Just when she thought her life was finally getting better, that was when fate decided to trick her once more.

Jasmine recalled her promise to protect her baby. She gathered all the strength she had left in her and while the man was frantically undressing himself, Jasmine slapped him hard, she then pushed him off her and dragged herself up.

She wanted to run away but got caught by the other two men.

Jasmine tried fighting them off, she screamed at the top of her lungs; asking them to let her go, but instead she got slapped by one of them.

The other man whom she had hit hurriedly stood up, he roughly grabbed her hand and turned her to him, then he also slapped her.

“How dare you, bitch!” He thundered.

Jasmine was crying bitterly. She hated herself for being so weak. If only she had a wolf, then she would have been able to defend herself from these rogues.

“I was thinking of going easy on you, but since you want to do this the hard way, I'm going to make sure you regret your actions.” The man seethed before roughly pushing her to the ground.

Just when he was about to get on top of her, they all heard a low growl that was enough to send shivers down their spine. The men slowly turned in the direction from which the growl came from. A large figure stood only a stone throw from them, his identity was unclear, except for his glowing red eyes indicating his fierce and commanding presence.

In a wolf pack, only the strongest alphas are known to possess red eyes.

The rogues need no soothsayer to tell them that the man standing in front of them was an alpha. They each shared a worried look, wondering if they should engage him in a fight or just flee this area.

The unknown alpha stood completely still, his red eyes blazing with fury. He let out another threatening low growl, but this time, it was more like a warning to the rogues, and they seemed to get the message because they weren't willing to risk their lives by challenging an alpha, one with this kind of dark and powerful aura that was enough to bring them to their knees.

The rogue that was going to rape Jasmine immediately grabbed his clothes from the floor, and they all took to their heels, choosing not to risk their lives for a mere omega.

Jasmine, who was still shaking with fear, looked at the alpha, his eyes weren't glowing red anymore, they seemed to have returned to their original color.

The man took slow strides towards her, and that alone made her move back in fear, as she was still in shock.

“It's okay. I'm here to help.” He said calmly. “I promise I won't hurt you.” He added, and for some unknown reason his voice seemed to calm her nerves down and magically made her feel so relaxed.

The man finally got to where Jasmine was, he offered her his hand, and she only took it after a brief moment. When their skin came in contact with each other, they both felt this spark like an electric shock but in a comfortable way.

The man helped her up, and the moon seemed to have focused its light on them, letting them get a clear view of each other's faces.

For what felt like ages, they could only just look into each other's eyes.

The man's eyes slowly widened as the realization hit him hard.

“Mate!”

Jasmine immediately took a step back when he said that. “What?” She asked, confused. “Mate? We're mates? How can I be mated to you? It's not possible.” She shook her head, refusing to believe it.

“I… I don't know, but…” He trailed.

He looked at her for a little longer. “You're my mate.” He confirmed.

He has no idea how this happened or why the moon goddess chose to give him a second chance mate.

The Alpha in front of Jasmine is Alpha Nicolai. Alpha of the Crescent moon pack, which also happens to be one of the strongest packs in the land. It's a pack other neighboring packs wouldn't want to mess with, as they've never been known to lose any battle. Only a few people know what Nicolai looks like, but based on the story told to them, they call him the devil, a man who lost all humanity when he lost his mate.

Nicolai had lost his mate to a fire accident and didn't know the moon goddess would give him a second chance mate in such a situation. He had been invited to the party and had come into the woods for some alone time when he heard Jasmine's scream for help, at first, he had wanted to ignore and mind his business but the more her screams echoed through the woods, the more restless he became, so he decides to track her down and help her, not knowing she was his mate.

Nicolai sighed deeply, he really doesn't want a mate because he was so sure he'll never be able to love her, not when he can't forget his late mate. And because of this, he didn't think he'll be able to accept her.

“What are you doing in the woods? Why are you all alone here and how did you get yourself in this situation?” He asked.

Jasmine wrapped her arms around herself, rubbing her hands up and down to combat the chill. She didn't even know how to explain her situation to Nicolai, so she simply kept quiet.

