Everyone was shocked when they heard the news: Andrea was killed. Jessica covered her mouth and tried to refrain from screaming. Like Iris, she, too, was shocked that Derek was a killer. Jessica always thought Derek was too full of himself, even though Iris didn't see it. Yet, she would've never imagined that he would go so far as to kill. Then, the thought of Rickon came to mind when he found Andrea dead. Jessica was still coming to grips with werewolves and his ex trying to kill her, but everything was going too fast. Also, knowing that Derek was on the loose and not afraid to kill anyone who stood in his way frightened her. It was also frightening that any of them could be next, Rickon included. Although Jessica was still angry with Rickon, she didn't want him to get hurt or killed. Her lips trembled as she tried to speak, but her throat felt dry. However, she gathered her strength, walked out of the house, and spoke. "I-Is Rickon okay? Wh-Where is he?"
Iris, Maverick, and Matthias looked at her. Laura, who stood beside her, was surprised that Jessica finally spoke. Yet, the Luna was relieved that Jessica was concerned about Rickon. "He is okay, Jessica. Rickon will be coming back to the pack." He then focused on Maverick and Iris. "Rickon asked some of the pack members to help him bring the body to Priestess Hecate to see what she died of. Also, to give her final rites before giving her a funeral." Matthias was getting frustrated at the situation; he wished that Xenon was honest initially. "Maverick, we must have an emergency meeting with the pack now. We can't keep them in the dark since we could be next."
Laura walked on forward. "I agree with you, my love, but Jessica and Iris should be in the meeting too. I think it's time that the pack know who they are. Also, we need some pack members to help guard them." Matthias nodded at his wife and was proud of her intelligence.
"Um, why would Derek try to go after Jessica? It's me that he's after," asked Iris.
"Your ex is unpredictable, Iris. He might also go after Jessica to get to you. He knows that you care for her, so we have to think of the possibility."
Iris and Jessica felt and looked nervous. Maverick immediately went to his mate and held onto her tightly. "Are you sure you still want to do this?"
"Positive. I'm more determined than ever to bring Derek down. I just want us all to be at peace."
Maverick hoped she would change her mind, but he knew better. He was more determined than ever to protect her with his life. The Beta would not allow Derek to take her from him. Matthias, where is Rickon now?"
"He told me he and some of our pack are heading to Priestess Hecate. I'm going to head out there."
"I will go, too. Do you think we should call the entire pack to go to the meeting house?"
The Alpha nodded. "I will send word after our visit."
Jessica then stepped forward. "C-Can you tell Rickon that I want to talk to him?"
Everyone looked at the young woman. No one expected her to want to see him so soon. "Jessica, are you sure about this? You-" Laura was interrupted.
"I'm sure. Please, I need to speak with him."
Matthias and Maverick looked at one another and nodded. Matthias opened his mind-link and was able to connect with his brother. "Rickon, where are you now?"
"I finally made it to Hecate's place. She's having a look at the body," Rickon responded.
Matthias noticed that Rickon sounded exhausted and distraught. He may not have loved Andrea romantically, but he did have some care for her. The Alpha believed his brother was guilty of not protecting Andrea or motivating her to get the help she needed. "Alright, I'm happy that you made it there safely. After meeting with Hecate, Maverick and I decided to call on the pack to an emergency meeting. We also decided to introduce the women to the pack since they need some protection. Also, Jessica said that she wants to talk to you."
It was silent on Rickon's end, but he eventually spoke. "She wants to talk?"
"Yeah. She didn't tell me what, but I feel that situation scares her. She is at Maverick's house along with Laura, Iris, and the children."
Rickon was quiet momentarily but informed his brother that he would be there soon. Matthias ended the mind-link and informed everyone that he and Maverick would go to Hecate first when Rickon arrived. Then, they would pick the women up to take them to the meeting. Everyone went inside the house and waited for Rickon, and about thirty minutes later, he finally arrived. Iris and Laura decided to wait with the children while Jessica spoke to Rickon alone. When Jessica and the men saw Rickon, they saw his unkempt hair; a beard was slowly growing on his face. There were dark circles under his light pink eyes. His clothes were also unkempt; he looked destroyed.
Matthias and Maverick said nothing but couldn't help but feel terrible to see Rickon in such a state. Jessica tried so hard not to feel pity for him; Rickon was suffering for his actions. However, the young woman couldn't help but feel slightly sorrow when she saw his current state. The Alpha and Beta announced they were leaving and would return from Hecate. Before they left the house, they looked at Rickon and gave him a warning glare, telling him not to do something he might regret.
