~ Isabella’s POV

I sat on the riverbank, the same spot where I'd always come whenever I felt like I was drowning in my misery. The river's gentle flow usually calmed me down, but today, even its soothing sounds couldn't drown out the ache in my chest. My cheeks were wet with tears, and my sobs seemed to echo off the water.

I felt trapped in this miserable life. Being the only human in a pack full of werewolves was never easy. They made sure to remind me every single day that I didn’t belong. Today had been particularly rough. The words, the taunts, the looks of disgust, those I could handle. But today, it went further. My skin still burned from where one of the girls, Kayla, I think her name was, had slashed me with her claws.

“Shift if you can,” she had sneered, her eyes cold and mocking...

The pain from the cut wasn’t nearly as bad as the pain of knowing I would never belong. They saw me as weak, different, an outsider who would never be one of them.

I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn’t hear Jack approaching until he was almost beside me. He had this way of moving so quietly, a natural grace that all werewolves seemed to have. Jack was the son of the Alpha but the only problem I had with him was that he bullied me in public, and acted unkind to me in the presence of others.

“Bella,” he called softly, his voice filled with concern.

I quickly wiped my tears with the back of my hand, trying to hide the fact that I’d been crying, but I knew it was pointless. Jack always saw right through me.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, crouching down beside me. His blue eyes searched my face, and I could see the worry etched into his features. He always looked at me like that, like he cared, like I mattered to him.

I shook my head, trying to hold back the fresh wave of tears that threatened to spill. “It’s nothing, Jack. Just…having a bad day.”

He didn’t buy it. He never did. “Bella, please. Talk to me. I hate seeing you like this.”

I let out a shaky breath. There was no use pretending with Jack. He had been my safe place since the day he found me crying under a tree when I was just a kid. Ever since then, he had always been there, ready to listen, ready to comfort. And slowly, without even realizing it, I had started to fall for him.

“It’s them,” I finally admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. “They did it again.”

His eyes darkened, and I could see his jaw clench. “What did they do this time?”

I hesitated, but then the words came tumbling out. “They said things. Nasty things. And then one of them…she used her claws on me. She wanted to see if I’d shift.” I rolled up my sleeve, showing him the fresh scratch on my arm. The cut wasn’t deep, but it stung, both physically and emotionally.

Jack’s face hardened. He reached out and gently touched the scratch, his fingers cool against my hot skin. “Why do you let them do this to you, Bella? You don’t deserve this.”

I laughed bitterly, tears spilling over again. “What choice do I have, Jack? I’m just a human. I’ll never be like them. I’ll never be like you.”

Jack shook his head fiercely. “That doesn’t matter. You’re stronger than any of them know. Stronger than you know.”

I looked up at him, my vision blurry from the tears. “How can you say that? How can you even look at me? I’m nothing compared to them. I’m nothing compared to you.”

Jack’s eyes softened, and he reached out to cup my face in his hands. “You’re not nothing, Bella. You’re everything. At least, to me.”

His words made my heart skip a beat, and for a moment, I forgot about the pain, the bullying, everything. All I could think about was how close he was, how his hands felt on my skin, how his eyes bore into mine as if searching for something deep within me.

“Why?” I asked, my voice barely more than a breath. “Why do you care so much?”

He hesitated as if he was trying to find the right words. “Because you’re different. And I don’t mean that in a bad way. You see things differently. You’re kind, you’re brave, and you don’t let them break you, no matter how hard they try.”

I shook my head. “But they’re right, Jack. I don’t belong here.”

Jack moved closer, his forehead almost touching mine. “You belong wherever you want to belong, Bella. And if they can’t see how amazing you are, that’s their loss, not yours.”

I let out a shaky sigh. “I just… I don’t know how much longer I can do this, Jack. I feel like I’m breaking.”

Jack’s expression softened even more, and he pulled me into a hug. His embrace was warm and strong, and for a moment, I felt safe. “You’re not breaking, Bella. You’re stronger than you think. And I’ll be here for you, no matter what.”

I clung to him, my tears soaking into his shirt. “Thank you, Jack. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

He pulled back just enough to look into my eyes. “You don’t have to thank me, Bella. I’ll always be here for you. Always.”

I nodded, trying to believe his words, trying to find some comfort in them. “I just don’t understand why they hate me so much,” I whispered.

Jack’s eyes darkened again, and I could see the anger bubbling beneath the surface. “They’re afraid of what they don’t understand. They don’t know you as I do. They don’t see the good in you, the strength. They’re just scared, and they take it out on you because you’re different.”

