I smack his chest lightly. “Jack, I’m serious. Why aren’t you Alpha of the Bloodfang Pack anymore?”
His smile fades: He runs a hand through his hair, gaze shifting away from mine. “It’s a long story. But… stepping down was the only way I could truly take responsibility. I made some really shitty laws–ones that harmed the women of our pack for years. I couldn’t keep pretending I was the leader they deserved.”
I stare at him for a long beat. Then I smile, cupping his jaw. “Well you were never cut out to be just an Alpha anyway.”
He raises a brow. “Oh?”
“Yeah,” I say with a wink. “You’re more… king material.”
His eyes widen slightly, then narrow playfully. “So… you do remember everything.”
My smile falters. “Yeah,” I whisper, glancing away. “I wish I didn’t… but your mark–it brought back my past memories. I can’t pretend anymore, at least not with you.”
Jack’s voice lowers. “Is that why you acted cold to the A–Alpha King?” He hesitates on the last words like they physically hurt to say. Like he’s trying not to say your father.
–
“Yeah,” I murmur. “Because I’m not ready to face that truth. And because- I pause, forcing the lump down my throat, “-he almost used my head and heart as a birthday gift to that bitch daughter of his. What if I wasn’t his child, Jack? What if he really would’ve gone through with it?”
Jack doesn’t answer for a long time.
Then he pulls me tighter into his arms, his voice a low promise against my skin. “If he had killed you… I would’ve painted their throne room in his blood. I don’t care what title he wears or how many guards he has. Celestia… she’ll scream before I take her head. And as for my uncle?” His voice dips to a chilling whisper. “He won’t get the mercy of a quick death next time.”
His fury ignites something fierce inside me, but I shake my head slowly.
“No, Let’s wait.”
His brows lift in surprise. “Wait?”
I nod, eyes narrowing with purpose. “Celestia doesn’t know yet that I’m the Alpha King’s daughter. And I don’t remember her as a sister. Not from childhood. Not ever. Which makes me think… she was adopted. Maybe brought in to cover something up. If I’m right, then her entire place in that palace–her identity as the Alpha king’s heir–is a lie.”
Jack’s eyes darken thoughtfully.
“If she finds out I survived–especially after trying so desperately to kill me—and that I’m her father’s real daughter, she’ll- panic. She’ll run straight to your uncle, the one pulling her strings. They’ll scramble, desperate and reckless, and come up with some plan B. Your uncle… he probably already knows who I am. He’s just using Celestia to get something from me—something that could make him unstoppable. And when he comes to claim it because he will-”
“We strike,” Jack finishes eyes gleaming.
“Exactly,” I say. “We use their plan against them. Catch them in their desperation. And when the world sees them for what they are…” My smile turns cold. “We bury them.”
Jack chuckles, low and deep, before pressing a kiss to my forehead. “I knew I fell in love with a warrior.”
I smirk, tilting my head up. “No, Jack. You fell in love with a future queen.”
His breath catches for a second, like the words hit him harder than expected. He leans back just slightly, his gaze drifting over my face with a quiet reverence.
nce……
“You know,” he murmurs, “I’m still trying to wrap my head around it. That you’re really the Alpha King’s daughter.” His
thumb brushes gently across my cheek. “But it makes sense. You’ve always carried that fire.”
lift my chin, grinning mischievously. “Then bow before me, subject. Submit.” I mimic his deep voice mockingly, fluttering my lashes. “Swear loyalty to your queen and kiss my royal feet.”
His mouth twitches, his eyes narrowing in mock offense. “One day you’re going to use that title against me. I can already feel it.”
“Not just one day,” I tease, giggling as I push lightly at his chest. You really tried to Alpha–tone me back at the start, Jack. Like I was some disobedient pup.”
His smile fades a little then, turning softer, more somber. “I sorry he murmurs. “And I should’ve thanked you sooner. Not just for surviving, or being strong–but for what you did for my sister.
The playful air between us fades, replaced with something deeper. He reaches out, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear.
“You saw her pain when I didn’t,” he says. “I was too damn blind caught up in rules, power, the role of Alpha–so focused on ‘ protecting‘ the pack that I didn’t even protect my own blood.”
I shake my head slowly. “Jack…” I take his hand in mine, lacing our fingers together. “I did what anyone with a conscience would do. She’s not just your sister–she’s a girl who deserved better. Who still deserves better. I’d do it again a thousand times over.”
He doesn’t respond with words. He leans in and presses the softest kiss to my lips. Slow. Grateful. When he pulls back, there’s a Hight in his eyes again.
“Come on,” he says, his voice lighter now. “Let’s go for a run.”
I blink. “A run?”
He smirks, sliding off the bed and standing tall, the morning light catching the bare muscles of his chest. “I want to see your wolf. I’ll admit… I’m a little nervous. Everyone keeps saying she’s massive. A beast.”
I blink once. Then twice.
And I burst out laughing.
Jack stands there, hands on his hips, trying to look unbothered, but his lips twitch as I double over on the bed.
“Oh Goddess, you really do sound nervous!” I tease, reaching out to poke at his bare chest. “Jack! The big, bad Alpha is scared of a little wolf?”
“She’s not little,” he mutters defensively.
“Nope,” I say proudly, sitting up straighter. “She’s enormous. Beautiful. Deadly. Probably bigger than you, if we’re being honest.”
His jaw drops. “Bigger than me? Absolutely not.”
“Your warriors bowed, Jack.” I smirk. “The moment they saw her. Some of them tripped over their feet. One nearly passed out.”
He squints at me. “You’re making that up.”
I shrug innocently. “Maybe. Maybe not.”
He growls playfully and lunges forward, wrapping his arms around my waist and lifting me off the bed, spinning me in a slow, teasing circle.
“Take it back,” he demands, grinning.
“Never!” I squeal through my laughter, arms wrapping around his neck.
He sets me down, brushing his nose against mine. “We’ll see, princess. You and your ‘massive‘ wolf have a lot to prove.”
“Just don’t cry when I outrun you,” I whisper.
His gaze burns into mine. “Oh, it’s on, Queen Kali.”