When the werewolves were gone, Iris and Laura with the children in a separate room. Jessica and Rickon were left alone in the living room. Neither said anything, and it made Jessica feel awkward and nervous. Jessica felt that she had to say something since she was the one who wanted to speak with him. She took a deep breath. "Let's go outside; I want more privacy." Rickon nodded as he followed Jessica out of the house; they walked not too far since they didn't want the women to hear them. Rickon ensured she had enough space, even though he strongly wanted to hug her with all his might. They were silent again as a soft gust of wind went past them. Jessica had her back turned to him as she hugged herself. "I-I heard what happened to Andrea. I-I'm sorry for your loss."
Her words were unexpected; Rickon couldn't believe she was offering her condolences. He could tell that his lies still hurt his mate, but she still had a bigger heart and person. "J-Jessica, I-I don't know what to say. Th-Thank you." Rickon bit his lower lip at the image of finding Andrea's dead body. She was almost unrecognizable due to the silver bullets burning her body bit by bit; it was a terrifying scene. The guilt of using her was destroying him; if he had been upfront with Andrea in the beginning, then she would have still been alive and overcoming her demons. Rickon scrunched up his already disarray hair. "I-I made a mess of things! I hurt you both for my selfishness! It should've been me that should have been killed!"
"Rickon, please don't say that..."
"It's true! I'm a screw-up! That bastard should've killed me!"
"S-So you know who it was?"
Rickon nodded; he was filled with rage when Matthias told him everything. He couldn't believe that Iris's ex was the culprit in everything. Unfortunately, Andrea was one of the victims, and Rickon was consumed with guilt and anger. He didn't have the opportunity to make up for the pain he caused her. "Everything went to hell, Jessica. What's the point of living anymore? I cause nothing but pain. I-" He couldn't finish his statement since Jessica ran up and slapped him across the face. The slap didn't affect him much since he was a werewolf, but he couldn't deny his shock. "J-Jessica?"
Jessica's lower lip quivered; tears threatened to form. "Y-You're still acting like a self-jerk! What happened, happened! We all have to accept it, including you! I-I wanted to see and and talk to you to make sure that you are okay!"
The werewolf's eyes widened; his mate was worried about him. "D-Does that mean that you don't hate me?" Rickon asked in a whisper-like tone.
"N-No. I-I'm still angry and hurt but I can't forget the time I had with you. I did enjoy myself, but I-I'm also scared."
"Scared? I won't let that bastard hurt you."
"It's not that, Rickon! I'm scared that I'm going to end up like Andrea! I'm scared that you're going to use and leave me!" Jessica breathed heavily; relief hit her when she finally admitted her feelings.
Rickon couldn't believe that Jessica thought that he would hurt her. It broke his heart that she would think and feel that way. He couldn't blame her since he did the exact thing to Andrea. Yet, Andrea wasn't his mate, and he didn't have any love for her. Rickon wouldn't hurt or use her, but he knew simple words wouldn't convince her. "I-I wouldn't do that to you, Jessica." Rickon fell onto his knees. "Please tell me what to do so I can prove myself. I would do anything and everything in my power to gain your love and trust."
The young woman slowly turned around and saw Rickon kneeling before her. His eyes were pleading with her; he wanted her to give him a second chance. She then thought about how Iris and Maverick looked at one another during lunch. They had someone initially, but life threw them many twists and turns. Yet, they met one another and became each other's second chance. It was something Jessica desperately wanted. "You will do anything?"
"Yes, anything!"
"The first thing is that you stay alive and safe. Don't let that Derek bastard kill you. Secondly, you will go to therapy to resolve some of your issues and guilt. I know you are guilty of everything that has happened, and I don't want you to dwell on it. Lastly, you will still allow me to see if I can trust you. If you fail to do any of my conditions, I will break it off. Understand?"
The werewolf slowly stood up as he felt hope swell within him. Jessica gave him a second chance to prove that he was not what he used to be. "D-Deal! I will do all of those things! Thank you, Jessica!" Rickon couldn't contain his excitement since he stood up and hugged Jessica. Jessica didn't expect the hug and wanted to escape his grip, but she couldn't push him away. She didn't want to; it was something she wanted sincerely.
The duo didn't notice that Iris and Laura watched everything unfold; the women were happy for Jessica and Rickon, but they hoped the happiness wouldn't be short-lived.
19Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LYc9BjjKi
