The Lycan King's Second Chance Mate: Rise of the Traitor's Daughter
Chapter 44: Change of Plans

Chapter 44: Change of Plans

Natalie~

Jacob led me through the beautifully lit hallway of the hotel, his hand warm and steady around mine. My heart was still racing from the encounter with Griffin, Marissa, and Lisa. For the first time in years, I had seen Marissa stunned into silence—literally. Jacob had done that. He had turned their cruelty into nothing but an empty echo.

Jacob’s strange power—still swirled in my mind. I had no idea who Jacob really was, but he had defended me, stood up for me in a way no one except Zane, ever had.

We stopped in front of a door. Jacob turned to me, his signature smirk curving his lips as he pulled a key card from his pocket.

"Alright princess, this is your room," he said, sliding the card into the lock. The door beeped softly before clicking open. He pushed it slightly and gestured inside. "Get some rest, Natalie. You need it."

I swallowed, staring past him at the luxurious room. The bright light from the chandelier bathed everything in a beautiful silver glow, making the plush furniture and crisp sheets look inviting. It was the kind of place I knew someone like me didn’t belong in.

Jacob handed me a sleek black phone. "If you need anything, call me."

I hesitated before taking the phone from him. It felt unfamiliar in my grip—sleek, expensive, like the one Zane had given me. The one I left behind when I ran. Something that valuable didn’t belong in my hands. I knew better now. Someone like me—cursed, broken—wasn’t meant for good things.

"I don’t have your number," I muttered.

Jacob grinned. "You do. It’s on speed dial. I’m room 407. Right next door."

He started to turn away, but I reached out, stopping him with a gentle tug on his sleeve. "Jacob..." I took a shaky breath. "Thank you. For everything. You didn’t have to step in back there."

Jacob waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, please. It was my duty."

Duty?

I frowned, the word sitting oddly in my chest.

Jacob placed a dramatic hand over his heart. "The universe sent me to smite annoying ex-mates and their minions. A noble cause, wouldn’t you agree?"

I let out a small, tired laugh. "Still, I appreciate it."

Jacob’s smirk softened. "Don’t mention it, Nat."

I bit my lip. My mind raced with questions I had pushed aside in the chaos. "Jacob, who are you? How did you know about Griffin? About Marissa? Are you really a wizard, like Griffin said?"

Jacob grinned, tilting his head as if debating something. Then, with an exaggerated sigh, he leaned in as if he was about to tell me the biggest secret in the world. "If I told you, you wouldn’t believe me."

I raised an eyebrow. "Try me."

His brown eyes sparkled with amusement. "Fine. My real name is Mist, the wolf spirit, son of the first moon and guardian of the second moon."

I blinked. Once. Twice.

Then I gave him a flat stare. "Jacob, are you serious right now?"

He grinned. "Dead serious."

I stared at him like he had grown two heads. Either he was mocking me, or he had completely lost his mind. Then again, maybe he just didn’t want to reveal his secrets. I had my own secrets, the ones I wished would remain buried forever. Who was I to demand his truth when I couldn’t even share my own?

So, instead of questioning further, I gave him a small smile. "Well, Mist, son of the first moon, I won’t force you to tell me anything you don’t want to."

Jacob looked at me for a moment before nodding approvingly. "Good answer." He motioned to the door. "Get some rest, Natalie."

I nodded and stepped inside. He waited until I closed the door before his footsteps retreated down the hall.

The hotel room was breathtaking, far grander than anything I had ever seen. The bed was enormous, the furniture sleek and expensive, but despite how beautiful it was, I still felt like an imposter in a place like this.

Without thinking, I grabbed some extra blankets and set up a makeshift bed on the floor. Old habits died hard.

After a long, hot shower—the kind I wasn’t sure I’d get again after tonight—I wrapped myself in a plush robe. A knock on the door startled me.

I opened it cautiously, only to find a server holding a tray of food.

"Mr. Bartholomew ordered this for you," the server said politely.