Nicolai could tell she would rather not answer him, and he wasn't going to force her to. He noticed she was cold, so he took off the jacket he was wearing and wrapped it around her.

Jasmine looked at him. “You don't have to do this, I'm fine.” She attempted to take off the jacket, but he stopped her.

“Then do you expect me to let you freeze?” Nicolai asked. “You've been through enough for one night, so just keep the jacket.”

“What about you? I would rather not be a bother to you.” She replied calmly. She still can't get over the fact that this man is her mate, it's so difficult to believe, but she would rather not think too much about it. Her priority is getting away from here, she doesn't care about her new mate because her ex mate has definitely taught her a lesson she'll never forget.

She'll rather remain mateless than have a second chance mate.

“You don't have to worry about me.” Nicolai answered. “Where's your pack? I'll take you back.” He offered.

When Jasmine heard that, her blood ran cold, and she moved back even more, surprising Nicolai. “I… I can't go back there.” She said fearfully. “I'm not letting you take me back! I'm not going back!” She turned to flee but got caught by Nicolai.

“Let go!” Jasmine struggled to push him off, but he wouldn't let her go.

Nicolai didn't know the reason for her sudden reaction, but he did his best to calm her down. “It's okay. It's okay.” He said. “I won't take you back there if you don't want it. I promise you.”

“If you would rather not return to your pack it's fine, but I can't let you wander through the woods on your own, so please let me help you.''

“How?”

“You have nowhere else to go, right?” He asked. Jasmine nods in reply.

“Would you like to come with me to my pack?” Nicolai asked. Even though he couldn't accept her as his mate, it doesn't mean he's not going to help her, especially when he's seen how scared she was of going back to her pack. It wasn't clear to him why she left her pack, but he's going to find out soon.

“Can I do that?” Jasmine asked in surprise. “And why would you want to help me? If it's because I'm—”

"It's not that.'' Nicolai interrupted, knowing what she was about to say. “It's so obvious to me that you need help, so I just want to help you out.”

“Thank you.” Jasmine was filled with so much gratitude.

“My name's Nicolai.” He introduced himself.

"Jasmine.''

“Jasmine.” He repeated, loving how her name sounds.

If only they had known that their meeting was just the start of something great and magical.

As they entered the Crescent moon pack's territory, Jasmine's eyes widened in awe. The pack's sprawling grounds were a masterful blend of wild beauty and organized structure. The air was alive with the sweet scent of blooming wildflowers and the soft rustle of leaves.

The overall effect was breathtaking, a harmonious fusion of wilderness and wonder.

When the car finally stopped, Nicolai got out first before going to help Jasmine out.

“We should get you checked up first.” He said to her,

“What?” Jasmine furrowed her brow, confused.

“I mean, I'm going to take you to the pack doctor to examine you and get you treated if you have any injuries.'' He explained.

Jasmine nods in understanding, she has no problem with this, at least she'll be able to know how her baby is doing. She placed her hand on her tummy as she followed Nicolai to the pack hospital.

***

Jasmine didn't expect the pack hospital to be as huge as it was, the one in her pack wasn't even up to this. Everything about the Crescent moon pack keeps leaving her in awe.

When they walked into the hospital, she noticed how the atmosphere seemed to change because of Nicolai's sudden presence.

Everyone present bowed their heads in respect. “Alpha.” They all said in unison, and Nicolai simply nodded to acknowledge their greetings.

The pack doctor who was talking to a nurse walked up to them. “Alpha.” She bowed in respect, her gaze then moved to Jasmine.

“I need you to get her checked up and treated if needed. I'll be in the private waiting room waiting for your feedback.” He was about leaving when Jasmine suddenly grabbed his hand without even thinking about it.

Nicolai was surprised by this, but he did his best to not flinch and pull his hand away.

“Please stay.” Jasmine said fearfully, her voice almost a whisper. There's too many people in the hospital, it felt like all eyes were on her, triggering her anxiety. “Please, don't leave me alone here.” She pleaded, her head bowed down in fear.

