Lucia's POV

I had never been one to sleep with all my senses down. You learn the hard way when you live in my world.

The screams were the first thing that got me out of bed. Looking around for him and hoping he was safe, I saw him lying face down, buried in his blood. I knew he hated me, but I didn't hate him.

The loud explosion brought me back to reality. Pulling my robe on, I rushed out only to see my people being killed and raped.

An ambush. Who dares to enter my territory and do this?

With a blade in my hands, I rushed over to the young lady who was bent over by some brute. I drove my blade straight into his heart.

We fought for hours until sunrise, when we finally managed to vanquish the enemy.

I had accumulated enemies-plenty of them-from the moment I was born. People were always gunning for my head or after what they could take from me.

Over the years, I had learned to rule with an iron fist and an iced heart-one that nothing could hurt or kill so easily.

Standing in front of the leader of the ambush, I recognized the face and the symbol. This attack was from an old acquaintance from the north.

And this was only a sign.

I had never been one to fear anyone or anything-but I feared him. He had always been a hard rock in my path, with his obsessive love for me.

I felt my heart rate increase so much that I grew dizzy. The thoughts ran through my mind-the what ifs.

Where are you, my darling?

Jacob's POV

I kept running, going as fast as my legs would let me. The farther I got away from her, the better my chances of survival.

Walking for what felt like an eternity, exhausted and hungry, I knew I needed to find shelter before sunset.

I sat under a tree, hoping to catch my breath and maybe get a little sleep.

The first sound was a twig snapping. The next was my head slamming against the tree.

"How desperate are you to get your wolf back? And what will you do to get it?"

That was the first voice I heard when my eyes opened. I tried to understand my surroundings, wondering why everything was almost pitch black.

"I don't like being kept waiting."

My attention immediately shifted toward the direction of the voice.

"I would do anything, sir."

"Anything, you say? Does that include conspiring against your own mate?"

At the mention of mate, my heart raced and my nerves tightened.

"Yes, sir. Like I said, anything-as long as I can get my wolf back."

"Very well, then. My special healers will come to you later and take a look at your soul to see how badly it is damaged.

"Until then, go and wash up and eat."

I was led into a large, beautiful room, with servants at my beck and call. I could really get used to this life, I thought.

That night, I stood by the window, my mind filled with thoughts of her and how she was doing.

As much as I told myself I hated her, I couldn't stop my heart from wanting her.

A light knock came at the door. Before I could reach it, they were already inside-palms out, eyes not visible.

Lucia's POV

I had searched for over two days and found nothing. It was like he had disappeared from the surface of the earth.

I couldn't eat, sleep, or think properly. I was worried and scared that someone might have taken him-or worse, hurt him.

Patrol guards were scattered everywhere and ordered not to return until he was found. But I knew they wouldn't find him. Something in my gut told me he had been taken, and my instincts never lie.

"Guards! Send word to the south. I need an audience with one of their Alphas."

I will find you, my dear.

Jacob's POV

"Your wolf was deeply asleep due to the shock from the incident. Since it is weak by nature, it couldn't survive such trauma."

So that meant I was weak by nature-so fragile that even a little trauma could either kill me or send my wolf into a coma.

An empty laugh, filled with pain and disgrace, escaped my lips. What an unfortunate being I was.

"Sir. My lord seeks an audience."

I stood in that same dark room, and then came that voice.

"I hope you can tell I am a man of my word. Your wolf will be restored. But before that-how well do you keep your word?"

"Whatever it is you want from me, I will deliver."

"Very well, then. How deep can you drive a knife into someone's heart?

Jacob's POV

That question came as more of a shock than anything I had ever thought. I knew I had once thought of killing her a few times, but actually doing so-that was a whole different thing.

She was my mate. In as much as I hate her and probably despise her, I don't know if I am capable of actually killing her.

"I thought you said you would give anything in exchange for your wolf, but I guess you don't want it as much as you say."

"Yes, I do, my lord."

"Please tell me how you propose we kill her."

"That's how I like my partners to be-straight and business-oriented."

"Well, firstly, you will return back to her and act like all is well. Go back to how it was between you two. Win her love and trust over the months, reporting her every move to me. Then, when she least expects it, we will strike."

"So, in essence, you want me to be a spy for you. Am I correct, my lord?"

