Chapter 26
I went outside and found a dark corner where I could cry without anyone seeing me in my miserable state. I never imagined I would cry like this, but I couldn’t help myself. It felt like I was a magnet for bad luck, with everything collapsing around me. I sat on what I thought was a large rock—it was too dark to be sure—but it didn’t matter. Nothing did at that moment.
Minutes passed, but I couldn’t bring myself to go back into the hall. My mind was swirling with emotions, too chaotic to even think clearly. The fresh air was doing little to calm me down, and every time I thought about going back inside, I felt a new wave of tears threatening to spill. So, I stayed out, hoping the darkness would somehow swallow me whole.
But then I felt a presence. I wasn’t afraid—I knew instinctively who it was. My mate.
I sighed, clenching my fists. I was angry, no, furious, and I didn’t have the energy for another one of his games.
“What do you want?” I snapped, not even bothering to look at him. “I’m really not in the mood to argue with you right now, so just go away.”
But, of course, he didn’t leave. He came closer and squatted in front of me so that we were eye level. His intense gaze made my skin prickle with heat.
He sighed, reaching out to brush his hand softly against my left cheek. “You’re crying.”
“So what? Just leave me alone,” I muttered, slapping his hand away. His presence was only making things worse. With him here, it was like all my emotions were amplified. I could feel the tears burning again, threatening to spill over.
“Why are you crying, mate? Did someone hurt you?” His voice was stern, but I could sense the concern lacing his words.
I scoffed bitterly. *How could he be so blind?*
“I hate you… I hate you so much I could—I could just…”
He stood up suddenly, towering over me. “You could just kill me?” His voice was calm, unnervingly calm. “I know. So stand up and do it, right now.”
“What? Are you crazy?” I snapped, standing up abruptly. “I told you, Jake, I am not in the mood for these jokes.”
“I’m not joking,” he replied, his face expressionless.
I scoffed again, my anger flaring. “You know what? If you don’t leave, I will,” I threatened, starting to walk away. I didn’t get far, though. Before I could take more than a step, his arms were around my waist, pulling me back against his chest.
“Let me go!” I shouted, struggling against his grip. My frustration only grew as I felt his strong arms holding me in place like I was a child throwing a tantrum. I pounded my fists against his chest, but it was useless. His body was as solid as a brick wall.
“How could you sleep with that bitch last night?” I screamed, my voice cracking as the tears started to spill. “And then tell her I’m not fit to be Luna! Why are you two so mean to me? I never asked for this! I never asked to be this… this hybrid! I never asked for your protection or for you to be my mate! I don’t need you! I don’t need anyone!” My voice was trembling now, my chest heaving as the sobs overtook me. “I just want things to go back to how they were before. I just want my mom back.”
Before I could say anything else, Jake pulled me closer, his lips crashing onto mine. The kiss took me completely by surprise.
My mind went blank for a moment, lost in the sensation. His lips were soft and warm against mine, and as his hands gently caressed my back, I felt an overwhelming sense of calm wash over me. It was as if every touch ignited sparks across my skin, and despite everything, I felt… safe. Safe in his arms, like this was where I was supposed to be.
But then reality hit me, and I remembered how angry I was. I tried to push him away, but it was like trying to move a mountain. Jake didn’t budge. Instead, he deepened the kiss, trying to slip his tongue into my mouth. I clenched my lips shut, refusing to let him in, but he had other ideas. He grabbed my butt, and I gasped in shock. In that brief second, he took the opportunity to slide his tongue past my defenses.
I knew I must have been blushing like crazy by now. My first kiss, and it was with the person I swore I hated most in the world. How humiliating. But despite myself, I found my body giving in. My anger melted into the kiss, and before I knew it, I was kissing him back.
When he finally pulled away, I was left breathless, gasping for air. I couldn’t even look at him. My mind was a whirlwind of confusion, and I had so many questions. *Why did he kiss me?* Was it just to shut me up? He always complained about how much I talked, so maybe this was his way of making me be quiet. What an idiot.
“What are you thinking about now?” he asked with a laugh.
I blushed harder, if that was even possible. *Thank God it’s dark,* I thought, hoping he couldn’t see my face. But then I remembered—he was a werewolf. What if he *could* see me? I quickly covered my cheeks with my hands, mortified.
“Nothing,” I stammered. “What was that for? Forcing a kiss on me is basically abuse!”
Jake laughed, a deep, genuine laugh that startled me. I had never heard him laugh like that before. For a second, I even found myself smiling, but then I immediately felt embarrassed. I must have sounded so childish, asking such a stupid question.
“Kissing my mate is not abuse,” he teased, clearly enjoying my flustered state. “And you liked it. That’s why you’re blushing so hard. Am I wrong?”
I groaned inwardly. *Why me?* “I… I… I am not blushing!” I stammered, feeling like a complete fool.
Jake laughed again, running a hand through his hair, his amusement clear. I had never seen him like this—so carefree, so… happy. Part of me wished there was some light so I could see his face properly, to really take in this side of him. But unlike him, I hadn’t fully mastered my werewolf abilities yet.
“Is that why you’re covering your cheeks? Because you’re *not* blushing?” he teased again, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
I frowned, quickly dropping my hands from my face. “Leave me alone, Jake,” I muttered, trying to sound annoyed, but I couldn’t hide the small smile tugging at my lips. Why was he in such a good mood? It was like my anger amused him or something.
Before I could move away, he pulled me closer, his hands resting firmly on my waist. This time, I didn’t bother resisting. I knew it would be pointless.
“I wouldn’t believe everything Rebecca says if I were you,” he said softly, his voice more serious now. “She’s not a bad person, but she’s been through a lot. She doesn’t trust easily, especially after her family betrayed her pack. She’s also a warrior, so being tough is just part of who she is.” He paused, his eyes locked on mine. “And for the record, I didn’t sleep with her last night. I know that’s what’s been running through your mind.”
I blinked in surprise, unsure whether to believe him. He had just laid it all out so bluntly, like it wasn’t even worth discussing. I felt him brush a strand of hair away from my neck, his touch sending shivers down my spine.
He leaned in, resting his forehead against my shoulder as he breathed in deeply. “Come on, I’m taking you home,” he said, his voice soft but commanding. “I’ve had enough company for one night—too many friends and enemies in one room.”
I was too emotionally drained to argue. As he led me away, his arm still wrapped protectively around my waist, I couldn’t help but feel a small flicker of hope. Maybe—just maybe—things weren’t as bad as they seemed.
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