Jack kept his word. Starting from the day after they met, he picked Elsa up and dropped her off at school every single day, rain or shine.

Not only that, he also tutored her on her schoolwork every day. It was then that Elsa learned that besides being the champion in various school sports competitions, he was also a top student with excellent grades.

In fact, he had always been a high-profile figure at school. She hadn't known about him before simply because she was out of the loop.

Being with Jack, Elsa not only gradually mastered the language she had always dreaded but also, no one dared to bully her or take advantage of her anymore.

Once, while waiting for Elsa to finish her duties, Jack caught the classmate who was supposed to be cleaning the bathrooms with her trying to sneak off. He narrowed his blue eyes and stopped the boy. He didn't throw a punch; he simply rolled up his sleeves, revealing his well-defined arm muscles under the other boy's fearful gaze.

After that incident, everyone at school understood that Elsa was under Jack Folger's protection. In other words, only someone tired of living would dare bother this Asian girl.

Jack didn't like violence, nor was he a delinquent. On the contrary, he was a top model student-respectful to teachers, friendly with classmates, didn't smoke or drink, loved small animals, didn't litter, didn't pick flowers, and looked both ways before crossing the street. But all of that went out the window when he lost his temper.

He was cheerful, amiable, peaceful, and easy to get along with. He rarely got angry. During his time at school, he only lost his temper three times.

Only three times, but each was terrifying.

Strangely, the reasons for his anger were sometimes hard for others to understand. His first outburst was reportedly because an upperclassman threw stones at a white swan on the pond, killing it. The second time was because a janitor gave the wrong feed, causing the death of an owl in the school zoo.

Fighting over a swan and an owl, breaking school rules, earned Jack the nickname 'Animal Ambassador'.

Although these two instances of rage were frightening, they were nothing compared to the third time. And Jack's fame was cemented by that final, major outburst.

That time, he stood up for a student who was wrongly accused by a teacher and faced expulsion. When the principal ignored him, Jack got so angry he trashed the principal's office. Rumor had it he even punched a hole through the wall and nearly brought down the roof.

Jack's violence attracted attention. An enraged elementary student demolishing the principal's office wasn't everyday news. It made it to television, and even education officials launched an investigation. In the end, the wrongly accused student was exonerated, the teacher was transferred, and the principal's office was relocated and rebuilt.

No one mentioned punishing Jack. On one hand, the terrifying aura he emitted when angry even scared the principal. On the other hand, after this incident, he became a new hero figure among Italian schoolchildren. Punishing him would cause public outrage.

So, anyone who had seen him lose his temper usually didn't want to see it again. This usually well-behaved model student had a beast-like ferocity when enraged.

Because of Jack's unusual protectiveness towards Elsa, everyone from the principal down to the janitors saw the little girl as his girlfriend.

However, the parties involved didn't seem to see it that way.

In Jack's eyes, Elsa was just an angel he had to protect, not to be defiled.

In Elsa's eyes, Jack was a better, more dutiful older brother than Steve.

This warm routine of escorting her continued for two full years, until Jack moved on to secondary school, leaving Elsa on her own again.

But those two years of guidance had given Elsa enough confidence and a solid foundation. Her studies were on track, and she even became a top student. She could now converse fluently in Italian and even German. But most of the time, she still preferred to keep to herself. Jack was right about her being withdrawn; perhaps it was innate shyness or excessive self-protectiveness. In short, she just wasn't very good at making friends.

She could only be completely at ease with people she knew very, very well-like family, like Jack, or like she was with Simba.

The elusive Simba would visit her once a year.

She didn't know if it truly understood the meaning of 'reunion' she had mentioned, but it faithfully chose to come see her on that very night each year.

After Jack started secondary school, he only appeared in Elsa's life during holidays. He and Steve, both being top, active students at their school, quickly became acquainted.

Two more years passed. Elsa was thirteen and finally could follow in the footsteps of her brother Steve and Jack, entering the prestigious boarding school.

Elsa's new student campus tour was led by both Steve and Jack. But on the way back, Steve's pager beeped loudly. He and Jack had to rush back to the student council for an emergency meeting.

"Elsa, can you find your way back to the dorm by yourself?"

Elsa nodded. Though a little apprehensive, she didn't want to be a burden to anyone.

"Go ahead. I'll take Elsa back and then catch up," Jack said, his face full of worry despite Elsa's nod.

"Are you worried she'll get lost or that she'll fall?" Steve patted Jack on the back, smiling at Elsa. "Jack Folger, my sister is thirteen. If she has a problem finding her way back to the dorm, then she'll need help eating next. Come on, I'm the current student council president, you're the next candidate. Missing either of us will make this meeting very troublesome."

Jack was practically dragged away by Steve.

"Who's her brother, you or me?" Steve's amused voice carried from afar. "Don't be so nervous. Elsa isn't a child. Unless you plan to protect her for the rest of her life, you have to let her walk alone sometimes to experience life."

Watching them leave, Elsa strolled leisurely along the emerald-green gravel path. Steve was right; she felt Jack was overly protective of her.

He was like her nanny.

The school campus covered an entire mountainside-vast and beautiful. As she walked, she saw many pleasing sights and enjoyed herself. The only downside was that she lost track of time. When she remembered she should head back to the dorm and hurried on her way, she realized it was high noon, siesta time. There wasn't a soul on the paths. Growing anxious, she hurried along but took a wrong turn, the path becoming increasingly deserted.

Just as she thought she heard voices and hoped to find someone to ask for directions, her mood plummeted the moment she saw the speakers and heard their tone.

"Whoa! Boss! Look at this, an Asian girl!"