"Yes. But see it as a way to get your revenge. I mean, she did burn down your first and essential pack, killing all your loved ones, and now again she has taken over the Red Sky territory, once again making you homeless."

"I will keep to my word, my lord, and keep an eye on everything she does. But before I leave, I would like two requests."

"Anything, my friend."

"Firstly, the immediate restoration of my wolf, and secondly, a secret investigation concerning the incident of two years ago against my pack and family.

That is all I request from my lord."

"Those conditions will be met immediately. Go to the healers, and they will carry out the necessary procedures for wolf restoration. And for the second request, I will put my best men on that job effectively.

So I believe we have ourselves a deal, then?"

"Yes, my lord. You certainly can count on me for this job. I won't fail you.

I will take my leave now, if you would have me."

"Of course. But remember, with her out of this world, you don't just get your freedom-you also get to avenge your family and pack."

"Thank you, my lord."

I bowed and left, but one thing still remained oblivious to me-why this man wanted her dead. I know she is no saint, but what was his motive for her death?

I lay face toward the moon right in the middle of a forest. The moon, at its highest, full and radiant. Surrounding me were six women covered in dark cloaks and strange objects, speaking in an unknown language.

At first, I felt nothing, almost like whatever they were doing wasn't of any help. Then came the slowly burning sensation in my chest, moving into my soul. Then the anguished pain followed.

All I could do was scream and scream. It was like I was dipped into the hottest and deepest part of a burning volcano, and my blood now felt like it was melting away.

My eyes were forcibly opening, and I was tied to a tree-quite familiar. I looked around and saw that this was the same place where I was taken.

I stayed tied for over an hour after failing to free myself, not until my eyes caught a glimpse of a little knife. I immediately reached for it with my legs, and luckily, I was able to cut myself free.

Just right when I thought I was finally free, some rogues showed up-about six of them, looking starved. I wasn't good with combat at all, so I slowly moved back and took a run for it. But I was still weak, with or without my wolf, and they were strong and fast.

So in no time, they caught me, searched for any valuables but found nothing. With that, they proceeded to beat me-and I mean like they were going to kill me. But luckily, I jumped into the waterfall, risking it all.

It was either them or me. I was going to take my chances, so I jumped, hoping not to break my bones.

The tide was so strong that I could barely keep my head up, and being very poor at swimming, it was an impending disaster.

I was washed down to the other side, filled with rocks and solitude. It looked like I had been lost.

Then she crossed my mind. I wondered if she was worried, or if she was just filling her day with more men to warm her bed and win more military achievements, moving on like I never happened.

The thought of her with other men repulsed me so badly that it felt like I could shift.

Looking around, it was now dark-no moon out, nor stars. Just pure pitch darkness.

And I needed to take shelter somewhere, but where exactly? The whole place was surrounded by water and land filled with rocks. My only chance of survival was to swim back, and that only if I could survive that.

"Jacob!"

I laughed a little. Was I now hearing her voice? It was stupid.

"Jacob!"

I immediately got up, turning around. At a distance were men with torches, and looking closely, it was her-leading her men, heading for me. She screamed my name again. If my ears were actually deceiving me, I would say she sounded scared, her voice broken.

She sounded like she actually cared about me. It was probably a ploy of hers to make me drop my guard so she could strike, but I won't give in to her plans.

A few minutes later, she now stood before me, looking me up and down like she was searching for injuries on my body.

My body injuries had healed, but my face was still slightly bruised. Her hands traced my face slowly. I could see the look in her eyes, and they were deadly-like she could kill somebody. For me? I highly doubt that.

"Jacob, who did this to you?"

"Some rogues attacked me, so I had to jump."

"Do you remember their faces?"

I nodded.

"Then when we return, you describe them to the head captain and their location, and they will receive the punishment for touching my man."

No one had ever looked at me like this or cared for me like she just did. She was indeed a good actress. I refuse to fall for this Miss Nice act.

"Let's go, my dear."

We got back on the ship, and shortly we were back at the territory. I was brought into her chamber. Only this time, I was staying with her on the bed, not the floor.

I was quite tempted to ask why, but decided against it.

"Tomorrow morning, I would need a complete detail of who took you-everything that went on when you weren't here."

She got up, headed for the bathroom, while I just lay on my side of the bed, wondering what lie to tell when I am being asked questions of my disappearance.

