Chapter 24

Jax

I’ve been sitting with my leaders, trying to figure out our next move. Since I’m the only one with inside information from Hayley about what probably happened, the others have been arguing about whether it was an act of war or just a coincidence.

“Do you think the hatred in their eyes was a coincidence? Do you think about thirty rogues banding together wasn’t planned? Of course, it was an act of war!

“They didn’t cross into my territory to plant flowers. They trespassed to kill one of our own. Our family.

“And I won’t sit back and let them think we’ll just take it,” I say, making sure to meet each member’s gaze.

“I think I know who the bastards are and what they want, but I’m going to hold onto that information until I’m sure about our next move,” I say, causing Dimitri to grunt in disapproval.

I get where he’s coming from, but I made a promise to Hayley, and I plan to keep it.

“The plan is simple.

“I’ll call Alpha Dayne of Silvermoon Pack to let him know we need our members back. We’ve got our own war now, and we need all hands on deck in case they strike again.

“Dimitri, I want a team of trackers to try to pick up any leads we can from them. They were rogues, so I don’t think we’ll find much, but it’s worth a shot.” I pause.

“I know you’re not happy about me keeping information from you, but I promise I know what I’m doing and everything is under control... You can all go now.”

As everyone starts to leave, I quickly mindlink Dimitri and say, “Could you check on all the pregnant females and make sure they see the doctor? Just to make sure everything is okay.”

“Of course, Alpha,” he responds.

I start calling Dayne and after the third ring, he answers. “Jax, what can I do for you?”

“Unfortunately, I don’t have good news.”

I explain the situation, leaving out the information I got from Hayley, and tell him I need my members back.

“Absolutely. I’ll let them know right away and send them out tonight. They should be back in your territory in two to three nights.

“I’ll also send some of my more trained warriors just in case.”

“Thank you, Dayne. I appreciate it.”

“That’s what Alphas do.” There’s a sharp intake of breath on the other end of the line before he continues, “Do you know why you’re being attacked all of a sudden? They must want something.”

“I have an idea, but what they want, I’m not willing to give up, so I’ll have to face the consequences instead.”

“I see. Well, if there’s anything I can do, I’m just a phone call away.”

“Thank you, Dayne. Take care.”

“You too, Jax.”

After I hang up, I realize I have all this pent-up energy that needs to be released.

Between stressing about what I found out about Hayley and worrying about this sudden war, I just need five minutes to myself.

Everything will still be the same in five minutes, so I can go for a quick run with Aaron to mentally prepare for whatever comes next.

I bolt out of the packhouse and shift immediately, letting Aaron free. I’ve kept him in too long.

I tried to keep him under control after seeing what happened to Hayley, so I wouldn’t scare her more than she already was, but it wasn’t easy.

Aaron is restless, and I struggle to stay in control, which I just barely manage. I need to know why the rogues are helping the Bloodnight Pack and where they disappeared to.

I need to figure out what to do. The next few nights will be filled with planning.

My mind goes back to what Dimitri said. About how he and some warriors followed some wolves back to the Bloodnight Pack. That makes sense now. They were right under our noses the whole time.

This leads me to Hayley having a nightmare but then lying that the Bloodnight Pack were the ones who hurt her. Why did she lie? Didn’t she trust me?

No, she must trust me, otherwise, the matebond wouldn’t have let me see her past.

She’s still traumatized by what happened to her, and she was probably worried that I would treat her the same way her old pack did, but I would never lay a hand on her like those scumbags did.

Maybe to make Hayley feel more comfortable with everything, I could introduce her to my mom. We could have a family dinner.

My mom hosts one every Sunday at her house, which the whole family attends, including Ella, and it just so happens to be today.

Since Hayley has already met Ella, it might be okay for her to go. I’ll see what Hayley thinks and go from there, but right now, I need to figure out how to get revenge for my mate...

***

A few hours later, Hayley and I are slowly walking up to my mom’s front door.

After my run, I found Hayley in the living room watching Phineas and Ferb with Lily resting her legs on Hayley’s lap.

I asked Hayley if she wanted to come to dinner with me and my family, and surprisingly, Hayley was very excited. I sifted through Hayley’s open thoughts to find out why.

Turns out, Hayley is looking forward to meeting a mother figure and feeling that kind of parental love.

I give Hayley’s hand a gentle squeeze and ask, “Ready?” Hayley nods before I knock on the door, and we’re greeted by my mother’s warm smile.

“Hello, sweetheart! I’ve been so excited to meet you,” my mother says. She then reaches out to Hayley, who rushes into the welcoming hug.

My mom starts to pull away, but Hayley holds on, not wanting to let go. My mom quickly hides her surprise and gives another squeeze, murmuring, “Oh, how sweet.”

When they finally pull apart, I joke, “What about me? Aren’t you excited to see my face?”

“Sweetheart, I’ve been looking at your mug every day for the past twenty-four years. We get it, you’re a looker, but I’d rather feast my eyes on this lovely lady.”

Hayley’s cheeks turn a deep shade of red as she’s ushered inside, away from the chill.

