With his gaze fixed on Alpha Jacobs, Kwan stood expectantly with Sasha and Beta Lee, waiting for his response. He could feel the anger pulsing through his veins as the image of Alpha Jacobs touching Sasha flashed through his mind. The growls of his wolf filled his mind when he remembered how Alpha Jacobs had claimed Sasha belonged to him. Despite his anger, he knew that killing Alpha Jacobs would only bring more trouble for his mate and pack.

With his head held high, Alpha Jacobs spoke out, "I'll sign the peace treaty if you release my members."

Kwan scoffed. "How do we know you won't tell them to attack us as soon as my buttercup lifts the spell?" he asked with narrowed eyes. He rubbed his arm when Sasha smacked him on it. "What?" he asked. With a shrug, he continued, "I'm looking out for our lives here, buttercup."

"I have to agree with Alpha Jung on this one bestie," Beta Lee said.

Alpha Jacobs lifted his right hand and placed it gently over his heart, his hazel-green eyes locking onto Kwan's. Alpha Jacobs' eyes swirled with sincerity and conviction as he spoke. "I promise," he said, his voice strong and unwavering. "I won't allow my warriors to attack you when Alpha Hemming lifts the spell."

Kwan rolled his eyes, a deep sigh escaping his lips. He had heard Alpha Jacobs' heartbeat, steady and unwavering. "As long as you keep your hands to yourself," Kwan warned, his voice low and rumbling. "You just might get to sign that peace treaty," he said before flashing his canines.

"Well, since that's settled, we can finally head back home," Beta Lee exclaimed with a sigh of relief.

"Hold up," Sasha said, looking around the area. "I need to finish off that old man before we do anything else."

"Over there," Beta Lee said, pointing to the isolated wolf that was trapped a few feet away from the others. "Your spell made sure he didn't run away."

"He wouldn't be able to run even without the spell," Sasha stated sharply. "When I said he wouldn't live past today, I meant that," she added with a note of finality. "Jia, go get Elder Storm's head while I collect Elder Jacobs'."

"I'm on it, Alpha," Beta Lee said.

Kwan kept his keen eyes on Sasha as she moved gracefully towards Elder Jacobs. A wave of relief washed over him as he realized that her secret was still safe. And they didn't have to lose another pack member in a pointless confrontation. He smiled, feeling the warmth of the sunlight on his skin, as he watched her expertly catch her gleaming knife.

Everything about his mate fascinated him, from the way she fought with precision and grace. To the way she willingly shouldered every burden. Burdens he planned on shouldering with her for the rest of their lives. The earthy scent of the forest filled his nostrils, and he couldn't help but feel grateful for such an extraordinary female. Being able to stand by her side filled him with a surge of pride.

Kwan smirked as Sasha released all the New Moon warriors and Elder Jacobs that were held captive. Sasha was sitting on the elder's side, using her legs to hold down his powerful paws. The sound of Elder Jacobs' struggles filled Kwan's ears — labored breathing and pitiful whining.

Truly incredible. Most alphas would have killed another for daring to claim their lands, but his female was different. Sasha was willing to offer Alpha Jacobs a choice - a chance to walk away with his life intact.

"You should have left when you had the chance," Sasha whispered in an icy voice above a whimpering Elder Jacobs. The sharp blade of the knife glinted in the sunlight as she slowly pushed it into the elder's neck. "Now you will feel what it's like to die at the hands of a royally pissed alpha female," she said, her tone cold and unforgiving. With a swift motion, she severed his head from his body.

Sasha rose to her feet and snatched the severed head from the ground. The blood oozing from the neck filled the air with a metallic scent. A small smirk played on her lips as she strutted towards Kwan. "We can go home now," she announced. "I've already instructed Aladdin to sort out the documents for the treaty."

"Jia," Sasha called out. "You can bring in Alpha Jacobs through the barrier."

Beta Lee smiled. "As you wish, Alpha."

Sasha turned to face Alpha Jacobs and spoke, "Your warriors can stay here until we get things sorted."

Alpha Jacobs grunted. "Okay," he murmured.

Kwan grinned as he entwined his fingers with Sasha's, feeling the warmth of her hand against his. As they strolled towards the barrier, he gently pulled her towards him, feeling the softness of her body against his. With every step they took, he couldn't help but savor the feeling of her delicate skin brushing against his.

Kwan leaned in close, his lips almost touching her earlobe. "I forgot to ask this earlier," he whispered. "But how does the enchantment barrier work exactly? Does the entire pack have some sort of connection to it?"

Sasha's lips curved into a smile as she looked up at him, her ice-blue eyes sparkling with amusement. "Something like that. I'll tell you the story when our guests leave."

"Hmm, okay," Kwan said, just as they walked through the barrier.

To the utter surprise of Kwan, Sasha, Beta Lee, and the two guards standing by the barrier, Alpha Jacobs suddenly took off running.

"What the fuck?" Beta Lee growled out.

"Cutie, do you mind going after him?" Sasha asked, her voice laced with irritation. "I'm really not in the mood to chase him down," she continued as looked at him with pouty lips. "And please," she added, placing a hand on his arm, "don't kill him."

Kwan let out a low grunt before tenderly placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. The sweet scent of vanilla filled his nostrils as he pulled away, his hand lingering on her cheek for a moment longer. "I won't make any promises, buttercup," he murmured before stepping away. Flashing her a teasing wink, he turned to follow the path that Alpha Jacobs had taken.