I sniffled, wiping my nose with my sleeve. “But it hurts, Jack. It hurts so much.”

He hugged me tighter. “I know, Bella. I know it does. But you’re not alone. I’m here. And I’ll always stand by you, no matter what.”

As Jack pulled away, I felt a rush of courage, maybe from the comfort of his touch or the softness in his eyes. Without thinking, I leaned in closer, my heart racing. I could feel his breath on my lips, and see every detail in his blue eyes. I was so sure he felt the same way.

But just as our lips were about to meet, Jack turned his head away. I froze, my face burning with embarrassment. I pulled back quickly, not sure what to say or how to feel.

"Jack, why?" I asked, my voice shaky. "Did I do something wrong?"

Jack sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair like he was trying to figure out how to explain. “It’s not that, Bella,” he said gently. “I just made a promise to my father.”

“A promise?” I asked, confused and a bit hurt. “What kind of promise?”

He looked at me seriously, his blue eyes holding mine. “I promised my father I wouldn’t be close with anyone, like that, until I become Alpha,” he explained. “It’s a tradition in our pack. It’s supposed to show that I’m committed and focused. The ceremony’s next week, on the full moon.”

I nodded, trying to make sense of it. I guessed it made sense in a werewolf kind of way. But it still stung a bit. “Oh, I didn’t know…” I muttered, staring down at my hands.

After a few moments of silence, I finally worked up the nerve to ask, “Jack, do you like me?”

The question hung in the air between us, and I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, waiting for his answer. But he didn’t say anything. He just looked at me, his expression unreadable, like he was trying to figure out what to say or maybe trying to hold back.

“Jack?” I pressed, my voice a bit quieter this time, almost afraid of what he might say—or not say.

He let out a slow breath and glanced away, looking out over the river. “Bella, it’s getting late,” he said softly, avoiding my question. “We should head back before it gets too dark.”

I felt a sting of disappointment, my heart sinking a little. He still didn’t answer. Did that mean he didn’t feel the same way? Or was he just trying to protect me, to keep things simple until after his ceremony? I couldn’t tell, and that uncertainty gnawed at me.

“Yeah, okay,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady even though I felt a little shaky inside. “We should go.”

~ Isabella’s POV

Jack walked me home, the two of us moving slowly as if we were both trying to make the moment last a little longer. I could still feel the warmth of his hand on mine from when he’d helped me up by the river, and a part of me didn’t want to let go of that feeling.

When we reached my doorstep, he stopped and turned to face me. For a moment, I thought he might finally say something more about how he felt. Instead, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small tube of ointment and a plaster.

“Here,” he said softly, handing them to me. “For your wound. Make sure you clean it and put this on. It’ll help it heal faster.”

I took the ointment and plaster from him, my fingers brushing against his. A small spark of hope flickered inside me. Maybe he did care about me more than he let on. Maybe he was just being careful because he promised his father. “Thank you, Jack,” I said, trying to hide the smile that was tugging at my lips. “That’s thoughtful of you.”

He nodded, giving me that gentle smile of his. “Just take care of yourself, Bella,” he said. “You’re stronger than you think, you know.”

I didn’t want him to go. Not yet. I wanted to ask him more, to find out what was going on in his head. But just as I opened my mouth to say something, I saw someone approaching us. It was Kayla, one of the girls who had been with the group that bullied me earlier. Her face was twisted in anger as she stormed over.

“What are you doing with Jack?” Kayla spat, her eyes blazing as she glared at me. I could see the fury in her eyes, and my heart began to race. I stepped back instinctively, clutching the ointment and plaster tightly in my hand.

Before I could say anything, Jack stepped forward, his expression suddenly cold and distant. “I was just passing by,” he said, his voice firm. “Bella was hurt, and I was just making sure she got home safely because I have to make sure everyone is safe even if they are not one of us. That’s all.”

I felt a sting in my chest at his words, the way he distanced himself from me so easily. He didn’t even look at me as he spoke, his eyes fixed on Kayla instead.

Kayla looked me up and down with disgust. “I knew it,” she sneered. “There’s no way you would stoop so low to be friends with a human like you, Bella. You don’t belong here. You never did.”

Her words cut deep, and I felt my face flush with shame and anger. I wanted to speak up, to defend myself, but the words wouldn’t come. I just stood there, feeling small and humiliated.

Jack turned to me, his expression blank. “Go inside, Bella,” he said quietly. “It’s best if you just go.”