Nicolai could sense her fear, it was literally coming off her in waves. He placed his hand on hers. “If that's what you want.” He replied.

“Please.” Jasmine repeated.

Nicolai looked at the doctor. “Please lead the way.”

As they went with the pack doctor, Jasmine didn't let go of Nicolai's hand for once, and Nicolai didn't really mind because he wanted to do his best to comfort her and make her feel relaxed.

When they arrived at the doctor's office, she made Jasmine lie on the bed while she examined her. Even while the doctor did this, Jasmine still didn't let go of Nicolai's hand, not until the doctor told her that she'd like to check her body for any injuries, so Nicolai will have to excuse them.

Nicolai held Jasmine's hand. “I promise it'll be okay, and I'll be right outside waiting, so you don't have to worry about anything. I'm here for you.” He reassured her.

“Thank you.” Jasmine replied, and Nicolai excused them.

All through the rest of the check-up, Nicolai stood right outside the doctor's office. He thought the check-up wouldn't take so much time, but when he saw how long it was taking, he started getting worried, hoping nothing bad would happen to Jasmine.

Due to how impatient he eventually got, he wanted to go into the doctor's office, but the door suddenly opened, and the doctor stepped out.

From the look on her face, Nicolai could tell something was wrong. “What's wrong, doctor? Is she okay?”

“I don't know how to say this, alpha.” The doctor sighed deeply.

“What do you mean?” Nicolai frowned deeply.

“That lady in there has been heavily abused, and I know this because of the scars on her whole body. She's also suffering from serious anxiety that makes her scared of being around many people, also….” She trailed.

“Also what?” Nicolai impatiently asked.

“She's pregnant, alpha.”

Nicolai's eyes widened in shock. “What!?” He blurted out in shock. “Pregnant!?”

“Yes, alpha. She's a month and a few days gone.”

Nicolai suddenly fell silent, letting what the doctor just told him to sink in. He couldn't believe she was pregnant and had gone through such torment. He has no idea what has happened to her at her pack, but he needs to find out what happened to her.

“I need a moment with her alone.” He said to the doctor.

“Yes, alpha. You can send for me when you're done.”

Nicolai thanked the doctor before she left.

He heaved a deep breath before going into the pack doctor's office.

When Nicolai walked in, Jasmine looked at him. “She must have told you.” She started. “About my pregnancy.”

Nicolai took a seat on the chair in front of her. “Yes.” He replied. “I want to know your story, Jasmine. What happened to you at your previous pack? Why did you want to escape from there?” He asked.

“It was hell.” Jasmine replied.

Tears welled up in her eyes and she tried to hold back her tears, but she couldn't, everything still hurts…. Everything.

“Jasmine.” Nicolai became worried when he saw her crying. “I'm truly sorry if my question upset you. You don't have to tell me anything if you don't want you, I promise it's fine.” He said, hoping to make her feel at ease.

“It's not you.” Jasmine replied. “And since you helped me, it's only right that I tell you everything.” She wiped off her tears.

Jasmine heaved a deep breath, she waited until she felt a bit better before telling Nicolai everything that's happened to her. How she was mistreated by Stephan, her ex mate. How he'd beat her up each time he found out she was pregnant, and caused her to have countless miscarriages. She told him how she was made a slave in her pack. How Stephan's the one who gave her most of the scars on her body. She told him how he cheated on her with different women and how he'd rejected her as his mate.

“When I found out about my pregnancy, I knew I had to do something to protect my child this time. I knew what would happen to my baby if Stephan found out about my pregnancy, that's why I ran away to protect myself and my baby.”

“I only want to protect my baby, nothing more.” She said in tears.

Her story deeply touched Nicolai, he couldn't believe she went through all of that. Nobody should be made to go through what she went through, it doesn't even matter if she's an omega because there's nothing wrong with someone being an omega.

