Chapter 8

Jasper

From the moment I stepped into that room one week ago, I knew something was wrong.  

Her body, brown hair colour, even her pretty face that I've mastered in my head was the same as Letana's own. But not her sweet lavender scent that intoxicates me every time I smelled it. She smells different, like Jasmine and honey scent, though faint, I could still feel it.  

So I stayed beside her, convincing myself, clinging to the hope that she's the one, that the poison had only masked her scent, that I would feel her sweet lavender scent when she woke up, that I won't feel distant to her again, but no. 

The moment she opened her eyes and locked her blue eyes with me, I knew she wasn't my mate. Letana has hazel brown eyes and the poison can not change it, never. Besides, the way she looked at me like a stranger, as if I'm going to kill her hurt so badly. 

The truth hit like a blade that I have brought another woman home as my Luna. 

My chest tightened, hands balling into fists so hard my nails bit into my skin. My anger and shame burned deeply because how could I admit it now? How will I face my people and tell them I was wrong – that I had mistakenly brought another woman home as my Luna. That I don't recognize my mate, even after waiting for eight years before I find her and being together for six months now. How can I even admit that? 

Telling them means telling them I'm not fit to be their alpha. That I'm incompetent and a weakling, that I can't be trusted. 

I couldn't allow that, so I called her Luna when Becca and Sylas entered. I even had to move closer and touch her to make them believe she's the one even though I hated it. But just as quickly, I sent them away, claiming I wanted to be with her when in truth I felt like escaping to the bush to find my Letana. 

But why does it look like she's not afraid of me, like she's holding back from saying some things. She couldn't even ask a good question when I finally laid out the rules of our contract marriage, was asking if she could work. How could I trust a woman like that?

It made me wonder which pack she ran from because I could see fear in her eyes when I threatened to take her back. She looked like someone who had a lot bottled up inside, but also looked determined, like she had a mission and would pull it off. Which was why I asked her to be my luna. But for a moment, I really want to ask if she knows Letana because the resemblance was just unmistakable. I wanted to ask if she has a grandmother, maybe they both resemble her, but how couldn't bring myself to being ridiculed by her. 

But more than that, she looked thin and pale, like she's not been eating well, which was why I called Tina, who is a nutritionist, to come see her. She would know what to feed her. Besides, she used to be close to Letana, so she could pull it off and help her to adjust well. 

While she's different from Letana, she still has some sides that could easily pass as Letana, but I hope she's not trying to hide because it really won't pay her. 

Something caught my attention as I walked down to my office. Malachi, the alpha king's messenger, was standing in the hall. That was odd. Has the alpha king already heard that I found my Luna? My jaw tightened.  

“Alpha,” Malachi bowed. 

“Let's talk in my office.” I said, motioning for him to follow me even though he's just going to say the alpha king's request for my presence. 

Once in my office, I offered him a seat before heading to mine. 

“What does the alpha king want?” 

Malachi cleared his throat, but instead of speaking, he took out two envelopes from his suit's inner pocket and gave them to me and immediately took his leave. But not without wiping the coffee my secretary prepared for him. 

I tore open the letter, read through the first one and shook my head. I did the same for the second one and laughed. A bitter, cruel one. 

“Alpha,” Sylas called as he stepped in, noticing my laughter, he paused. “I saw Malachi, is something the matter….” 

I gave him the letters without a word. Sylas took them, read through it and in a moment, his eyes snapped up. “They are summoning you to the werewolf court,” he said. “for violation of peace treaty?” 

“It seems so,” I placed the letters on my desk and looked at him. I knew it would come to this since I attacked other packs. “But it looks like I'm not done killing because I haven't found my Luna yet.” 

Sylas stilled, bowing his head – more of a habit than fear. He’s my best friend and beta after all and I haven't been able to keep many things to myself since I've known him and likewise he himself.  

“I know she's looking different, but I thought it was the poison, that she would come back normal when she woke up.”  

Sylas stared at the window for a while, then turned to face me. “What is the next move, Alpha. Are you just going to let her go just like that?”   

“Of course not, I'm going to find her, but we have to be strategic about it, especially now that everyone knows about it. Not that anyone can stop me, but I want us to look deeper than just the surface.”

“I agree with you.” He said, shifting some files to my front. “I need your approval on some of these projects. Most have been there for over two weeks now. ” 

The rest of the day passed quickly, mostly with long due meetings, and calls from people congratulating me for finding my Luna. 

I left the office around six, heading straight to the hospital and straight to Dr. Eldric's office. 

It's a hassle seeing that woman, yet I have to  come here at intervals to check on her because I don't trust that woman. Of course she can't run, I already threatened her, but she can easily spill the truth. So I need to train her to be Letana in all areas.

The nurses and pack members greeted me as I found my way to his office, only to meet him at the reception. 

“When can my Luna go home?” 

“We need to examine her for a few more days, Alpha. The poison has some effects on her that we are still monitoring.” 

“You can come do that for her at home. I will arrange for a driver to pick you up in the morning and evening for three days. This place is too crowded, I don't like it.” I lied.

“Okay, Alpha. I'll process her discharge immediately.” 

“Better.” I didn't wait for the instructions he's about to be dishing out to me before I take my leave, heading to her VIP room. 

The moment I opened the door, I froze. The room was empty. 

I dashed inside, opened the toilet door, but she wasn't inside. 

My insides turned. Didn't I tell her not to run? 

A surge of anger passed through me as I doubled on my leg, heading to the main reception to be sure she's gone before I mindlink anyone that she's missing. 

I walked towards the elevator, about to enter when I heard someone call Luna. 

There she is, with my pack members, speaking with them like they are acquaintances. I felt relieved, but also mad at her for disobeying me. 

Is she happy that I made her my Luna? Did she think I won't find my Luna? Did she think she could make things difficult for me or Letana when she finally arrived? Different things ran through my head.

I didn't wait before I moved closer, wrapping my arms on her waist, pulling her closer and I felt her jerking away but I held her still. 

By the time we returned to the room, my anger had boiled so much I felt I could hurt her if I didn't get away from her, I’ll hurt her. I controlled my anger, managed to take her back home and the moment we stepped in, I was met with a surprise.