The Alpha's Runaway Queen

Chapter 32 - Confused and jealous?

Jasmine POV

Did I just think of it as love at first sight? No. No. No. I panicked about how my thoughts were being influenced by the mate bonds, but then Conri jumped before Bridget and I forgot what I was thinking.

Conri took off with Bridget following him. We took off into the forest with the wind rushing through our fur. The freedom of the run was a much-needed release of all the pent-up emotions and energy.

We ran for what felt like hours, with Bridget reveling in the freedom. Eventually, we found ourselves at the top of a hill, our hill, our favorite spot from our youth. The view was breathtaking with the sun setting over the horizon casting a golden glow over the landscape.

Without warning, Bridget shifted back to human form. I breathed heavily and sat down immediately on the cool grass to cover myself, bending my knees up to my chin.

Conri walked away, then came back after a minute with clothes. He gave me a big shirt before he shifted back to Reagan. I immediately put on the shirt, which covered my body down to mid-thigh. Reagan put on the basketball shorts before sitting down beside me. His presence was comforting as we sat in silence, taking in the beauty of the moment.

“Thank you,” I said softly as I broke the silence.

“For what?” Reagan asked.

“For helping me out, for being here,” I replied. “For everything.”

Reagan smiled and looked at me with eyes soft. “You don’t have to thank me, Jasmine. I’m just glad I can be here for you.”

The sincerity in his voice touched me, and I felt deep gratitude and affection for him. Despite everything, despite the complications and the pain, I felt a sense of peace that had been missing for so long. The path ahead was still uncertain, but for now, I had found a moment of solace, a moment to breathe and gather my strength.

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The morning after the funeral brought about a bittersweet tranquility. I awoke to the familiar sounds of the pack coming to life. It was the first morning I felt somewhat at peace since arriving. The grief still lingered, but there was a sense of calmness in the air.

After a hearty breakfast filled with the comforting aroma of pancakes and freshly brewed coffee, I found myself alone with my parents in the cozy kitchen. It was the first time we were together in a peaceful setting as the previous days were chaotic. Both of my parents were always on the move. I understood as I never saw them stay put. The silence was heavy, each of us unsure hot to begin.

Mom was the first to speak. “Jasmine, we’ve been meaning to tell you how proud we are of you.”

I look up in surprise. “Proud? For what?”

“For everything you’ve achieved,” my father added. “Reagan told us about your accomplishments. He sent us photos of your diplomas, certificates, and your apartment.”

I was stunned. Reagan had never mentioned this to me. “He did?” He must have done it when I was down with my heat.

My mother nodded as tears welled up in her eyes. “Yes. We’re so sorry, Jasmine. We should have listened to you before. We should have known you were troubled. Instead, we drove you away.”

I shook my head, my own tears threatening to spill. “No, Mom. It’s not your fault. I was a stubborn and selfish child. I was supposed to reach out but I was scared and embarrassed.”

My father sighed as his hand covered mine. “Let’s not dwell on the past. What matters is that you’re here now. We can move forward together.”

I smiled through my tears, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. The unspoken forgiveness hung in the air and healed our wounded hearts. I didn’t know how to reply to Dad’s comment about me being back, so I let it slide at that moment.

Dad then gently broached the subject that had been on everyone’s mind. “What are your plans with Reagan?”

The question hung in the air, and I felt a pang of anxiety. “I honestly don’t know,” I admitted. “There are complications at the moment.”

My mother’s eyes softened with concern. “What kind of complications?”

I took a deep breath, deciding it was time to lay out everything. “There’s Sean. He’s my fiance. Well, was my fiance.”

My parents exchanged a glance. “Fiance? Was?” my father prompted.

I nodded. “Sean has…issues. I just found out recently he could be violent. He almost hit me. And he’s not as human as I thought he was. He has strange strength, can fight Reagan, and withstand powerful blows.”

Mom gasped as her hand flew to her mouth. “Oh, Jasmine! Are you okay?” She scanned my face and the exposed skin of my arms to look for bruises.

“I’m okay. I was able to stop him,” I continued. “He apologized, but I can’t go back to that. I deserve better.”

Dad was silent but I noticed he was fuming.

“Are you okay, Dad?”

My father’s grip tightened on my hand. “I feel the need to kill someone right now. Nobody hurts my daughter.”

“Dad, I’m okay. Actually, those offense and defense training paid off. I was able to use them in real life.” I chuckled but still, I was not able to convince my parents I was fine.

“You deserve better, sweetheart. You know that. Reagan is now back in your life. It is best to reconnect, you know,” Mom said. She was about to say something more but then proceeded to close her mouth.

I found out recently that they were all waiting for my comeback as Reagan had not ascended to the throne and had not claimed his rightful status and title. I had not thought of it but then probably I have to.

“I haven’t talked to Reagan again about us. There are so many things to consider. I have work back in Viden and it was something I enjoy doing even. I am in the middle of a fellowship,” I explained. “But for now I’m going to break it off with Sean. His actions can’t be excused no matter what his reasons were. He can apologize all he wants, and I’ll forgive him, but there’s no going back.”

The relief in their eyes was clear. They didn’t push for more answers, knowing that I needed time to figure things out.

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Later that day, as I walked through the pack grounds, I felt a strange sense of ease. The pack members who had been cold before were starting to warm up, offering smiles and nods of acknowledgment. I was on my way to see Reagan, to discuss the strange and dangerous abilities of Sean and also my decision to break things off with Sean.

As I continued on my way, my mind raced with thoughts of Sean. I had ignored his calls and messages for days, unable to face his pleas for forgiveness and his increasingly frantic threats. My phone had been flooded with over a hundred messages from him, swinging wildly between apologies and menacing warnings. The pit in my stomach grew heavier with each unread message. I knew that ignoring him wasn’t an option anymore. Sean’s behavior had become unpredictable and potentially dangerous, and I knew I had to tell Reagan. Reagan was the only one who knew Sean and I needed someone to talk to about my ex.

I arrived at the palace, and it was bustling with activity as pack members went about their daily routines. There was no need to ask where Reagan was because all I had to do was follow his scent. At last, I spotted him near his office. His tall figure was instantly recognizable even from a distance. My steps quickened as I made my way towards him, but I halted abruptly when I saw he wasn’t alone.

A woman stood close to Reagan, her hand resting on his chest. She was smiling up at him, her posture relaxed and intimate. My heart plummeted with confusion and jealousy surging through me. Reagan’s back was turned to me, so I couldn’t see his expression, but the scene before me sent a jolt of uncertainty through my veins.

I clenched my fists as I forced myself to stay calm. This wasn’t the time to jump to conclusions. I took a deep breath and approached them, my steps deliberate and controlled. Reagan turned his head as the woman looked at me, her smile faltering slightly.

A low growl escaped my lips which made the woman withdraw her hand from Reagan. “Reagan,” I called out as I tried to keep my voice steady.

A surprise look flickered on his face when he saw me.