I looked up at him, searching his face for any sign that he didn’t mean what he was saying, but all I saw was that same unreadable look. My heart sank, and I felt tears sting the corners of my eyes.

Kayla smirked, clearly pleased with herself. “Come on, Jack,” she said, linking her arm with his. “Let’s go. We have better things to do than waste time with her.”

I watched as they walked away, Kayla holding onto Jack like she owned him. He didn’t even glance back at me. I stood there, clutching the ointment and plaster in my hand, feeling a mix of hurt and confusion.

I was lost in my thoughts, replaying everything that had happened by the river and at my doorstep. Jack's actions kept swirling around in my mind, each moment like a confusing puzzle piece that didn’t quite fit. Did he care, or was he just being nice because he felt sorry for me? The way he distanced himself in front of Kayla hurt more than I wanted to admit, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it.

Suddenly, a loud, harsh voice jolted me back to reality.

“Hey, you useless girl! Are you just going to stand there all night?”

I froze, my heart leaping into my throat. It was my adoptive mother, shouting from the kitchen. Her voice was sharp and filled with irritation. She didn’t even bother using my real name; she never did. To her, I was always a “useless girl,” “burden,” or “freeloader.” It was like she took pleasure in reminding me that I wasn’t part of this family, that I didn’t belong.

“Get in here now!” she yelled again, her voice echoing through the small house. “You think you can just wander around doing nothing all day? You’ve got chores to do!”

My hands started to tremble, and I felt a familiar fear rising in my chest. I never knew what to expect from her. Some days she would just yell, throwing insults my way, but on other days, she’d get meaner, her anger turning into something worse. My skin still stung from the last time she decided to teach me a “lesson” for not finishing my chores fast enough.

I took a deep breath and quickly wiped my eyes, trying to compose myself. “Coming!” I called out, trying to keep my voice steady even though I was scared of what might happen next. My legs felt heavy as I made my way toward the kitchen, each step filling me with dread.

When I reached the kitchen, she was standing there with her arms crossed, tapping her foot impatiently. Her glare was cold, and her lips were pressed into a thin line. I could see a pile of dirty dishes in the sink and laundry scattered across the floor.

“What took you so long?” she snapped. “What were you doing, daydreaming about some boy? Useless, that’s what you are. Can’t even do a simple job right.”

“I’m sorry,” I mumbled, keeping my head down. I knew better than to talk back. The last thing I wanted was to make her angrier. I quickly moved to the sink and started washing the dishes, my hands shaking as I tried to focus on the task in front of me.

She didn’t let up, though. She never did. “Look at you, all pathetic and slow,” she continued, her voice dripping with contempt. “You think anyone’s going to care about you? Think you’re special? You’re nothing but a burden. I don’t know why I even bothered taking you in.”

Her words cut deep, but I was used to it by now. I had heard them so many times that they almost felt like background noise. Almost. It still hurt, but I had learned to push it down, to focus on getting through the day.

I kept my eyes on the dishes, trying to block out her voice, but it was hard. I could feel her watching me, waiting for me to mess up, waiting for any excuse to lash out again. I knew I had to be careful, to keep my head down and do everything right. But even then, it sometimes wasn’t enough. And tonight, I could feel that familiar tension in the air, that uneasy feeling that made my skin prickle with anxiety.

As I scrubbed the dishes, trying to block out my adoptive mother's words, I heard the heavy footsteps of my adoptive father approaching from the hallway. My heart sank even deeper. If my adoptive mother had been harsh with her words, he would have been ten times worse. He didn’t just yell; he found ways to make every mistake feel like a crime.

He walked into the kitchen, his face twisted in an angry scowl. “What the hell is this?” he barked, pointing to the pile of clothes in the corner. “You didn’t wash my clothes? I told you this morning that they better be done by the time I got back!”

“I—I’m sorry,” I stammered, my hands shaking as I turned to face him. “I—I didn’t get to them yet. I was—”

“You were what?” he shouted, stepping closer, his eyes narrowing. “Too busy being lazy, huh? You think you can just do whatever you want in this house?”

“N-no, sir,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “I was just—”

Before I could finish, my hand slipped, and one of the plates I was washing fell from my grasp. It hit the floor with a loud crash, shattering into pieces. The sound seemed to echo in the small kitchen, louder than anything I’d ever heard. I froze, my eyes wide with fear, my breath catching in my throat.

The room went silent for a moment, and then I heard my adoptive mother’s sharp intake of breath, followed by a low, angry growl from my adoptive father.

