Hurt

JACK'S ROOM

JANE

"I need to clear my head." I said to jack as I gently disengaged from his hug.

We were both seated on his bed, as he went through some old journals.

"Are you still thinking about our conversation earlier?" Jack asked

"No" I replied.

"I'll be right back" I added as I stood up from the bed and walked out of his room.

I walked outside his compound and the only place on my mind was my mother's grave site. The one place that gives me peace at every point in time.

Her grave site was a little far from Jack's house.

Within minutes I got there, the whole place was eerily quiet and I found it comforting. I needed to talk to my mother. Talking to my mom always gave me peace. It felt as though everytime I communicate with her, she is right there with me and I just need to reach out a little bit more to see her.

"Mother, how's life in the otherworld? I hope it is treating you better than how life treats me here." I muttered.

"Jack has proposed to me and wants to make me his mate but you know father, he has always been against every single thing that makes me happy. I have a bad feeling father is going to ruin things."

Suddenly, I heard the rustling of leaves and branches, and my hand instinctively reached for my daggers.

"Hello?" The footsteps drew nearer, the noise growing louder, confirming that I wasn't imagining things—someone was here.

There is no response, only the sound of shoes crunching the grass, confirming that people are indeed here.

"Who's there?" I called out, watching the shrubs shake. My fingers trembled as I reached for my daggers. Taking a deep breath, I gripped both firmly in my hands.

I started to relax my grip, thinking it might be Jack, who knew this was where I often came to clear my mind. But then I tightened my hold again, realizing the scent was nothing like Jack's.

The shrubs before my mother's grave open, and as soon as I catch a glimpse of the intruder's face, I slash my knife toward their neck. To my surprise, the person swiftly jumps back, avoiding my lethal blow.

"Luna Jane, Alpha Lucas sent us to bring you to the palace." They all pull off their masks, revealing their faces.

"Why?" I demanded, knowing that Father rarely inquires about me in my absence. For him to go to this length, something must be seriously wrong.

"Luna Jane, we have no idea. Alpha Mateo had a meeting with him, and he immediately sent for you. That's all we know."

At the mention of Alpha Mateo, I felt my heart leap out of my chest. He was known to be the cruelest Alpha of all time, ruthless and unyielding, never considering anyone in the pursuit of his goals. He always fulfilled his mission, no matter how absurd or destructive it might be.

"Where is Father? And my sisters? Is everything okay?" I asked, flipping my daggers back into their sheaths.

"Everything is fine. At least for now. We really do not know the reason for Alpha Mateo's visit."

In my heart, I uttered silent prayers to the moon goddess, pleading not to lose another family member. I didn't think I could survive it.

"Let's go." I walked briskly, my legs moving swiftly over the miles. When we reached the clan, all the villagers seemed downcast. My chest tightened as I approached the palace.

"Father?" I called as I opened the palace door and saw him seated there, surrounded by broken bottles and drops of blood littering the council hall.

"What happened?" I asked, my mind immediately jumping to the possibility of Alpha Mateo and my father fighting. That would explain the bloodstains and the broken bottles scattered around.

"You are getting a mate," he stated coldly, his voice devoid of any warmth.

"Yes." The speed at which he had discovered my relationship with Jack was astonishing and confusing. How had he found out so quickly?

"He's not the one you will be mated with." His words made my ears ring with confusion and disbelief.

"Father, please," I pleaded, hoping for some clarity or compassion.

"I am not in the best of moods today, Jane! Do well to cooperate, please." I could hear the desperation in his voice, but I couldn't afford to watch my life take such a drastic turn without a fight.

"Father, hear me out. I have always battled for happiness. I know you hate me, but please don't do this. And Jack? How will he take this news?" My heart bled, feeling the sting of betrayal piercing deep.

"Alpha Mateo did promise you freedom if you produce an heir," he replied. I stared at my father, my heart breaking, and managed a sad smile.

"Father, Alpha Mateo is the cruelest Alpha of all time. It doesn't have to be Jack anymore, but please, not him. I want to enjoy my love life. If Mother were alive, this would never be an issue. She would never permit this, and you know it. You wouldn't agree to give Rachel or the others away. Why me?" My voice trembled, and I could feel my heart clenching in hurt, my wolf growling in pain.

"Shut that trap you call a mouth! You should be happy you have a chance at freedom. Don't rant unnecessarily in my ears." He shouted, his face contorted with anger.

"Father!" I yelled back, betrayal, distrust, and anger coursing through me. Overwhelmed by bitter emotions, I transformed into my wolf form at once.

"I will not yield to this! All my life, I have served you and your favored daughters. Why must I sacrifice everything?" My fangs bared, and I could feel the wolf taking over.

"Get back." His warning sounded almost childish to me.

"I said get back!" His claws flashed twice before my eyes, and I felt a pounding headache as he struck me. I fell with a loud thud.

I staggered to my feet, refusing to give in. The thought of mating with Alpha Mateo, a man known for his cruelty and brutality, was unbearable. After all I had endured in life, I couldn't accept this fate. The promise of revenge for my mother's suffering burned fiercely in my heart.

Despite the pounding headache, I charged forward once more, driven by desperation and fury. I circled my father, searching for a way to resist, to fight back without causing more harm to myself.

"You just won't listen," Father sighed, disappointment etched in his features. His hand struck me again, and this time, I was thrown back against the unforgiving wall. Pain shot through my body, sapping my strength.

My head thudded against the hard surface, stars dancing in my vision. Darkness crept in at the edges, and I fought against the urge to surrender to unconsciousness. But the relentless ache in my skull, coupled with the overwhelming sense of betrayal, proved too much to bear.

Slowly, my vision blurred, and I slipped into darkness, the sound of Father's voice echoing faintly in the distance.