The lost mate

Chapter 145: The marking

The door to the Alpha’s office creaked open, and Jessica stepped in, her face pale and apprehensive. Her gaze swept over the room, instantly freezing when she saw her father. Alpha Jackson’s expression was hard, a thunderous anger flashing in his eyes that made her stomach drop.

Liana cleared her throat, her voice gentle but firm. "Jessica, come here," she said, patting the seat next to her. "No need to be afraid. We just want to hear the truth."

Jessica’s hands shook as she sat down, glancing between Liana and Alpha Richard. She could feel her father’s gaze burning into her, but she kept her eyes down, fighting the urge to run.

"Tell us what happened," Liana coaxed softly. "Start from the beginning."

Jessica took a shaky breath, forcing herself to speak. "It... it was Elara. She gave me a potion that triggered my heat. She said that she would trick Damien, and all I had to do was wait." Her voice wavered, and she avoided her father’s eyes. "But when I got there, Damien didn’t come. Instead... it was Malcom."

Jackson’s face darkened, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. He took a step forward, his voice filled with disdain. "So, you let Elara trick you into this, Jessica? You blindly followed her without questioning anything?"

Jessica felt a cold wave of shame wash over her, but she managed a weak nod. "She made it sound... reasonable. I didn’t think she would—"

"That’s right—you didn’t think!" Jackson’s voice rose, raw with anger. "You are nothing but a disgrace, Jessica. Elara led you around like a fool, and now look at the mess you’ve created."

Tears pricked Jessica’s eyes, and she forced herself to look away, swallowing the painful lump rising in her throat.

"No one will want you now, Jessica," he hissed, his voice dripping with contempt. "After this scandal, who would dare? You’ve ruined everything with your weakness. And I’m done with you."

Jessica’s mouth opened, words catching in her throat as Jackson turned his back on her, striding.

"Do whatever you want with Jessica," he spat, his voice laced with contempt. "She’s useless to me now."

Liana’s eyes narrowed as she crossed her arms, her gaze never wavering. "Oh, drop the act, Jackson. This whole mess was your scheme, and now that it’s blown up in your face, you’re trying to play the victim."

Jackson’s jaw tightened, and he took a menacing step closer. "Careful, Liana. I’ve been keeping your little secret for years, but I could end that today. Imagine what the pack would think if they knew Damien’s true parentage. They’d see you for the liar you are."

But instead of recoiling, Liana smirked, her confidence unwavering. "Go ahead, Jackson. Reveal Damien’s parentage. But remember, I know all about your plan to trap him. How do you think your pack will react when they learn you were willing to sacrifice them all for your vendetta? You’ll lose their trust faster than you can blink."

Jackson’s face contorted in rage, his hands clenching and unclenching at his sides. His lips pressed together, his anger barely contained, and for a moment, it looked as if he might lash out. But instead, he exhaled sharply, his eyes cold as steel. "Fine," he ground out, glancing at Jessica, who stood pale and trembling besides him. "I’m taking her with me."

"Good," Liana replied icily. "And make sure you never set foot here again."

Without another word, Jackson turned, taking Jessica by the arm. But before they could reach the exit, footsteps echoed down the hall, growing louder and more urgent. Malcom burst into the room, his chest heaving and his eyes wild with an intensity that took everyone by surprise.

"Stop!" he called out, his gaze locking onto Jessica. He strode forward, determination etched into every line of his face. "Jessica," he said, his voice steady but filled with a fierce emotion, "you’re mine. You’re my mate. No one else can claim you."

Jessica’s eyes widened in shock, a mixture of confusion and disbelief crossing her face. She glanced between her father, who scowled with growing disgust, and Malcom, whose expression softened as he looked at her.

Jessica’s breath caught as the familiar scent of Malcom washed over her, warm and wild like pine trees after rain. A spark ignited in her chest, and her wolf surged forward, recognising him with fierce certainty. Mate! Her wolf cried within her, the word echoing through her mind with a strength she couldn’t ignore. She felt a strange mix of wonder and confusion. Why hadn’t she realised this before? Had Elara’s potion somehow dulled her senses ?

Jackson’s hand tightened on her arm, pulling her out of her trance. "Jessica, don’t even think about this," he growled. "You will not disgrace me by bonding with him."’

But Jessica’s wolf no longer cared about her father’s approval or the weight of his threats. Her wolf was fully awake, pushing her towards Malcom, drawn by an undeniable force. The fire in Malcom’s eyes mirrored her own, and she could feel his wolf pulling him towards her, their connection deepening in the shared realisation of their bond.

"Malcom, stop !" Liana’s voice cut through the tension, her gaze hard with a warning, but Malcom could no longer hold herself back.

A low growl rumbled in Malcom’s chest, his body partially shifting as claws replaced his fingers, his teeth elongating into sharp canines. Jessica felt her own bones begin to shift, her skin tingling with the partial transformation, her wolf taking control. Neither Jackson nor Liana could stop them now; their bond was asserting itself with raw, unstoppable power.

In one swift move, Malcom’s arms wrapped around her, and his head bent towards her neck. Jessica’s heart pounded as his breath brushed against her skin, and she tilted her head, baring her neck to him, offering herself completely. His teeth grazed her neck, and with a deep growl, he bit down, his fangs sinking into her flesh, marking her as his mate.