Hayley’s wearing one of my hoodies. She doesn’t have a wolf, so she doesn’t have the usual werewolf body heat like the rest of us. I want to make sure she’s bundled up and warm.

Ella and her mate Noah are lounging on the couch. They greet Hayley warmly. Hayley stands there, unsure of where to sit, so I guide her to the armchair. I plop down, and she settles onto my lap.

Hayley’s small hands clutch my shirt, and she starts fiddling with the fabric. I plant a kiss on her temple, just because I can.

We make small talk while my mom cooks dinner. Hayley chimes in now and then, but mostly, she snuggles closer to me, probably seeking comfort.

Hayley watches my mom whenever she’s not in the kitchen, completely captivated. It hurts my heart knowing she never experienced a mother’s hug or felt parental love.

The good news is, my mom adores Hayley and will shower her with love, just like she does with everyone else.

From the kitchen, we hear, “Dinner’s ready.”

We all head to the dining room, practically drooling. I sit to Hayley’s right, with my mom on her left.

A mouthwatering roast dinner is daring me to dig in, which I’m more than ready to do. I start to dig in, only to feel a slap on the back of my head from my mom.

I hear a small giggle from my left.

“Jax-Roy-Lauder, when did you forget your manners? Your mate is sitting right next to you, and you’re eating like a savage. Show some restraint,” my mom stands and playfully scolds me.

Hayley’s trying to stifle her laughter, her face buried in her hands. Despite me being the Alpha, the real boss around here is my mom.

I set my knife and fork back down on my plate and mumble an apology.

“Oh, moon goddess. Anyway,” my mom says, giving me a pointed look, “A toast.

“To Hayley and Jax.” We raise our glasses—champagne for us, water for Hayley—and echo, “To Hayley and Jax.” But I lean into Hayley’s ear and whisper, “To us,” causing goosebumps to form on her smooth skin. I can’t help but smirk.

My mom sits back down and starts a new conversation. “So... when am I getting grand-pups? I’m forty-eight and not getting any younger,” she asks again.

Oh no, not this again. I chuckle to myself, continue eating, and give Hayley’s hand a gentle squeeze. I’m too embarrassed to answer this question again, especially in front of Hayley...

Hayley

-Two days later-

Jax and I are standing hand in hand outside the packhouse, waiting for the members to return. Jax explained why they’re returning and why they left in the first place.

It’s scary to think there’s a war happening outside of what I now call home. Jax also said it would be good for me to be there as I’m the Luna of this pack, which stirred up a mix of emotions.

I’m grateful that Jax thinks I’m strong enough to lead, but I’m also scared. Can I lead a pack? Probably not. I’m still battling my own demons.

My thoughts are interrupted when over twenty wolves sprint towards us. I try not to be intimidated, but their speed is frightening.

I hide slightly behind Jax, just in case, but relax when they all shift back. Of course, they shift back without any clothes on, meaning they’re naked. Completely naked.

Jax growls and grunts, “Cover yourselves up!” The males cover their privates with their hands, and the females do the same. “Members from Silvermoon Pack, welcome.

“Dimitri will show you to your rooms, and we’ll host a small feast so everyone can settle in comfortably. And to the members returning, welcome back.”

“I want to express my gratitude for helping our ally. It means a lot to me. Go and get some well-deserved rest. You’re all dismissed.”

Everyone starts walking past us. I keep my gaze on the ground, avoiding eye contact with any of the males. Instead, I lock eyes with a female who’s heading straight for Jax.

Unlike the others, she doesn’t cover herself up. Instead, she flaunts her tanned body with confidence.

“Hey Jax, baby, did you miss me?” She asks in a seductive tone. She leans in and kisses his cheek, lingering longer than necessary.

As she kisses him, she presses her chest against his with unnecessary force. I hear a sharp inhale and a soft whisper, “You smell as delicious as ever.”

“Hi Samantha, welcome back,” he replies, his voice strained. He lets go of my hand to place both of his on her shoulders, gently pushing her away.

Samantha then turns her gaze to me and looks me up and down. “And who are you?”

I take a second to respond, taken aback by her attitude. “The Luna.”

“Well, I never heard about that, otherwise I would’ve been there for the Luna ceremony. So pipe down, you little pup.”

“That’s enough, Samantha,” Jax defends me.

I’m suddenly overwhelmed by a strong surge of anger. I feel myself losing control, and wild growls escape from my lips.

“I think you should leave, Samantha,” Jax says with authority.

“Okay, baby. I'll swing by your room later.” And with that, she strides into the packhouse, but not before she winks at Jax and gives me another once-over.

How dare she flirt with him in front of me. I’m his mate, not this bimbo. Was it not obvious enough that I was his mate? Was I not good enough?

Was it normal for him to be seen with a bunch of girls? Was I just another face in the crowd to him? How did I end up here, especially after I’d let him in?

The space between her and me widens, and I start to regain some control. But now, despair fills me up.

“I can explain,” I hear him say. But his words are drowned out by the only sound that matters right now—my own heart-wrenching sobs...