"Oh! I know, she's the rumored prettiest Asian girl among the new freshmen! Not bad, not bad." The man appraising her had a face full of malicious smiles. He nodded at Elsa with satisfaction. "Indeed pretty."

"Little junior, let your seniors give you a more detailed campus tour and make friends, huh?"

Seeing the six boys, who wore their school uniforms like thugs, closing in on her, Elsa took a few steps back, coldly refusing, "I don't need it."

After speaking, she turned to leave but found the boys had formed a tall human wall, encircling her.

"Don't need it?" Someone let out a strange laugh, mimicking her voice. "Hear that, boss? Our cute little junior is quite the ice queen!"

"Beautiful women are always thorny."

"Don't fear the coldness, because we've got plenty of warmth. And thorns? Don't worry." The boy called 'boss' patted his chest. "Your boss here has tweezers for plucking thorns."

"Move aside!" Elsa continued with a cold voice, but her heart had already lost confidence in escaping safely.

"Don't be so unfriendly! Little junior, the school's fine tradition is that juniors should obey seniors." He reached out to touch Elsa's chin, but she dodged. "If you're this disobedient, it'll be hard for you to survive on campus."

"Yeah! Little junior, be good and listen. We seniors," another boy let out a sleazy laugh, "will take good care of you."

"Junior, listening to your seniors is never wrong. For women, there's always a first time. Don't be afraid." The man's laughter didn't stop. "Once you've tasted it, you'll know how good it feels to be cherished. Let your seniors accompany you for a while to build some feelings."

Elsa maintained her cold tone. "I'm not going anywhere. My brother, student council president Steve, will be here soon to have lunch with me."

"Ha! Bringing out your brother now! The student council president! Even better, I've always wondered what the student council president's sister tastes like?" He suddenly reached out, grabbed her, and pulled her close. Immediately, a strong smell of smoke and sweat made her cover her nose and mouth. Seeing this, the man's malicious smile remained. "Little junior, don't mind. Live in the moment. Right now, you're in my hands."

Putting all her strength into a kick towards the man's groin, Elsa was rewarded with a pig-like squeal of pain and a brief opening. But she hadn't run two steps before she was caught again.

"Damn girl, don't blame me for being rough later!"

Seeing the predatory hands reaching for her again, Elsa struggled and let out a desperate cry for help.

At that moment, the roar of an engine approached. It was a heavy motorcycle. The rider heard Elsa's cries for help. The bike paused but didn't shut off. The man sat steadily, stretching out his long legs, his eyes behind sunglasses slowly scanning the scene.

"Jace Black!" The man holding Elsa issued a warning. "Go skip your class and take your nap like you usually do. Don't stick your nose where it doesn't belong."

"I was planning on it." The man on the motorcycle spoke indifferently. "But this girl's screams will ruin my sleep quality. And if I don't sleep well," he casually brushed the wind-blown hair from his forehead, "my temper is usually pretty bad."

Through tears of fear, it took Elsa a moment to get a clear look at the man named Jace Black.

Under the bright sun, he wore stylish sunglasses that covered half his face, a black leather jacket, and equally dark leather pants. In such hot weather, he was covered from neck to toe, like a nocturnal animal that detested sunlight.

His face was full of a handsome, fierce aura. He was a man radiating danger but with a fatal attraction.

"Don't worry." The man holding Elsa started dragging her away. "To not disturb your sleep, we'll just change locations."

The man's actions made Elsa scream again. Just as the men decided to gag her, Jace spoke coldly.

"Let her go. Fellow students, this girl doesn't seem to like the game you want to play. Why don't you find someone who does?"

"Jace, mind your own business." The leader signaled, and instantly his five companions pulled out switchblades from their jackets. "I won't ruin your sleep, you don't ruin my fun!"

"I'd like to, but it's too late-" Jace shook his head, swinging his long legs off the motorcycle. His eyes, behind the sunglasses, watched the knives glinting ominously in the sun. Seeing the blades, a faint light seemed to gleam in his eyes. With a tone of regret, he said, "Your toys have woken me up."

Then, before Elsa could fully grasp the situation, Jace moved like a whirlwind-fists and legs flying. In a few moves, he had the six guys on their knees, begging for mercy. He didn't give them a chance to use their knives, and he himself disdained using any weapon. Even just with his legs, he managed to draw blood and elicit cries of pain and pleas for mercy from the formerly vicious boys. Seeing blood didn't frighten him; if anything, he seemed more excited. He fought with sheer relish, his strikes becoming more precise and ruthless.

A moment later, when the opponents were swollen and barely recognizable, he finally stopped, saying coldly, "Get lost!"

That single word was like music to the thugs' ears. Without staying a minute longer, they fled for their lives like mice thoroughly tormented by a vicious cat, limping and stumbling away.

After the scum left, Elsa forced herself to stand straight. She looked at her savior with immense gratitude and emotion. She opened her mouth, but before she could even say "thank you," he was already back on his idling motorcycle. With a roar, he sped away, leaving only dust behind.

Dispatching thugs was just a fun game for him, a way to secure quiet, not for Elsa's sake.

He was indifferent, but Elsa was not. From that moment on, her eyes were determined to burn for the man named Jace.

"Wow! Such fragrant, beautiful cookies!"

Jack reached out his hand, only to have it slapped away mid-air.

"These aren't for you." Elsa swatted his hand away, then gestured with her lips towards another bamboo basket. "There! Those are for you."

"Why these?" he roared, poking at the basket of misshapen, broken cookie remnants with one finger.

"Because these are my failures. And you," she said calmly, with a soft voice, adding the adorable smile that could always easily subdue him, "aren't you the one who specializes in clearing my garbage?"

