Alpha John,” Kai began, his voice calm but firm, “as we discussed over the phone, we’ve discovered that the rogues are using dark magic and are specifically targeting our future Queen. It also seems your pack has been attacked more than most, just like ours. Is there anyone you suspect? Someone banished in recen
In her new Luna’s study, Darina restlessly searched for clues to solve the mystery behind the recent events. Kai found her standing by the table, marking red circles over areas on a large map. “My love, it’s late. Time to go to bed,” he whispered in her ear, wrapping his arms around her from behind. She shook her head. “I can’t sleep. I feel like a lamb waiting to be sacrificed… I'm just sitting here with no idea what’s coming.” “It’s not like that. You have two skilled warriors assigned to your protection now. Maya placed spells that’ll activate if dark magic is used. The Witch Council is supporting us—they promised to send any resources we need,” Kai tried to reassure her. “It's not enough. I can’t just sit and do nothing,” she replied, continuing to mark the map. Kai moved beside her and gently stroked her hand. “What are you marking?” “Areas of r
Jackie’s eyes fluttered open.She was lying on something soft inside what looked like a military tent. Two pairs of eyes—one belonging to a beautiful, angelic-looking woman and the other to a man radiating a powerful, commanding aura—were studying her.“You’re safe here,” the blonde woman said softly, gently squeezing her hand.“Who are you? Where am I?” Jackie rasped, her throat dry and aching.The woman poured her a glass of water and handed it to her. Jackie emptied it in one go.“We’re your friends,” the woman said gently. “You’re in the rogue camp. Rogues who were unfairly accused by the Royal Pack and others who were exiled for crimes they didn’t commit. We’ve united, seeking justice.”She offered Jackie a charming smile. “This is Alpha Jake,” she added, gesturing toward the dangerous-looking man. “He’s our Alpha, leading us to reclaim the lives we deserve. I’m his mate and Luna. Do you remember what happened to you?”