~ Isabella’s POV

“You clumsy, useless girl!” My adoptive father roared, his face turning red with fury. “Can’t you do anything right? You’re nothing but a burden, a worthless, pathetic excuse for a daughter!”

My adoptive mother joined in, her voice rising with anger. “We take you in, and this is how you repay us? By breaking everything in the house? Maybe you should be on the streets where you belong!”

I wanted to apologize, to beg for forgiveness, but my throat felt tight, and I couldn’t find my voice. Tears filled my eyes, blurring my vision as I crouched down to pick up the broken pieces of the plate. But as I reached for the shards, my adoptive father grabbed my wrist, his grip tight and painful.

“You want to break things?” he snarled. “Fine. Let’s see how you like it when things get broken.”

Before I could react, he yanked my hand forward and pressed it down onto the sharp, broken pieces of the plate. I cried out in pain as the shards dug into my skin, cutting deep. My adoptive mother stood there, her arms crossed, a cruel smile on her lips as she watched.

“Stop!” I pleaded, tears streaming down my face. “Please, stop!”

But they didn’t stop. My adoptive father pushed harder, grinding my hand into the broken glass, and I felt the shards slice through my flesh. Pain shot up my arm, sharp and unbearable, and I screamed.

“You deserve this,” he hissed, his voice filled with venom. “Maybe this will teach you to be less worthless.”

My adoptive mother nodded in agreement, her smile never fading. “You need to learn your place,” she said coldly. “You’re not special, Bella. You’re just a useless human, and you always will be.”

The pain was excruciating, but the worst part was their words. Each one was like a dagger to my heart, tearing me apart from the inside. I felt so small, so helpless, so completely broken.

When my adoptive father finally let go of my wrist, I pulled my hand back, cradling it against my chest. Blood dripped from my fingers, staining the floor, and my whole body trembled with pain and fear.

“Clean up this mess,” my adoptive mother ordered, her voice sharp and cruel. “And don’t you dare bleed on the floor!”

I nodded, biting back the sobs that threatened to escape. My hand throbbed with pain, but I forced myself to move, to start picking up the broken pieces, careful not to cut myself again. I knew if I didn’t do as they said, it would only get worse.

As I cleaned up, I couldn’t stop the tears from falling. I felt so trapped, so lost in this nightmare of a life that seemed to have no end. Every day was a new struggle, a new pain to endure. And now, more than ever, I needed to hold on to the tiny spark of hope that Jack had given me, even if I didn’t fully understand it.

But as the blood from my wounds mixed with the soapy water, that spark felt like it was fading. And I didn’t know how much longer I could hold on.

I could feel my head spinning, the room swaying around me as I struggled to keep myself upright. The pain in my hand was intense, the cuts from the broken plates stinging and burning with every movement. I couldn’t breathe. My chest felt tight, and I knew I needed to get out of there.

Without thinking, I turned and bolted for the door. My feet moved faster than I thought possible, fueled by fear and desperation. I didn’t stop to grab anything and didn’t look back as I pushed past the screen door and into the cool night air. I heard my adoptive parents yelling after me, but their voices faded into the background as I ran.

I ran as fast as my legs could carry me, my heart pounding in my chest, my lungs burning with every breath. The world around me blurred, my vision clouded by tears and dizziness. I just needed to get away, to escape the cruelty that seemed to surround me. My feet knew exactly where to go, guiding me through the familiar path in the woods.

I didn’t stop until I reached the river. The same river where I’d spent so many hours before, seeking solace in its gentle flow and the whisper of the wind through the trees. As I stumbled to the water’s edge, I finally allowed myself to collapse, falling to my knees in the damp grass.

I cradled my wounded hand against my chest, the blood still dripping from the cuts and mixing with the tears on my cheeks. I felt so utterly broken, so lost in this cruel world that seemed to offer me nothing but pain. I wanted to scream, to cry out at the injustice of it all, but no sound came out. Only silence, broken by the soft rustle of the leaves in the wind.

Why did they hate me so much? What had I done to deserve this?

The questions circled in my mind, each one more painful than the last. I wished I could just disappear, to vanish into the night and never have to face this world again. I didn’t want to go back.

I glanced down at my wounded hand, watching as the blood trickled into the river, carried away by the current. It was strange, almost calming in a way, to see the water slowly wash away the evidence of my pain. For a moment, I let myself imagine that it could wash away everything else, too. All the hurt, all the fear, all the loneliness.

