Chapter 3 Zara pov

I caught Jamie's wrist as he tried to slink past me. I twisted my fingers around his ear and yanked, pulling him along before he could react.

Getting out of my chambers, he yelled, "Ouch! Zara, that hurts," he stumbled as I led him through the clearing.

"Can you let go?" He said, still wincing. Ignoring his protest, I gave his ear another quick tug.

"Care to explain why you were following me?" I demanded, releasing him with a scowl. Jamie stood upright, rubbing his ear and casting me a sheepish look.

"What, can't I just make sure you are okay?" He replied, and I rolled my eyes. It was good that he came back after I told him to do so.

Just because I let it slide yesterday morning doesn't mean I won't talk about it when I get back. I was still annoyed because I wasn't able to finish what I'd planned to accomplish.

"Stop thinking I can't handle myself, Jamie," I scoffed, crossing my arms.

He let out a guilty chuckle, his shoulder slumping. "Look, I'm sorry, Zara. I know you can handle anything, but sometimes I can't help but..." He trailed off, glancing down at his feet.

"I just can't help but get nervous at times; I worry about you, Zara. You just do things at times, and I'm like, is she alright? Not only me, Zara, look around; everyone's worried about you. No one knows what you are going to do next; you just wake up one morning and then dash out without anyone following you; you know how those werewolves are eager to tear us down at any slight opportunity; we are just worried," he prattled, breathing heavily, and I was just quiet. Looking at me, my people had a concerned expression on their faces.

I bit my lips and closed my eyes. It was hard for me to stay angry at Jamie with his words because there was truth in them. It's not like I'm being selfish on purpose or acting like I didn't want to ask for help or anything; this mission is my purpose, and I needed to do it alone.

I would not want to bring my people down because of this mission; I'd rather they live than die for me, even if they want to.

Crescent Pack isn't like other packs, and the only way for me to move on is to succeed in my mission.

"Worrying about me when I'm perfectly fine only distracts you. Jamie, you are one of my best. If I'm out here, you should keep watch over my people like we agreed."

He nodded, looking thoroughly chastised, "Alright, my queen. Clearly understood," he replied, but his eyes sparkled with that familiar playfulness.

Before I could respond, the sound of footsteps cut through the silence, and one of my men, Terri, appeared slightly bowing down, addressing me. "Zara," he said.

"We have the Alpha," he added, and a sinister smile found its way to my lips. I glanced at Jamie, whose expression had changed, his face growing taut, a distant shadow darkening his gaze.

"Bring him here," I declared. My voice was calm.

***

Some of my men walked in, dragging a man whose hands were bound in a chain. His head bowed, shoulders hunched, and every ounce of arrogance had vanished. Derek, Alpha of Nightshade Pack, was barely recognizable. I was sure he had fought to free himself from my men, but he hadn't succeeded. With severe bruises on his body and blood dripping from his body, he could hardly walk by himself had it been my men weren't holding the shackles he had on.

The cruel Alpha, who has ruled over Jamie's pack. His ruthlessness was known across many packs, treating those people he deemed inferior as nothing more than pawns or prey. And Jamie... Jamie had suffered the worst of it, tormented, brutalized, and abused under this tyrant rule, stripped of any dignity just because he was born an omega.

What crime was it to be born an omega?

The memory of what my Jamie had to suffer in his hands made my blood boil; all I saw was red, and I just wanted to kill him-a protective instinct flaring up in me.

Derek raised his head, his eyes darting to mine. Fear evident in his face; of course he knew me. I'd paid him a visit some months ago, and I briefly told him not to cross paths with mine; he was trembling, and I could hear his unsteady breath.

Jamie clenched his fist; his entire body went rigid as he glared at the bound man. I could feel Jamie's anger radiating; it was barely contained, and I knew what this moment meant to him.

"Jamie," I muttered softly, his eyes met with mine. The vulnerability in his eyes touched a deep part of my heart. "This is your moment; you deserve justice."

He hesitated, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face.

I stepped closer. "Do whatever it is you wish to do with him," I said.

"Make him feel every ounce of pain he made you feel," I added, trying my best not to look at the devil.

Derek's eyes widened, his face draining of color. "No, you... can't y-you can't," he stammered, shaking his head repeatedly.

Jamie lips pressed. "I do not want to do it," he admitted. I could feel Derek being relaxed at Jamie's words while I looked confused.

"Jamie, you've been waiting for this? Your freedom, don't you want it?"

"I do, but I want you to do it," he responded. My gaze was on him, and I saw the determination there. I nodded his head and turned to face the monster, who thought he was going to escape from death.

"Jamie, you can't do this. You can't let her do this to me; remember your mom, I sav-" Before he could complete his words, I slashed his neck, his gut coming out and blood gushing out.

How dare he bring Jamie's mom into this?

Saved who?

Making Jamie see how he raped his mother is what he called saved?

I just wish I could make his death slower; I shouldn't have let my anger take over. I should gouge his eyes and break his bones, cut off his manhood, and make him see how I'll feed them to the wild dogs in the cage.

I looked at Jamie to see how he is dealing with it. I know how sensitive calling his mom is, but he seemed fine.

"It is okay; I've come to terms with my mom's death," he reassured me, and I smiled.

"I am proud of you, Jamie."