Marked By The Alpha's Cursed Blue Moon
Chapter 33. Price of Protection

Chapter 33: 33. Price of Protection

Alpha Jackson sat alone in his room, deep in thought. The atmosphere was still, heavy with silence.

A thick leather-bound book lay open on the table before him, untouched. He sat in his reading chair, eyes fixed on the book, though his mind was far from it.

Let all that has happened to me—and everything that has worked against me—be written in this book, he thought solemnly. One day, I won’t be here anymore. And when that time comes, no one will be able to tell Maria the full story. She’ll find this book at the right time. It’ll speak for me.

With a long, steadying breath, Alpha Jackson grabbed the book and rose to his feet. He knew what he had to do.

He walked out of his room and headed straight for his car. The moment his driver saw him approaching, he rushed forward.

"I’ll take the wheel today," Alpha Jackson said, waving the driver off before the man could say a word.

Without further explanation, he got into the driver’s seat and started the engine. It was a long journey ahead—one he had to take alone.

Three hours later, the road he traveled turned narrow and desolate. No other vehicles passed by, no signs of life. The air was thick with stillness, and the only sounds were birds flitting between trees.

He finally pulled over beside a dense forest. It looked like any ordinary patch of wild land, but Jackson knew better. He stepped out, locked the door, and took the book with him.

Without hesitation, he entered the tall bushes beside the road. As soon as he stepped through, the atmosphere changed. Darkness fell over the area like a thick curtain, despite the daylight outside.

Jackson didn’t flinch. He was familiar with the unnatural darkness of this sacred place.

Lifting his right hand high above his head, he declared loudly, "Let the gate of the land of the Holy Ones be opened to me, and let light shine upon my path—for righteousness is what I seek!"

The moment the words left his lips, the trees ahead shifted. A radiant gate formed from within them, glowing brilliantly. The light cut through the darkness like a blade.

"Welcome in, O ye great Alpha with a righteous heart!" a voice echoed from within the light.

Jackson didn’t hesitate. He walked forward into the glowing gate. The moment he passed through, it closed behind him, vanishing into the forest once more.

Inside, the world was still and pure, bathed in light. Sitting at the center of it all was an old man, cloaked entirely in white robes. He sat on a massive white throne, light radiating from every inch of him.

"I have come to seek wisdom," Jackson began, his voice steady. "My heart is heavy, and my mind is restless."

The old man’s eyes were calm and full of depth. "What troubles you, son?" he asked gently.

Jackson’s shoulders fell. His stern Alpha exterior softened. "Many people are after my life," he said quietly. "But it’s not my life I fear for... it’s my family. My wife. My daughter."

"Speak, child. Let all that weighs you down be known here and now," the old man said, his gaze unwavering.

Jackson’s voice cracked slightly as he continued, "There are people in my pack I trusted—people who now plot against me. I’ve known for some time, but I’ve said nothing. I’m not afraid to die... but if I do, who will protect my family?"

He hesitated, then added, "My daughter... she was born under the cursed Blue Moon. She hasn’t even shifted once, and she’s nearly seventeen. If my enemies find out, she’ll be seen as weak. Worse—she’ll be labeled cursed. They’ll kill her."

The old man let out a thoughtful sigh. "All these things are known to us. But you understand we do not interfere unless we are called upon. It is the law of this realm."

"I know," Jackson nodded. "That’s why I’m here. I’m calling upon you now."

The old man’s tone shifted, now serious and probing. "What do you want from us?"

"I want protection for my family—especially my daughter," Jackson replied. "She needs to be protected... not just from others, but from herself when her curse begins to take hold."

"Protection on this scale will require a great sacrifice," the old man said slowly. "To shift the hands of time... to alter the balance of destiny... it cannot be done without consequence. Are you prepared for that?"

Jackson didn’t hesitate. "If it means keeping my family safe, I’ll do whatever it takes. I don’t care what happens to me."

The old man leaned forward slightly. "To alter time, blood is needed. You must sacrifice something equal to what you seek to protect. The forces you face are not of this world. They dwell in the highest realms of darkness."

"I understand," Jackson said with resolve. "I’ve made peace with it. I just need your word that my family will be safe."

The old man studied him for a moment. "Then I advise you to return home and reflect once more. This path, once taken, cannot be reversed."

Jackson met the old man’s eyes, unwavering. "I’ve already made my decision before coming here. I have no doubts."

The old man gave a final warning. "Are you prepared to give your life... for theirs?"

