"Great, now I'm gonna be stuck in some random human school for who knows how long because of a ridiculous book and mindless hunters!"
After the tense encounter with his father and the elders, the Alpha had informed Jason that he would be embedded in a human school in two years to keep a closer eye on the hunter threat. Hearing the verdict, Jason had simply nodded, knowing there was no point in arguing a decision that had already been finalized. Without another word, he had retreated to his room.
Despite how nonchalantly he had acted at first, he wasn't exactly thrilled about the lingering wound on his chest refusing to heal. But that wasn't even the source of his current rage. What truly had him cursing and pacing was the prospect of being sent away simply to babysit humans—more specifically, hunters.
Overall, Jason didn't hate all humans; he only despised the hunters and the ruthless, parasitic ones. As a creature with deep, instinctual ties to wolves, he valued loyalty and deep-rooted bonds above all else—virtues most humans sorely lacked. They were a race that would abandon anyone who bled for them the moment riches or power came into play. Worse still was their innate arrogance: the "humans are the superior species" mindset. It was a sickness that drove them to try to control and understand everything in the world and beyond, destroying whatever they couldn't comprehend simply out of sheer fear.
"And I still don't have a reasonable answer for why this damn thing is barely healing," he muttered in frustration, glaring at his reflection in the mirror as he inspected the jagged mark across his chest.
"Nothing I can really do about it for now, so I might as well leave it. I bet she knows what's happening; she was the one who did it to me, after all." The thought of the vampire princess flickered through his mind, sparking a strange, confusing mix of irritation and fascination that he couldn't quite place.
"When this whole deployment starts, I doubt I'll have time to manage my pack's elites. I'll need to leave someone temporarily in charge. But who? None of the original members have the tactical sense or authority to lead. The only person I can think of is... but then again, I really don't want to give her the wrong idea. Still, she's my only viable option." Jason let out a heavy sigh. "Damn it. Whatever happens with her, happens. If she pulls any of her usual nonsense, I'll just handle it like I always do."
With his mind made up, Jason headed straight for the shower to wash away the dried sweat and grime, realizing he hadn't cleaned up since waking from his injuries. Once dressed, he left his quarters to track down the only person he trusted with his command.
Knock, knock.
"Open the door. I know you're in there—I can smell you," he called out, leaning against the frame of her bedroom door.
He barely had time to wait before the door swung open and a pair of arms hooked around his neck, dragging him bodily inside.
"You came to see me, Jason! I'm so glad you haven't forgotten about little old me," a sultry female voice purred as she pinned him firmly against the closed door.
"Nice to see you too, Amber. Still can't keep your hands off me, I see," Jason said, looking down at her with a wry smile.
Amber stood at five-foot-eight, featuring long brown hair, dark, expressive eyes, red lips, and a seductively curvy figure. Because of the height difference, she always had to tilt her head back to meet his gaze, flashing a wicked, lust-filled smirk that only made her more striking.
"Well, how can I? It's not every day I get uninterrupted time with you. So, are you here to finally let me enjoy that body of yours?" she teased, running her fingers across his toned chest.
"Enough, Amber. I didn't come here for you to try and get me into bed," Jason said, gently peeling her hands away.
He had known Amber since they were children, and she was one of the few people he considered a genuine friend.
"You know, it's not nice to keep a lady from what she wants," she pouted.
"I'm sure you could get any male you wanted in bed if you actually let others get close to you instead of exclusively chasing me," Jason pointed out.
"Most men would be thrilled that a girl was saving herself for them. But here you are, playing matchmaker," Amber retorted, feigning heartbreak.
"Even if I wanted to claim you, that creepy leech would never let me hear the end of it."
"You mean Anita, right? Gods, you must have your hands full with her," Amber laughed, finding his situation endlessly amusing.
"Yeah. Her father somehow convinced mine that we were 'made for each other.' It's just a pathetic power play so they can slip a leash around my neck," Jason scoffed.
"That's just tragic. So, did you come here to ask me to finally murder her, or did you need something else?" Amber asked, walking over to her bed and patting the mattress, gesturing for him to sit.
Jason crossed the room and sat down beside her before getting straight to the point.
"Amber... I'm going to be leaving on a mission in two years. I need you to take temporary command of the elites under my authority. You're the only one I trust to keep them in line."
Hearing that he would be leaving, her playful demeanor vanished, replaced by a sudden, heavy sorrow.
"Where?" she asked softly, her eyes searching his face.
"My father is sending me to a human school to keep a tighter watch on the hunters. I don't know how long it will take, but it'll likely be a year or two."
"By yourself?! Why would your father do something so reckless?" Amber demanded, standing up in protest.
