Sixty One

Chapter Sixty-One

Lucianna's POV

Nick is the one who received us at the border and we didn't complain that Aiden didn't personally came. I can't imagine what he is going through right now. Ashira isn't like me, not at all. She didn't escape like I did, she was freaking kidnapped!

"How is Aiden doing?" Jacob asked Nick. Nick was seated at the back of the car and we're on our way to the Ancestral to meet Jacob.

"Bad. Real bad. There's a couple of hole in the wall, he's out of it. For real."

"That bad, huh." Jacob sighed.

"Yeah. And Ashira being a stealer didn't help at all."

Jacob hissed. "She's what?"

I can feel Nick getting paled behind us. Yeah, I never told Jacob about the stealer thing going on with my friend. Jacob looked at me as if to accused me with words, "You. Knew."

"You heard me. But its a secret, you can't tell it to anyone."

"Of course I fucking know it should be a secret! Damn it. No wonder Aiden was…" he hissed. "I'm surprised he haven't ran there himself." Jacob sighed. "Elon is such a coward for recruiting rogues."

"An asshole move." I intercepted.

"Yeah. You're both right." then he paused abruptly. "Can you please hit on the gas, Alpha Jacob? Seth is saying something…"

Jacob didn't waste time and double the speed of the car, leaving what's left of Nick's words into a muffled sound.

My mind wandered though. I was always envious of Ashira and her mate bond adventure but I guess there's always some ups and downs. I am still envious of her relationship with Aiden…

Aiden is tough but sweet in his own way. I can see how much he love my best girl, and even though I was jealous of what she have, I am happy that finally, someone loves her like I prayed for her to have.

I think its even more than what I prayed for.

My eyes went to Jacob and I watched his face, studying what's beneath its cold expression. I know him well, and I know that deep down his unbothered face is a man full of concern in both pack issues and brotherhood.

Then it strike me.

I was envious of Ashira but I'm also at that point where I know how enough Jacob is for me. He is enough, and I'm not praying for someone like Aiden anymore.

My hand went to his hand on the gear shift.

"I love you, you know." I said in our portal and I meant every words.

His eyes where on me now, and I found it so hot that his eyes are fixated on me despite the car's speed.

There was shock, amusement, desire and what's that? Love? I think his eyes portrayed it, too.

"I can't describe how much I love you more, there's no word that matches my feeling."

And that response alone is enough, but Jacob isn't aware of that.

"You'll find it soon." I kid.

Nah, you'll never find the right words, Jacob. I'd rather hear you say those sixteen words again than any else.

"Um, maybe eyes on the road? I'd really like to save my Luna soon." Nick interrupted in the back.

Jacob looked forward as he chuckles but my cheek flushes upon the reminder that we are not alone. I would've kissed Jacob because of forgetting Nick's presence in the back!

True enough, we've reached the Ancestral fast. I slid out of the car as fast as Jacob kicked the break and the two guys did the same.

Jacob was beside me in a blink, an arm settling on the small of my back.

"We'll talk about that pretty confession once this is done." he whispered in my ear.

I let out a soft groan, watching Nick's back as we walk to the Ancestral.

"Can't wait." I whispered back. His hand gripped on the side of my waist tighter than it was. I wanted to chuckle on the silent frustration he might have felt but pushed my naughtiness aside.

I saw Aiden heading for the door as we stepped right in.

"Brother." Jacob greeted. His tone serious and concern at the same time. Aiden looked at him, only for a brief second before looking at Nick.

God, Aiden looks like a mess. There's dark circles in his reddish puffy eyes. I wonder if he's been crying his heart out.

"Nick, prepare the shifters." he continued giving orders, mentioning all the wolves under his reign. I frowned because I can tell what he's about to do and from what I know, this is danger.

"Aiden, what are you planning?" Jacob interrupted the starting heated conversation between the Alpha and Beta of Prime. I felt his hand on my waist loosened before completely letting me go.

I don't know why I think Jacob might jump on Aiden any second but I feel like it so I held his arms tight. Not planning of letting him go if he did want to beat the crap out of his brother.

I waited for the broken alpha standing in front of us. He's watching us, eyes slightly softening from the sight of me and Jacob.

"We're attacking Ravenous right now so gather everyone." Aiden said to Nick without responding directly to Jacob.

Nick stiffened. "Are you craz-"

Jacob chuckled sarcastically. "Go on, Nick. Follow the command of your Alpha since it seems he knew how to assassinate his own pack in a heroic way." then he snarled and growled lowly that I think I only hear.