She came back, hair cascading down to her waist, dressed in a silk nightwear. She was indeed a beauty, I had to admit. Such beauty held such vile things behind it.

"You do know you can touch me, if it pleases you. You are my mate after all, and I'm only yours. So you don't need to just admire-fulfill your desire if you want."

Those words sent my head, heart, and body spiraling beyond control. "Fulfill my desires if it pleases me." It does please me. But I must stand fast and not waver in the face of temptation. I would still be the reason for her downfall.

Sunrise was the first thing that burned my face, making me turn, and I opened my eyes to the most beautiful sight I had ever seen.

My fingers moved of their own accord, tracing her face like I was trying to memorize it for when I don't get to see it. She was so beautiful.

My eyes looked down at her lips, full and lush. I touched them, and I wanted to kiss her and have her on me. But again, I needed to get my needs and emotions under control.

"Like I said earlier, I'm yours to take and use as you see fit."

With those words, every thread of restraint I had broke, and I crashed my lips to hers, kissing her. I knew there would be no going back.

I kissed and touched everywhere. She kept mumbling, "It burns... my body burns for-"

"Alpha!"

That was all it took to pull my senses back and remind myself that she was the enemy, and people kill their enemies, not try to make passionate love to them.

We stared at each other for a bit before I rushed out, pushing past the guards.

This mission wasn't going to be as easy as I thought.

Lucia's POV

That certainly was something. He had more spine than I had accredited him-too shy, but somehow confident. The Moon Goddess was indeed a matchmaker.

"Alpha!"

Arranging my clothes, I said, "Come in."

"Alpha, sorry for the early disturbance, but we just got news that it might be one of the Alphas in the north that held our lord captive."

"Did the informant say which of them?"

"Unfortunately, Alpha, we still can't get any information about that-only that my lord was taken close to our lands while trying to escape and brought back."

"Hmmm... I see. You can go, soldier. And yes, send word to the captain that I would like a word later today."

"Yes, Alpha."

Well, my darling, what in the Goddess' name are you up to?

If you don't play your cards well and choose your allies, I may be forced to remove you.

   I walked towards the map of the northern packs,my hands traces over jacob's hometown, I destroyed it once and I will again if you force me.​

Lucia's POV

I knew something wasn't adding up. Nobody steps inside the northern region just like that and gets out so easily.

My darling wasn't exactly skilled in martial arts, so there was no way he could have escaped. He has zero idea that he originally came from there, so he can't speak their language.

So how, in the Goddess' name, did he leave so easily and get brought back? Whoever took him never had any intention of killing him.

The only way I can truly find out everything I need to know about who took him-and I have a feeling that either he won't talk or he doesn't even know-but it's alright. I intend to find out what the intention is about.

My meeting with the captain was quite profitable and at the same time scary. He intended we use my mate to set a trap for whoever was behind everything.

But I wasn't too sure, because what if he gets hurt by being bait? But I knew this was the only way to find out everything-feed him information and see who he runs back to.

Usually, treason would be paid with one's head. But in this case, I was quite proud that my dearest had the spine to plot against me. I'm pretty sure he is to inform whoever of my daily routine-the same trick used by others. Only this time, I won't kill the traitor, but the mastermind of the ploy.

I knew he would bring excitement to my life. I never thought it would be this quick-always acting suspicious. He can't even be a proper spy. Luckily, he was my mate and not some random person. That certainly wouldn't have ended well.

Evening came, and he walked back into the chambers. I glanced down at his boots, a bit wet-meaning he had met someone close to the waterfall.

I had instructed the guards on that side to act like they didn't see him and let him feel like he was doing everything in utter secrecy.

He looked very uncomfortable, clearing his throat before asking, "How was your day?"

I think he wanted to act normal, but he doesn't know that, as an informant, you can't change your patterns and attitudes. It gives you suspicion that would have you killed.

But not my darling. Bouncing on his toes and avoiding my eyes, he was too cute to be true.

I watched from a distance as he took off his boots and shirt. The moment he noticed me looking, he froze and tried to cover his chest, acting like he had never had a woman look at him without clothes before.

But this morning, he was on me like he had studied the art of lovemaking. And now he covers his body.

"Could you please not look at me? I need to change."

"Then change. I won't look." I almost choked on a laugh and pretended to cover my eyes, but I could still see him. And now his trousers were off, leaving his inner clothes. It hit me-I am yet to get him new clothes. I totally forgot.

