Jasper s POV
"This is the Crystal Moon Pack, not your father's pack. I speak, and it stands." I let out in annoyance, my voice sharp and cold enough to slice through the air. How dare she challenge my authority? If she thinks I'll sit by and tolerate disrespect under my own roof, she's clearly mistaken. I'll give her a taste of her own medicine, sooner rather than later.
She didn't say a word after that, which was wise. Without another glance in her direction, I left her standing there, fuming in silence. I climbed the staircase to my room, each step pounding beneath my feet like the steady rhythm of my rising anger.
As expected, my room was perfectly arranged. Not a single thing out of place. The way I like it. Order. Control. Discipline.
I walked into the bathroom and turned on the shower, letting the water rush down, the steam quickly fogging up the mirrors. Stripping out of my clothes, I stepped under the cascading stream, the cold water beating against my skin, sharp and refreshing. I hadn't taken my bath since today—every hour spent dealing with chaos, with stress, with her.
Thankfully, she's okay now. But truth be told, I don't even want to imagine what would've happened to me if I lost her. The Moon Goddess herself would've dealt with me mercilessly. Fate doesn't forgive mistakes that big, especially not when it comes to mates.
The water poured down my body, but no matter how cold it got, it couldn't completely cool off the raging thoughts swirling in my head. My jaw clenched, my fingers flexed at my sides. The truth is, the time has come.
She's here for a reason. The Moon Goddess never sends mates without purpose. And I must fulfill that reason, whether my heart likes it or not. Even the mate bond, growing stronger by the second, curling tighter around my chest like an iron chain, won't stop me from following the plan.
A sharp knock interrupted my storm of thoughts, pulling me back to reality. I took a deep breath, already knowing who was behind the door.
"Come in," I muttered, wringing water from my hair as Grey walked into the room, his face carrying the weight of bad news.
I grabbed a towel from the rack and wrapped it around my waist, water still dripping from my body as I stepped out of the bathroom. Grey stood at attention, eyes flickering with unease.
"They called again. In fact, this time, they sent a message," he started, his voice low but tense. "We either fulfill our part of the deal, or they make it known to the general council."
I smirked, grabbing another towel to dry my hair, watching myself in the mirror. My reflection stared back, sharp eyes, jaw clenched, control written all over my expression.
"Send it to them," I replied coolly, tossing the towel aside as I straightened up.
I could see his countenance shift—disbelief washing over his features like a storm cloud. His brows pinched together, his lips slightly parted in confusion.
"But Alpha," Grey persisted, cautious but firm, "we just got those ones from Alpha Jack. It was a whole damn rollercoaster before we brought them in. You know that."
I walked to my wardrobe, pulling it open to reveal rows of neatly arranged clothes. I grabbed a pair of black boxers, matching pants, and a crisp black shirt, sliding them onto my still-damp body with practiced ease.
"I know that," I said evenly, buttoning my shirt without breaking eye contact. "But go ahead and do what I said. You don't question my command, Grey."
He hesitated for a brief second, then gave a small nod, the authority in my tone silencing his concerns. He turned and walked out, leaving me to finish dressing.
Alpha Durango and his son Raphael. Two fools cut from the same pathetic cloth. They honestly believe their empty threats would scare me into submission? That leaking information to the council would corner me? Let them try. Let them push.
Soon enough, they'll regret ever letting me into their house, their pack, their lives. Just a matter of days, and they'll see clearly where my intentions lie concerning their precious daughter. Their foolishness blinds them, but that blindness will cost them.
After finishing with my clothes, I stepped out of my room, the faint scent of Charlotte lingering in the air. Her scent was strong—sweet, infuriatingly addictive. I nodded to myself, refocusing, then made my way down to the living room.
"Greetings, my Alpha," the guards stationed outside the main door greeted, bowing their heads in perfect sync. Their respect was evident, but so was the hint of nervousness laced in their posture.
"Charlotte is not allowed out of her room for any reason. Do I make myself clear?" I commanded, my voice calm yet carrying the weight of unquestionable authority.
They nodded quickly, heads bobbing, eyes avoiding direct contact with mine, understanding the unspoken consequences of disobedience.
I continued walking, my steps confident and unhurried as I approached the parking lot. My driver, as always, stood beside one of the cars, awaiting my orders. He straightened the moment he spotted me, bowing slightly.
"I'll be driving myself. Hand me the key to this car," I said, pointing at the sleek white car parked at the far end of the lot.
Without hesitation, he dipped his hand into his pocket and retrieved the keys, passing them to me silently. I strode over to the car, the metal cool against my fingers as I unlocked it and slid into the driver's seat.
Starting the engine, I shifted gears and drove off, the powerful hum of the engine grounding my thoughts.
"Alpha, they're here," my gamma's voice echoed in my mind through the link.
My grip on the steering wheel tightened, my foot pressing harder on the accelerator. I can't afford to keep them waiting—not when power plays are in motion.
Minutes later, I arrived at the meeting hall, pulling into the reserved parking lot. The guards stationed at the grand entrance moved swiftly, opening the car door and bowing respectfully. I stepped out, straightening my shirt, my mind sharp and ready.
"Greetings, Alpha Jasper of the Crystal Moon Pack," they all said in unison.