The Alpha's Runaway Queen

Chapter 31 - No malice

Jasmine POV

“Oh my gosh,” I murmured as I looked at my hands. I hadn’t used my magic in such a way for a long time, so the burst was more powerful than I thought.

Sean slumped to the ground, dazed. I rushed to Reagan’s side. “Are you okay?”

He nodded as he breathed heavily. “We need to get out of here.”

I looked at Sean, who was still on the floor with his eyes shut tight. “Sean, I’m sorry, but I have to go.”

He replied with a groan as he lifted his hand to his head. With the strength he possessed, I was sure he was fine. I held his hand and coursed my magic through it, making him doze off.

“Ray, can you carry him out so I can lock the door? I don’t want him inside my apartment.” Without waiting for Reagan’s reply, I turned and took my luggage. I looked up and then saw the damage on my wall. There was a small crack, and I was glad it was all. A painting of Sean fell on the floor, but there was not much damage, only a small dent on a corner of the frame.

Reagan and I left my apartment just as Sean was about to wake up. I apologized to him and walked away before he could react. We then headed to the airport in silence. I had so many questions and my anxiety didn’t help as much as the rush hour traffic we were in. In addition to that, I couldn’t shake the feeling of dread that hung over me. My life was unraveling, and I didn’t know how to put the pieces back together.

We boarded the plane with tension creeping in on us. When the plane took off, I looked out the window, my heart heavy with the weight of everything that happened. My grandmother and uncle were gone, my relationship with Sean was in tatters, not to mention the change in his behavior and his strange show of strength and power, and my bond with Reagan was more complicated than ever.

However, as we flew towards the Royal Pack’s territory, I felt a glimmer of hope. Despite the chaos and heartbreak, I knew I was heading where I needed to be - with my family.

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I couldn’t sleep, so I stared out the window and watched the sky change colors as the sun began its descent. The silence between Reagan and me was deafening with unsaid words and unshared thoughts.

Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore. “Reagan,” I said barely above a whisper. “Can I talk to you about something, or rather someone? There’s something about Sean that I couldn’t pinpoint.”

Reagan turned to me with an unreadable expression. “What is it?”

“There is something strange about him. I didn’t know he could fight like that,” I confessed as my mind replayed the scene from my apartment. “And his strength…it wasn’t normal. His eyes, too. They turned red. Didn’t you notice?”

Reagan’s eyes narrowed as he listened intently. “I noticed that too,” he said. “But I thought you knew all about this. I had the same thoughts as well but just shut my mouth up so you can focus on going home. Anyway, he smelled like burnt wood. I smelled it when I first came to your apartment, but it was faint. It was more pronounced today. It couldn’t be his clothes.”

I nodded as a chill ran down my spine. “Yes, it was stronger this time. Almost overpowering.” I was about to tell him about what I encountered when I first left the pack but he spoke again.

With him frowning, Reagan said, “We need to research this. But first, you need to rest. You’ll be busy for sure when we get back to the Royal Pack. After the funeral, we’ll have time to dig into this.”

I nodded again, grateful for his understanding. Reagan took my hand in his and lifted it to his lips to kiss my knuckles. I knew I should take my hand back, but I didn’t. I let him hold it for the rest of the flight.

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As we arrived at the Royal Pack’s territory, my heart pounded in my chest. The familiar landscape brought back a flood of memories, both comforting and painful. The palace stood tall and imposing. In a few minutes, we were in front of our house.

Reagan led the way, his presence a calming force. As we approached the front door, it swung open, revealing my parents. The sight of them brought tears to my eyes, and I rushed forward, enveloping them in a tight embrace.

“Mom, Dad,” I whispered as my voice broke.

“Jasmine, my sweet girl,” my mother said with a trembling voice. “You’re home.”

My father’s grip was firm. “We’ve missed you so much,” he said. “We’re so glad you’re here.”

“I’m so sorry,” I choked out as tears streamed down my face. “I should have been here. I should have—”

“Hush now,” my mother said as she gently stroked my hair. “You’re here now, and that’s what matters.”

The reunion was bittersweet. It was filled with the pain of loss and the comfort of being with family. We stood there for what felt like an eternity. No words, but only love and understanding.

The next few days were a blur of preparations for the memorial service. The pack came together to mourn and honor the lives of my grandmother and uncle. The ceremony was beautiful, a fitting tribute to their memory, both of whom had served the pack with grace and loyalty. As we stood by their graves, the weight of their loss pressed down on me, and I felt a fresh wave of grief.

Pack members surrounded us, offering their condolences and support. Some were warm and welcoming. Others, however, were distant, their expressions cold. It was clear that not everyone had forgiven me for leaving.

Reagan was beside me the entire time. His attentiveness was a source of comfort. He held my hand, offered me a shoulder to lean on, and deflected any harsh words that came my way. I was grateful for his presence, more than words could express.

“Let’s get out of here for a while,” Reagan said softly. “How about a run?”

Bridget perked up at the suggestion, her excitement bubbling through my mind. It had been too long since I had let her out, and the thought of running through the forest was a welcome escape.

“Alright,” I agreed.

We made our way to the edge of the forest, the familiar scent of pine and earth filling the air. As we prepared to shift, I hesitated, feeling a pang of embarrassment. “I haven’t shifted in a long time,” I admitted. “I feel weird.”

Reagan gave me an encouraging smile. “I’ll help you,” he said gently.

He began to undress in front of me, and I felt a blush rise to my cheeks. Despite being a doctor and used to the human body, seeing Reagan undress was a different matter entirely. He was my mate, after all, and the sight of his bare skin made my heart race.

“Come on, Jasmine,” Reagan said with a teasing smile. “You’re a doctor. You should be used to this. No malice, remember?”

I rolled my eyes, trying to hide my embarrassment. “Easier said than done.”

Reagan laughed, a deep, rich sound that sent a shiver down my spine. “You can do it,” he said. “I’m here with you.”

Taking a deep breath, I began to undress, feeling vulnerable and exposed. Reagan’s gaze was steady and respectful, and when I was finally bare, he smiled with admiration.

“You’re beautiful,” he said simply, and the sincerity in his voice made my heart skip a beat.

With his guidance, I closed my eyes and focused on the shift. It was a strange, exhilarating sensation, feeling my bones lengthen and muscles stretch. Bridget surged forward, eager to be free, and soon I was standing on four legs, feeling the earth beneath my paws.

Reagan shifted easily beside me. His wolf, Conri, was a majestic sight. It was love at first sight.