Chapter 37 The Alpha Who Broke and the Girl Who Refused to Let Him

Chapter 37 The Alpha Who Broke and the Girl Who Refused to Let Him
Eight Years Ago – Continued

The pack gates opened slowly, too slow, too heavy. Jacob walked at the front, his body covered in blood—some his, most not. Behind him, his warriors followed in silence, carrying the bodies of his sister and the mate. The entire pack gathered, no one spoke, no one moved, grief hung thick in the air. Jacob didn’t look at anyone; he couldn’t. He walked straight to the centre of the clearing where the burial grounds lay. “Prepare them for burial,” he said quietly.

The Omegas moved quickly, tears streaming down their faces as they took the bodies gently, treating them with the respect they deserved. Jacob stood there, still and empty. Lucas stepped beside him, “Alpha…” he did not respond. Hours passed, and the burial ceremony began as the sun dipped below the horizon, two graves, side by side. The pack stood in silence as the bodies were lowered, and Jacob didn’t cry, he didn’t speak, he didn’t react, but inside—something had died.

As the last of the soil covered them, Jacob finally stepped forward, his voice was cold, detached and unfamiliar “No rogue is allowed within our borders. The pack stiffened “If they are seen—” His eyes darkened “They die. He paused, “No matter age, no matter gender.” Lucas looked at him sharply “All must die.” The words fell like a sentence. “Understood?” 

“…Yes, Alpha.” The response came, unified—but uneasy. Jacob turned away, the man they knew—the brother, the friend, the protector—was gone and in his place stood something else, someone colder and harder.


Present Day

Zoe ran faster than she ever had before. The forest blurred around her, Celeste pushing forward with urgency and fear. He’s close. “I know,” Zoe whispered. Her heart pounded; she knew that place, that secret place. The one Jacob had shown her once, the one where he used to go with his sister. Her chest tightened. “Hold on, Jaky…” She didn’t know if he could hear her, but she hoped. 



When they reached the ridge, Zoe shifted back instantly, her body trembling slightly from exhaustion. “Stay here,” she told Ethan and Audrey. They both looked at her “Are you sure?” Audrey asked. Zoe nodded. “I’ll bring him back.” Ethan stepped forward. “If anything happens—” 

“It won’t,” Zoe said firmly. She turned and walked into the cave.

It was dark, cold, and silent, but as she stepped deeper, she smelled it, alcohol; it was strong and overwhelming, and her heart sank. “Jacob…” no response. She moved further in, and then she saw it, the small, hidden house behind the cave, the place he once described to her, a safe place. Now—It looked broken, just like him. Zoe stepped inside “Jacob?” There he was, slumped, broken, a bottle hanging loosely in his hand. Her chest tightened painfully. 

“Jacob…” still nothing, Zoe walked over. “Jacob,” she said more firmly, trying to ground herself. “You need to pull it together.” He didn’t move, didn’t react. Her voice hardened. “Jacob, you need to get up. Now.” Still nothing, Zoe sighed. Then reached down and grabbed him. “Come on.” She pulled him up, wrapping his arm around her shoulders and guiding him toward the bed. He was heavy, not just physically, but emotionally. She laid him down gently, then knelt beside him “Jaky…” the name slipped out softly, and that’s when he broke.

Tears streamed down his face “My sister used to call me that…” he whispered. Zoe’s heart shattered “I know,” she said, pulling him into a hug. He clung to her, like he was drowning. “It’s alright,” Zoe whispered, holding him tightly. “They’re with the Moon Goddess now.” He shook his head, “I’m all alone.” Zoe tightened her grip “I have no family…” His voice cracked. “My parents are gone… my mate… my sister…” His breathing became uneven. “They were killed… and I couldn’t protect them.”

Zoe pulled back slightly, cupping his face “Jaky… look at me.” He didn’t want to, but he did. “I’m still here,” she said softly. His eyes were flickering. “You still have me; you still have your pack.” A pause. “You still have Lucas.” Tears continued to fall on his face. “The Moon Goddess isn’t done with you,” Zoe continued. Her voice grew stronger. “She has something planned for you.” He shook his head weakly. “No…” Zoe’s eyes burned with determination “Yes, she has someone out there for you, your second chance.” Jacob let out a bitter laugh, “I don’t deserve that.”

Zoe’s expression hardened instantly “Don’t say that.” She said, “I failed them, I’m a horrible Alpha.” He said, “Jacob—” 
“I got people killed!” he snapped. “I couldn’t protect my own sister!” Zoe’s patience snapped. SLAP. The sound echoed through the room. Jacob froze. Zoe’s hand trembled slightly from the force. But her eyes were fierce. “ENOUGH.” Her voice cut through him, sharp and commanding.

“You are NOT a horrible Alpha.” He stared at her, stunned. “You made a mistake,” she continued. “A painful one. But you are not the monster here.” Her voice lowered. “Mario is.” Jacob’s chest rose and fell. “I thought I killed him…” Zoe’s gaze darkened. “He’s alive, and he’s coming back,” she added. Jacob looked at her, and something flickered in his eyes: fear, rage, purpose. Zoe leaned closer. “Your pack needs you.” A pause. “I need you.” That hit harder than anything else, “You don’t get to fall apart,” she said firmly. “Not now. Not when they’re depending on you.”

Jacob swallowed hard. “You don’t get to give up.” Her voice softened slightly, “Because you’re not alone.” She placed her hand over his. “You never were.” A long silence followed, then, slowly, Jacob sat up. His shoulders are still heavy but no longer broken. Zoe smiled faintly. “There you go.” Jacob looked at her and for the first time since that day, the darkness in his eyes…shifted just a little, and that was enough for now.