Bet My Life to Alpha Jace

Water

The clouds floated freely in the vast sky, and the sun shined brightly, but not in a way that would burn people out. The rushing waters were tumbling down the creek through the rock shelter.

I grin as I clutch my shawl and the sunglasses I donned on the way. I hurriedly placed my belongings on one of the rock formations as I got myself ready to take a dip. As usual, there is no trace of werewolves or humans here. Perhaps it is because Kumuri Falls is a secluded tourist destination that just a few people know about. Though it was arduous to get here, it would all be worthwhile once you arrive at the place. It was like discovering a hidden paradise on Earth.

I leaped from the cliff and let my body smash into the tranquil stream away from the raging waves. I'm a good swimmer, but I'm also trying to be extra careful, knowing that I am alone. Of all the elements, water is the most untrustworthy one as it could kill someone without mercy.

I raised my head from the stream and watched the aggressive falls. Today the water looks fierce and creepy, yet it still amazes me. Somehow, lethal things always peeked my attention, and it satisfied the fire within me. Maybe because I want to be like those things. However, my wings are cut off, and I'm caged in a tie called a pack. A pack of ruthless werewolves, to be exact, and besides, I don't want to be a rogue either.

I gave myself a couple of paddles before letting myself drift in the water. For the time being, I'm not going to think about the prospective consequences of my quick flight. I will let myself embrace the peace I have wished to have for years. It's ironic how I badly wanted peace yet always caused trouble. It may be out of hypocrisy for someone like me, but that's what I yield for - total peace of mind.

The choir of the birds and the harmonious voices of the forest animals highlights my rest. If only I could live here, I would gladly do it in a heartbeat. Being one with nature and absorbing what comes naturally in life. When I allow myself to experience this, I immediately feel a sense of relaxation. Nature truly is a place where everyone can sit and contemplate the meaning of life, away from the distractions and obligations of daily life. However, everything doesn't go the way we want it to be, and we often live a life we don't like. They say contentment gives you happiness, but I stand differently. Contentment is for the weak.

I reflected on things when I smelled something odd - a werewolf's scent. I immediately opened my eyes and immersed my body in the water. I was only wearing my undies, and even if my body proportion was great, that would still be an embarrassment if someone saw me. I glanced at the rock formation and saw someone standing there. My eyes widened when I realized who it was.

"Jace?"

Fuck! Did I just get caught? How did he follow me? I dipped myself more in the water as I saw his intense stare rummaging my nakedness. I felt my blood run through my face as I remembered how crystal clear the water was, and no matter how much I hid my body beneath, he could still see it.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, trying to cover all the sensitive parts of my body. With me wearing red undies, it unluckily calls more attention.

"Get out of the water, Solene, and let's go home," he replied, walking away from the rock formation. He was pacing towards the edge of the stream where I was nearly located. I immediately paddled away, not wanting to get close to him. Jace alone is fire, and I don't want to get burned. Besides, I am having fun. Why does he always let me go home whenever I am at the peak of enjoyment?

"I'll do what I want, Jace. You go home! Stop pestering me!"

One thing I hate about is being bossed around. The only difference between us is the title; otherwise, we are both werewolves. Jace is not a Lycan nor a hybrid that I will fear.

"You get off in the water, or I'll fetch you? You choose Solene."

I giggled at his threatening tone, which made him seem enraged. For some reason, the all-powerful Alpha doesn't know how to swim, yet he attempted to threaten me. That is simply amusing.

"Try me, Jace," I replied as I swam near the raging water.

"f**k, get out of there, Solene! Do you want to die?" he muttered with both a worried and angry expression. I smirk as I see him becoming agitated as I swim further. I came to a halt when I thought I couldn't go any farther. The water dropping from atop the rock shelter is becoming more caustic.

"Wait a minute, look out!"

I looked up to see what was bothering him, but it was too late since my body had gone deep into the river. The water became more turbulent, and the force was too much. I attempted to paddle my hands higher simply to get to the top, but I felt a sudden cramp in my feet. Damn, is this my karma? I just wanted to piss Jace, and this happened. What's worse is I couldn't transform into my wolf form. When I started losing oxygen, I tried to relax. Perhaps death isn't such an awful thing. I smiled and carefully closed my eyes, preparing to die. I was waiting for darkness to consume me when I suddenly felt elevated. I opened my eyes and saw Jace wolf helping me get out of the fall. This whole thing is too dramatic. I thought I was going to die. I even had myself ready for the worse.

I coughed a couple of times when he placed me on the ground. My chest felt heavy, and my head was hurting.

"Stubborn woman," he muttered, now back in his human form. I simpered, looked at him, and made a peace sign, but he only stared at me like he was too pissed to speak more.

"Can you please get my clothes there? I don't have the energy to climb back into the rock formation," I muttered while pointing out where I left my things. Jace didn't say anything but still followed my words.

I feel so tired, probably because of the incident. It seems like I have drunk a lot of water, and my nose has become runny.

"Here, get dressed, and let's go home."

I immediately took my things and got dressed. I don't want to fight with Jace for now, since he saved me. Even if I hate him, I don't want to be labeled as some ungrateful brat. Unluckily, I owed him a debt of gratitude.