Embracing the Burning Passion

23: Jacques

Fate was probably on my side because the next morning, Jacques was with Alpha Ashton in the latter's office. They were talking about something which I believe is centered on the issue we are facing in Mortal World. Nang pumasok kami ni Blake sa opisina ay agad siyang tumayo at lumapit sa akin.

"How are you?" tanong niya sa akin.

"I'm fine, Jack," nakangiting sagot ko.

"I couldn't sleep last night thinking about what happened. I had to come here to check on you."

His genuine worry felt like a stab in my heart. I couldn't believe I doubted his intentions to me.

"We were just talking about your talk with the vampire monarchs. Everyone in the pack is ready to travel. Beta Mars is currently in Miztac to ensure the security of the place. I have my men with them, too. After they settle, we plan," dagdag pa niya.

Nang hindi ako lumingon sa kan'ya o sumagot man lang, sinilip niya ang mukha ko. "Aurora? Why are you not answering me? And why are you not looking at me?"

Umiling ako. "I-I'm just..."

Nagkatinginan kami ni Blake. He nodded at me, encouraging me to speak. Tumikhim ako.

"About the attacks..." I looked at Jack and then Alpha Ashton. "I think I know why they're causing havoc in the Mortal World..."

The Alpha regarded me with question. "Don't tell it is because of you."

"That's actually it."

Blake placed his hand on my back and subtly rubbed gentle circles for silent support.

"Why would be after you, Aurora? Do you have something they want?" tanong niya ulit.

Imbes na manghina ay matapang akong tumango. "They learned about my secret. Now, they're after it."

"What do you mea- oh. Oh." Realization dawned at Jacques. Umiling siya. "It's because of the seed, isn't it?"

"The seed?" nagtatakang tanong ng alpha.

"The seed from the Moon Goddess, Alpha."

And I told them everything. I told them about my conversation with the Moon Goddess herself and what I found out. I told them about how powerful the seed is and the possibility that anyone from whom I told to about my secret is the reason why this is happening to us. They did not speak a word, but I can hear the sharp intake of air from Jacques when I said sorry to him for doubting his intentions to me. I know from that moment that I fucked up. I hurt him, and I couldn't even blame him for it. It was a blow for Jacques who had bared his whole life to me.

"We literally grew up together, Aurora. Did you really just thought I would betray you like that?" may hinanakit niyang tanong.

"I'm sorry. I-I..." I looked away at him, feeling guilty for having less faith of our friendship. Kailangan ko pang yumuko upang hindi nila makita ang namamasa kong mga mata.

"She had no choice but to consider every other possibilities and suspects, Alpha Jacques. Pamilya niya, ikaw, at ang beta mo lang ang nasabihan niya tungkol sa kan'yang sekreto. Kahit sino sa inyo ay pwedeng magkainteres sa dinadala niyang buto," seryosong sagot ni Blake, matatalim ang tingin sa kaharap.

"I wouldn't want any shit from the fucking seed, bloodsucker! Not at the expense of Aurora! She's everything to me and I would not dare exchange what we have just for power!" galit na sigaw ni Jack.

"You can't blame her, dog. You think this is easy for her? A bunch of god-knows-what-they-are are after her and a dipshit seed she never wanted in the first place! At least try to understand that," galit na sagot ni Blake.