Sorry for the late update! I hope you enjoy the chapter, finger crossed another one will be up today. :)
They waited until all the Wild Shore wolves had moved into their assigned positions. Maddie held her breath as warrior after warrior rushed up the sloped hallway of the packhouse. They didn’t know exactly how many wolves would be stationed to guard the broken window but from the moment they attacked, the other warriors would all converge on them. They’d have barely a minute to escape. She didn’t know if it would be enough, but they had to risk it to be free. Maddie watched Michael, his hand up to keep them steady, Lewis behind her, ready to protect them both. Her breaths were shallow puffs trying to keep time with her pumping heart. Her muscles were bunched, an energy coursing through them, needing her to run, but she waited for the signal. Then, the Alpha dropped his hand. As one, the three of them propelled themselves into the sloped hallway, racing up towards the surface levels. The water was running faster now but their footsteps were hidden by the shouts throughout the building
Maddie faded in and out of awareness as they travelled. Michael coaxed her along, caring for her as they made their way back to Silver Moon. They stopped more often than they needed to, giving them both a chance to recover. He had stashed a bag of supplies a short way from the Wild Shore territory and set up a small camp for them when they were far enough away that the chances of the enemy finding them were slim. They got some clothes, ate some ration bars, drank water and Michael cleaned up his wound. Maddie sat close to the fire and watched him stitch the gash in his shoulder, her own hands still trembling too much to help. Instead, she turned her eyes to the flame, loosing herself to their dance. At some point, her mate had wrapped an arm around her and cuddled close but, by then, the sun was starting to rise. Neither of them had got a wink of sleep, and exhaustion weighed her down as they continued on their journey home.Michael stayed close, holding her hand when he could and br
Maddie parted with Michael at the packhouse, leaving him to talk to her father and their combined forces. Though she wanted to be a part of the team, hearing everything her mate had learned about the enemy so far and planning the next moves to counterattack, she had a promise to keep. Her throat was thick as she walked the familiar halls of the pack hospital. There was more movement around her than she expected. There had been a few minor injuries from the faux attack, but it was odd to see Dark Night and Silver Moon wolves recovering side by side under one roof. It gave her hope that her father’s trust was extending to the rest of the pack. It gave her hope that the future she envisioned at her mate's side would come to fruition. Her father had told her where she needed to go but, now that she had arrived, she couldn’t take the last step into the hospital room that Jess was in. Not only did she have to face what Daniel had done to her, but she also had to share what had happened to
Michael POV - The office was loud with discussions. Everyone had something to say, and they weren't shy about airing their doubts. However, Michael shared a look with his wolves, keeping them silent as the Silver Moon warriors processed everything they had just heard. He understood. It must be hard to hear their beliefs about one of the most traumatic attacks on their pack were all wrong, and the wolves they hated because of it were innocent. He was under no illusion that all their history would be forgiven and forgotten by one simple conversation, but he needed everyone to put their doubts aside, accept their new comradery and work together to start fighting back. Alpha Jonathan wrangled his upper ranked wolves, while Michael sent looks to any of the Dark Night warriors who looked like they were about to speak out. His wolves’ anger was justified too. With Silver Moon turning their backs on the alliance sixteen years ago, all their other allies did too, leaving Dark Night to
Michael POV - Madeline’s soft breaths were slow and rhythmic. They soothed Michael as he sat at her bedside, keeping watch over his mate as she slept. He knew he should get some sleep too, it had been two days since he last rested, but with the decision made to attack Wild Shore the next day, he wanted ever spare moment to be spent with her. Erik was beside him, his gaze fixed to Jess. Where Michael relaxed with his mate’s breath, Erik watched the rise and fall of Jess’ chest as if any hitch in it would make him snap. After almost watching her die, Michael couldn’t blame his friend. If he had seen Madeline bleeding out, death’s cold hand reaching for her, he too would obsess over her every breath. It was hard enough that she had been taken from him and he’d soon be leaving her again, entrusting her safety to the pack that almost lost her the first time. He felt more at ease knowing Erik would be staying on the Silver Moon territory whilst they enacted their plans. Erik didn’t wa
Michael POV - It was less than two days ago when Michael was lying in the exact same spot overlooking the Wild Shore pack, however now he wasn’t alone. Three other wolves were behind him, waiting for his signal, while the rest of his force was being led by Beta Rowan and spreading around the perimeter of the territory, keeping out of sight. The Wild Shore wolves seemed more alert tonight than a couple of days ago. Maybe it was their breach or maybe they had an inkling that an attack was coming. Michael hoped they hadn’t completed their preparations yet. Defending in your home territory was always a tactical advantage,. Their opportunity came in the surprise attack. The other team should already be in the thick of their task. Connor left Silver Moon last night with his group of wolves, headed for Dark Night. The situation at his home pack was too urgent to put off supplying their support, and they hoped they could get there before Red Dawn could launch the suspected retaliation a
Maddie POV - “Would you just sit down.” Jess grumbled from the bed, where she had been watching Maddie pace back and forth across her room for the past thirty minutes. “I will in a minute.” She promised, though she had said the same five minutes earlier. Maddie couldn’t help it. She was jittery, nervous energy fuelling every step and she felt like she’d scream if she stayed still. She understood why she couldn’t go with the teams to find Lewis at Wild Shore or protect Dark Night, but somehow staying in the safety of her home just felt wrong. Her mate was out there, facing her enemies, saving her friends, and she couldn’t do anything but wait. It was torture, wondering if he was okay, if they had found Lewis, if he’d be home soon. It curled something black and sticky in her gut, the vile feeling growing and poisoning her confidence every hour that ticked by. “Come on, you’re making my stab wound hurt.” Maddie stopped and stared at her friend, who was now pouting and crad
