Chapter 11
Joanne’s POV
I skipped dinner that night. I didn’t want to sit at the same table with my family while they walked all over eggshells when it came to me. It felt stifling. So, instead of heading towards the dining room, I slipped out of the house and made my way to the river.
The cool evening air brushed against my skin, and the sound of the flowing water welcomed me like a refreshing breeze. I sat down on the bank, letting the grass tickle my fingers. The water sparkled under the moonlight, but even this peaceful scene wasn’t enough to make me forget all the shit that I had in my head.
“If only I could just become the alpha,” I whispered to myself, staring into the quick current. “To wage war on Collins and destroy him and everything he has. The selfish bastard deserves every bit of what’s coming to him.”
“War, huh?” a familiar voice broke through my thoughts. I turned to see Nathan standing a few feet away, hands shoved into his pockets. “That’s quite a thought”
“Nathan,” I sighed, “I just wish it could be that easy. One day, I wave a magic wand, and pool, I’m the alpha. The pack could finally be strong without these stupid traditions holding us back.”
He chuckled lightly, shaking his head. “It doesn’t work that way. Jo. You know that. Besides, unless you kill me, I’m going to have to be Alpha when father passes. If you could wait-”
“No I will not and chy not?” I shot back, frustration bubbling up again
If I could just become what I want overnight, we wouldn’t be in this mess with Collins!”
“Believe me, I get it. I really do,” Nathan said, sitting down next to me. The river flowed quietly beside us. “But you have to think beyond the blinding pain and anger you’re feeling. Being an alpha isn’t just about the title, it’s about the responsibility that comes with it.”
I huffed and crossed my arms. “Responsibility? Is that what they keep saying! All I hear is how I need to marry and become a Luna, but that’s not
“Exactly,” he nodded, looking thoughtful. “But how can you lead if you don’t understand your role? You can’t just ignore your path. You need to train, gam respect. It’s a process
“Process, schmoess!” I exclaimed, throwing my hands up in frustration. I took a moment to breathe. “What’s the point of waiting? I want to fight for my pack! I want to have my revenge on Collins now, not later!”
He remained silent, watching the water swirl I could see gears turning in his mind. “Maybe you should think about getting your revenge in a different way!”
That was a good question but the other damning thing was how I could do that
“I could join the Lycan King’s army,” I blurted out, hardly believing the words were coming out of my mouth.
Nathan turned to me, wide–eyed. “What? Jo, are you serious?”
“Absolutely.” I stood up, pulling my shoulders back. Why hadn’t I thought of it before. “It’s the best way to make a name for myself. Learn to light, learn to lead in my own right”
“And what if it’s too much for you?” Nathan’s eyes held concern, the softness of his voice surprising me. “It’s dangerous, Joanna!”
“Exactly!” I cried, pacing back and forth along the riverbank. “It’s dangerous, but it will make me stronger. I’ll finally prove that I can do more than just sit around and wait for some pompous marriage ceremony and for you to become Alpha. I need to have my revenge on that bastard myself
It will s
“Joanne,” Nathan reached out, grabbing my arm. “You really think jumping into something like that
solve all your problems?”
“Maybe it will,” I said, pulling away from him slightly. “I’ve made my decision. Nathan. I won’t just become some Luna. I want to fight! I want to earn my place where it matters.”
He looked taken aback, mouth slightly agape. “You’re serious.
never been more serious about anything in my life,” I told him confidently.
Nathan sighed, running a hand through his hair. “But you understand the implications of joining the army, right it could change everything. What about the pack? What about your family! Us
“What about them?” I snapped. “They’re the ones who warned me and I didn’t listen. Now, I have to make things right. It was my fuckin fault.”
“Joanne, I don’t know if this is the right path for you,” Nathan finally said, worry etched across his features. “You might find things aren’t as simple
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Chapter 11
as they sound.”
“But I need to do this I insisted.
He shook his head, still looking troubled. “If you truly believe this is what you want, then I can’t stop you. But promise me you’ll think carefully about your decisions. I don’t want you to get hurt.”
“I promise,” I said, feeling grateful for his concern. “But I have to follow this to the end by any means possible and if this is the only way, I have to
He nodded slowly, and I could see the acceptance flicker in his eyes. “Okay. Just remember, I’ll always be here for you, no matter what happens”
“Thank you, Nathan.” I said, my voice softer now. “You’ve always supported me. I really appreciate that,”
“How are you going to tell mother and father?”
“Don’t worry your head about that Nathan, I’ll figure out a way.”
“You know how mother is going to feel about this yes!”
“You mean with all the anger and tears? Oh I have a fair idea about how her emotions are going to be all over the
And you want to do that to her?”
Isharply turned my gaze to him. Was he doubting me?
place.”
“Cool it. I am not but I want you to consider it from all angles
les and perspectives. I don’t want to see
to see the look on her face when she is crushed. Shell come to me, you know”
“And you will tell her that you have spoken to me about it and that is what I want.”
די
“I suppose your mind is completely made up Jo
“Yes it is Nathan.”
Without another word, I turned away from him.
I