Jacob.

I thanked the server and took the tray inside, setting it on the table. I grabbed the phone he had given me and sent him a quick text.

Me: Thank you for the food.

Seconds later, he replied.

Jacob: It’s my pleasure, princess.

I rolled my eyes but smiled anyway.

The food was luxurious—steak, mashed potatoes, vegetables cooked to perfection. As I ate, I couldn’t help but think about how long it would be before I had another meal like this. I had relied on Zane for too long, and I knew that eventually, Jacob would find out what I was and send me away too. It was best if I left before he had the chance.

With a heavy heart, I finished my meal and curled up on my blanket bed. But sleep wouldn’t come.

I thought of Alexander. Was he doing okay without me? It hadn’t even been a full day, and I already missed him so much.

Then, there was Zane. I didn’t resent him—not at all. If anything, I was grateful. He had given me everything—shelter, food, a chance to start over. He even helped me get my GED. He was more than a saint to me, and I wished things could have been different. But in the end, what I was would always be a roadblock to happiness. It was time I accepted that.

I tossed and turned all night, and before I knew it, the bedside clock read 5:00 AM.

It was time.

I sat up, brushed my teeth, and got dressed. On the bedside table, I found a small notepad and wrote a note.

Jacob,

Thank you for everything, but I need to go off on my own now. I don’t want to be a burden. Please don’t come looking for me.

I placed the note on the table and walked to the door.

The moment I opened it, I nearly screamed.

Jacob stood there, arms crossed, eyes sharp.

I clutched my chest. "What the hell are you doing at my door so early?!"

Jacob raised an eyebrow. "I could ask you the same thing."

I felt my face burn with embarrassment.

Jacob sighed. "I knew you were going to run. That’s why I came early."

I swallowed hard. "I wasn’t running—"

"You were literally sneaking out."

I groaned. "Jacob, move."

"Can’t do that, princess."

I narrowed my eyes. "Why are you—"

"I don’t have time for the dramatic exit speech," he interrupted. "We have a problem."

I tensed. "What?"

"Griffin ran straight to Alpha Darius and told him everything." Jacob’s eyes darkened. "Darius sent his men to take you."

Panic seized my chest.

No. No, no, no.

"How do you even know that?" I whispered.

Jacob’s face darkened. "I know a lot of things."

That wasn’t an answer.

I could barely breathe. If Darius got his hands on me—no, I couldn’t let that happen.

Jacob grabbed my wrist gently. "You’re coming with me."

"Where?"

"I’ll explain in the car. Now, come on."

Every logical part of my brain screamed not to trust him, but my heart thought differently. There was something about Jacob that made me feel... safe. Despite his hidden identity, his cryptic words and infuriating smirks, I somehow knew he wouldn’t hurt me. I didn’t know why but Jacob made me feel like I had known him for many years. It was crazy.

I let him lead me to his nice car. He opened the door for me before sliding into the driver’s seat and pulling onto the road.

I couldn’t stay silent. "Where are you taking me?"

Jacob’s fingers tightened around the steering wheel. "If I leave you alone, Darius will find you within hours. He’s obsessed with you, Natalie. You’ll never be safe unless we get far away from here."

Fear coiled in my stomach. Darius hadn’t given up on hunting me. He would never stop. Why was he doing this to me? He was the one who banished me out of his pack in the first place. I buried my face in my hands, fighting back tears.

Jacob’s voice softened. "Don’t cry, princess. I’m here."

I sniffled. "Why are you doing this? Why are you sticking your neck out for me?"

Jacob hesitated. "Because it’s my duty to protect you."

That word again.

I looked at him, searching for answers, but he remained as cryptic as ever.

Before I could push further, the car slowed to a stop. I looked out the window and felt my breath hitch.

An airport?

I had only ever seen one on TV.

I turned to Jacob, heart hammering. "What are we doing at an airport?"

His smirk returned.

"We’re going to Paris."