Chapter 11

Jason's POV:

I haven't  been sleeping much these past few days. 

Mostly because of my constant worries for Melissa but mainly because of guilt. And these past few days, the feeling of guilt has been eating at me. 

Especially when I glanced at Melissa. Her soft breathing in her sleep, and her quiet murmurs when she woke up, everything about her reminded me of Aurora. 

It was like the moon goddess herself had chosen to punish me through this young woman. Melissa’s kindness, her resilience, reminded me of everything I had lost.

I couldn't help myself. Every time she stirred, every time she reached out for a hand to hold, I was there. I was always there, tending to her, making sure she had everything she needed. 

But it was more than that. I found myself just... looking at her sometimes, drawn in by the way her brown hair framed her face or the curve of her lips when she smiled. I didn’t know why I felt the way I did, but it was overwhelming.

I always reminded myself that this was all about my duty. She was my personal slave, and I was just fulfilling the basic responsibility. 

But deep down, something inside me stirred, something that told me there was more to this—much more.

"Alpha Jason.” She whispered one morning as I entered her room to check on her. "You're here again."

I couldn’t help but chuckle softly. "You make it sound like a burden. You need me here, don’t you?"

She gave a small, amused smile. "You’re always here, Lord Alpha. I don’t know what I’d do without you."

Her words cut deep, and I had to swallow the lump that formed in my throat. I was doing this because it was right. I was supposed to be her caretaker. But each passing day, it felt like I was doing it for reasons that went beyond just duty.

The days blended together, and I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched—by the moon goddess herself, perhaps. She had a way of guiding my steps, reminding me of the mistakes I had made. 

And Melissa? She was like a walking reminder of everything I had lost. I couldn’t stop myself from falling deeper into this unexplainable attraction. 

I pulled up a chair beside her as she sat up in bed, her eyes sparkling with intelligence as always. There was a sharpness in her that I respected. 

It reminded me of Aurora’s leadership skills, of her natural ability to see the bigger picture. And I now admire it in Melissa, maybe that’s what kept pulling me in.

"I overheard something this morning.” She began, as she leaned forward, her expression serious. "The maids were talking about some new unrest in the Pack. The lower ranks are dissatisfied. They say the leadership is not doing enough to address the issues, especially with the border tensions."

I stared at her, surprised at how keen her ears were. "Do you happen to know a better solution?" I asked, chuckling at the joke that she didn't seem to get.

Her eyes narrowed as she analyzed the situation. "Well, from what I gathered, it’s not just about the border issues. It’s more to do with the Pack’s internal politics. The leadership hasn’t been listening to the smaller ranks, and the tension is building. So, you’re going to need a really good strategy to keep control."

I couldn’t hide my admiration for her insight. I leaned back in my chair, trying to think of a way to respond. "I had considered implementing a stricter defense perimeter, but I was worried that would alienate the smaller ranks further. Do you think that’s the right move?"

She tapped her finger on her lips, considering the options. "No. That’ll cause more conflict. What you need is a more diplomatic solution. Reach out to the lower ranks and offer them more influence in the decision-making process. Open a line of communication, let them know their concerns are being heard. You can’t keep shutting them out if you want unity."

I blinked in surprise at how detailed her response was. I didn't expect her to give me such a thorough answer. "That’s... actually a solid plan."

She tilted her head. "And as for the rogue scare, you need to combine both offense and diplomacy. Strengthen the patrols, yes. But also send a representative to speak with the rogues. Find out what they want. It might be something more than just a random attack. There could be something deeper, something that could be used to your advantage."

I let out a low whistle. "You sound exactly the way a Luna should.”

She flushed slightly at the praise but quickly regained her composure. "I’m just offering suggestions.”

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. I didn’t know what to do with myself anymore. Every word she spoke seemed to break me further. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. She was a slave. I wasn’t supposed to feel anything for her other than duty. But I was falling for her, and it scared me.

Just as I was about to respond, my mind running through the possibilities of what I could do to implement her suggestions, someone knocked.

And after a few seconds of waiting, the door was pushed open and a maid stepped inside. “Sir Ethan sent me over.” She said.

"Ethan’s calling.” I muttered. "Looks like it’s time for the meeting with the Elders. I’ll see you later, Melissa."

She gave me a small smile. "Good luck."

Then I left her room.

