07

Aiden

The cold night air bit into my skin as we crouched in the dense shadows near the pack’s prison. I kept my breathing even, forcing myself to stay calm despite the storm raging inside me. The moonlight filtered through the treetops, casting long, shifting shadows over the hard-packed ground. The prison loomed ahead, dark and imposing, its walls a reminder of the judgement Valeria didn’t deserve.

Rylan crouched beside me, his fists clenched so tightly his knuckles were pale. “The guards shift positions every fifteen minutes,” he whispered. “If we move now, we have a window.”

Kade was on my other side, silent and still. He hadn’t spoken much since we agreed on this plan, and I wasn’t sure if it was anger or guilt that kept him quiet. Maybe both.

“Are you sure about this, Aiden?” Kade finally asked, his voice low but sharp.

I turned my head slightly, my eyes locking with his. “I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t.”

“She’s our mate,” Rylan growled softly, his tone laced with frustration. “We shouldn’t even have to argue about this. If you’re having second thoughts, Kade, stay behind.”

Kade’s jaw clenched, but he didn’t reply. That was enough for me.

I straightened, glancing toward the prison’s gates. The two guards stationed there were chatting, their attention elsewhere. Rylan’s information was right—the guards rotated every fifteen minutes, and this was our chance.

“Let’s move,” I whispered, already stepping forward.

The three of us moved like shadows, silent and purposeful. The adrenaline coursing through me sharpened my senses, every sound and movement amplified in my mind. When we reached the side of the building, I pressed my back against the wall, listening intently for any signs of movement inside.

“Keys?” I whispered to Rylan, who pulled a small pouch from his pocket.

“Stole them earlier from Jeric’s office,” he murmured.

“Good.” I nodded toward the door. “Let’s go.”

Rylan unlocked the door, and we slipped inside. The air was damp and heavy, the scent of mildew and despair clinging to the walls. My wolf, Zephyr, growled low in my mind, a visceral reaction to the thought of Valeria being locked away in this place.

We moved quickly through the narrow corridor, our steps muffled against the stone floor. When we reached Valeria’s cell, I felt a surge of relief and anger all at once. She was sitting on the cold floor, her back against the wall, her head resting on her knees.

“Valeria,” I said softly, stepping forward.

Her head snapped up, and when her eyes met mine, I saw the exhaustion and vulnerability there. But beneath it all, I saw strength too.

“Aiden?” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

I crouched by the bars, gripping them tightly. “We’re getting you out of here.”

Her gaze flicked to Rylan and Kade, and her brows furrowed. “You shouldn’t be here. If they catch you—”

“They won’t,” Rylan said firmly, stepping forward to unlock her cell. “We’re not leaving without you.”

Kade stayed silent, his expression unreadable as he stood back, watching.

When the door swung open, I stepped inside and knelt in front of Valeria. “Can you stand?”

She nodded, but when she tried to push herself up, her legs wobbled. I caught her before she fell, my arms steadying her.

“Let me help,” I said, my voice softer now.

She didn’t argue, leaning into me as I helped her to her feet. Her body was weak, but I could feel the fire in her still burning, even if it was faint.

“Let’s go,” Rylan urged, glancing toward the corridor.

We moved quickly, Kade taking the rear while Rylan led the way. The silence of the prison felt oppressive, like it was holding its breath, waiting for us to make a mistake.

When we finally stepped outside, the cool night air hit us like a wave, and I felt a flicker of hope. But we weren’t safe yet.

We stopped in a clearing deep in the forest, far enough from the prison that we could catch our breath. I eased Valeria down onto a patch of grass, kneeling beside her as she leaned back against a tree. Her breathing was laboured, and her skin was pale, but she was alive. That was all that mattered.

“Now what?” Rylan asked, crossing his arms as he glanced between me and Kade.

“We need to get her somewhere safe,” I said. “Somewhere the wolf pack can’t reach her.”

“That’s obvious,” Rylan snapped. “The question is where.”

“I’ll take her to Stormclaw,” I offered immediately. “My pack will protect her.”

“Stormclaw is too vulnerable,” Rylan countered, shaking his head. “Blackridge is better fortified. She should come with me.”

“No,” Kade said sharply, stepping forward. “She’s not going to Blackridge.”

Rylan turned to him, his eyes narrowing. “And why the hell not?”

“Because it’s not safe,” Kade said, his tone clipped. “There are too many rival packs waiting for a chance to strike. If word gets out that she’s there, she’ll be a target.”

“And she’ll be safer with you?” Rylan shot back. “Your pack might be the strongest, but it’s also the most visible. Everyone will know where to look.”

The tension between them was palpable, and I could feel my own frustration rising. “This isn’t about us,” I snapped. “It’s about Valeria.”

“And that’s why she should come with me,” Rylan argued. “Blackridge has the resources and the secrecy to keep her safe.”

Valeria stirred, her voice faint but firm. “Stop,” she said, her gaze flicking between us. “I can barely move. Fighting over me isn’t helping.”

Her words stung, and I felt a pang of guilt.

Rylan sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Fine,” he said after a moment. “Kade, you take her.”

“What?” Kade said, his tone sharp.

“You heard me,” Rylan replied. “Your pack is the strongest. If anyone can protect her, it’s you.”

“I’m not taking her,” Kade said, his jaw tightening. “This isn’t my fight.”

Rylan stepped closer, his voice low and dangerous. “She’s… our mate, Kade. This is all of our fight.”

Kade’s gaze flicked to Valeria, and for a moment, I thought he was going to refuse again. But then he sighed heavily, running a hand down his face.

“Fine,” he muttered, though his tone was anything but enthusiastic. “She’ll come with me.”

Relief washed over me, but it was tinged with tension. This wasn’t over—not by a long shot. But for now, Valeria was safe, and that was all that mattered.