Chapter 5 Jackson Lycan

Jackson's POV

Ever since my father, the Alpha, was killed in an ambush planned by outsiders, the title of Alpha was passed down to me. I was only sixteen. I had always thought I'd have more time-more time to be just the Alpha's son before stepping into the full weight of leadership. But fate didn't wait.

My best friend Aran and I had been under strict watch since then, always surrounded by tight security. Curfews were enforced by 9 p.m., training was constant, and we were always preparing ourselves and our warriors for whatever threat might come next. Being Alpha and Beta wasn't just about leading-it was about surviving. And survival meant being strong. We both understood that a weak leader would only bring fear and chaos. Outsiders would sense that weakness and attack.

I prayed my mate would be strong. I hoped for someone who wouldn't need protecting, someone who could stand beside me in battle, not hide behind me. I needed a Luna who could fight for our people, not someone who'd add to my burdens.

The truth? I knew Nyra was my mate even before her sixteenth birthday. But I said nothing. I kept it to myself because I wanted to see what she was capable of-if she could be the kind of mate I had asked the Moon Goddess for. But when I saw her that night... and realized she couldn't shift... it broke something in me.

I didn't want to believe it, but it felt like the Moon Goddess had played a cruel joke on me. My heart ached. I had wanted so badly for her to be strong-strong like my mother, the current Luna. But Nyra wasn't ready. She was weak.

And all those painful memories from the day my father died came flooding back. The fear, the loss, the weight of having to be strong when I wasn't ready... I felt it all over again. What if she became my weakness? What if loving her put everything I've fought for at risk?

I know my words hurt her. I felt it-the pain in her chest, the sadness in her eyes. My wolf felt it too. It howled inside me, not just for her, but for what we lost in that moment. Before I could let myself feel any more, I turned my back on her and walked away from the ceremony. I didn't look back.

When I got the call from Aran telling me that Nyra hadn't come home after the ceremony, I didn't wait for details. I didn't even bother getting into my car-I used my speed to rush straight to their house. My heart was pounding. I needed to know what happened.

By the time I arrived, Aran was already outside, handing Nyra's belongings to David, our warrior captain, so he could trace her scent.

"Oh-Alpha Jackson is here," David said when he noticed me approaching. He was just about to head out with the others.

"What's the update, Captain?" I asked, trying to hide the panic tightening in my chest.

"We're heading into the woods to follow her trail," he replied.

"Good. Keep me informed," I told him. He gave a respectful nod before disappearing into the trees with the others.

I turned to Aran. He looked furious, but there was a deep worry in his eyes too.

"Have you asked her friends? Maybe she stayed over at one of their places," I asked quickly. "How could you not tell me sooner? We were just together yesterday on the training field."

"Naria and Jade are inside," he answered, his voice cold. "They've already checked with classmates and searched all the places Nyra usually goes. Nothing. No sign of her."

I paused, swallowing hard. "Do you think this is my fault? Do you think it's because of what I said that night?"

He scoffed, his expression hardening. "What do you think, Jackson? You humiliated my sister-called her weak in front of everyone. She was crying. Heartbroken. The moment she ran, I should have gone after her." His voice rose with frustration and pain, and I felt it hit me like a punch to the gut.

He was right. This was on me. If only I had been gentler that night. If only I hadn't let my fears make the decision for me... maybe Nyra would still be home. Maybe she wouldn't have run.

But what hurt more was realizing he hadn't told me she was missing until two days had passed.

He started walking toward the house, and I followed behind him, wanting to check on Ma Ellie-his mother. But he stopped at the door and turned to face me.

"I don't think we need you here, Alpha Jackson," he said, his voice firm. "Please go home. My mom is still furious about what happened. You know how much she treasures her daughter."

Then he walked inside without looking back.

If he didn't need me, why did he call me?

But still... I care about Nyra.

I couldn't go home. My heart wouldn't let me.

My wolf and I were restless-agitated. Everything was crashing down on me: the guilt, the fear, the regret.

What if the same people who killed my father had taken her too? What if they'd... killed her?

I could barely breathe. My chest tightened with every thought. I was panting, pacing, angry at myself. I wished-God, I *wished* I had kept my mouth shut.

Why didn't I just hold her? Just once. Tell her something kind. Something gentle. She hadn't even felt our bond because she hadn't met her wolf yet.

I shouldn't have told her. I shouldn't have rejected her like that. But I thought I needed to-for both our sakes. I thought I could move on without her. I thought I didn't need a mate.

But now? Nothing makes sense.

I couldn't think straight. My thoughts were all over the place. I kept pacing back and forth in front of their house, trying to figure out what to do next.

Maybe I should be out there with the others, searching the woods. Maybe if I'm there, I'll feel better. Or maybe... I just want her back. I want my mate back.

I had just made up my mind to join the search when I saw someone standing in front of the house.

My heart skipped a beat. For a second, I was breathless-hope slamming into my chest like a storm.

She's back.

My wolf surged forward-instincts taking over-and before I could stop myself, I was running.

And when I wrapped her in my arms, warmth flooding through me, I didn't even realize what I said...