Jaxon's POVAfter she calls Ava from her room, we get into my car and head to the dining hall. All I can think about is what to do about Melanie. Although she is a potential threat, I don’t want any harm to come to her. I want to…protect her? No, that can’t be it. I just don’t want her death to be forever on my conscious. Yes, I’ve always had a little crush on her, but she can never be mine. I’ll eventually find my Luna, and If I’m successful at getting her safely away from the pack in time, she’ll meet her Alpha and live happily ever after.We arrive at the dining hall, and I make a beeline for Kaylee. She’s surrounded by a group of her friends, her tight, red dress drawing everyone’s attention. Her cleavage bounces with every movement, and it’s so short, I can nearly see her ass cheeks.My jaw clenches. It isn’t a dress she should be wearing for this kind of occasion. It makes me look bad as her boyfriend, but I’ll address that later. Her eyes light up when she spots me. “Oh, my Godd

Mel’s POVI try to calm my nerves as I place my hands on Jaxon’s taut shoulders, and he holds my waist. At first, we awkwardly sway back and forth, but after the first time he spins me around, I find myself flawlessly gliding across the wooden floor. We move in sync, letting the gentle music guide us.He looks good. He smells good, too. That slutty breakfast aroma mixes well with his cologne. Also, I have never realized that his eyes remind me of the forest in spring; they are bright, gentle and beautiful. I can’t help but get lost in them as we waltz around the room. For a moment, everyone else disappears, and it’s just him and I floating on a cloud.Wait…I’m not supposed to be enjoying this. This is my rival, and I have a mission to accomplish. I don’t have time for this distraction.On the way over to the dining hall, I considered just turning around and leaving this pack for good. But I promised Mom she could have this last night with her. I didn’t know where we’ll go, but I’m adam

Jaxon’s POVI can’t stop myself from watching Melanie walk away and join her friend. A part of me wants to grab her right now and take her far away from here, somewhere her father could never find her. I think back to when Alpha Damon mind-linked me in the woods:Good boy. Continue gathering all the evidence you need against her before Friday. The more everyone sees her alone with you, the more believable it will be.Yes Alpha, I simply replied. I figured that if he actually believes I’m planning to get rid of Melanie, he wouldn’t take matters into his own hands.I don’t know what he’ll do if he finds out before the ceremony that I picked her as my Beta. She doesn’t need to be in any more danger than she already is, but I’m hoping her being a high-ranking werewolf will guarantee her safety, at least for a while. He won’t be able to lay a finger on her without getting through me first.As I make my way back to the table, I notice that Kaylee’s seat is empty. I can still pick up her scen

Jaxon's POVWhen I return downstairs, I find Melanie and Moon sitting on the couch across from Mom. Moon looks terrified as she clings tightly to her sister. I feel so bad for her, she probably has no idea what’s going on. I sit down beside Mom, and she begins speaking.“Melanie, Jaxon hasn’t given me many details as to why you need Moon to stay here. I do feel like it’s important we know what’s going on, especially if we’re going to be involved.”Melanie’s eyes dart towards me, seeking reassurance. I give her a subtle nod.Melanie’s teeth graze her bottom lip. “I understand why you are concerned. I…I just fear for her safety. My dad’s anger has been explosive lately, and I just don’t want my sister around that,” she explains, her voice shaky.I clench my fists. I know she isn’t telling the entire story. If he’s willing to kill her, that means he has no problem putting his hands on her or any of the girls in the house. All I want to do is hold Melanie and tell her everything will be ok

Mel's POVMorning birds are chirping as I sit up and rub the sleep from my eyes. I feel a lot more relaxed thanks to last night’s…session. I throw on a pair of shorts and a T-shirt from my bag, then go to wake Moon up for school. But as I walk towards Ava’s room, I notice her scent is faint. My heart clenches with dread. I fling open the door to find the bed empty. A menacing growl rumbles from my throat. Where is she? Did Dad find us and have his men take her away from me? “Moon? Moon!” I shout, running back downstairs, where her scent is stronger but still faint. She must have left hours ago. Jaxon, Elinda, and Ava’s scents are also weak. Are they in the dungeon, waiting to be punished or exiled because of me?Panic starts to cloud my mind as I burst through the front door. I immediately sense movement to my right and drop into a defensive stance. If Dad thinks he can send his men to ambush me, he’s terribly mistaken.But then I breathe as sigh of relief as Jaxon steps out of the f