As I entered the Pack’s main hall, I was greeted by the stares of the Elders. They weren’t the type to let anything slide. I couldn’t blame them, considering the weight of leadership and the responsibility I carried on my shoulders. 

But I had a plan—Melissa’s plan—and I would present it.

The Elders gathered around the long table, their eyes studying me as I entered. Ethan, standing at the head, nodded at me to begin. I took my seat and launched into the discussion.

"The current situation with the border tensions is becoming critical.” I began, laying out Melissa’s suggestions. "We need to communicate with the lower ranks and involve them in decision-making. We also need to strengthen our patrols along the border while maintaining diplomatic relations with the rogue factions. Our strength lies in unity, and we need to show that we are willing to listen."

Elder Vaughn, a wiry man with a sharp jaw and a sharper tongue, leaned forward. "That is surprisingly a wise approach.”

The others murmured their agreement. And I felt a rush of relief, because this was going better than expected.

Elder Marlow, a stout man with silver hair, nodded approvingly. "Establishing communication with the rogues to understand their motives… that’s a good strategy."

"Indeed.” Elder Janice added, her soft voice brimming with pride. "It’s been a long time since we've heard you come up with such a balanced idea.” She praised. “I guess you’re not just thinking with your claws, Jason."

A small wave of pride washed over me, and I allowed myself a brief smile. I had taken Melissa’s advice, and it was working. 

Just as the room hummed with approval, a cold voice broke out. "So… tell me, Alpha." Elder Magnus drawled, his eyes narrowing. "Is it true that your newfound wisdom comes from a slave?"

The room fell silent, and every gaze turned to Jason. Magnus leaned back in his chair, with a wide smile on his face. He had always been against my leadership, and even tried to stop me from becoming the Alpha after my dad.

"Excuse me?" I remained calm, but my knuckles whitened against the edge of the table.

"Don't act coy." Magnus sneered. "Rumors are spreading. They say you’ve fallen for a slave—the same slave you rescued from Blood Hall Pack. Melissa, is it?"

A few of the Elders exchanged uneasy glances. Elder Marlow’s approving demeanor faded into something colder. And Elder Janice’s lips thinned, a sign of her disapproval.

"I've heard that you consult her before making any decisions—that's how you come up with such brilliant ideas." He continued. "Could she be a witch, perhaps?"

"That’s a dangerous accusation.” Ethan interjected. "Rumors are just that—rumors."

Magnus didn’t flinch. "Then let the Alpha deny it. Tell us, Jason, is there truth to this? Are you allowing a slave to influence your decisions? Or worse, have you taken her to your bed?"

Jason’s jaw tightened. "Melissa is under my care because of the injuries she sustained. As Alpha, it is my duty to protect all members of the Pack, slave or not."

"Protection is one thing.” Elder Vaughn said cautiously. "But the closeness is... concerning. The Pack is watching Jason. They expect their Alpha to uphold traditions."

"Unless…” Magnus pressed. "You plan to abolish the slave system altogether? Is that your intention?"

"No!” I said firmly. "I have no such plans. My decisions are based on the good of the Pack, not on personal whims."

Elder Marlow's voice rumbled through the chamber. "Then make it clear to us. If it is not love, if it is not compassion, then what is it? If this is merely a... physical indulgence, then you must make her your concubine. It is the only way to maintain order."

"I am not indulging in anything.” I snapped, my composure cracking just slightly. "I am focused on my responsibilities. Melissa is under my protection, nothing more."

Magnus smirked. "Then why do I hear whispers of you spending nights by her side?"

"I do what is necessary." I said. "And I would advise you to watch your tongue, Magnus. Disrespecting an Alpha is a dangerous game."

"Disrespect?" Magnus rose to his feet. "No, Jason. I am protecting our legacy. You are walking on a dangerous line, and therefore blurring boundaries that have held our Pack strong for centuries.” He shot back. “You either maintain the balance or prepare for the consequences.”

I clenched my fists under the table, trying to stay calm. "I will do what’s best for the Pack." I said, forcing the words out. "And I will not let anything distract me from my duties."

Before Magnus could retort, the doors burst open, and a guard rushed in, panting heavily.

"Alpha!" He called out. "We’ve got a situation. It’s Lydia—"

What kind of drama could she be stirring up now?

"What happened?" I demanded.

The guard hesitated, his eyes darting to the Elders, then back to me. "She’s threatening to kill herself.”