Nicolai's blood boiled with so much rage, now he understands the reason for most of her actions. He sincerely wished he could see Stephan right now, he would make him pay dearly for what he did to Jasmine.

“I'm sorry you had to go through all of that with no one beside you.” He sincerely apologized. “You can stay here. You'll be safe here in the Crescent moon pack, no one will ever trouble you here.”

“This will be your new home.” He added. “You and your baby.”

Jasmine couldn't believe her ears. “Really? Can I really stay here?” She asked, her excitement clearly visible in her voice.

“Yes.” Nicolai replied.

“Oh goddess. Thank you so much, Alpha Nicolai. I really have no idea how I'm ever going to repay you for this.”

“You owe me nothing, I just want to help you, and please drop the Alpha. You can call me Nicolai.”

“But—”

“No buts.” Nicolai immediately cut her off.

Jasmine gave him a small smile. “Thank you, Nicolai.”

“I better take you home and let you eat some food and get the good rest you need.” Nicolai stood up and offered her his hand.

Jasmine took his hand and he helped her get down from the bed. On their way out, they met the doctor and Nicolai informed her that he'll bring Jasmine back tomorrow to examine her again.

Nicolai took her to his home, he ordered the helpers to prepare dinner for her before taking her to the room she'll be staying in.

When Jasmine saw her room, she couldn't believe how spacious it was, she's never seen a pretty room like this. The room Stephan gave to her at the pack was no different from a little storage room, and even her tiny bed was nothing compared to the king-sized bed in front of her.

“I… I can't stay here.”

“Why? Don't you like it? I can show you another room.”

“No… It's just… I've never slept in a room like this, let alone seen a room this big, even the bed is just too…” She trailed. “I don't think I can stay here.”

“That's nonsense, Jasmine. You deserve this. You deserve to sleep on a good bed, and it's also going to do your baby well if you get a good sleep.'' Nicolai replied. “So, for the sake of your baby, please stay in this room, and my room is opposite yours, so you can just come to me if you need anything.”

Jasmine smiled on seeing that Nicolai didn't only think about her, but about her child too. “Thank you so much.”

“The bathroom is also there.” He pointed to the door at the corner of the room. “I'll come get you when dinner is ready.”

Jasmine thanked him once more before he left.

She looked at the room and her face lit up, she silently prayed this blessing will last forever.

Jasmine placed her hand on her stomach. “I hope we've found our forever home, baby.”

Stephan was in his room making out with his mistress, Laura, when a knock on his door interrupted them.

"Alpha!" A voice called from outside.

"Damn it!" Stephan spat in annoyance. "What could be the problem now?" He pulled away from Laura's embrace and wanted to go answer the door, but was immediately stopped by Laura.

"Why don't you just leave it. You can always tend to those business later." She said, seductively trailing her finger tips down his chest.

Stephan smirked, then he kissed her. "I'll be back." He got down from the bed and went to answer the door.

Laura scoffed. "Mood killer!" She whispered.

"This better be important." Stephan warned the guard the moment he opened the door.

"I sincerely apologize for the disturbance, Alpha. I came to inform you that Jasmine is nowhere to be found. We've scanned the whole area, but there's no sight of her anywhere."

"What? What do you mean she's nowhere to be found!? Where could she have gone to?"

"We have no idea, Alpha. But we suspect that she must have made her escape during the night of the party."

Stephan ran his hand through his hair. "That bitch!" He spat in rage. Even though he doesn't love her, he still can't afford to loose his favorite toy to mess with.

"Have you checked the woods? Every single part of our territory?"

"No, Alpha. We only checked the whole pack, we haven't gone any further." The guard replied.

"Then what are you still waiting for? I want you to scan the entire pack and beyond for her, make sure to bring her to me alive!" He ordered.

"Yes, Alpha." The guard bowed before leaving.

Stephan angrily slammed his door shut, he then ran his hand through his hair. He had no idea Jasmine had any plans of escaping, otherwise he would have kept an eye on her to make sure she never got the chance to leave the pack.