As I sat by the river, the idea began to form in my mind, slowly at first, like a distant whisper. But the longer I stayed there, the clearer it became until it was all I could think about.

Running away.

Why haven’t I considered it before?

~ Isabella’s POV

The thought of running away lingered in my heart for a while. I wondered why I had not considered it before. Maybe I was too scared, too trapped by the fear of the unknown. But now, sitting here with my bleeding hand and aching heart, the thought seemed like my only way out. If I stayed, this cycle of pain and cruelty would never end. My adoptive parents would keep hurting me, Kayla and the others would continue their torment, and I would always be the outsider, the human girl who didn't belong.

Running away seemed like the only real choice left. I let the thought settle in my mind, testing it, feeling the weight of it. I imagined myself leaving this town behind, heading somewhere new where no one knew me or my past. I could start over, and find a place where I could live without fear or shame. Somewhere I could be free to be myself, without worrying about being hurt or judged.

I had nothing here, no real family, no real friends, not even a place I could call home. But out there, somewhere, there had to be something better waiting for me. There had to be.

I glanced around, my eyes scanning the darkness that surrounded the river. There was no one in sight, no sounds except for the soft murmur of the water and the rustling leaves in the breeze. If I left now, right now, no one would even notice. They wouldn’t care. And maybe that was a good thing.

I could feel my heart racing at the thought, my pulse quickening with a mix of fear and excitement. I was scared, yes, terrified even, of what lay ahead.

I knew it wouldn’t be easy. There were so many things I didn’t know, so many risks and dangers out there in the world. But anything was better than staying here, trapped in this endless cycle of suffering. Anything was better than being hurt over and over again.

I took a deep breath, feeling the cool night air fill my lungs, and made up my mind. I was going to do it. I was going to run away. I didn’t know where I would go or what I would do, but I would figure it out. I had to.

I slowly got to my feet, my legs shaky beneath me, and wiped my tears away with the back of my hand. This was it. This was my moment to break free.

I needed to gather some things and find a way to get out of town without being noticed. I would need food, clothes, and maybe some money if I could find any. I would have to be smart, and careful, but I could do it. I could make it work.

As I started to walk back toward the path that led away from the river, a sudden rustling in the bushes made me freeze. My heart leaped into my throat, fear gripping me as I strained to see through the darkness. I half expected to see my adoptive parents or Kayla lurking in the shadows, ready to drag me back to my miserable life. But there was nothing—just the wind rustling through the trees.

I shook my head, trying to calm myself down.

“It’s just nerves,” I told myself. “Just nerves and fear.”

When I got back home, I was relieved to see that my adoptive parents were fast asleep. The house was quiet, and their loud snores filled the silence. I moved quickly and quietly, grabbing a small bag from my room. I stuffed in a few clothes, some food from the kitchen, and the little bit of money I had saved. My heart was racing the whole time, but I couldn’t stop now. I needed to get out before they woke up.

Once I had everything, I slipped out of the house, making sure to close the door gently behind me. The night air was cold, but I didn't care. I moved through the shadows, staying low and out of sight. My heart was pounding with each step, but I kept going, the thought of freedom pushing me forward.

I made it to the border of the pack's territory when I saw him, Jack. He was with a group of warriors, doing their rounds for security. I froze, panic surging through me. I didn’t want him to see me like this, didn’t want him to stop me. But before I could do anything, his eyes locked onto mine.

"Isabella?" Jack's voice was filled with surprise. Without a word, he walked over and quickly pulled me behind a tree, away from the eyes of his warriors. "What are you doing here?" he whispered urgently.

I couldn’t hold it in anymore. I burst into tears, the weight of everything crashing down on me. "I’m running away, Jack. I can’t stay here any longer. I’m tired... I’m so tired of everything. I just want to escape this misery."

Jack's face hardened, his eyes narrowing. "Running away? Do you even realize what you're doing? You’re being selfish, Bella! You didn’t even think about me, about what this would do to me. You’re just going to leave without a word?”

His words hit me like a punch to the gut. I hadn’t thought about that. I was so focused on escaping that I didn’t even consider how it might affect him. "I... I didn’t mean to hurt you, Jack," I whispered, my voice shaking. "I just thought you wouldn’t care."

Jack shook his head, his expression softening slightly. "Of course I care, Bella. I care a lot more than you think."

I looked up at him, tears streaming down my face. "I’m sorry," I whispered. "I didn’t know... I didn’t know you felt that way."

Jack sighed, his frustration fading into something softer, almost gentle. "Just... promise me you won’t do anything rash, okay? Let’s figure this out together."

