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Liam"They knew the patrol signs," adds another team member, a Mountain Ridge enforcer, as we try to sort through the chaos before us. "They even responded correctly to the challenge phrases. We had no reason to suspect them until they were within striking distance."Alpha Bennett's expression darkens. "Gather the team leaders. Now. If they're mimicking pack members, we need new identification protocols immediately."As the command center explodes into activity, I catch Finley's gaze across the room. The same realization passes between us—if these creatures can convincingly pass as wolves, no one is safe. Trust, the foundation of pack life, has become a vulnerability."What do you need me to do?" Ryleigh asks, pulling me back to the immediate crisis."Find Kaden," I tell her. "Tell him to implement security protocol Delta. Then report to Finley for evacuation acceleration."She nods sharply and moves off without hesitation, all personal history temporarily set aside in the face of imme
LiamAs the sounds of combat intensify outside, I move to the tactical display, tracking our defensive positions. The creatures are attacking with unexpected coordination, probing for weaknesses rather than committing fully at any one point."They're testing us," I realize aloud. "Looking for gaps in our defense.""Or creating a diversion," Finley suggests, studying the pattern. "The heaviest assault is north, but their numbers are thinner than expected for a full attack."She's right again. This feels like a feint, a distraction from their true objective. But what—A scream from the adjacent corridor interrupts my thought. Not a battle cry, but pure terror. Finley and I move simultaneously, rushing toward the sound with several warriors behind us.We find a young pack member crumpled against the wall, blood pooling beneath him from a wound to his throat. Nearby, a door stands open that should have been secured—the entrance to the records room where we've been storing all evidence coll
Finley"His temperature's still rising," I tell Celina, pressing a cold cloth to Liam's forehead. His skin burns beneath my touch, unnaturally hot even for a wolf's naturally elevated body temperature. The wounds across his chest have turned an alarming shade of black at the edges, dark veins spreading outward like poisonous roots seeking deeper soil.The witch examines the progression with supernatural focus, her fingers hovering just above the damaged tissue. "The containment spell is slowing it, but not stopping it. This isn't ordinary venom.""Can you help him?" My voice remains steady despite the fear clawing at my insides. Nova whines anxiously, distressed by Storm's weakening presence.Celina's expression is grave as she meets my eyes. "The poison is targeting his human side directly, trying to separate it from his wolf. If we don't stabilize it soon..."She doesn't finish the sentence. She doesn't need to. I've seen what happens when a wolf's nature fractures. It’s rare, but it
FinleyTo my surprise, Storm responds—not with submission, but with recognition. Wolf to wolf, Alpha to Beta. The grip on my wrist eases slightly, though Liam's eyes remain that uncanny blue."Finley," Celina directs, "remind him of pack bonds. Of human connections. His wolf is fighting, but his human needs anchoring."I lean closer, maintaining our healing circle while meeting Storm's gaze directly. "Liam, I know you can hear me. Hold on to Storm, but don't let him take over. Remember who you are. Glass Lake’s Beta. Kaden's second. The pack needs you. We need you."Something flickers in those wolf-blue eyes—recognition, determination, the human fighting to resurface. The black veins across his chest pulse once more, then begin to recede, the unnatural darkness gradually giving way to normal wound coloration.Celina's chanting reaches a crescendo. A final pulse of energy flows through our circle—from my connection to the territory, through Liam's wounded body, through Dane's stabilizin
DaneThe energy from the ritual still pulses through my veins as I make my way to Alpha Bennett's office. That moment of connection—Finley, Liam, and me forming a perfect circuit of power—has left Summit restless and contemplative. It felt right in a way I'm not prepared to examine too closely.But I don't have the luxury of dwelling on it. Not with what I discovered in the Mountain Ridge archives. Not with what's coming.Alpha Bennett looks up as I enter, the strain of recent days evident in the new lines around his eyes. "Enforcer Parker. Welcome back. I understand we have you to thank for assisting with Liam's healing."I don’t miss the way he takes every opportunity to use my current title to demean me the same way my father deos by insisting I work fro him. Assholes, both of them. Though now, with Finley in the picture, I’m no longer sure Alpha is a role I’m destined for. "I did what was necessary," I reply, standing at formal attention. "But that's not why I'm here."His express
Dane As I leave Alpha Bennett’s office, my phone vibrates with an incoming call. Father. Again. The twelfth call in as many hours. I've been avoiding him since returning to Forest Trails, knowing each conversation will just tighten the trap around me. But I can't delay the inevitable forever.I answer as I step outside, the afternoon sun offering no warmth against the chill of impending confrontation. "Father.""Where are you?" His voice is controlled but cold, tension vibrating beneath the surface. "The Silver Creek delegation has arrived. Aria is asking for you. The ceremonial preparations cannot proceed without your presence.""I'm at Forest Trails," I reply, keeping my tone neutral despite Summit's growing agitation. "There have been developments. Critical information about the entities attacking multiple packs.""Whatever territorial disputes Forest Trails is experiencing are their concern, not ours." His dismissal is absolute. "Your duty is to Mountain Ridge. To our alliance wit