"You can't run away from me, Jasmine. I swear to the goddess that I will find you, and I'll make sure to give you a punishment you'll never forget." He vowed, his eyes blazing with fury.

Laura got down from the bed and walked to him. "Jasmine's gone?" She asked, but got no response from Stephen. "Why bother about her anyways? You know she's nothing but a weakling, and it should be clear to you by now that there's no way on earth she'll be able to survive out there on her own. She might have died for all we know." She shrugged.

"And if that's the case, then I want to see her body to make sure she's dead. I want her body brought back to me to make sure she's truly dead!" Stephan angrily replied.

"You're stressing too much over this matter. What's it to you if she choose to leave the pack or not? You rejected her remember? You want nothing to do with her, so rather than stressing over something irrelevant, you should be thankful that the bitch is finally out of your hair." She said. "She's no longer going to be a burden to you, or else you...." She trailed off when Stephan shot her a deadly glare.

"I may be fucking you, Laura. But that doesn't give you the opportunity to talk to me anyhow." He warned. "I am still your Alpha, and you better know your place, otherwise I'll help you remember it." He threatened darkly.

Laura felt so pained by his words, but she tried her best to not show her anger. "Fine. I apologize for my disrespect, Alpha." She bared her neck to him, showing her submission. She then slowly walked to stand behind him and hugged him. "Why don't you let me make it up to you, and also help take your stress away." She began to romance his body.

Stephan removed her hands from his body. "It's best if you leave, Laura. I'm no longer in the mood, and I've got things I need to take care of."

"But—"

"Leave now, Laura!" He ordered. "Don't make me repeat myself."

Laura looked at him for a while, she scoffed in anger, then she went to grab her purse and shoes before leaving his room.

When Laura left, Stephan walked to the table in his room, a bottle of whiskey was on it. He poured himself and drink, and instantly gulped down the whole thing.

"You better pray I don't find you, Jasmine. You have no idea what's coming for you."

***

Nicolai's beta and closest friend, Kent, slammed his fist against the door, shouting. "Nicolai! I know you're in there! Open up!'' He demanded, his voice rising in frustration. ''How could you leave me at that party and come home alone?''

He was about banging the door again when Nicolai suddenly opened the door and pulled him inside.

"You're being too noisy, Kent." Nicolai said with a bored look on his face.

Kent scoffed. "Well it wasn't you who got left at a party. Do you have any idea how worried I was? I almost had a panic attack! Why would you even do that?" He folds his hands across his chest and glared at Nicolai.

"I had my reasons." Nicolai replied before going to take a sit on his bed.

"And I guess it's about the lady you brought home right?" Kent smirked.

Nicolai looked at him, wondering how he knew when he hasn't even told him.

"Don't look so surprised. I just happen to overhear some people whispering that you brought home a lady." He said, causing Nicolai to shake his head. He should have guessed that's what happened, after all nothing is ever hidden in his pack.

"So tell me. Who's she and why did you bring her home? If you needed someone to spend the night with you could have just picked one of the unmated she wolves in the pack, and you know too well they'll all die to spend a night wrapped in the alpha's arms." He chuckled, but stopped when Nicolai shot him a deadly glare.

"Fine, I'll stop.'' He raised his hands in surrender. "And before you say the words. I know too well you want nothing to do with any other woman, but I still can't help but wonder why you brought a strange lady home. It's unlike you Nicolai, and I dare not say that she's the woman who's managed to catch your eye."

"You talk too much, Kent. It's giving me a headache." Nicolai growled lowly. "And if you badly want to know who she is then I'll tell you."

"The woman I brought home is my mate..."

"My second chance mate." He said.

Kent eyes widened with shock, he couldn't believe his ears. "W...what? A second chance mate! How could you even get a second chance mate?"

"I have no idea." Nicolai replied, his face emotionless. "I'll also love to know why the moon goddess did this. But the fact remains that I only helped her because she badly needed my help. It's way more complicated than you know, Kent."

"Then I want to know everything." Kent took a step forward. "Tell me all about her..."

"Your second chance mate."