Chapter 218
Chapter 218:
Kade didn’t flinch. He knew I meant every word.
“And third?” he asked.
“Third…” I let a sly grin creep across my face. “I go back to my insatiable wife and remind myself why life’s worth fighting for p>
Kade groaned. “You’re impossible p>
“I’m the Alpha,” I corrected, brushing past him on my way out the door. “Impossible is part of the job p>
I made my way through the packhouse, the air buzzing with the quiet hum of pack life. The house itself was massive—stone walls, vaulted ceilings, and enough room for everyone to have their space while still feeling connected. I passed a few pack members along the way, offering a nod here and there, but my mind was elsewhere.
The moonlight outside was brighter now, the forest alive with sounds that only we could truly understand. I stepped out onto the balcony, taking a deep breath of the crisp night air. The weight of leadership sat heavy on my shoulders, but I bore it well. After all, no one else could do what I did. No one else could protect this pack the way I could.
And no one else had Jasmine.
I smirked at the thought, already itching to get back to her. But first, I needed answers. Kade was right—this wasn’t just about her. Someone out there wanted to dismantle everything I’d built, and they thought they could use her to do it.
They were wrong.
The forest stretched out before me, vast and untamed, much like myself. It was a reminder of who I was, who I had to be. I wasn’t just a husband or a lover. I was an Alpha. And no one, traitor or rogue, would take what was mine. Not while I was still breathing.
Jasmine’s POV
Mom was leaving today. I wished she could stay longer, really. Her hands were placed on my shoulders, and I leaned in, wrapping my arms around her. She smelled like lavender—she always did. I wanted to take a deep sniff of her fragrance. You couldn’t blame me, since I didn’t know when we’d be able to meet again.
Lᴀtєst ϲh𝓪ρtєrs ιn g𝒶l𝑛ovєls.𝓬0𝓶
“I’m going to miss you, Mom,” I whispered, as her hands stroked my hair fondly.
“Don’t cry, you’ll ruin your makeup,” she teased. We both chuckled before she pulled away.
“Thank you for everything. I’ll forever be grateful,” I said, passing her a watery smile. Over the weeks, I’d grown used to her constant snide comments about Ryder and how he wasn’t a good match. Sometimes, I got upset and was tempted to ask if Jason was the perfect match instead, but I didn’t.
“Remember everything I’ve told you. And be wise, Jasmine,” she added. I was too aware of what she meant, lowering my eyes as I shuffled my feet awkwardly. My mind wandered for a moment to the meeting with the elders. A follow-up meeting was supposed to happen, but they hadn’t set a date. It was still pending, and so was my peace of mind.
I wouldn’t forget. I smiled feebly, not responding to her statement, but making a renewed promise to myself. I really wasn’t going to forget. I had already decided to take my mind off whatever decision they were going to make.
“Your dad would be happy to know you’re okay, even if this isn’t the way we planned things,” she said, her eyes shifting uncomfortably. A pout formed on her lips as she eyed her surroundings.
“What did you plan?” I asked despite myself, and immediately regretted it as the words escaped my lips. I didn’t want to encourage her talks of another possibility—it made me uneasy.
“There’s no point in telling you,” she replied. Her eyes flickered to something behind me, and I didn’t need to turn to know it was Ryder’s presence.
“I hope we see each other soon enough. Goodbye, Mom. Tell Dad and Ruby I miss them,” I said, my lips brushing against her cool skin as I placed a kiss on her cheek. She did the same and hugged me one last time. Ryder wrapped his arms around me, and we waved.