Dane Suddenly, my decision solidifies and I feel a perfect peace settle over me. I know what I have to do. What I should have done weeks ago, when I first recognized Finley as my mate. What I've been too cowardly, too bound by obligation, to admit even to myself."There will be no announcement ceremony tomorrow," I say, my voice carrying clearly to everyone gathered.Aria's perfect composure slips, confusion creasing her brow. "What?""I cannot and will not proceed with the arranged mating," I continue, addressing not just Aria but the gathered wolves, and by extension, my father. "I respect Silver Creek and the alliance our packs have built. But I cannot enter a mating bond that contradicts the Moon Goddess's will.""You can't be serious," Aria hisses under her breath. "This arrangement has been years in development. Both our packs have invested everything in this alliance.""I am entirely serious." I maintain steady eye contact, owing her that much respect. "And I apologize for the
Finley"Are you sure about this arrangement?" Dad asks, his voice low as we stand outside the secure wing where Liam is recovering. "All three of you in such close proximity, given the... situation?"I maintain a neutral expression despite the awkwardness of discussing my love life with my father. "It's the most practical solution. If our bloodlines are what these creatures are targeting, we need to maintain a unified defense.""Practical," he repeats, a hint of skepticism in his tone. "And the emotional aspects?""Are secondary," I finish firmly. "We're all adults, Dad. We can handle complicated feelings while focusing on the crisis at hand."He studies me for a moment, parental concern warring with Alpha pragmatism. "Dane Parker made a significant public declaration today. One that will have lasting consequences for all involved.""I'm aware." I keep my voice steady despite Nova's restless stirring at the mention of Dane's name. "But one declaration doesn't erase past actions. Trust
Finley"Are you sure about this arrangement?" Dad asks, his voice low as we stand outside the secure wing where Liam is recovering. "All three of you in such close proximity, given the... situation?"I maintain a neutral expression despite the awkwardness of discussing my love life with my father. "It's the most practical solution. If our bloodlines are what these creatures are targeting, we need to maintain a unified defense.""Practical," he repeats, a hint of skepticism in his tone. "And the emotional aspects?""Are secondary," I finish firmly. "We're all adults, Dad. We can handle complicated feelings while focusing on the crisis at hand."He studies me for a moment, parental concern warring with Alpha pragmatism. "Dane Parker made a significant public declaration today. One that will have lasting consequences for all involved.""I'm aware." I keep my voice steady despite Nova's restless stirring at the mention of Dane's name. "But one declaration doesn't erase past actions. Trust
Dane Suddenly, my decision solidifies and I feel a perfect peace settle over me. I know what I have to do. What I should have done weeks ago, when I first recognized Finley as my mate. What I've been too cowardly, too bound by obligation, to admit even to myself."There will be no announcement ceremony tomorrow," I say, my voice carrying clearly to everyone gathered.Aria's perfect composure slips, confusion creasing her brow. "What?""I cannot and will not proceed with the arranged mating," I continue, addressing not just Aria but the gathered wolves, and by extension, my father. "I respect Silver Creek and the alliance our packs have built. But I cannot enter a mating bond that contradicts the Moon Goddess's will.""You can't be serious," Aria hisses under her breath. "This arrangement has been years in development. Both our packs have invested everything in this alliance.""I am entirely serious." I maintain steady eye contact, owing her that much respect. "And I apologize for the
Dane As I leave Alpha Bennett’s office, my phone vibrates with an incoming call. Father. Again. The twelfth call in as many hours. I've been avoiding him since returning to Forest Trails, knowing each conversation will just tighten the trap around me. But I can't delay the inevitable forever.I answer as I step outside, the afternoon sun offering no warmth against the chill of impending confrontation. "Father.""Where are you?" His voice is controlled but cold, tension vibrating beneath the surface. "The Silver Creek delegation has arrived. Aria is asking for you. The ceremonial preparations cannot proceed without your presence.""I'm at Forest Trails," I reply, keeping my tone neutral despite Summit's growing agitation. "There have been developments. Critical information about the entities attacking multiple packs.""Whatever territorial disputes Forest Trails is experiencing are their concern, not ours." His dismissal is absolute. "Your duty is to Mountain Ridge. To our alliance wit