He looked at me, his eyes steady. “I know it’s hard, Bella. But you have to go back and hold on just a little longer. My coronation is some days away, on the full moon. Once I’m Alpha, I promise things will be different. I’ll make sure no one hurts you again.”

I stared at him in disbelief. I felt my heart twist. “What do you mean, go back?” I asked, my voice barely a whisper. “I can’t keep living like this, Jack. I can’t keep taking their abuse.”

“I can’t go back to that life anymore, Jack!” I yelled, my voice echoing through the dark forest. The words ripped out of me like a howl of desperation, a plea for him to understand. But before I could say more, Jack stepped forward, his eyes intense, and suddenly his lips were on mine.

The shock jolted through me like lightning. For a moment, I froze, my mind going blank. I never expected this. I never thought Jack would feel the same way. But then I felt his hands on my face, warm and gentle, and something inside me melted.

When he finally pulled back, his face was so close to mine, his breath mingling with my own.

“I don’t want you to go because I love you, Bella,” he confessed, his voice thick with emotion.

“What?” I breathed out, barely able to process what I’d just heard.

~ Isabella’s POV

“I love you,” Jack repeated, his eyes searching mine as if trying to make sure I understood.

“I’ve loved you for a long time. That’s why you have to trust me. I’m asking you to hold on just a little longer for us.”

I stared at him, my mind spinning. Love? This was love? My whole world felt like it was tilting on its axis. I wanted to believe him, to believe that this could be real, that I could have a future with him. But at the same time, fear gripped my heart.

“But… how can I trust this? How can I trust you?” I whispered, my voice trembling.

Jack reached out, gently brushing a tear from my cheek. “I know it’s hard, Bella. But I promise, I’ll protect you. We’ll get through this together. Just hold on for a little while longer. Please.”

“Please, Bella,” Jack urged, his voice dropping to a desperate whisper. “Just say you’ll stay. Say you’ll wait for me.”

I opened my mouth to answer, but the words wouldn’t come. After a long, tense pause, I finally nodded, my heart pounding in my chest.

“Okay, Jack. I’ll stay. I’ll wait for you,” I whispered, the words feeling both heavy and light at the same time. The moment I agreed, it was like a weight lifted from my shoulders, and my world brightened with a new sense of hope. Jack smiled, relief washing over his face, and for a moment, everything felt right.

He walked me back home that night, and even though I knew what was waiting for me behind those doors, I felt different. I was no longer alone in my misery; I had Jack. Over the next few days, I endured everything my adoptive parents threw at me. Their harsh words, the chores that seemed endless, and even the occasional slap or shove, I accepted it all, just as Jack asked me to. Because I knew that soon, everything would change.

Jack kept his distance in public, barely acknowledging me when others were around. At first, it stung, but I reminded myself of his promise. I didn’t mind, as long as I knew he loved me. When we were alone, it was different. We found stolen moments to talk, to laugh, and even to play around like carefree kids. Those moments were my refuge, my escape from the harsh reality of my life.

And before I knew it, Jack’s coronation day arrived. He was turning 21, the day he would officially become Alpha. The entire pack was buzzing with excitement. Preparations were in full swing, and everyone was eager to witness the event. I couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions, pride, happiness, and a bit of nervousness.

When the day finally came, the pack grounds were filled with people. Wolves from all over had come to witness Jack’s coronation. I stood among the crowd, my heart swelling with happiness as I watched him on the stage, dressed in his ceremonial robes. He looked every bit the leader he was destined to be, and I couldn’t help but smile, feeling proud of him.

As the ceremony began, I couldn’t take my eyes off him. Jack looked over the crowd, his gaze briefly meeting mine, and a small smile played on his lips. My heart skipped a beat, and I knew that everything we had gone through was worth it. This was the beginning of a new chapter, not just for Jack, but for both of us.

The day, which had started with so much joy and hope, quickly turned into the saddest day of my life. As the coronation ceremony reached its climax, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived, the moment when Jack would discover his mate. I watched with bated breath, my heart pounding in my chest. I had never dared to dream that it could be me, a mere human, but a small part of me hoped, and also because he promised me, I was a bit certain that he would choose me.

Jack stood tall on the stage, his eyes closed, concentrating. Suddenly, his eyes snapped open, and they landed right on me. A gasp rippled through the crowd as everyone followed his gaze. My heart soared, my face flushed with a mix of shock and happiness. Could it be true? Could I be his mate?