It didn't take long for Kwan to track down the runaway alpha. When he arrived at the scene, the sight before him left him gripping a nearby tree to steady himself. Laughter erupted from him uncontrollably. Alpha Jacobs was sprawled out on the ground, face down, emitting gut-wrenching groans.

Grace stood over Alpha Jacobs, her expression etched with shock and guilt. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to hit you so hard," Grace apologized. "But you shouldn't run up on someone like that," she continued, the sound of her voice sharp and tinged with frustration.

"I'm sorry, love," Alpha Jacobs said with a groan, his voice laced with regret. "My wolf took over as soon as we caught your scent."

"What did I miss?" Beta Lee asked.

Kwan glanced at Beta Lee over his shoulder. "Alpha Jacobs got knocked down by his mate," Kwan said with a grin.

The sound of Beta Lee's laughter filled the air. "Damn it, I should have gotten here faster."

Kwan pushed himself off the rough bark of the tree and walked over to Sasha. "I see you teach your females to attack first and ask questions later," Kwan remarked. His voice was laced with a hint of amusement.

Sasha let out a deep sigh as she rolled her eyes and turned away from him. "She had a brother," she said over her shoulder.

Kwan's hands grabbed onto her hips, firmly pulling her close against his broad chest. He leaned down, pressing his lips against her neck as he whispered, "What does that mean?" His voice was low and husky. He couldn't help but smile as she shivered under his touch. Knowing he had an effect on her like no one else.

"Grace grew up with her brother. So her reaction has nothing to do with me," Sasha whispered.

Kwan wrapped his arms tightly around her, feeling her warmth and the softness of her skin. His gaze shifted towards Grace and Alpha Jacobs, who were intently staring at each other, oblivious to everything else around them. Kwan's heart tightened with jealousy as he watched them. He felt a twinge of envy as he watched them share a moment he never got to experience with his own mate.

"What's your name and age, love?" Alpha Jacobs asked Grace.

Grace giggled. "Grace Brooks and I'm eighteen years old. What's yours?" she replied.

"Alpha Liam Jacobs and I'm twenty-fours years old, my Luna," Alpha Jacobs answered with a smile.

Sasha clapped once. "Now that the introductions are done. Let's get to the real reason you are here. Shall we?"

"Ah yes. Do you mind if Grace joins us?" Alpha Jacobs asked.

"She is more than welcome to join us. After all, she's going to be your luna," Sasha said. She placed a hand on her chin, her finger tapping against her skin. "Then again, there is still a chance she might reject you."

Alpha Jacobs emitted a low and menacing growl, his lips curling back to reveal his sharp teeth, as he pulled Grace towards him. Positioning himself protectively in front of her.

Kwan's voice was tense as he spoke, and his grip on Sasha's waist tightened. "You might want to calm down, Jacobs," he warned.

"Ah, Dr. Graham, thanks for coming," Sasha said. Her voice carried over Alpha Jacobs' growls as she turned slightly to the left in Kwan's arm.

"Greeting Alphas, Beta Lee and Grace," Dr. Graham said in a gruff voice with a respectful bow.

Kwan raised a thick eyebrow as he turned his head to look at the person his mate was talking to. To his left stood a tall man with sepia brown skin, donning a pristine white lab coat and gray slacks. Dr. Graham was bald-headed with a white beard that covered most of his chin, contrasting with his piercing black eyes.

Kwan was surprised that the man was a pack doctor, as his muscular physique was more fitting for a warrior. The fact that Dr. Graham stood almost three inches taller than Kwan added to his impressive build, making him a formidable figure.

"Here are the heads I'd like for you to hold in the hospital freezer," Sasha said. Extending her arm with Elder Jacobs' head towards Dr. Graham.

Dr. Graham took Elder Storm's head from Beta Lee before walking over to where Kwan stood with Sasha.

As Sasha handed Elder Jacobs' head. She remarked, "Geo should have already brought over the silver fur wolf's head to you."

"Yes, Alpha Hemming. I'll put these in the freezer with the other one for you. When will you be coming to collect them?" Dr. Graham replied.

"Tomorrow in the afternoon," Sasha stated.

"I'll have them bagged and ready for your departure, Alpha Hemming," said Dr. Graham before he bowed and left.

Kwan's eyes widened as he looked down at his mate, the sound of her announcement ringing in his ears. Why am I just now knowing this?

***

Kwan leaned casually against the bookshelf in Sasha's office, his eyes fixed on the view outside the window. He was waiting patiently for everyone to leave, yearning to have his mate all to himself. His gaze wandered over to the occupants of the room, taking in the sight of Beta Lee and Aladdin lounging on the plush couch. Alpha Jacobs and Grace occupied the two armchairs in the room. And Sasha sat comfortably in her office chair.

"Why did you agree to sign the treaty, Alpha Jacobs, even though you knew I was going to kill your father?" Sasha asked, her voice laced with a hint of curiosity.

Alpha Jacobs let out a deep sigh as his face darkened. "My dad needed to be taken down a peg or two," he said, his voice low and tight. "He let the thirst for power consume him, using my little sister and me as mere pawns whenever it suited him."

Sasha's voice was cold and devoid of emotion as she spoke. "Yea, but I didn't just knock him out. I killed him."

"Honestly, he deserved that and more after what he did to my little sister's mate and your parents," Alpha Jacobs said with a shrug.

Sasha leaned forward in her seat. "What do you mean?" she asked in a low, dangerous voice.

Kwan gently placed his hand on her shoulder, feeling the tension in her muscles. He knew whatever news they were about to hear would bring her distress. But he was determined to be her unwavering support.