Midnight Howling Book 1

Chapter 35: Jessica/Lyra

Jessica POV

Jessica paced back and forth in her small, immaculate bedroom, her sharp nails tapping rhythmically against her hips as she moved. The familiar surroundings did little to soothe the fury bubbling inside her. The polished mirror reflected her slender frame, blonde hair falling in perfect waves, but none of it felt right. Not when Alex had been so cold to her. Not when Lyra was still standing in the way.

Her wolf, Ember, snarled in the back of her mind, mirroring Jessica's simmering rage. Lyra doesn't belong. She's not part of us. Alex is ours.

Jessica clenched her fists at her sides, her nails digging into her palms. He was ours first. He's just confused right now, but we'll fix that. We'll make him see.

The thought that Alex could be swayed so easily was a comfort, even if part of her knew how far from reality that was. He was bonded to Lyra through the mate connection, but Jessica refused to acknowledge it. It was just a complication. A temporary problem. She had already been by his side before Lyra had ever set foot in the pack. Lyra was nothing but a newcomer, an interloper—someone who didn't deserve to be part of their world.

She's not special, Ember growled, pacing along with her, her reddish-brown fur rippling with agitation. We will make sure of that.

Jessica stopped her pacing and let out a slow, measured breath, forcing herself to regain control. The plan was forming in her mind, taking shape with each passing second. But it needed to be perfect. She needed to be perfect. Everything had to go exactly as she envisioned it, and if things didn't go according to plan... well, she had a backup. There was always a backup.

If we can't get rid of Lyra, she thought with icy determination, then we'll make sure Alex has no choice but to turn to us. There's always another way.

A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts, and Jessica quickly composed herself, her expression smoothing into one of cold charm. She crossed the room, her movements deliberate, precise, before calling out in her usual sickly-sweet tone.

"Come in."

The door creaked open, and Brent, one of the pack's warriors, lumbered inside. His broad shoulders filled the doorway, and he grinned like a fool as soon as he saw her. He was big and strong—more muscle than brains—but that was what made him so useful. Jessica had him wrapped around her finger, and he didn't even realize it. She could see the way his eyes followed her movements, the hunger barely concealed behind his eager expression.

"Jessica," he said, his voice low and full of anticipation. "You wanted to see me?"

Jessica's lips curved into a small smile. He's so predictable, she thought with disdain, though her outward demeanor remained soft, controlled. "Yes, Brent. I did." She gestured for him to come closer, her tone sweet but with an underlying edge of authority. "I need some information."

Brent stepped forward, his grin widening as he came closer, like an obedient dog waiting for a pat on the head. "Anything you need," he said quickly, trying to impress her. "What do you want to know?"

Jessica tilted her head, her eyes sharp as she watched him, calculating. "You've been patrolling near the borders, right? You've seen the human tracks?"

Brent scratched his head for a moment, his brows furrowing in thought before he nodded. "Yeah, near the eastern border. The Alphas are all worked up about it. There's been talk, especially about the new girl."

Jessica's smile faltered for just a second before she quickly recovered, her nails drumming against her arm as she crossed them over her chest. Lyra. Even Brent, with his limited understanding, knew who the real center of attention was. Lyra had stepped into the pack and immediately drawn everyone's focus. It infuriated Jessica to her core, but she couldn't let it show—not yet.