The murmurs grew louder, people whispering and grumbling, clearly unhappy. “It can’t be,” I heard someone mutter. “A human as the Alpha’s mate? It’s unheard of!”

I was called to the stage, my feet moving on their own. My hands trembled as I approached Jack, my mind racing with thoughts of a new life. A life where I wasn’t just a burden or an outsider, but someone important, someone loved. My world, which had been filled with so much pain, was about to change forever.

But then, just as quickly as the joy had filled me, it was snatched away. Jack’s expression hardened, his eyes cold and distant. He took a step back, lifting his chin with a look of resolve.

“I reject you,” he announced, his voice steady but firm. “I, Jack Wilson, the Alpha of the MoonBlood pack reject you, Isabella Watson, as my mate.”

The words hit me like a slap in the face. For a moment, I couldn’t breathe.

The crowd erupted into shocked gasps and murmurs, but all I could hear was the deafening silence in my head. My heart shattered into a million pieces as his words echoed through me. This wasn’t happening. This couldn’t be happening.

I felt the world tilt under my feet, my vision blurring with tears. “Jack… why?” I managed to whisper, my voice breaking.

He looked at me with a coldness I had never seen before. “You’re human, Bella. You don’t belong here. You can’t be my Luna!”

Pain surged through me, more intense than anything I had ever felt. I thought of all the moments we had shared, the promises he had made. It had all been a lie. The life I had imagined crumbled before my eyes.

Tears streamed down my face as the reality of his rejection settled in. My whole body felt numb, my heart aching with a pain I didn’t think was possible. I had stayed, and endured everything, all for him. And now, I was being cast aside, like I was nothing.

The crowd’s whispers grew louder, their eyes piercing me with judgment and disdain. I felt like a fool, standing there in front of everyone, my heart shattered and my dreams crushed.

Heartbroken and humiliated, I couldn’t stay there any longer. The pain of Jack’s rejection was too much to bear. The whispers of the crowd and the coldness in Jack’s eyes echoed in my mind, tearing at my heart. Without thinking, I turned and ran. I needed to get away, to escape the reality that had shattered my world.

I sprinted into the woods, branches scratching at my skin, but I didn’t care. I just kept running, my tears blurring my vision. The forest seemed to close in around me, the shadows growing darker with every step. My heart pounded in my chest, matching the rhythm of my frantic footsteps. I had no idea where I was going, but anywhere was better than there.

The trees began to thin out as I reached the edge of the woods, and I burst onto the highway, my breath coming in ragged gasps. My mind was a whirlwind of confusion and pain, and I barely noticed the sound of an approaching car. All I could think about was getting away from everything, Jack, the pack, the rejection, the shame.

Suddenly, a blinding light filled my vision, and I heard the screech of tires against the asphalt. Before I could react, the car hit me with a force that sent me flying through the air. For a split second, there was a strange calmness, a weightless feeling, and then everything went dark.

Just before the darkness completely took over, I saw a figure approaching me through the haze. My vision was blurry, and I couldn’t make out his face, but I could tell it was a man. He knelt beside me, his voice urgent and filled with concern, but it all sounded distant like I was underwater.

“Hey, stay with me! Open your eyes!” he pleaded, his hands gently holding my face. His voice was desperate, trying to pull me back from the brink. But everything felt muffled like I was hearing through thick fog. I wanted to respond, to say something, but my body wouldn’t obey.

The man’s voice grew more frantic, but it was fading away, swallowed by the darkness that was closing in around me. I could barely feel his touch now; everything was slipping away.

In those final moments of consciousness, as the world dimmed to black, I thought about Jack’s cold eyes, his cruel rejection, and the dreams that had been ripped away from me. The pain in my heart was unbearable, far worse than any physical injury. I felt my heart breaking over and over again. As I lay there, surrendering to the void, a single thought echoed in my mind: maybe now, I could finally escape this pain.

~ Lucian’s POV

I was driving back from the event, my mind still replaying the speeches and conversations from the night. The moon hung low in the sky, casting long shadows over the deserted highway. I gripped the steering wheel, the hum of the engine the only sound breaking the stillness of the night.

Suddenly, a figure darted out of the woods and into the road. I slammed on the brakes, my heart leaping into my throat, but it was too late. The car lurched forward, skidding on the asphalt, and I felt the sickening thud as I hit something. Someone.

“Damn it!” I cursed under my breath as I forced the car to a stop. I threw the door open and jumped out, my heart pounding in my chest. Please let them be okay, I silently prayed as I rushed to the front of the car.

