Nonna crossed her arms, her amber wolf eyes narrowing at the Alpha King. "You have more than one, Your Majesty?"
I wished she would stop pushing this. After seeing how broken Jack looked the other day, I knew something had shifted in him. But that did not mean I wanted anything to do with it.
"I don't even have any," Jack said flatly. His jaw tensed, and I caught the flash of gold in his dark eyes that meant his wolf was close to the surface.
"Nonna, just stop." I kept my voice level despite the exhaustion pulling at my bones. "What is my business with the Alpha King's private life? Please, just let this phase be over in peace so we can go our separate ways again."
Nonna sighed and turned her face toward the window of the healing ward. The morning sun cast long shadows across the stone floors. Jack looked like he wanted to ask something, but he kept quiet. Smart. Nonna would not say anything that might upset me.
"I will feed you, Aria. Please, let me." Jack moved closer to the bed, and I could smell the pine and cedar scent that always clung to him. His wolf's scent.
"I already told you that I can—"
"It's an honor to feed you. Please give me this privilege."
The gentleness in his voice made my chest tighten. I glanced at Nonna, who was watching us with hope written all over her face. She cleared her throat.
"I have to check on my mother. I haven't seen her in two days and her blood pressure has been acting up. I'll just check on her and come back soon."
"I thought you said we would have breakfast together." I knew exactly what she was doing. Giving us space. Leaving me alone with him.
"Yes, but since the Alpha King is here, I could use the advantage of it. What do you think?" Nonna smiled, but it did not reach her eyes.
"You know it's only you and Richard I trust in this life right now. Don't leave me alone too long, please."
"Sure." Nonna came closer and kissed my temple. "I love you, bestie."
She passed by Jack and whispered something I could not quite hear. My wolf stirred uneasily in my chest.
"You're talking to me?" I asked.
"No, just saying I'll be back soon."
I watched her leave through the heavy wooden door. The click of it closing felt too loud in the sudden silence. I did not believe her words, but I had no proof to call her out on the lie.
Jack removed his black jacket, leaving only the white shirt that stretched across his broad shoulders. Even after everything, I could not help but notice the way his muscles moved beneath the fabric. The raw power that came from being an Alpha. I turned my face away before he caught me looking.
He opened the container and the scent of roasted meat and herbs filled the ward. My stomach growled despite myself. The pack healers had said I could only eat small portions while I recovered.
Jack scooped a spoon of broth and brought it toward my mouth. I stared at him. This was the same man who had grabbed my throat multiple times. The same man who had forced me to confess to things I never did. The Alpha King who could command anyone in the kingdom to obey him with a single word.
He held the spoon steady, waiting. Patient. His hand did not shake.
I slowly opened my mouth. The broth was warm and rich. "Wow, yummy," I mumbled.
Jack smiled, and something in my chest twisted. "Thank you for saving my life. I owe you everything now, Aurora."
I said nothing. He continued feeding me, each spoonful careful and measured.
"After everything I've done to you, you still saved my life. Thank you." He poured water into a glass and helped me drink.
"I feel sorry about all I've done. I want to make it up to you. I can't wipe the past torture and abuse from your memory, but I want to ease the pain of it when you think about it."
My wolf whimpered in my mind. She remembered every harsh word, every cruel touch.
"I want you and I to be together, Aurora. You, Cody and myself. I want us to be together as a family. I am willing to raise a family with you, if you will give me the chance."
He brought another spoonful to my mouth. I shook my head. "I'm full."
He quickly put the dishes aside and folded the small table away. Then he just stood there, waiting. Always waiting now.
"I won't give you that chance, Jack." I met his eyes and held his gaze. "Don't think I did what I did because I wanted to gain your attention. I am not an attention seeker, let alone seeking one with a man like you."
I saw him flinch. Good. He should know how his words felt.
"I didn't save your life because you deserved it. I did it because you are Cody's father. Cody is my whole life and the only thing that matters to me in this whole world."
My voice cracked but I pushed on. "I don't want him to grow up and realize that his father was shot before my eyes and I couldn't do anything to save him. So I think Cody should get the credit."
"And don't ever say you owe me your life. No, you don't. I've only paid you for taking advantage of you that night like you said. The money was not enough to compensate you for taking my virginity, right?"
Jack's face went pale. His wolf's presence retreated.
"And forcing yourself on me, claiming me without permission, couldn't appease your grievances against me. But I guess now, you will feel satisfied that I went the extra mile and paid for that night."
"Don't think making me your mate will silence your conscience that you have paid me for saving your life. I have loved and tasted what it means to be loved."
My eyes burned with unshed tears. "I know what it means to be in love. And I also know what it means to be betrayed and wounded in love. I am not ready for a relationship, Jack."
"And when I do feel ready, I don't think you will be that man who can heal my wounded heart. You don't possess any of the qualities I want in a man, despite being the Alpha King."
His expression shattered. Raw pain flickered across his face.
"So please, don't bother yourself to pay me. Just accept this as my final payment for the past mistake. I swear on my life, Jack, that I took you that night thinking you were a—"
The door burst open. Nonna stood there, her face white as snow.
"Aria. Richard just called. Someone broke into your apartment. They left a message."
My blood went cold. "What message?"
"It said the Luna trials are just the beginning."