"Clearing garbage is only for when it's absolutely necessary, okay?"

Jack pouted injuredly, thinking back to the scene by the lake eating ice cream. He regretted spoiling this girl rotten, only to end up with this treatment.

Could she really think he only liked eating leftovers?

That time, when he helped finish her ice cream, she had still felt a little guilty. But after that, he had nurtured a habit in her. Whenever they went out to eat, she would taste everything first, then shove all the things she'd tried or didn't like over to him to finish. Heaven knew how many admiring glances and letters he, the school heartthrob, received every day, yet he had to suffer this treatment in front of the only girl he cared about.

"Since you have perfectly formed cookies, just throw the failures away!"

Jack reached out again, only to have his hand slapped away once more.

"I said you can't eat them, so you can't." Elsa pouted, looking serious.

"Reason?"

"These cookies," she blushed slightly, "I made them specially for someone."

"For someone?"

Her flushed cheeks, though beautiful, only felt dazzling to him. His voice darkened. "Jace Black again?"

Elsa mumbled noncommittally, indicating assent.

"Elsa, you still haven't given up on that bat? Last time I took you to thank him, he didn't even remember you. I've explained that guy is cold-blooded, emotionless. And you," Jack's veins bulged more and more as he spoke, "you still want to bake him cookies?"

Yes!

Bake cookies for that damn bat who just casually saved her once and won her heart, while leaving the scraps and dregs for him, the wolf who had guarded her for nearly ten years?

He had originally told himself he was just her protector, not daring to hope for more. But now, seeing her actually developing feelings for another man, and it being his best friend-a man who, like him, wasn't human-his heart felt like it had been thrown into a scalding oil vat, frying and sizzling, while the hot oil seeped into the thousand holes in his heart.

Seeing Jack uncharacteristically lose his temper with her, Elsa bit her lip, her face falling. She simply took both baskets of cookies away.

"If you don't want to eat the broken ones, then don't. I'll deal with them myself. As for the cookies for Jace, I'll ask someone else. No need to trouble you."

She turned to leave. In front of Jack, she had always been straightforward, never hiding her feelings.

Swallowing his anger, Jack quickly reached out to stop her.

"What are you doing?" she asked coldly.

"What am I doing? What canI do?" He forcibly took both baskets of cookies, annoyed at himself for caring so much about her feelings. "Besides delivering cookies for you, what else can I do?"

"Jack! I knew you would help me!"

Elsa's anger instantly turned to joy. Happily, she reached up on her toes, pulled Jack down, and planted a sweet kiss on his cheek.

A thank-you kiss that could make him blush for ten minutes. For a moment, he even thought he had turned back into that little golden wolf, helplessly captured by her for a bath.

"You wouldn't-" she drew out the word, "-secretly switch the two baskets of cookies, would you?"

"I have principles, Elsa," Jack said irritably. "I don't think I'd sink that low for a basket of cookies, would I?" He cast a cold glance at the basket of broken cookie remnants. "After all, I 'incidentally' got a basket of cookies too, didn't I?"

"Will you-" her face reddened, "-tell Jace that I specially baked these cookies for him?"

"I will." His voice was icy. "But I can't guarantee he'll remember you because of these cookies. I told you, that jerk doesn't remember people who don't matter to him."

"I am not someone who doesn't matter!" Elsa retorted resentfully. "He saved me," her eyes starry, her cheeks flushed, "how could that not matter?"

Wake up, silly girl! There's someone who truly matters standing right in front of you!

Jack suppressed the urge to protest and turned to leave.

It didn't matter. A young girl's fantasies were always poetic. Jace's heartlessness would eventually make her see reason.

Every time Elsa asked him to help her pursue Jace, Jack would comfort himself with these words.

But he never expected to have to use this comforting mantra for three whole years, from when she was thirteen until she was sixteen.

Three years! A full three years!

Until he couldn't take it anymore, until he was furious, until he gritted his teeth, until he had to resort to a shameless sneak attack to take out that blood-sucking, heartless bat who kept unintentionally stealing young girls' affections!

The ancient castle stood under a blood-red sunset.

Jace looked coldly at the golden-furred wolf.

The large wolf stood high on the castle's turret. In the suddenly gusting wind, it arched its thick back, baring terrifyingly white, sharp fangs-fangs that could sever a grown man's neck with one bite. Its cold, sharp claws gleamed with an icy aura capable of shattering one's will, accompanied by a chilling howl that struck fear into the heart.

Yet, faced with all this, Jace merely wore a cold, mocking smile, showing no trace of panic.

The moment the wind died down, the golden wolf launched a swift and fierce attack. Its momentum was unstoppable, its movements flawless. With its mouth wide and claws extended, it descended upon the standing Jace. Jace didn't dodge, evade, or hide. He simply raised his right hand, which had been behind his back all along.

In his hand was a drink-just a glass of wine. A very common, ordinary white wine. But seeing the white wine, the wild wolf reacted as if it had seen a ghost, its expression changing drastically. However, the attack was already underway; there was no turning back.

As if in a slow-motion film sequence, the white wine splashed onto the wolf. Immediately, the imposing large wolf transformed mid-air back into a tall man-a completely naked man. The sudden change back to human form left him disoriented. Not only did his sneak attack fail, but he also fell heavily, bruised and battered.

"One hundred and eight times."

Jace casually picked up a large towel from the back of a chair, walked over to Jack who was lying on the ground, gave him a couple of hard kicks with his foot, and then threw the towel at him.

"Jack Folger, this is your one hundred and eighth sneak attack on me." He crouched down, removing his sunglasses. The sun had dipped below the horizon, improving his mood, even though he had to face his friend's ambush. "When will you ever get tired of this game? I'm exhausted."