The old man held Alpha Jackson’s gaze with a calm firmness.

"I can see your mind is made up," he said slowly, "but there are procedures to follow. They must be obeyed and observed accordingly. Alpha, you must return. When the time is right... a message will be sent to you."

Jackson’s jaw tightened at those words. He had hoped everything could be settled here and now. Still, he knew he had no choice but to wait.

"Thank you, wise one," he said with a slight bow. "I will do as you have instructed. But... I do have one request."

The old man leaned forward slightly. "What could your request be, Alpha?"

Jackson reached into the small bag he carried and pulled out the worn book he had brought with him.

"This book contains everything... my enemies and their deeds, the things I’ve done—both good and bad. And it also holds details about the people I want my daughter to work with in the future," he said with a heavy heart.

"If she were to read this book now... it would break her. The information is too much for her to handle. And she still hasn’t transformed yet. Knowing what’s inside could put her in even more danger."

The old man nodded, his expression unreadable. "So... what exactly do you wish we do with this book, which holds such weighty secrets?"

Jackson stepped forward, holding the book with both hands.

"I want it to stay here, in the land of the Holy Ones. Keep it safe. Then, when the time is right, when she’s ready... please, give it to her. Let her know what to do with her powers."

The old man stared at the book, then at Jackson.

"We will honor your request," he said gently. "Your intentions are righteous and pure. The book will remain safe within this realm."

A breath of relief escaped Jackson’s chest. "Thank you, wise one. I’ll await your message."

He bowed low in gratitude, and with quiet dignity, he was led away by the ushers of the Holy Ones.

---

Maria was in her room, curled up on the bed, trying to get some rest after a draining day at college. Her mind, however, was far from restful. The fight she’d had with Bernard still echoed in her thoughts, making everything in the house feel irritating.

Then came a knock on her door.

She rolled over and ignored it at first. She wasn’t in the mood to see anyone—especially not Bernard. The knocking continued, persistent.

With a frustrated groan, she stood up. If it’s Bernard, she thought angrily, I’m slamming the door in his face.

She didn’t bother asking who it was. She yanked the door open—only to find herself staring at the oldest man in the house.

"Forgive the disturbance, ma’am," the man said politely, his eyes avoiding hers as he sensed her irritation. "The boss asked to see you in the living room. Right away."

Maria’s shoulders relaxed slightly. "Alright," she said curtly. "I’ll be there soon."

She closed the door and leaned against it, sighing. What does Beta Gilbert want with me? Is it about the argument with Bernard?

Still puzzled, she got dressed and walked to the living room. As soon as she stepped in, she sensed that something wasn’t right.

Beta Gilbert was seated calmly, but something in his demeanor was different. He always had a warm smile, even during tough moments—but now, his expression was cold and unreadable.

Maria sat down on the couch across from him, feeling oddly small in the quiet tension of the room.

"Good evening, sir. You called for me," she said, her voice soft and cautious.

Beta Gilbert looked at her, took off his glasses, cleaned the lenses slowly, and then put them back on.

"Maria... how are you doing?"

The question caught her off guard. She blinked. That wasn’t what she expected.

"I... I’m fine, sir," she replied, though her voice trembled slightly.

Gilbert leaned forward. "Maria, I want an honest answer. How are you really doing?"

She looked down, hesitated, then sighed. "I’m not fine, sir."

He nodded slowly, waiting.

"I had a fight with Bernard. He told me I’ve been ungrateful to you... and to the family. I just wanted to say I’m sorry—for how I’ve acted, for my attitude. I didn’t mean to come off that way, and I regret it."

Her voice cracked slightly as she finished, her eyes still fixed on the floor.

Gilbert sat back in his seat, clearly taken aback. "Jez... Bernard said that to you?" He stood up slowly. "I knew you two had an argument, but I didn’t realize he said something so hurtful."

He walked over and gently placed a hand on her arm.

"Maria, I’m deeply sorry for my son’s behavior. Please forgive him... forgive all of us."

His apology hit her like a wave. She hadn’t expected him to be the one apologizing.

"No, sir. Please, don’t apologize. He only said the truth—even if it hurt. I should be the one apologizing, not you."

Gilbert stood quietly, watching her with a softened gaze.

Then his tone shifted. "Tomorrow, you won’t be going to college."

Maria looked up, startled. "Why?"

"There’s somewhere I need to take you," he said, his voice firm but kind. "After that... you may understand why you shouldn’t be apologizing for anything."