After I read the note in the restaurant, my hands were shaking, and my chest was beating fast. Jason looked at me, serious and steady. "We should keep moving," he said quietly. "It isn't safe here. Someone knows we are here."
I nodded, even though my heart felt heavy. I could still feel the tremble from earlier, the way the man had looked at me. Jason opened the truck door for me. I climbed in slowly, feeling the warmth of his scent — pine, rain, and something strong and calm. It made my head feel dizzy, but in a good way.
"Where are we going?" I asked, finally.
Jason gave me a small smile. "To the surrounding pack. You'll meet some family. I thought… it might be good for you to see where I grew up."
And about the note aria you don't have to be worried I'll always be there for you and I won't let anything happen to you aria it doesn't matter Jason you don't have to worry about me I do he said why I asked maybe I care about my prisoners he said.
I nodded quietly. I didn't know what to expect. We drove down the quiet forest road. Trees swayed gently, and the moonlight reflected off the leaves like silver. Jason kept his eyes on the road, but every now and then he glanced at me. His gaze was soft, like he wanted to make sure I was okay.
After a while, he slowed the truck. "We are here," he said.
I looked up and saw a large, open clearing. There were several wooden houses, a small training ground, and a fire pit in the center. Wolves were moving about — some training, some talking, some sitting quietly. The smell of fresh grass and wood filled the air. I felt nervous but curious.
Jason stepped out of the truck and held out his hand. "Come on," he said softly. "You'll meet my family."
I took a deep breath and followed him. The ground felt soft under my feet, and my legs were still weak, but I tried to stand tall.
As we walked toward the main house, a tall man with sharp eyes and a calm presence came forward. His hair was dark, and his posture was strong and commanding.
"Jason," he said with a smile, "it has been a long time."
Jason nodded. "Uncle Jude. I want you to meet someone." He turned to me. "This is Aria."
Uncle Jude gave me a small, approving smile. "Welcome, Aria. I've heard a lot about you."
I swallowed, my cheeks warm. "Thank you, sir."
Then another man stepped forward. He was younger, tall, and had eyes that seemed to see everything at once. His gaze studied me carefully. "Are you his mate?" he asked bluntly.
I shook my head quickly. "No. That could never happen. Besides… he has a mate he's scared to meet meet because he has this weird mindset that he is doing her a favour protecting her by not meeting her.
The man smiled faintly. "I see. I am Alaric, Jason's brother. you see am surprised my brother brought you here if you are not his mate because my brother has never brought any girl here even though my uncle Jude has been quite disturbing about him finding a mate.
I felt proud, even though my chest was still pounding. Jason squeezing my hand gently he said coldly leave her alone Alaric she's tired, stop worrying about me you are not my dad I said am sorry miss but you don't have a choice I just nodded but some part of me felt safe.
The pack members all came forward to greet us. Some smiled, some nodded, and a few looked curious. I tried to meet their eyes politely and smiled where I could.
Jason showed me around the small pack area. There was a training ground with wooden dummies, a small herb garden, and a fire pit where the pack would gather. I watched him explain things quietly. He seemed relaxed here, like he belonged.
After exploring, I walked toward a bush at the edge of the clearing. I wanted a moment alone. I knelt and touched the soft leaves, listening to the quiet wind and the sounds of the pack around me at least for the first time since my parents died I had felt true silence and joy. It was peaceful for a moment… until the bushes rustled suddenly.
A man jumped out, grabbing me. He was tall, angry, and his eyes burned with hate. "You! Moonstone! Your pack killed my father!" he shouted.
I screamed, trying to pull away. My heart was racing.
Jason came instantly, his speed terrifying. He shoved the man away with a strength that made the ground shake. He grabbed the man, Yagi, lifting him as though he weighed nothing. His eyes were dark, dangerous, and I felt my knees go weak.
Jason's hands tightened. "You touch her again, and I will not stop myself," he said.
Yagi spat blood and hissed. "I am watching you, Moonstone. I will have my revenge." Then he ran off into the dark forest.
I looked at Jason, my chest still pounding. "How did you know I was in danger?" I asked, breathless.
"You are lucky I was here," he said softly. "Luck keeps you alive."
We returned to the main cabin, where the pack had gathered again. I sat down, trying to catch my breath. The fire smelled warm, and the room felt safe, but my heart was still racing.
Alaric looked at me with serious eyes. "Little wolf, what is your surname?"
I said softly, "Moonstone."
Alaric's eyes widened. "Someone came to our gates yesterday asking if the Moonstone had arrived. It seems someone knew… you would come here today."
Jason put a protective hand on my shoulder. His eyes flicked toward the window and the dark forest beyond. Shadows moved, and I felt that same uneasy feeling from the note at the restaurant.
The Red Moon was coming. The prophecy was near.
And I knew, deep inside, that my life was about to change forever.