Chapter 220
1080words
“The royal family bears a huge responsibility. It’s to protect every werewolf and bring peace to our kingdom. And that also includes sacrifices…”
Those were the words that my father and Jackson deeply bared in my mind.
Because of the enormous responsibility we carry, we should be holistically strong. We could be ourselves and decide on our own, but we were never to jeopardize the responsibility for which we were accountable, and because of that very reason, the mysterious organization called ‘Protector’ was created.
For this reason, we were trained at a young age how to make great judgments when faced with a dilemma. We were also trained in various combat skills in both defense and offense. Because, unlike every werewolf, we couldn’t live freely. With great power blessed on us, our freedom was also limited.
While the Royal family handled the kingdom matters, the Protector kept track of the Royal family, ensuring we wouldn’t enter something that would risk the greater good.
And one of the greatest taboos for me and my family… was having a human mate.
Bonded with a fated mate or chosen mate could make each of them stronger, but mating with a human… won’t only make us physically and biologically weak but also risk creating weak offspring for the following generation.
Hence, it’s a secret royal rule of our family that we must reject our mate if we were mated to a human by chance. And if we dare not to do so… a member of the Protector would hunt and kill them.
We didn't know who the members of that mysterious organization were or how powerful they were. To prevent the Royal family from killing their members and manipulating their decision, they were hidden. There was no trace of their existence in any records.
But we do know...they existed.
Fae took a deep breath and intently looked into my eyes. “W-why? How can you be so sure?” she asked.
Because Jackson wouldn’t let that woman die. He’d do anything to hide that he’s mated to a human and protect her.
But I couldn’t tell that to her. Despite her being my best friend, the Protector and the no-human-mate rule were the biggest secrets of the Royal family—my family.
So instead, I said, “Because the offspring of werewolves and humans would be weak and couldn’t continue our family's legacy.”
Fae bit her lip, took a couple of deep breaths, and wiped her tears.
Forcing a smile as she calmed herself, she once again narrated, “Quinne is so… perfect. Like I said earlier, she’s the kind every man would like to have. She’s kind and lively… and above all things, she could easily make Jackson smile.”
Laughing sarcastically, she added, “Imagine? She could do something I’ve been working my ass off for years, and she didn’t even need to lift a finger for it. Seeing her and how much Jackson paid attention to her… I really thought I lost all my chances.”
I smiled a bit upon seeing her gloomy expression lightening up a bit. “But?
Stretching her limbs and giving out a proper smile, I saw a glint of light flickered in her eyes again. “What you said is good news to me!”
“Now, that’s the Fae I know,” I said before embracing her again.
But as soon as my head landed on her shoulder, my smile momentarily vanished.
Did I do the right thing?
I couldn’t help but ask myself. I wasn’t sure if hinting Fae about that would bring good or greater harm to her. But if I didn’t tell her, she’d be miserable, and there’s a high chance she’d completely give up on Jackson and move on with her life.
Call me selfish, but considering the circumstances, if Jackson would ever end up with anyone other than his fated mate, I’d really hope it would be Fae.
Sighing, I shifted my lips a bit and whispered in her ear, “Remember, don’t tell anyone. Not any living souls that Jackson already found his mate and that she’s a human.”
Pulling away, I seriously added, “If it gets known, it can bring harm to Jackson and Quinne.”
“I guess…” she started confused. “I mean… I don’t rattle things out. That’s not my business to everyone, but why?”
“How will it bring them harm?” she asked again.
Damn! I’m giving more than I should!
After a few seconds of silence, I could only say, “It’s confidential. Don’t ask, just trust me. Okay?”
No matter what happened, Quinne’s role in Jackson’s life should remain hidden until our deaths. Or else, the Protector might hear this information and kill Quinne even if she’s innocent.
“Aghh! Why, of all people, did this have to happen to Jackson? This is a very rare occurrence! But as much as Protector’s way of handling things is inhuman… It can’t be helped. I understand them…” Trisha uttered.
“Wow, no sympathy?” I asked with sarcasm.
She rolled her eyes. “Well, you are the Lycans. You’re the royal family, the kingdom’s leader. No weak offspring should be born and risk the countless lives of the werewolf kingdom of the following generation.”
In fact, I understand that. It’s just that it pained me to know that someone had to be killed because of a fate that couldn’t be controlled or chosen by them.
“I better talk to Jackson as soon as he gets back to the kingdom.” He left earlier, and I didn’t know for what or where. But now, I had a good guess. He probably went to see Quinne.
Once Trisha went off, I asked Fae, “So, what do you plan to do next?”
She shrugged her shoulders and gave me that huge smile I always saw in her. Determination filled her eyes as I heard the familiar stubbornness in her voice. “I already thought it through. If Jackson can’t be with that girl, then I’ll work hard to be like that girl so he won’t regret not being with his fated mate.”
Above everything she said, only one phrase echoed repeatedly in my mind. I’ll work hard to be like that girl… I’ll work hard to like that girl…
My eyes widened, and I was dazed and shocked.
And by how Trisha suddenly spoke, I guess I wasn’t the only one. “What did Fae mean by that?”
“Ah-huh!” Fae exclaimed and flicked her fingers. Her eyes lit up as she excitedly and enthusiastically told me, “I have a great plan!”