"I told you, I'm not playing! I'm serious!"

Jack's angry tone was laced with intense frustration. It was this quickness to anger, this hot temper, that made him seem more childish compared to Jace, who was the same age but far more composed.

"Why do you hate me so much?" Jace asked, puzzled, kicking his resentful friend again. "Let me guess the reason you feel you must kill me..."

He stroked his chin, sitting down in front of Jack, seriously contemplating.

"You're a peace-loving Libra, not easily angered, but when you are, it's earth-shattering. What could cause you to lose control, act irrationally, and abandon reason like this? Could it be..." He raised a well-defined eyebrow. "...for love?"

Instantly, Jack's cheeks flushed as red as the sunset that had just sunk behind the mountains.

"Loving someone is a good thing, Jack," Jace said, reaching out to pat his friend's shoulder sympathetically, a look of regret on his face. "But you shouldn't have fallen for me. There's never been a case of homosexuality in our vampire lineage, and I certainly don't want to become an anomaly for your sake. I can only appreciate your feelings from a distance..."

"Go to hell, you!" Jack burst out laughing and punched Jace in the chest, cutting him off. "You lunatic, narcissist! A ghost would fall for you before I did, you arrogant, self-righteous vampire!"

"Good that it's not," Jace said indifferently, a slight smile tugging at his lips. "That means I don't have to apologize for my overwhelming charm where you're concerned."

Jack glared, speechless with anger.

"Tie the towel around you." Jace's ears twitched slightly, and he stood up. "My sister's coming."

He straightened his tall, robust frame. His naked, masculine body was full of a wild, untamed aura, like a wolf or a leopard, both awe-inspiring and intimidating. His skin tone, unlike Jace's deathly pallor, was a sun-kissed, even wheat color, healthy and dazzling. Paired with his striking features, he truly resembled the Sun God from Greek mythology.

After standing up, Jack glared coldly at Jace. It was clear he was less concerned about the arrival of Jace's sister, Daphne, and more about why Jace's hearing had surpassed his.

"Why did you hear her first?" He frowned, pinching his own ear. "Why does a stinky bat have better hearing than a wolf?"

"Of course, otherwise how could I have avoided your 108 sneak attacks?"

Seeing Jack standing there completely naked, unconcerned, and only focused on their rivalry, Jace narrowed his eyes and scanned him up and down.

"Dear Jack, if you're trying to use this opportunity to make me accept the fact that you've grown up, then congratulations, you've succeeded. And if you're trying to compare 'size' with me, please choose another time and place later. For now, hurry up and put on the towel. We're eighteen; we should be past the age of immature showing off."

Jack snorted coldly at him. "Don't worry. You might hear fast, but my timing is definitely more accurate than yours."

As he spoke, he casually twisted the towel around his waist. Sure enough, the moment he finished, twelve-year-old Daphne appeared before them.

"Dinner's ready!" Daphne smiled, her eyes squinting, but that smile was directed solely at Jack.

---

At the dinner table, Jace's mother, Sherry, smiled and addressed Jack, "Jack, have you been busy lately? It seems like a while since we've seen you."

"Jack isbusy," Jace lifted his eyes from his soup bowl. "He's busy eliminating his enemies."

The comment nearly made Jack choke on his bread.

"Jack!" Daphne leaned forward enthusiastically. "You have enemies? Do you need my help? Don't underestimate me," she said proudly, tilting her cute, upturned nose. "I've learned a lot recently at the magic academy!"

As she spoke, she snapped her fingers, commanding the pepper shaker to fly up and sprinkle pepper into Jack's thick soup. But she miscalculated, knocking over the shaker. The wind carried the fine pepper particles, and the unfortunate victim was Dr. Hill Black, Jace's father, sitting at the head of the table.

Sneezes erupted immediately. The poor Dr. Hill suffered for a long time, clutching his napkin.

"Such impressive magic, such terrifying pepper kung fu," Jace remarked drily, looking at his sister. "Danny, with your divine skills protecting him, Jack's enemies are sure to die horribly."

Hearing the sarcasm in her brother's voice, Daphne pouted and instead offered Jack a plate of boiled prawns.

"Try these, Jack. I cooked these prawns myself." As she spoke, she peeled a prawn and handed it to him. "Come on, don't be shy! Try it!"

A silver fork flew through the air, unabashedly hijacking the naked prawn.

"Brother!" Daphne's foot stomped viciously under the table. "That's not for you! It's for Brother Jack! Your hands aren't broken; if you want some, peel your own!"

"Don't think I'm just being difficult," Jace said irritably, chewing the prawn. "I have little interest in such poorly cooked prawns, clothed or not. I'm helping Jack. Danny, did you add wine to these prawns?"

"Of course, seafood naturally needs wine for flavor."

"Jack can't touch food with wine." He raised an eyebrow. "Jack is the student council president. Being a good student is his mission, his very life. So, he can't touch a drop of alcohol."

"Is that true, Brother Jack?" She directed the question to Jack.

"What Jace said is true, Daphne."

Jack nodded but had no intention of explaining to the young girl that touching red wine would turn him into a wolf, and white wine would turn him back. Besides his family, Jace was the only one who knew this secret.

He had first transformed unintentionally at the age of eight. Afterward, he searched through books for days but couldn't find a way to revert. Finally, after his parents and grandparents tried thousands of things, leaving him bruised and battered, they discovered the solution: white wine.

He was a werewolf whose transformation was triggered by red and white wine. Like other werewolves, the power of the full moon could enhance his strength. If he were willing to seize the opportunity each full moon, transform, and absorb the lunar essence, he could quickly become an invincible giant wolf. But he had no intention of doing so. He didn't need to become a wolf to grow strong; he preferred his strength to come from physical training and exercise.

