บททั้งหมดของ ALPHA REJECTION: บทที่ 51 - บทที่ 60

Chapter Fifty TwoJenna's POVVeronica still does not return, and the pack looks like it's been cast in darkness and folly.The moon doesn't shine as brightly, and even the birds of the air seem to have mysteriously disappeared. Zephyr looks beside himself as everyone falls into mourning.I find it difficult to return home, but I find solace and hope in Zephyr's presence, whose pain and heartache I can relate to.Zephyr is in the garden, tending to Jan flowers. All I do is stand and watch, content to watch as he pulls out unwanted weeds and evens the soil.I remember the conversation that we had last right before the unexpected howl pierced the air and interrupted it.And I wonder about Veronica and her true identity. She didn't appear to be more than just a human, at least not beyond what I knew her to be.She had been full of life and had not exhibited any strange traits. So, what was her true identity, and if she had not been killed by humans or taken away, then where was she?Know

Chapter Fifty Four Jenna's POV With a final glance at the castle, I turn back to the path. The forest ahead is thick, the trees towering over me, their leaves rustling in the breeze. I draw in a breath, steadying myself for what’s to come. The blade at my side is a reminder of Veronica’s lessons and strength, and I grip its hilt firmly, reassuring myself that I’m ready.The forest air is damp; the smell of earth and moss is heavy around me. I move silently through the trees, each step taking me further from the safety of the pack and deeper into the unknown. Every crackle of leaves and snap of twigs keeps my senses on high alert. The humans might not be the only danger in these woods. Stories of strange creatures lurking in the shadows whisper through my mind, but I shake them off. I’ve faced worse.Suddenly, a sound catches my attention—something unnatural, a low growl that sends a chill down my spine. My hand instinctively tightens around the hilt of Veronica’s blade as I stop dea

Chapter Fifty-sixJack's POVUnder the tall mountain, the people assemble. I look around, noting the sombre expression that they all wear. The pack seems considerably smaller, and the absence of some of the strong men in the pack seems almost impossible to ignore. Again, the dreadful feeling of failure washes over me and for the first time ever, I doubt my ability to govern, to lead and to protect. But when I look into the faces of my people, I see in their eyes trepidation and snatches of hope and trust that give me the strength to go ahead, even though the only thing that I want to do is run and hide. “The gods had blessed us this season with good crops and a great bounty from our hunts. Our women birthed without the doom of death.”“We had remained safe and happy here until the humans attacked a few days ago.” I take a deep breath as the memory flashes, as well as the screams and painful cries.“We have tried to stay as far away from the humans as possible, but it would appear

Chapter Fifty EightJenna's POVThe humans were far ahead of us, creating items that bordered on the magical. If I didn't know better, I'd have thought them smart, but I understood that they'd used their knowledge for evil, creating weapons that could kill in seconds.I wondered if their weapons worked on them as much as they did on us.“So, Jenna, do you want to tell me a little about yourself? I could attempt to contact anyone you know, your family, or your spouse, so you wouldn't have to spend the night at a shelter with strangers.”Caroline continues to navigate her car, but I can tell that she's waiting for my response.“I think I'd like for you to take me to the shelter.”Alright then, the shelter it is. Caroline says. She doesn't ask me anymore questions, and I welcome the silence as I look out the window of her car.We pass by houses of different sizes and colours. Everywhere appears to be littered with houses. The more Caroline drives, the fewer trees there are, until the gre

Chapter SixtyJenna's POVEleanor gives me a thorough tour of the place and takes her time to explain all the strange equipment, metals and fixtures. “This is the kitchen. Meals are prepared here. We store food in the silvery container, it keeps it cold for days, even weeks.”“The little box up there is the microwave. It warms up food real quick.”Eleanor moves out the door, and I follow suit, looking about as I try to acquaint myself with the facility. “This is the hallway.” Eleanor gestures towards the long passageway. “All of the sheltered women stay in rooms on either side of these halls.”She gives a sharp knock on one of the doors and calls out.“Hey Zoe!”Immediately, someone pushes open the door, and a little girl of about four leaps excitedly into Eleanor's arms.“Hello, sweet pumpkin.” Eleanor holds the little girl close and drops affectionate kisses on her cheeks and forehead.“Mon said you couldn't make it with us to the park.”“Yes, honey. I unfortunately couldn't, I ha