Midnight Howling Book 1

Chapter 37: Jessica/Lyra

Jessicas POV

Jessica moved silently through the pack house, her footsteps a ghostly whisper against the worn wood floors. The thrill of sneaking out sent an intoxicating rush through her veins, like fire crackling just beneath her skin. Tonight was no ordinary night; tonight, she had a mission. A plan to rid herself of Lyra once and for all, to claim the position she believed was rightfully hers—that of Beta female.

The moonlight filtered through the gaps in the curtains, casting long, silvery shadows that flickered as she moved. Jessica's heart pounded with anticipation, each beat a steady reminder of what was at stake. She had played her cards carefully up until now—waiting, manipulating, gathering information. And now, the pieces were finally falling into place.

She slipped out into the cool night air, the dark sky stretching above her like a velvet blanket. The moment she was beyond the watchful eyes of the pack, she shifted smoothly, her body contorting as her wolf form emerged. Warm amber fur rippled in the moonlight, shimmering as her paws hit the earth. Ember, her wolf, was quick and graceful, blending seamlessly with the rust-colored leaves and dark soil as they darted into the woods.

The wind whispered through the branches, and Jessica sprinted through the forest, her paws barely making a sound. The scent of pine and damp earth filled her nostrils, mingling with the distinct, metallic tang of human scent. In her mind, she reviewed everything Brent had told her—their location near the border, how close the tracks had come to pack land, the way the humans had lingered as if searching for something—or someone. Just the thought of it made her lip curl with contempt, and a thrill of satisfaction rolled through her.

Soon, she thought to herself, her focus unwavering. Brent had given her exactly what she needed, and he knew the price for his silence—the price for playing his part in her plan. Jessica's wolf, Ember, growled softly, their shared determination driving them forward. Brent wanted his reward, and he would earn it by doing what she needed him to do.

The boundary line loomed ahead, where the familiar comfort of pack territory ended and the unpredictable danger of witch territory began. Jessica slowed her pace, her muscles tensing as she considered the risk. Witches were unpredictable at best, dangerous at worst, and crossing their territory without permission was a direct violation of the tenuous treaty that had kept the peace between them and the pack. The witches had made it clear they wouldn't tolerate intrusions, and Jessica knew the price of trespassing could be steep.

But she didn't care. She had a plan—a plan that needed the humans. She would lead them to Lyra, would let them take care of her rival while she remained in the shadows, unseen. The witches were a secondary concern, a threat she was willing to gamble on for the chance to rid herself of Lyra forever.

With a low, rumbling growl, she shifted back into her human form. Her breath misted in the cold night air, her bare skin tingling with the chill as she pulled her clothes from the small leather bag she had carried in her mouth. She slipped into her clothes quickly, her eyes darting around as she checked her surroundings. The scent of humans was still there, lingering on the wind, leading her forward.

Every sense was on high alert as she moved cautiously across the boundary, stepping onto forbidden ground. The forest seemed to change here—the air thicker, the shadows deeper, the scent of magic woven into the very soil. The witches were always watching, always listening, and Jessica could feel the prickle of unease that came with every step she took.

But she pushed it aside, focusing on the task ahead. Somewhere ahead, the humans waited, oblivious to the game she was playing, the trap she was setting.

Tonight, she would make contact. She would speak to them, would offer them exactly what they needed—guidance, a path that led directly to Lyra. She could already imagine it—the chaos, the fear. The hunters would deal with Lyra, and Jessica would be free.