To avoid unintentional transformation, Jack strictly limited any items related to alcohol in his life. The rules he set for himself were stricter than those of a Puritan. In others' eyes, he was an exemplary student who absolutely abstained from smoking and drinking. Only Jace and he himself knew the real reason.

The only times he willingly transformed, aside from occasionally venting his anger on Jace, were during the Mid-Autumn Festival nights when he became Simba to make Elsa happy.

It wasn't that he was ashamed of being a Therianthrope or disliked his wolf nature. It was just that when he transformed, he was naked. If he couldn't control reverting to human form within a safe environment, the next problem he'd face would be public nudity.

He was the famous student council president of Yates Academy, Yates' number one heartthrob, a top student with excellent grades, and a modern hero and role model for Italian schoolchildren. He didn't want one sudden public streaked to destroy all that excellence.

"Can't touch any alcohol at all?" Daphne's eyes widened in surprise. "Including cooking wine?"

"Yes." Jack nodded calmly. To avoid accidentally confusing red and white wine, he simply refused all of it.

"That's such a pity," she shook her head, regretful. "Then you'll miss out on the experience of raising a glass at a candlelit dinner, singing a love song, and proposing to the woman you love."

Daphne's words brought a moment of silence. Sherry blushed slightly, wondering how the little girl had found out about the classic scene of her father proposing to her back in the day.

Jace broke the silence, putting an end to the matter.

"Danny, you don't need to worry about that for Jack. It's his own business. No matter who his future proposal target is, it definitely won't be you, Daphne Black."

Hmph! I'll cut, cut, cut!

Daphne turned her attention back to the beef ribeye steak in front of her, channeling her hatred for her brother into the knife and fork.

Just wait, Jace Black! Once I master the magic that can change people's hearts, you'll all see what Daphne is capable of!

And my beloved Brother Jack will then become utterly devoted to me!

---

Next came the appearance of Annie, the sixteen-year-old orphan.

Annie was the same age as Elsa, but she looked like a twelve-year-old girl at most.

Standing side by side, Annie was a full ten centimeters shorter than Elsa.

In terms of features, her face, which could only be described as cute, was far less classically exquisite and softely beautiful than Elsa's.

Annie couldn't be considered a beauty, at least not when compared to Elsa.

But feelings and fate are never something one can control.

Annie wasn't beautiful but had her own unique charm and confidence. Additionally, she had a tender, apple-like face and full, sensual lips. These features unexpectedly captured the heart of Jace, the vampire descendant who never paid much attention to women.

And so, a love story between a vampire and an 'apple girl' began. Annie was initially reluctant to admit her feelings for Jace, until the life-and-death fencing duel between Jace and Jack.

After Jack's 109th sneak attack, Jace grew tired of the endless confrontations. He proposed a public duel to end Jack's persistent tangle.

The Caesar Hall was buzzing with excitement. The two top heartthrobs of Yates Academy, without helmets or protective gear, were engaged in a duel to the death where bloodshed would not stop unless one of them surrendered.

Watching Jace and Jack fight in the arena, Elsa's heart was in her throat the entire time.

She didn't understand her own feelings. She only knew both men were extremely stubborn. Surrendering in such a public setting would be harder for them than death. So, who did she hope would win?

Would she rather see Jace's blood or Jack's?

She saw Jace's cold, sharp sword cut Jack's shoulder and waist several times, drawing blood. Jack didn't even blink, as if he felt nothing, yet Elsa's heart ached inexplicably each time.

Suddenly, many scenes flooded her mind.

At the lakeside ice cream parlor, he had ordered a table full of ice cream for her. Back then, she had asked, "Aren't you afraid my tongue will go numb from all these choices, and I won't be able to tell what I really want?"

"Giving you so many choices is to prevent you from having the regret of missing out."

That's how Jack had answered. He always indulged her without limits.

After knowing him for so long, she had proposed, no less than a hundred times, to become his sister, but he had rejected every single one.

What had Annie said to her the other night?

"You think of him as a brother, but he doesn't think of you as a sister."

It was true. She had always taken Jack's goodness for granted, capriciously accustomed to it. She wasn't indifferent to him; she was just too used to his presence, like sunlight, air, and water. She had never considered that these three things could also disappear.

Until now, seeing Jack's blood flying in the duel.

"This duel might be because of you. If Jack defeats Jace publicly, maybe he'll have the courage to confess his feelings to you."

Annie had told her this days ago, but she hadn't taken it seriously.

Jack had always been seemingly indifferent to all girls, except for her. And how had she repaid him?

For three years, she constantly forced him to deliver letters, cookies, and gifts to Jace. The colder and more indifferent Jace was towards her, the more she wanted to conquer him. She was the school belle of Yates; shouldn't there be no man she couldn't conquer, right?

Was it this competitive spirit that made her overlook Jack's goodness towards her?

Was it this capriciousness that blinded her heart, making her repeatedly trample on Jack's feelings? Elsa raised her hands, pressing them together in an inverted triangle against her chest, closed her eyes, and whispered the incantation Jack had taught her: "MACHO MUCHE GUSTA". No one but herself knew what wish she made. A moment later, Elsa saw Jack's long sword thrust straight, straight into Jace's chest.

Why did this happen?

She murmured to herself, "I only wished for Jack's safety, but I didn't want Jace to get hurt because of Jack either!"

Amidst the stunned silence of the crowd, she let out a piercing scream.

Others thought that scream was for Jace.

But she knew clearly it was for Jack.

