Chapter 15

Alpha Nathan stands over Jacob, eyes shining with fury and determination, his claws out, ready to deliver a final deadly blow, a piercing scream tears through the air. The sound echoed through the night, making Nathan's ears twitch and his focus shift from the fallen hunter beneath him to the location of the cry.

From the shadows emerge, Evelyn, her eyes wide with shock and desperation, rushes to the scene, her voice quivering with urgency.

“Mate”. His wolf growled in his mind.

“How can that be?” He said to his wolf, confused. “It’s impossible she’s a human, and such a union is unheard of; perhaps you are mistaken.”

“I’m not mistaken.” His wolf replied, “She’s our mate. You need to claim her now”.

“We can't afford any distractions.” He said "It could be a trick from the hunters.”

“It’s no trick.” His wolf growls at his mind. “she’s ...”.

He ended the connection with his wolf to stop him from talking further.

Despite the recognition between them, Alpha Nathan resists the urge to react, to let his emotions cloud his purpose.

Evelyn runs towards her parents, who are injured on the ground. Her focus is solely on their well-being. Kneeling beside them and trying to offer some comfort amidst the destruction.

“Dad, Mom, are you okay?” she asked with a teary eye.

Her father manages a weak smile, relieved to see his daughter safe amidst the chaos.

“We'll be fine, Evelyn. Don't worry about us.” Her dad replied weakly.

Evelyn's mother looks up at her with relief and grief, grateful to have her daughter by their side.

“Thank goodness you're safe, Evelyn.” Her mom responded, tears flowing from her eyes.

Evelyn's focus was on her parents, trying to assess their injuries.

Unknown to her, Alpha Nathan is watching the scene, his wolf watching from his eyes. After getting over the initial surprise, he schooled his features to one of amusement.

“Tsk tsk, who do we have here?” Alpha Nathan replied, amusement written all over his face.

Evelyn hears him wiping her face. She turns, her face showing anger and hatred.

“What do you want? Why are you doing this to us?” she replied. Her voice, sharp and loud, cut through the night, gaining the attention of those nearby.

Everyone stood frozen, their heads turning towards Evelyn and Alpha Nathan with wide eyes, waiting for his response to her outburst.

Alpha Nathan looks at her calmly, his eyes steady.

“I want justice.” He replied calmly, tone void of any emotion.

“Justice? What does that even mean? She replied, frustrated.

Alpha Nathan's tone changes, anger laced in them. “I want to kill your parents just like your dad killed mine.” He replied, staring at her dad with hate-filled eyes.

Evelyn, shocked by what he said, immediately protests. “No way! My dad would never do that...”

“Your dad's the reason my parents are gone. He also led the group that hurt my pack.” He replied, his voice filled with sadness and anger.

Turning around to face her parents. she asked. “Is what he’s saying the truth, Dad?”

“I didn’t do anything, Evelyn. You have to believe me”. Her dad replied breathlessly.

Evelyn's head feels all mixed up. She doesn't know what to think, and her heart hurts with this big news.

“I... I don't know. This can't be true...” she replied, holding her head in frustration.

“They all have to pay the price for what they did”, Alpha Nathan replied venomously as he grabbed him by the throat, ready to deliver the final blow.

Her eyes are wide, filled with shock. “Wait! Stop, please!” She begged, voice filled with urgency.

Alpha Nathan stopped, waiting for her to continue.

“Please... I'm begging you. Spare my father. They may have done wrong, but they can change.” She continues, voice trembling.

A moment of silence follows, and then, unexpectedly, a low chuckle rumbles from deep within Alpha Nathan's throat. The sound, dark and malicious, echoes through the stillness of the clearing.

“You ask for mercy, even after what your kind did to mine.” He responded, chuckling. “Their actions have caused pain and suffering.”

Evelyn's expression remains unwavering, her gaze meeting him with determination and hope.

Evelyn replied firmly. “Yes, I do. I know it won't erase the past, but we can't keep paying evil with evil”.

“You speak of ideals. But the scars run deep.” He replied, his hand tightening around his neck.

Evelyn steps closer, her voice unwavering.

“With time, Scars can heal.” She replied with determination

Alpha Nathan chuckles darkly again, a mix of amusement and exasperation.

“I've lost my family because of them. Revenge is the path I've vowed to follow.” He replied darkly.

Evelyn's voice quivers as she speaks, her eyes filled with tears. “Please”, she whispers.

Alpha Nathan's gaze, though unyielding, softens as he witnesses the raw emotions etched on her face. A subtle shift occurs within him, a flicker of empathy stirring beneath the surface.

After much contemplation, he let go of him and turned to face her. “There's a price for mercy.” He said, staring into her eyes.

Evelyn's eyes widen, uncertainty flickering within her. “What do you mean?” she replied softly.

Alpha Nathan steps closer, his presence commanding. “If I spare them, you must accompany me to my pack.” He replied.

His pack members exchange surprised glances, their expressions a mix of shock and disbelief. Whispers ripple through their ranks.

Evelyn's heart races, her gaze locking onto his. The gravity of his request sinks in.

“Join your pack?” she asked, surprised.

“Yes. Their lives for yours.” He replied, gaze unwavering, “But you must become a part of my world.”

Evelyn's mind races, the weight of the decision pressing upon her.

“But my parents... they mean everything to me.” She replied unsurely.”

“And my family meant everything to me. This is my offer. A life for a life and a chance at redemption.” He replied, gesturing at her parents.

Evelyn's eyes glisten with unshed tears, her heart torn between her love for her parents and the potential for a different future.

“You don’t have to do it”, her mother suddenly speaks up from where she Is beside her husband.

“if I go with you, do I have your word that you will spare them”? Evelyn asked.

“You have my word, “he replied, staring intensely at her.

Evelyn nods, a sense of purpose settling over her.

“Yes”. I agree.

Alpha Nathan, satisfied with her answer, turned and walked to his warriors gathered around.

“We leave in 10 minutes”, Alpha Nathan said to her over his shoulder.

She said nothing and went to say goodbye to her parents.

“I’m so sorry I can’t protect you”, her dad replied. “I have failed you as a Father”.

“It’s okay, Dad,” she said, crying. “I will be fine”.

“We will miss you, my baby”, her mother said, tears streaming down her face.

Evelyn hugged them tightly, her lips quivering as she said shakily, “I love you both so much”.

She closed her eyes and savored the moment as she knew there was a slim chance of ever seeing them or hearing their voices again.

“It’s time to go,” Alpha Nathan said.

With tears streaming down her face, she said goodbye to her parents and walked away.

At that moment, she felt so alone and heartbroken.