I walked over, grabbed him from behind, and then kissed him. This act threw him into shock as he turned, looking at me with those same doe eyes.

Someone had sensed his innocence and tried to use it against him, because he wasn't capable of doing or coming up with evil all by himself.

"Why do you look at me like that?"

"Nothing, my dear. Would you like to continue from where we left off this morning?"

He looked shy and shocked all at once, suddenly avoiding eye contact and slightly blushing. I don't think my darling mate had ever held a woman.

"No, I don't. It's late. We should just go to bed."

He ran off like a scared little cockroach. I won't force him. He will come to me of his own free will.

I watched him sleep so soundly and peacefully, while my mind held wonders of what had happened and who he was in contact with.

I need to know, so I can protect him. Who exactly did you speak with, my dearest?

Jacob's POV

I jolted awake, only to see it was still dark. My dreams had been all about me holding her in my hands, with a dagger to her heart.

And I couldn't bear that-not in my dreams and certainly not in reality. It seemed I had gotten myself in a tight spot, because on one hand lies my mate, and on the other, the man in the dark.

So who do I betray-my mate or some mysterious lord of darkness? I turned around, and there she was, sleeping so peacefully.

Why did she have to commit so much evil that everyone now wanted her dead?

Yesterday, I met an informant from the dark lord, giving me a little potion to pour into her bath every day. He said it would slowly weaken her muscles, which in turn would slow her down in battle, making her an easier target to kill.

But I don't think I could do it. I can't bear to hurt her or even betray her like that. But she will pay for what she did to my family. How, I don't know yet-but certainly not with her life.

I was scared of the consequences of not doing what the dark lord wants, and at the same time, what will happen if she finds out I'm a traitor. She doesn't do very well with those types of people, so I've heard.

"What you are asked to do-was it so bad that it now keeps you awake at night?"

Shock took over my bones. It froze everything.

"Don't worry, my love. I know someone wants to use you to get to me."

Her eyes were closed while she said all these things.

I wanted to deny everything, but I knew I should probably just come clean.

And so I did. By the time I was done telling her everything, all she gave was a silent "hmm," like people trying to kill her wasn't any news to her existence. She requested the potion and asked if I had used it. I told her not until the next day.

She took it, smelled it, and placed it behind her drawer like she would handle it some other time.

Instead, she tapped the side of the bed, urging me to come back. "It's late, my dear. Do not let politics ruin your sleep."

I lay back down, only this time facing her. The words came out before my brain could even process them. "Why are you so good to me? I just planned with an enemy to kill you. That makes me, according to the law, a traitor, and that is punished by beheading.

Will you kill me?"

"People have been aiming for my life from the moment I came into this world, so you wanting to kill me is no surprise. You hate me, so I do understand. And you are no traitor-and even if you were, I would never hurt you, much less kill you."

"I don't hate you. I just don't like you, to be honest."

She laughed a bit too loud, and her eyes sparkled so beautifully even in the dark.

"Thank you for not hating me."

She leaned over, placing a quick kiss on my cheek, then laid back down, closing her eyes for sleep-leaving me with a racing heart and a confused mind.

I woke up, but she was nowhere to be found. Neither was the potion. It looked like she was trying to figure out who the dark lord might be.

I took a deep breath while looking at the ceiling. This wasn't how I planned everything. It never included a racing heart.

Lucia's POV

I was right. Someone from the north did take him, and from what he described, I think I might know who it might be.

Who is so cowardly to hide his face in the dark?

My captain gave a knowing smile, like he knew exactly who this was. "I will take some of our men, and we will bring you his head."

"No. Not his head. I want him alive, Captain."

This reminded me of when I had stormed the northern region when I was fourteen. I went through a village, and ruin was all that was left behind.

A specific family of spies were burned alive, and now I wished I never did, because I fear what happens when he finds out that I looked his family in the eyes and burned them alive despite their pleas for mercy.

I had him chased and almost killed, which led to his still amnesia.

The family he thought he had wasn't even his real family. What will he do then?

Fear was all I could feel, steadying my restless heart, my wolf whimpering inside me. She doesn't want to lose her mate, and neither do I.

Please forgive me, my love, for I have sinned against you.

"Move out tomorrow, Captain. Burn down the pack and everything within, and bring to me that idiot who dares to defy me"​