Jace's life or death wasn't the first thought that entered her mind. What she cared about was Jack's future.

At the most critical moment, a woman's love is, after all, selfish.

If Jace really died by Jack's sword, even if the duel had clearly stated no blame for life or death, Jack's remaining life would have to be lived under the pressure from public opinion of having killed his best friend and the excoriate of his own conscience.

Such an existence, for Jack, who was accustomed to being a heroic role model, would definitely be worse than death.

Elsa's stiff, cold body trembled slightly, for Jack, and for herself.

Only at this moment did she confirmed her true feelings.

If Jack ruined his happiness for life, then hers would be ruined too.

In the deadlock, Annie rushed onto the competitive stage. She first tried to suck and feed blood to Jace, then cried uncontrollably.

"Don't do this, Jace, don't do this to me! Don't leave before I've had a chance to tell you how much I love you!"

But what happened next was out of expected.

Jace, in Annie's arms, suddenly opened his eyes brightly. Not only did he open his eyes, but he also sat up. Then, nonchalantly, he pulled out Jack's long sword, stretched out his tongue, and, looking at the stunned Jack, licked the blood off the blade.

"Off by an inch, Jack. Remember, to kill a vampire, you must pierce the heart to be effective."

As if responding to Jace's words, the wound from which the sword was pulled instantly grew new flesh before everyone's eyes, sealing itself shut. The bloodstain remained, but the wound had vanished without a trace.

"You scoundrel! You did it on purpose! You almost scared me to death!" Jack jumped up from his stance and crouched down, punching Jace repeatedly. Jace smiled and didn't dodge, letting him vent.

"You bastard, I've already gone along with your idea to duel you publicly, let you win in front of everyone, given you everything you wanted. Aren't you satisfied yet?"

"Helping me?!" Jack glanced at the tear-streaked Annie and snorted. "Cut the act. You were helping yourself!"

The initially thrilling life-and-death duel ended with a laugh and sweet end.

Afterward, Jace and Annie left hand in hand sweetly. The crowd gathered dispersed. Jack directed the student council members to clean up the scene.

Then, Jack thought of Elsa. He turned to look, but her seat was empty. He knew she had been there until just before the sword thrust; he had even heard her terrified scream.

So, did she leave because she was angry that he had stabbed her beloved?

Or did she leave sadly after seeing Jace and Annie's intimacy?

A pang of sour hit his heart. Whatever Elsa's reason was, it certainly wasn't for his sake.

Despite this realization, Jack decided to go find her. Whatever she was thinking now, she needed a broad chest to lean on and rest her heart sadly. And this seemed to be the sacred mission upon which he, or Simba, survived.

But right now, where was his beloved girl?

Jack rushed out of Caesar Hall and quickly pinpointed Elsa's location. This was one of the advantages of being a werewolf-he possessed an innate instinct for tracking his quarry.

Only after leaving the hall did he realize night had fallen. It was late. What was Elsa doing heading alone to the secluded back mountain at such an hour?

After that incident years ago where she was nearly harmed by some ruffians, she had been terrified of walking alone. What motive could drive her to forget her fear now?

After a swift chase, he finally caught up to her. Reaching out, he stopped her.

"Elsa, where are you going?"

She glared at him coldly, then broke free from his grasp and continued walking without a word. After knowing her for so many years, this was the first time he had seen her this angry.

"Are you angry with me?" His voice was bitter. "Because of that sword I thrust into Jace?" But Elsa, Jack's heart felt heavy, 'Do you know who I really did that for?'

Elsa remained silent, still walking forward angrily.

"Don't go, Elsa. The back mountain is dangerous at this time."

He tried to stop her again, but his outstretched hand was took off once more.

"Do you like Jace that much?" His strained voice came from behind her. "So much that you'd risk yourself? Are you still hoping," he said slowly, his voice low, "for a heroic rescue from Jace?"

She stopped but didn't turn around. "Who I like is none of your business. My safety is not your concern. Stay out of my affairs!"

"Why are you saying this? Do you hate me that much?"

Under the crescent moon, with the mountain breeze gently blowing, Jack's heart ached. Was his beloved girl not even allowing him the silent guardianship he had clung to?

"Yes! I hate you! I hate you! I hate you to death!" Her back to him, her slender shoulders trembled slightly. "I hate your indulgence towards me, hate how you let me have my way capriciously, hate your silent protection! And what I hate most is you going off to fight a duel to the death without even asking me!"

Elsa turned around. Only then, in the soft moonlight, did Jack see her tear-streaked face. He was speechless for a long moment, just staring dumbly as she clenched her fists in accusation.

"Jack Folger, if you understand what it's like to worry about someone you care for getting hurt, then before you fought that duel, did you ever think about how I would feel?"

She sobbed, her breath catching.

"Did you want me to accept news of your death? Or accept you living a life ofdecadency , burdened by guilt for killing your best friend? You're so selfish, Jack! Truly selfish! After indulging me until I became completely dependent on you, you irresponsibly committed a reckless act that could jeopardize our happiness for a lifetime!"

A gentle, large hand wiped away her tears.

"Don't cry, Elsa. I know I was wrong. But," he looked at the weeping girl before him, his voice full of uncertainty, "you know my Chinese is limited. I'm not sure I understood you just now. You said I should understand the feeling of worrying about someone I like getting hurt? Does that mean..." his voice was reverent, yet he couldn't help blushing, "...that you were worried about me? And that you, um, like me? Also, you said something about 'our happiness for a lifetime'."

Elsa sniffled, stopping her tears. She glared at the flustered him, then turned to leave. "It's best you didn't understand! Just pretend I never said anything!"

"That won't do, Elsa!"