Oh, boy.

My jaw dropped and I kept my eyes on Jacob, tightening my hold of him and trying to stop him by provoking Aiden even more.

But its too late because a loud growl came out of Aiden's chest and the anger was directed at Jacob.

"Stay out of this, Jacob!" Aiden yelled through gritted teeth.

Jacob smirked. He touched my hand and took my grip out of his arm. I did let go, I shouldn't but I know Jacob will never deny my touch. Only if necessary.

Jacob crossed his arms in front of his chest, keeping that smug look on his face. I would be annoyed if I was Aiden, and yeah, Aiden is annoyed as hell.

"Says someone who asked for our help. Has your mind left you, Aiden?" Jacob continues to irate his 'brother'.

I saw it coming but I didn't had a second to think when Aiden moved forward and grabbed Jacob by the collar of his shirt, pushes him to the ground and towering over my mate.

"You don't know what I'm going through!" Aiden's yell thundered the entire house.

I called Aiden's name but the two just stayed like that. Though, there's still a fat chance that this will end up in a good ol' beating.

"Don't fight, you guys!" Nick said in a frustrated tone.

Jacob just looks at Aiden. His eyes are calm but there's anger in it, I'm sure of it.

"Do I need to be in your shoes to know what's best? You are risking your life and the life of your loyal soldiers by not using your head!" he said in a calm voice but didn't left any emphasis.

Another growl came from Aiden.

Jacob has a point. If there are over thousand rogue recruits plus Ravenous wolves, then the war will be just a suicide. And bottom line, Ashira won't be saved.

"Please have a calm conversation, you two." I said, suddenly feeling tired of the sight of them in the floor.

In my surprise, Aiden stood up and left my mate on the floor.

"I'll risk everything to save my mate. If you're against it, then try and stop me." Aiden said in a calmer tone.

I definitely heard the exhaustion and shattered piece of Aiden from his tone.

If Jacob has a point, Aiden has one, too. Ash is his mate, and his mate is in danger.

The fight goes on between Aiden and Jacob but I'm relieved it stayed in words and no violence any further. My mate is still trying to convince Aiden to change his mind but all I can see is a focused Aiden. He won't bend his decision, not this one.

"You don't get it!" Aiden cursed under his breath. "I can't waste time! This is not just my mate we are saving but my child, too!" he blurted.

I gasped.

"Ash is pregnant?!"

Aiden nodded with a frustrated sigh.

Oh my god. My friend is freaking pregnant and she's out there in the enemy's den!

My gaze moved to Jacob and I know how startled he was by the news. I can feel his opinion about this war changing by what we heard.

"I'll join you then. I won't leave a brother behind." he said after.

Aiden looked at him with disbelief. Probably because of the sudden change of side but he didn't spoke after, only nodded. Damn, there really is no time to waste.

"Uh, excuse me." a voice interrupted and I saw an unfamiliar face walking through the door. "We can surely attack Ravenous pack right now even without the alliance of other pack."

All our jaw dropped.

**

It turned out that the rogues will be rogues after all. The stranger, who's named Zeke, said that he received an intel about the rogues not participating with any of Elon's plan. Yes, you heard it. There will be no thousands of rogues backing up the Ravenous pack.

Which also means that Aiden's pack alone can take down the enemy and save Ashira.

I feel bad for Elon's effort but he deserves the betrayal. He is a rat himself, anyway.

"Let's not waste any more time." Aiden said in trembled voice. I can feel the adrenaline pulsing through him caused by the ray of hope.

"I'll join the attack. I want to save my best friend." I said, standing up fast and ready.

Jacob snapped his head to look at me, followed by a sharp hiss.

"No. You'll stay here." he was quick to deny my request.

My eyes squinted at him as I felt all eyes watches us.

'Don't try and stop me with this. I might revoke my earlier confession, baby.' I said in our mind link.

He frowned but replied in his head, too.

'I don't want you hurt. We're trying to save your friend here, and I'm not going to risk getting you into danger. Again.'

I snickered. "You're underestimating me again, Jake."

We fought gaze before he finally stoop down. "Don't get lost in my sight."

I grinned and nodded my head.

We headed out while Aiden and Nick moved to fix things and call their people to prepare.

Jacob and I settled in front of the Ancestral and I was leaning on the car, trying to ignore that Jacob's eyes are drilling holes in my body.

"Can we please skip with the rude staring, please?" I groaned and narrowed my eyes at him.