DaneThe energy from the ritual still pulses through my veins as I make my way to Alpha Bennett's office. That moment of connection—Finley, Liam, and me forming a perfect circuit of power—has left Summit restless and contemplative. It felt right in a way I'm not prepared to examine too closely.But I don't have the luxury of dwelling on it. Not with what I discovered in the Mountain Ridge archives. Not with what's coming.Alpha Bennett looks up as I enter, the strain of recent days evident in the new lines around his eyes. "Enforcer Parker. Welcome back. I understand we have you to thank for assisting with Liam's healing."I don’t miss the way he takes every opportunity to use my current title to demean me the same way my father deos by insisting I work fro him. Assholes, both of them. Though now, with Finley in the picture, I’m no longer sure Alpha is a role I’m destined for. "I did what was necessary," I reply, standing at formal attention. "But that's not why I'm here."His express
FinleyTo my surprise, Storm responds—not with submission, but with recognition. Wolf to wolf, Alpha to Beta. The grip on my wrist eases slightly, though Liam's eyes remain that uncanny blue."Finley," Celina directs, "remind him of pack bonds. Of human connections. His wolf is fighting, but his human needs anchoring."I lean closer, maintaining our healing circle while meeting Storm's gaze directly. "Liam, I know you can hear me. Hold on to Storm, but don't let him take over. Remember who you are. Glass Lake’s Beta. Kaden's second. The pack needs you. We need you."Something flickers in those wolf-blue eyes—recognition, determination, the human fighting to resurface. The black veins across his chest pulse once more, then begin to recede, the unnatural darkness gradually giving way to normal wound coloration.Celina's chanting reaches a crescendo. A final pulse of energy flows through our circle—from my connection to the territory, through Liam's wounded body, through Dane's stabilizin
Finley"His temperature's still rising," I tell Celina, pressing a cold cloth to Liam's forehead. His skin burns beneath my touch, unnaturally hot even for a wolf's naturally elevated body temperature. The wounds across his chest have turned an alarming shade of black at the edges, dark veins spreading outward like poisonous roots seeking deeper soil.The witch examines the progression with supernatural focus, her fingers hovering just above the damaged tissue. "The containment spell is slowing it, but not stopping it. This isn't ordinary venom.""Can you help him?" My voice remains steady despite the fear clawing at my insides. Nova whines anxiously, distressed by Storm's weakening presence.Celina's expression is grave as she meets my eyes. "The poison is targeting his human side directly, trying to separate it from his wolf. If we don't stabilize it soon..."She doesn't finish the sentence. She doesn't need to. I've seen what happens when a wolf's nature fractures. It’s rare, but it
LiamAs the sounds of combat intensify outside, I move to the tactical display, tracking our defensive positions. The creatures are attacking with unexpected coordination, probing for weaknesses rather than committing fully at any one point."They're testing us," I realize aloud. "Looking for gaps in our defense.""Or creating a diversion," Finley suggests, studying the pattern. "The heaviest assault is north, but their numbers are thinner than expected for a full attack."She's right again. This feels like a feint, a distraction from their true objective. But what—A scream from the adjacent corridor interrupts my thought. Not a battle cry, but pure terror. Finley and I move simultaneously, rushing toward the sound with several warriors behind us.We find a young pack member crumpled against the wall, blood pooling beneath him from a wound to his throat. Nearby, a door stands open that should have been secured—the entrance to the records room where we've been storing all evidence coll
Liam"They knew the patrol signs," adds another team member, a Mountain Ridge enforcer, as we try to sort through the chaos before us. "They even responded correctly to the challenge phrases. We had no reason to suspect them until they were within striking distance."Alpha Bennett's expression darkens. "Gather the team leaders. Now. If they're mimicking pack members, we need new identification protocols immediately."As the command center explodes into activity, I catch Finley's gaze across the room. The same realization passes between us—if these creatures can convincingly pass as wolves, no one is safe. Trust, the foundation of pack life, has become a vulnerability."What do you need me to do?" Ryleigh asks, pulling me back to the immediate crisis."Find Kaden," I tell her. "Tell him to implement security protocol Delta. Then report to Finley for evacuation acceleration."She nods sharply and moves off without hesitation, all personal history temporarily set aside in the face of imme
LiamMaps, communication protocols, patrol schedules—organizing a multi-pack defense network is complex at the best of times. Doing it while exhausted, emotionally raw, and facing an enemy we barely understand verges on impossible. Yet here we are."Glass Lake's southeastern quadrant remains vulnerable," I tell the assembled team leaders, highlighting the area on the digital map. "The terrain makes it difficult to patrol effectively, but that same difficulty makes it attractive for ambush points.""We can redirect two squads from the northern border," Kaden suggests, leaning over the table. "River Run has that area heavily covered now."I nod, making the adjustment on the tactical display. Three days of intensifying attacks have forced us into unprecedented cooperation—territory boundaries temporarily dissolved as we create a unified defense grid across all allied packs. The joint command center established in Forest Trails' main hall has become the nerve center for our operations."Wh