Chapter 8
Jack’s POV
Last night with Allie was one of the best nights of my life. Even though all we did was talk and share a few quiet moments together, it meant everything. If it were up to me, I’d marry her right now. I know deep in my soul that we’re meant to be — that she’s my fated mate.
But Allie doesn’t know what I am yet. She doesn’t know that I’m a werewolf, or that her entire life will change when she finds out. I want to take it slow... for her sake. When the truth comes out, nothing will ever be the same.
She’s human. Pure. Gentle. And she means the world to me.
When Allie told me she was still a virgin, I couldn’t believe it. I’d never met anyone like her, untouched by the world, kind in every way. The Moon Goddess must have planned it this way, keeping her heart protected until I was ready to find her.
She was never meant to fall in love with another man, and I was never meant to belong to anyone else.
Now that I’ve finally found her, I’ll protect her with everything in me... even if it means facing the wrath of my entire kind.
Today I have a full schedule ahead. There’s a meeting with my father and the pack elders about the trespassers who’ve been spotted crossing into our territory. Stray wolves have been sneaking past the borders, and if we don’t act soon, it could spark a war.
I also have to meet with the town council to finalize preparations for the upcoming Full Moon Festival. It’s held every few years to celebrate peace between the packs, a time when we all gather under the Moon Goddess’s light and renew our vows of unity.
At the festival, all the Alpha leaders must swear to keep the peace. It’s a sacred law among us.
This year, though, I can’t stop thinking about Allie. I want to bring her with me, to introduce her as my mate. But the thought alone is dangerous. Humans aren’t allowed to know about us. If the council found out that my fated mate is human, it could put her in danger.
Our laws are clear: no human can know of our existence. It’s a rule meant to protect both sides — though, in truth, it’s more about fear than protection. Humans have always feared what they don’t understand.
Still… maybe Allie is the reason that rule was meant to be broken.
When I finish my meetings, I’ll visit her uncle about the horses I mentioned. It was just an excuse to see her again, but at this point, I don’t care. Being away from her eats at me. I can’t go more than a day without hearing her voice.
Allie’s POV
Last night with Jack was one of the best nights of my life. We sat and talked for hours. I had to call Uncle Buck to let him know I would be home late. Saying goodbye to Jack left a hole in my heart, it feels like something’s missing.
Even though I’ve only seen him twice now, it’s like I can’t live without his presence. I’ve never heard any of my friends say they felt like this, that they couldn’t live without their boyfriend.
Maybe I should go to his house later and surprise him. I don’t know if his guards will let me through the gate, but I’ll try.
I’ve also decided that today is the day I’m going to ask my parents about the loan for the store. I already spoke with Uncle Buck, he just needed to finish up in the stables, then we’d Skype Mom and Dad.
I went to the kitchen to switch on the kettle so that when Uncle Buck was done, we could have a warm cup of coffee. The kettle had just finished boiling when Uncle Buck stepped into the house.
“ Hmmm. Are you going to make us some coffee, Allie dear?” Uncle Buck asked, looking cheerful.
“ Yes, Uncle. I thought we could have a nice hot cup of coffee while we talk to Mom and Dad.”
I poured the water into the two cups I’d lined up for our coffee.
“ Don’t forget those delicious cookies you got the other day,”
Uncle Buck said before disappearing down the hall to wash up.
I laughed softly. Those cookies really were delicious. Our box was almost empty. I should ask Sasha for more — maybe try some of her other flavours, too. Luckily, we’d exchanged numbers, so I could just call her later.
I quickly ran up to my bedroom to grab my laptop and set it up at the kitchen table. When Uncle Buck sat down next to me, I opened Skype and called Mom and Dad.
“ Hey, sweetie! How have you been? I’m so glad to see you,” Dad said, his face lighting up the moment he saw me on camera.
“ Hi, Dad. I’m so glad to see you too! Where’s Mom?” I asked, noticing she wasn’t sitting beside him.
“ Here she is now,” Dad said, lifting his arm as Mom sat down next to him. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
“ Hi, sweetie. Just look at you... you’re glowing!” Mom said, her smile bright and full of warmth.
“ Hi, Mom. I’ve missed you guys so much. How are things?” I asked, feeling a knot in my throat as I realized how much I’d missed them.
“ Everything’s going great. It’s just so quiet without you,” Mom said softly. I could see the sadness in her eyes, and I felt the tears building in mine. I tried not to blink, afraid they’d spill over.
“ Aww! Uncle Buck and I have something to discuss with you guys. I have good news. I finally figured out what I want to do!” Dad’s face lit up instantly. “ That’s great! I’m so proud of you, sweetie.”
“ You have so many talents; I’m sure you’ll thrive in whatever you choose,” Mom added, her eyes glowing with pride.
“ Thanks, Mom. When I was in town the other day, I came across this cute little store for sale,” I continued, “ and I thought it would make a great gift and coffee shop, everything handmade. So, I was wondering if you could maybe help me with a loan. I’ll pay you back as soon as the business starts taking off.”
“ I think Allie would do really well here in town,” Uncle Buck added quickly. “ We don’t have a gift shop, and I’ll help her renovate it too.”
We stayed on Skype with my parents for a while, trying to sell my little business idea. Both Mom and Dad thought it was a great plan, but they exchanged a look... one of those silent glances that told me something was wrong.
“ We would love to help you, honey,” Mom said finally, her voice soft, “ but money is running a little tight right now.” I could see the heartbreak in her expression.
“ We still have some money saved for our retirement,” Dad added gently. “ It’s not much — it would only cover about half the price of the store. We used most of our savings for your college tuition and your car.”
Hearing Dad say that made my heart drop into the pit of my stomach. I instantly felt guilty for even asking. They had already given me so much, everything I’d ever needed, and now I was about to take what little they had left.