"It's fine, Amber. Calm down. I'm the only one he trusts with this assignment."
"I'm coming with you," she declared, crossing her arms.
"No, you aren't. I need you right here."
"No, you don't! Just disband your elites for routine duties until you're back. It's not like they'll be doing anything groundbreaking while you're gone," she argued, glaring down at him.
"Even if I did that, my father wouldn't allow you to tag along anyway," Jason said, leaning back against the pillows.
"I don't care what your father would or wouldn't allow! You're my best friend, Jason. You're walking right into a viper's nest filled with hunters, completely alone, and he didn't even think to send backup? You might be strong, but even you have limits!" she shouted, hot tears spilling over her lashes.
Seeing her break down, Jason immediately softened. He stood up and pulled her into a tight embrace.
"Look, Amber, I'm sorry. I know it's dangerous, but my dad is the Alpha of the pack. This is one order I can't defy," Jason murmured into her hair.
He was about to say more when a sharp knock echoed from the front door.
Jason intended to ignore it, but the familiar, irritating scent drifting through the wood instantly caught his attention.
"Why is he here?" Jason muttered in confusion.
Amber quickly wiped her tears, straightening her posture as the realization set in. "Maybe he was looking for you and caught your scent." She hurried toward the door.
Pulling it open, she came face to face with the Alpha himself. She offered a respectful, albeit stiff, bow.
"Greetings, my Lord. What brings you to my quarters tonight?" she asked politely.
"Ah, Amber! Just the person I was looking for. I have a new assignment for you," the Alpha smiled warmly.
Before he could continue, Jason stepped out from the shadows of the room.
"Father? You're here too? Well, that saves me a trip," the Alpha said, spotting his son.
"Makes what easier?" Jason asked warily.
"It's regarding your upcoming mission at the human school. My advisors insisted that you take someone with you as added security."
"Let me guess—Anita's father pushed her name forward, didn't he?" Jason gritted out, pure disgust in his voice.
"Yes. But due to her lack of field experience with active hunters, she was deemed ineligible," his father replied smoothly.
"So if it's not Anita... who is it?" Jason asked, though a creeping suspicion was already forming in his mind.
"Amber. She is your most trusted second-in-command, and you two operate best as a unit. It is the logical choice," his father stated. "Let it be known that while I am personally... less than thrilled with this pairing, my decision is final."
Without waiting for a reply, the Alpha turned on his heel and walked down the hall.
The moment he was out of sight, Amber slammed the door shut and let out an explosive breath. "What on earth does he mean, 'less than thrilled'?!"
"My father has a soft spot for Anita. He was probably hoping she'd tag along so she could—and I quote—'finally win me over,'" Jason said, looking thoroughly insulted.
"Well, at least you don't have to go alone anymore," Amber sighed, her anger melting into relief.
"I'm heading back. I need to rest; my chest is still acting up," Jason said, turning toward the door.
"What do you mean, 'not healed'?" Amber stopped him in his tracks, her eyes narrowing.
"Oh, right. Guess I forgot to mention it. During my last op, I tangled with the vampire princess. She left a mark on my chest that's healing at a painfully slow crawl."
"Let me see," she demanded, stepping directly into his space.
Knowing arguing was pointless, Jason pulled off his shirt and unraveled the rough bandages, exposing the angry, lingering gash. Amber stared at it in horror, gently hovering her fingertips inches from the damaged flesh.
"What on earth did she do to you?" she whispered, backing away in disbelief.
"No idea. At this rate, it'll eventually close up, but it's stubborn as hell and definitely leaving a scar," he replied casually.
"Does it hurt?"
"Yeah, but it's manageable. Barely even notice it," he lied, rewrapping the gauze and pulling his shirt back on.
"You're staying here tonight," she stated flatly, blocking his path to the door.
"Bad idea. Anita's going to throw a massive tantrum. And while she won't dare touch me, the same can't be said for you. Besides, didn't I just stay here last week because of your nightmares?"
"I have never, and will never, give a single thought to what that little pest wants. And if you're injured like this, who knows what kind of trouble she'll try to stir up while you're vulnerable," Amber said, pressing her point.
"I'm not that injured," Jason protested.
"I'm not asking, Jason. I'm telling you. You're staying here tonight, and that's final," she said, marching past him to prep the bed.
Jason let out a long, defeated sigh of sheer resignation. "Why does she always pull rank on me like this?"
Fifteen minutes later, Jason found himself lying soundly asleep beneath the covers, while Amber curled up right beside him in the dark.
"If only you truly knew how much I love you, Jason," she whispered softly into the quiet room, pressing herself closer to his side.