Werewolves From The Grave

Lexi's POV

I approached the main entrance, and sure enough, those creeps were waiting for me, ogling me with that same entitled look that made my skin crawl.

Growing up as the pack leader's daughter, I was used to being ignored by my parents. But things got really bad when I turned 19 and still hadn't shifted to find my mate. Yesterday was a game-changer, though - I finally managed to shift. But the celebration was short-lived, since I still couldn't pick up my wolf's scent.

Then there was Thompson, the Beta of our pack, who'd do just about anything to get what he wants. And what he wants is me. Problem is, I'm not interested. At all. Thompson's got a crew of lackeys who love to make my life miserable, bullying me whenever they please.

If Thompson had any idea who was coming back to the pack today, he'd probably be shaking in his boots. He'd likely warn his minions to leave me alone. But he has no clue.

What Thompson doesn't know is that Dylan's son, Jasper - my closest friend - is returning today. Jasper took off as a lone wolf after realizing how toxic our pack had become. It was a bitter pill to swallow, especially since the former Beta, his dad, died while saving one of our own from the woods, and it led to Thompson sliding into the Beta role instead of him.

I raised an eyebrow, furrowing my brow as Martins and his crew blocked my path. "You're really going to waste your time reading those dusty old books, introverted dumbo?" Martins sneered, taking a step closer. "Spend time with us instead."

I stood my ground, meeting his glare. "Nah, no interest. Step back. I need to go." I growled. They were just a group of nobodies actively working for Thompson.

Martins snickered. "Oh, nice. You've finally gotten a wolf. But does it even matter? You're still the same weak, little girl you've always been. What are you going to do, hide behind your new wolf?”

I let out a soft chuckle and tried to leave, but Martins blocked me again, shoving me toward one of his friends. I wriggled free and swung my fist, slamming Martins' head into the wall. That gave me just enough time to make a run for my room.

I sprinted through the crowd, praying I'd make it before Martins and his crew caught up. I could sense them closing in, but I hoped the crowd would slow them down.

Finally, I reached my room and burst through the door, which was thankfully already ajar. I tried to slam it shut, but Martins was too quick. His hand was wedged in the doorway, and he was using all his strength to push it open.

With a surge of adrenaline, I leaned my entire body against the door, using every last ounce of energy to hold it shut. Finally, I managed to lock it, and I collapsed against the door, panting before I crashed onto the bed.

I got up from bed a few hours later to go through my journals when I suddenly heard a loud bang on the door. Eagerness grew within me, mixed with tension. I pulled the door open, my eyes mid-shut, but my scoff was ready - until I saw the guard standing there.

The guard said with a smirk, “Please come with me to the bar." I followed him, curiosity getting the better of me. Before we got to the bar, I could already see Jasper's figure waiting at the entrance.

My heart skipped a beat as I rushed toward him. He looked effortlessly cool in his black leather jacket, dark jeans, and scuffed combat boots. His messy dark hair framed his sharp jawline, and his piercing blue eyes sparkled as he smiled.

As my eyes brimmed with tears, he swept me up in a tight hug, lifting me off the ground.

"Finally!" Jasper whispered, his voice choked with emotion.

"Missed you!" I replied, my voice muffled against his chest. We stood there for a moment, grinning at each other like fools, until his expression turned serious.

"You okay? I heard you shifted into a werewolf recently," Jasper said, leading me towards my room. His eyes sparkled with amusement.

"You always know the update. Wherever you've been all this while must have been treating you well. You look really dashing, Jasper." I teased, confidently striding towards my room.

Thompson's crew watched us, their faces filled with shock. I felt a surge of tension, but with Jasper by my side, I knew I was safe.

"It's good news that your pack accepted me back as a member," Jasper said, his brow furrowed with concern. "I left as a lone wolf. Not every pack would take me back." He pushed my door open, his eyes scanning the room before returning to me.

"Hey, Jasper, let's not dig up the past, okay?" I said, trying to steer the conversation away from painful memories.

But Jasper just chuckled. "I met your parents, and they welcomed me back to the pack. Maybe they're not as bad as we thought."

I playfully biffed him on the nose. "Don't say that. Let's just focus on the good news."

Jasper's eyes sparkled with mischief. "There's even better news, though." He slammed the door shut, grabbed my palms, and stared into my eyes. "Lexi, I came back to the pack for you, and because of the moon goddess' choice. You're my mate, Lexi."

My eyes widened in shock, and I felt my wolf stirring within me. "Jasper? You can't be serious?"

I pulled him close, inhaling his scent. "How did I not realize this when our hands touched?"

He smiled. "Your wolf is new and needs training from strong wolves like me. Don't worry, I'm here to help you."

With that, he lifted me off the ground and gently laid me on the bed.

I giggled with excitement as he joined me in bed, and we both gazed up at the ceiling. But his smile slowly faded, replaced by a look of unease.

"I wish I could spend my life with you, Lexi," he said, sitting up in bed with a sigh. "But your parents will never allow it. Getting mated to you means claiming the throne after them, and they hate me."

I shot him a concerned look. "But you just told me they welcomed you back to the pack."

He shrugged. "I was being sarcastic. They nearly chased me away, but my friend, the guard, intervened. The hate is still there, Lexi. All because I spoke out against the pack giving the throne to someone undeserving."

I jumped up from bed, pulling Jasper with me. "Father promised me a better relationship if I find my mate, no matter who it is. Mother supports that too. They'll be happy. Come on, Jasper, let's go tell them."

He hesitated. "This is all too sudden. Can't it wait till evening or tomorrow morning?"

I grinned. "I'm sure the mating thing between us will be successful."

Jasper's voice dropped to a low tone. "I'm not so sure. We can see whose words come true.”

Lexi's POV

“Do you want me to rip your heart to shreds?” I shot the guard a frosty glance. It was the guard stationed at the entrance to my father's room. He refused to grant me entry until Jasper arrived.

“Your father doesn't want to see you. I heard him order his guard to block your path to his room, but I'm sure he has a good reason.” Jasper's voice was low and reassuring as he grasped my hands, and together we pushed the door open.

He heaved a sigh of anxiety as we walked inside the room, surprised to see that my mother was actually in here with my father.

“This is great. I don't believe it's any coincidence. I believe it's the moon goddess showing me a second favor. Both of you are present here, and I won't need to repeat what I have to say.” I pushed a little smile to my chin as I mentioned, but they weren't as excited.

“I was going to leave f