"A weird but possible idea just popped in my head and I can't let it go." he murmured.

"Hm-mm? Willing to share?"

Jacob reposition himself and not both his arms are on my side, gripping on the car's roof.

I straightened my back and try to keep looking in his eyes.

"A baby." he whispered.

My eyes widened from what he said. "Wh-What?"

"There could be a baby in your belly, too. What if you're pregnant and out here fighting to save your pregnant friend?"

The thought of being pregnant with a child who… who will… I don't…

A chuckle came out of my throat and it sounded shaky and nervous that I gulped.

"Don't be ridiculous."

Jacob bit his lower lip. "Its not ridiculous, baby. You know its not."

"Well, I am not pregnant. Okay?" I rolled my eyes and looked to my side, ignoring his blazing gaze.

"How can you be so sure?

Because a messenger of darkness from above told me I'm not!

But of course I can't say that.

"I had the monthly blood when we're not together. That's how I'm sure. So let's not use 'pregnancy' as an excuse for not letting me join in."

Jacob was looking intently at me when I turned my eyes to him. Intense is not even the right definition, he's studying me like he's getting a sneak peak behind my lie. And it makes me fucking nervous.

"W-what? You're getting weird, Jacob."

He continued to look. Really look right at me that my knees turned jelly.

His lips are parted slightly and I feel his hot breath on my face. What is going on in your head, Jacob? You're making me nervous! Damn it! Can mate bond also read minds or something? No, I have my barriers up like an oak tree. It won't even budge, and I know it.

So what is he thinking?

"Jacob." I called softly.

"I want to have a child with you. I want you pregnant." then he smiled.

I gulped the fear that coiled my system.

**

After a long hours of run and playing hero, we saved Ashira. But she is not the Ashira who was mated with Aiden. Right now, her mind seems to be programmed in a way that all he believed in was she was mated with Elon.

I won't even start how fucked-up Aiden might be feeling right now. I stopped trying to figure out what he's going through, to be honest. It's just too heartbreaking.

"We should go, baby." Jacob said beside me. I just finished taking a bath after putting Ashira to sleep. She cries nonstop and screams Elon's name.

Unfortunately, her memories are altered and the only person in this pack that she remember was me. All the memories she had when she step foot in Prime pack seems to be buried deep in a black hole.

Gone. Nada.

"I think I'll stay." I murmured, not looking at Jacob who's done packing our things.

"We can't stay longer. The pack is in chaos now and Chequer's spokesperson has been denied entry twice. I have to be there upon the third time."

"Why did they have to discuss with you?"

Jacob sighed. "I haven't reported the case with the tournament to the High Council so they are trying to get me on their side."

"And?"

He snorted. "Of course I won't let them have it their way."

I smiled. "Good. That Alpha is a dick."

Jacob hissed and moved to my back. "Can we please just use the word when I'm concerned? I get jealous easily." he joked and I laughed hard.

"You're a dick, then." I laughed more.

"Better." he planted a kiss on my lips. "You'll come with me, right? We have babies to make, anyway."

I hissed. Oh, Jacob, reminding me the second reason why I don't want to come home yet! Ugh!

"Actually, I'm serious when I said I'm staying." I said and turned to face him.

I saw the hesitation in his eyes, he don't want to agree. He won't agree. So I cupped his face and looked at him in the eyes.

"My friend needs me, Jacob. I know you'll understand. Please understand."

"You've been away for two whole weeks and I only got to be with you in less than a day. That's not fair, Lucianna."

"Well, I'm not trying to be fair right now." I kissed him on the lips. "And I have to think about that baby-making thingy. We're having separate rooms, remember?"

He groaned hard and cupped my face back, kissing me hard that I moaned.

Gosh, even if I try to stop myself, my body simply can't stop itself to be hot and bothered by his deep kisses!

This time, Jacob is the one to pull away and I'm grateful he did because I might have not.

So much for having restraint, Lucianna!

"Three days and I'll get you. And baby, the room issue is not anymore open for discussion." then he pulled away, I can feel his responsibility as an Alpha pulling him away from me. And that's another thing to be grateful for.

"I thought you'll negotiate-"

"Not anymore!" then he kissed me again and hurried to the door. "Three days!" he shouted as he slipped out of the room and closes the door.

My eyes closed shut once he's gone.

This whole save-my-friend-event made my situation even harder. Now my mate, who was not supposed to have a child, loved the idea of having his own successor.