Jack grew anxious. He spread his arms, blocking her path. "Words once spoken count; they can't be taken back. So..." He scratched his head. A man usually as confident and fierce as a wild wolf was now at a loss utterly for what to do or how to do it. He asked hesitantly, "Do you... like me?"

Only an idiot would ask such a question!

She gave him another exasperated look. The man's face was full of longing yet also fear and doubt. In the end, it was the heart-palpitating feeling she had when he thrust that sword that made her unable to bear tormenting him further.

Closing her eyes, Elsa pressed her palms together against her chest in an inverted triangle and silently recited the incantation Jack had taught her: "MACHO MUCHE GUSTA". Then she opened her eyes and looked at him.

"You know, Jack, that spell you taught me is very effective. It helped me summon Simba, and just now, during your duel, it protected your safety."

"You made a wish during the duel?" Jack's eyes showed touched. "For me?"

She nodded gently, her gaze unwavering.

"Then now," he pressed softly, "what did you wish for?"

She looked at him, her eyes filled with deep affection.

"I want you to give me a kiss!" Her voice was soft, enticing. "A kiss that can only exist between a man and a woman."

Jack stood frozen, instinctively reaching to touch his heart, which seemed to have forgotten how to beat. This statement hit him with more impact than the sword he had thrust into Jace's chest. He was dumbstruck, completely unsure how to react.

"My guardian spirit," Elsa stretched out her fair, slender arms and wrapped them around the neck of the stunned him, her eyes holding a soft invitation, "don't you want to grant my wish?"

A low, wolf-like growl escaped his lips. Then he abruptly reached out, pulling the girl he had yearned for for ten years but never dared touch tightly into his embrace, lowering his head to seek her sweetness.

The kiss was long and deep, sweet, exactly as Elsa wished-wholly belonging between a man and a woman.

Jack kissed her for a long, long time. After all, he had ten years of wasted time to make up for.

So long that even the moon grew shy and hid behind the clouds, not daring to peek further. Yet the deep kiss showed no signs of ending.

---

"So I can't have soup later?" Savannah sat in her chair, her question cautious and slightly worried.

"Better not," Jack advised earnestly. "Because we can't be sure what my scatterbrained mother might have put in the soup."

"But before, I never had to worry about what Vivian added." She couldn't help complaining. "Even if I accidentally turned into an owl, I could at least get some rest!"

"That was on normal days. Today is different."

"I know it's different, dear grandson," she said, "you've said it hundreds of times. Your girlfriend is coming today, right?"

"Since you know, just cooperate a bit more, old woman!" This was from Donald, who was puffing on his pipe. "Just do whatever Jack asks you to. It's Jack's first time bringing a girl home. Can't you see what that means?"

"What does it mean? What does it mean?!" Savannah suddenly threw herself onto the table and burst into tears. "It means the good days are ending! It means I can't transform recklessly anymore! It means I have to adjust to being human for the sake of some little girl's sensibilities! It means I don't even have the right to drink soup anymore! Donald, I told you back then we shouldn't have had children, but you wouldn't listen! Look what I've gotten after all these years! The child had a grandson, the grandson got a girlfriend, and now he starts forbidding you from drinking soup because of her!"

"Old woman!" Donald tapped the table with his pipe. "What nonsense are you spouting now?"

"Oh! Dad, Mom, stop! Stop arguing!" Vivian ran out of the kitchen, her hair a mess. "Please, my head is already pounding enough this morning! No sage, no ouzo, red wine, white wine all put away! And I still haven't decided what to wear, what cake to bake! All of this is driving me crazy! Please, don't add to my burden!"

"Yes, it really is a burden."

Edward, sitting slumped on the living room sofa, looked up. "Son, why couldn't you just find a 'normal' Therianthrope girl to fall in love with?"

"Elsa isa 'normal' girl," Jack corrected his father firmly. "If I miss out on her," his voice turned cold and rough, "I don't want anyone else."

"Such noble love!" Donald seemed to be reminded of his own first love. He even emotionally used the stem of his pipe to wipe a tear from the corner of his eye.

"Don't tell me, damn you, Donald the field mouse!" Savannah narrowed her eyes. "Are you thinking about that damn first love of yours again-the wanton Athena!"

Donald's face flushed red with anger as he jumped up. "Stop your insults, old woman! Athena might have been my first love, but she was certainly not wanton!"

"Not wanton?!" Savannah shot upright. "You old lecher! Should I go get that... that adult filmyou made with that woman when you were young and share it with your son, daughter-in-law, and grandson?"

"Adult film?" Edward frowned. "Mom, you must be mistaken. Things like that didn't exist when Dad was young."

"How couldn't they?" Donald was quick to retort, looking at his son with disdain. "Don't look down on people, son. Old man Koch of the Black family, that mad scientist Koch who's always buried in his research, had stuff decades ago that's only popular now, and it was even more advanced."

"So..." Vivian was more concerned with another issue. "Dad, you really made... that kind of film?"

My god! If such a thing got out, could the Folger family still maintain its standing among the Therianthropes?

"Of course it's true," Donald said with a look of nostalgia. "The real deal, passionate, touching the depths of one's soul..."

Before he could finish, a glass of ouzo thrown in his face instantly turned him into a large field mouse still holding a pipe.

"Go be touching now!" Savannah laughed coldly, holding the empty glass. "You can be touching after I've swallowed you!" With that, she grabbed a bunch of sage and bit down hard. Instantly, a fierce owl swooped down on the large field mouse, who was still sitting on the chair, confused about what was happening.

"Stop Grandma!"

Edward yelled at Jack while simultaneously trying to catch the field mouse that had scurried into the kitchen.