When I saw her lying there on the cold pavement, my breath caught in my throat. She looked so fragile, her hair splayed out like a halo around her head, and her body twisted unnaturally. My chest tightened as I knelt beside her, and I gently turned her over to see her face.

And then it hit me.

The scent. That unmistakable scent that I had been searching for all my life. My mate. This woman lying broken and bleeding on the road was my mate.

“No, no, no…” I muttered, panic setting in. “Please, stay with me.” I could feel the blood draining from my face as I tried to steady my shaking hands. I brushed her hair away from her face, my fingers trembling as I took in her features. She was beautiful, even in this terrible state.

“Hey,” I said, my voice shaking. “Open your eyes. Please, open your eyes.” I could hear the desperation in my voice, a mix of fear and hope. Her eyelids fluttered slightly, but then they closed again, her face pale and still. I felt a surge of panic and leaned closer, pressing my hand against her cheek. “Come on, stay with me. I’m here now.”

I knew she couldn’t hear me; it was like she was slipping away into a place I couldn’t reach. I could see the life fading from her, and it felt like a knife twisting in my gut. I had finally found my mate, and I was losing her just as quickly.

I couldn’t let that happen. I wouldn’t let that happen. “Hold on,” I whispered, more to myself than to her. “I’m not going to let you go. I promise.”

I felt her heartbeat faintly under my hand, fragile and fading. I had to act fast. I scooped her up gently, cradling her in my arms. Her body was limp and cold against mine, but I could still feel the faint pulse of her life. She was hanging on, barely. And I was going to do everything in my power to make sure she stayed.

I carried her to the car, every step filled with urgency and dread. “You’re going to be okay,” I murmured, my voice thick with emotion. “I’ve got you now, and I’m not letting you go. Not ever.”

I carefully placed her in the back seat, ensuring she was as comfortable as possible. With a sense of urgency, I jumped into the driver’s seat and sped off towards my palace. The road blurred past me, my focus locked on her fragile form lying in the back. I could feel her life slipping away with each passing second.

As soon as I reached the palace gates, I shouted for my guards. “Get the doctor here, now!” I ordered, my voice sharp with fear. They nodded and sprang into action, rushing to follow my command. I carried her inside, cradling her gently, and laid her on the soft bed in one of the guest rooms.

The palace doctor, Fridolf who was one of the best in the kingdom, arrived swiftly. His expression was calm but focused as he examined her injuries. He worked quickly, applying bandages and administering what I could only hope were the right treatments to stabilize her. I stood back, my hands clenched into fists, helpless to do anything but watch.

Hours passed like years. I sat beside her bed, my eyes never leaving her face. I couldn’t believe I had found her, my mate, and almost lost her in the same night. The thought of her slipping away made my chest tighten with dread.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she stirred. Her eyelids fluttered open, and she let out a soft, pained groan. Relief washed over me like a wave, and I leaned in closer, careful not to startle her.

“Hey,” I said gently, trying to keep my voice steady. “You’re awake. Thank the moon goddess.”

She blinked up at me, her eyes filled with confusion and fear. “Where am I?” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

“You’re safe,” I reassured her.

“You’re in my home. I found you on the road and brought you here. Can you tell me your name? Where were you coming from?”

I tried to keep my voice steady, but I couldn’t hide the concern and fear that tightened my chest. Seeing her like this, so fragile and hurt, made me feel an unexpected rush of emotions. She blinked up at me, confusion clouding her eyes.

“It’s okay,” I added gently. “Take your time. You’re safe here. I promise.”

She hesitated, her brow furrowing as she tried to remember. “My name… my name is Isabella,” she said softly. Her voice was weak, but there was a strength behind it, a determination that I admired. “I was… I was trying to get away, to escape…”

Her words trailed off, and I could see the pain and fear in her eyes. She looked so lost, so vulnerable. It made my heart ache. I wanted to reach out and comfort her, to tell her that everything would be okay now that she was with me. But I knew I had to take things slowly. She needed time to heal, both physically and emotionally.

“You don’t have to talk about it now,” I said gently. “Just rest. You’re safe here. No one will hurt you. I promise.”

Isabella nodded slightly, her eyes heavy with exhaustion. She seemed to relax a little, and I felt a small sense of relief. At least she was safe for now. I would make sure of it.

As she drifted back into a restless sleep, I sat back, watching her closely. I didn’t know what her story was or what had led her to that road tonight, but I knew one thing for sure: she was my mate, and I would do whatever it took to protect her.