Chapter 35
As I step through the shimmering portal, the cool, fresh air of the forest envelops me, contrasting sharply with the sterile confines of Jackson’s office that I had imagined. A wave of confusion washes over me—my thoughts had been solely on Jackson, so how did I end up here?
The rustling leaves whisper my name, pulling my attention to my brother Ryker, who materializes through the trees. Before I can process the moment, he wraps me in a warm, powerful embrace, lifting me off my feet and spinning me around joyfully. Jackson appears,and his lips immediately come crashing against mine in an urgent kiss that sends a sudden wave of nausea rolling through my stomach.
I instinctively push him away, my heart sinking at the fleeting flicker of sadness that crosses his face in response to my rejection.
Before I can utter a single word of explanation, the nausea surges. I double over, and the world spins around me as I begin to throw up. Ryker, ever the protector, quickly rushes to my side, bringing me a small bottle of water. Meanwhile, Jackson kneels beside me, holding back my hair with tender concern painted across his features, a hint of panic bubbling beneath the surface.
“Did they poison you?” he asks, worry lacing his voice as he probes for reassurance, his eyes darting between me and Ryker.
I shake my head, taking a shaky sip of the water Ryker handed me. “I haven’t been poisoned… I’m pregnant,” I finally manage to reveal.
The impact of my words hangs in the air, and I watch as surprise washes over Jackson’s face, his expression morphing into something far more profound than I had anticipated.
I detailed exactly what happened in the cell and made it clear that I could not escape. I also stated what the witch said about the pregnancy, emphasizing its significance.and that I killed my father and the witch.
Tyler and Ryker both look at me with shock on their face and say so our Tyler and Ryker exchanged incredulous glances, their eyes wide with disbelief as they processed the gravity of the situation. “So, our father is gone?” they asked in unison, their voices tinged with urgency. I nodded, my expression unwavering, confirming the reality we all dreaded. Turning to Jackson, I made it clear that Alpha Wyatt needed to be removed from the equation. He let out a low growl of approval, his eyes glinting with determination. “That’s exactly where we were headed,” he replied, his tone resolute, ready to take action. father is gone. I shake my head yes and then tell Jackson that Alpha Wyatt needs to go. He lets out a growl of approval and says, " That’s where we were going.
.Jackson takes my hand and we walk through the camp, the energy buzzing with anticipation of the coming battle. I feel a surge of determination as I think of our pack, our family, and the life we are building together. As we reach the edge of the camp, Jackson turns to me, his eyes shining with a mix of concern and admiration.
“I know you are strong, and your powers are a force to be reckoned with, but I can’t shake the feeling that something unprecedented is about to happen.
I need to know that you and our baby are safe.”
I place my hand on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath my palm. “I understand your concern, and I promise to be vigilant.
But I am not just a mother or a vessel for our child. I am a powerful wolf in my own right, and I can help ensure the success of our mission.”
The sun begins to dip below the horizon, casting an orange glow over the trees. I can sense the pack’s energy shifting, readying for the upcoming storm.
Jackson nods, a mix of emotions playing across his face. “Let us move together then, as a united front. But promise me, that if things take a turn, you will get yourself and our baby to safety.”
I smile, grateful for his understanding, and link my arm through his. “I promise, but only if you promise me the same. We are in this together, and I will not leave your side.” With a final glance around the camp, we set off, the pack falling into formation around us. As we draw closer to Alpha Wyatt’s border, the air crackles with anticipation. I can sense the power emanating from our pack, a force to be reckoned with. We are ready for whatever comes our way.
As we arrive at the pack house, Jackson notices the surprising lack of protection along the Reavin River pack’s border. The beta stands before the pack house, clearly anticipating our arrival. He bows respectfully to Alpha King Jackson and informs us that Alpha Wyatt is absent. “He fled after your mate managed to escape,” he explains. The Reavin River pack is officially denouncing Alpha Wyatt; we did not understand his obsession with Queen Luna, nor did we know he was colluding with her father or her former fiancé. We desire to avoid any conflict with the royal family and humbly request your mercy for our pack. We are committed to assisting you in the search for Alpha Wyatt.
“Your pack will be spared,” Alpha King Jackson replied, his voice carrying an air of authority that bro. “But you must provide us with any information that could aid us in finding Alpha Wyatt and bringing him to justice. Where did he go? Does he have any allies within your pack who might help him?” The beta wolf raised his head, his eyes filled with a mixture of fear and respect as he addressed the Alpha King. “We believe Alpha Wyatt fled to the northern forests, Your Majesty. He has no allies within our pack, for we were all appalled by his actions. We are loyal to the royal family and will do everything in our power to assist you in this matter.” Jackson nodded, his eyes narrowing as he considered the beta’s words. “See to it that your pack remains loyal and cooperative. We will find Alpha Wyatt, and when we do, he will face the consequences of his treachery.”
As we make our way back to the camp, a profound heaviness settles in my chest, weighed down by the stark realization that Wyatt remains out there, lost and vulnerable. The chilling uncertainty clings to me like a shadow, deepening my sense of dread. Jackson, ever perceptive to my turmoil, instinctively reaches for me. He pulls me close, enveloping me in his warm embrace. I can feel the reassuring weight of his presence as he buries his face in the crook of my neck, inhaling the familiar scent that is uniquely mine.
His voice, low and steady, breaks through my spiraling thoughts. “He will not get you,” he vows fiercely. “And when we return to the pack, I’ll make sure to handle Jared. No one will ever hurt you again.” His words, laced with a mix of determination and protectiveness, wrap around me like a shield, igniting a flicker of hope amidst the fear that threatens to consume me.