"My god! Look at this-"

Vivian clutched her throbbing forehead, watching her kitchen, which she had worked hard on all morning, turn into a battlefield for an owl and a field mouse. Furious, she let out an angry shout, "What kind of family is this?!" The next moment, she transformed into a swan.

Just then, a light knock sounded at the door.

"It must be that damn, persistent salesman who never knocks and just walks through the yard into people's houses!"

Edward, standing near the door, roared as he opened it, shouting at the visitor, "Get lost! Take your sample case with you! We don't need any services you can provide..."

Edward's spit-flying roar stop abruptly. He stared slightly dumbfounded at the young Eastern girl standing outside the door, looking frightened and holding a gift box.

"Since when," he frowned, "did Picchu Company start using female salespeople? And underage girls at that?"

Hearing the commotion, Jack emerged from the kitchen, sweating profusely, tightly gripping the owl. Catching sight of Elsa standing dumbly at the door, his heart leaped in alarm. His grip loosened, and the owl seized the opportunity, cawing and flapping its wings to break free.

Next, a large field mouse ran past Elsa's feet and out the door. She let out a scream. In the next instant, the owl beat its fierce wings and came crashing towards the door. She had to quickly crouch down to let it fly out.

"Aiya yaa!" Edward reached out to block it but was too late. He turned sideways and complained to Elsa, "What were you standing there for? Why didn't you stop Savannah? You let her fly out!"

"Sorry, I didn't know I shouldn't let it out," she stammered timidly. "But... it was so fierce, I... I was a little scared..."

"This isn't your fault, Elsa," Jack quickly stepped forward, placing himself between Edward and her. "Dad, this is my girlfriend, Elsa. Elsa," despite the panic, the look he gave her was still gentle, "this is my father, Edward Folger."

"I'm sorry, Uncle, sorry, Jack," the shaken Elsa said haltingly. "I knocked several times outside the gate in the yard, maybe you didn't hear. If... if my timing is bad, I can..."

"Don't be like that, Elsa. It's not your fault." Jack reached out and pulled her close, suppressing a sigh. "My home is often chaotic. Things like this happen frequently."

"So, this is the girl you said you'd regret for life if you missed?"

Edward's words brought a blush to Elsa's cheeks. He narrowed his eyes, appraising the Eastern girl who might become his future daughter-in-law. Hmm, beautiful, yes, but a bit too delicate, too... normal. She was a beautiful human girl, but did she really know what kind of man she had fallen in love with?

And Jack, how long did he think he could keep the truth hidden?

It wasn't that Edward wanted to dampen his son's spirits, but the ongoing cacophony of goose-like shrieks from the kitchen distracted him.

"Welcome, Miss."

Edward shook Elsa's cold little hand, then patted his son on the shoulder.

"Go on, son. Take your girlfriend to that new pizzeria on the corner. I'm afraid the kitchen won't be producing anything good today." He glanced towards the kitchen and hurried off. "I need to get over there quickly, before that angry goose puts herself in the microwave."

After Edward went to the kitchen, Jack took Elsa's hand and fled his disaster-zone of a home.

Before leaving the yard, Elsa saw the chasing owl and field mouse again by the pond.

"Jack, wait!" She tugged. "Shouldn't we help your dad catch them first?"

"Don't mind them!" He said coldly, pulling her towards the main gate. "They've been fighting and be in a tangle for years. They won't die from one little mishap."

"But Jack," she bit her lip, looking back at the large, tree-shaded mansion. "I haven't met your mother or your grandparents yet. Is it rude to leave like this?"

"The rudeness is on them, not you. Don't overthink it." He reached out and ruffled her hair, pulling her close. He took the gift box from her hand. "What's this?"

"Barolo red wine, known as the 'King of Wines'." Elsa smiled, snuggling against Jack's side, noticing his body suddenly stiffen. "It's exclusively distributed by my father's company! You can't get it without some connections."

"Elsa, you know I don't drink." He moved the potential culprit of his mishaps further away.

"I know. I know very well." She laughed, leaning against him. "I know the most outstanding student council president in Yates Academy's history is a model child-no drinking, no smoking, no touching anything that might lead to addiction."

"That statement is wrong." He interrupted her calmly.

"Where is it wrong?" She didn't understand, her cute, tilted face showing a confused smile.

"The part about not touching addictive things is wrong..." He leaned down and stole a kiss. "You are my exception, aren't you?"

She blushed, spat lightly, and punched him. "Don't try to change the subject or sneak attacks! Don't interrupt my main point." She smiled at him. "The wine is for your father. As for you, not drinking is good, but when you enter society in the future, a little social drinking might be necessary. At the very least," she crooned, "if you're dragged to a bar for business, having some tolerance means you won't lose your... composure after one drink."

"You'd allow me to go to bars?" He teased her. "And allow me to 'lose my composure' because of alcohol?"

"I trust you. You know what you should do and what you can do. You're smart and rational. Of course, except for that ridiculous duel." Here, she bloomed into a sweet, confident smile. "That's exactly why I love you so much!"

Hearing this, he emotionally pulled her into his arms. In her perception, Jack Folger was perfect, flawless, and capable of anything.

Being worshipped by the woman he loved wasn't a bad thing. But a chill suddenly ran through Jack's heart. If she knew he was a Therianthrope, that he transformed when he drank alcohol, and knew about his bizarre, shape-shifting family members, would she still love him like this?

Would she still be willing to spend her life with him?

This fear utterly destroyed the budding thought he had of confessing everything to her and opening his heart.

He couldn't tell her. He really couldn't. He couldn't bear the risk of possibly losing her.

He couldn't lose her. Truly, not after having experienced her love.