Maddie POV - The night had completely swallowed her territory by the time Maddie made it to the Alpha’s office. He had called her to come and see him once his orders to settle the Dark Night wolves had been completed, a role she took over in his absence. It was hours after the first boat had docked that she felt happy enough to leave the remaining work for the morning, allowing all her wolves to get some rest. With how many had come to Silver Moon, looking for refuge, it would be weeks before they all had a proper place to stay each night. The pack hospital was full, as was the packhouse, but most had to sleep under the stars until they could ask the Silver Moon wolves to open their homes the next day. The chair beneath her groaned as she slumped into it, or maybe it was her bones. She still wasn’t fully recovered from being kidnapped by Daniel, and fatigue was burying itself in her body. She wondered if it would permanently take up residence if she ignored it any longer, leavin
Inga POV - There had been few moments in Inga’s life when she had stopped to simply observe the world around her. There had always been something she needed to do, every single action having a purpose towards her goal to liberate Grey Stone of their leadership and break free from Red Dawn. Each step forward she had carried that responsibility, that burden, but it was finally gone. Eleanor was dead, Autumn was the Grey Stone Alpha, and she was no longer a Beta. Well, she was in name, but she was free of the role’s duties during her and Connor’s break. The moment she had recovered from the war, Silver Night had been their first stop to confirm their decision with Alpha Michael, and then they were off. Connor didn’t waste any time taking her away from everything, carving out a small piece of the kingdom just for them. He took her to the one place he knew better than anywhere, a place where they could be alone. Dark Night was beautiful in a tragic way. The years of battle had scarred t
Nala POV - “Do you give up?” Nala growled in Autumn’s ear, nipping the soft flesh beneath it. Her mate squealed and wiggled beneath her. Nala smiled as she managed to squirm her legs free and wrapped them around her waist, giving her the purchase to roll them over. She could’ve stopped it, but why would she when it gave her such a great view. Autumn sat astride her waist, pinning her arms to her side with her thighs, a victorious grin on her perfect mouth. Her chest heaved with each pant, and she watched a bead of sweat fall from her chin and slide into her cleavage. Nala's tongue flicked across her lips, a pang of heat swelling in her core. “Ha!” The Alpha shouted, letting her head fall back, her red hair falling around her in wave after wave of beautiful curls. Nala’s fingers twitched at the memory of their softness. “I did it. I finally pinned you.” She laughed, the sound spreading across the empty training field. Nala took the opportunity to look over her mate’s form, gr
Michael POV - “That could’ve been us.” Nala snorted, elbowing him in the gut with a force that almost winded him. It was almost horrifying to picture being mated to his friend. He thought as much as he rubbed his side, already feeling a bruise forming, but didn't get a chance to respond as she turned back to Alpha Autumn. The Grey Stone wolf leaned in to hear Nala's whispers and immediately bloomed a stark red. She fumbled for something to say and ended up thrusting their pup into the warrior's arms instead. Nala lifted the pup to her shoulders, letting him wave widely at the couple on the stage, though it didn't stop her from leaving a hand on Autumn's thigh.Michael chuckled. It was a good thing she had vehemently denied becoming his mate to broker a stronger alliance between their packs. He shuddered to consider it now, but it was easier to laugh about it when they both sat beside their mates, watching the rightful leaders of the pack take their positions.“Mountain Forest, I giv
Inga POV - When one closes their eyes for what they think will be the last time, it’s odd when they open them again. Though everything was blurry and bright, Inga was sure it wasn’t a dream or her imagination playing tricks on her. The pain lancing through her skull could attest for that. Sound came first. The rustling of material beside her, followed by a few sharp shouts that were blaringly loud, as if right beside her ear, but far too muffled for any word to be clear. Her frustration bubbled like hot water beneath her skin, her drive to understand what was going on far greater than her submission to the pain or fatigue trying to pull her back into slumber. She blinked open her eyelids, wincing through the blur of colours that moulded into oddly shaped blobs. One particular blob leaned in close, too close, and her body reacted on its own. Her arm jerked up; her fist semi clenched as her muscles ignored her instincts. She punched the blob, or more like tapped it with her fis
Inga POV - It may have only been two stories, but after the day she had had, the week, hitting the ground felt like hitting a wall that punched the words of giving up to her tongue. Inga swallowed them, her mouth dry, clawing to hold onto her surrender. Every inch of her ached. The impact jarred through her body, making her head ring and her vision dizzy. At least she had managed to push Luna Eleanor off her while they fell. Inga didn’t want to think about the additional pain she’d be in if that bitch had landed on her. If luck was with her, hopefully the Luna had fallen on her face or, better yet, a knife. The night sky was a blanket of black spread out above her, dotted with stars, like glitter threaded into a plush blanket. She was so tired that the paved road at her back felt comfier than her bed back at Grey Stone. Just thinking of that bed made her remember her last night in it, cuddled at Connor’s side, in disbelief and awe that he was there. He made her feel safe, he made h
Inga POV - Inga didn’t so much as flinch when the door cracked hard enough against the wall that it dented the plaster. She didn’t blink when six wolves barrelled inside. She didn’t hesitate as one of the warriors felt gutsy and charged her before the others. She didn’t give him the chance to attack. He had asked for her attention; he had unknowingly drawn the short straw. She lunged. Her body protested as she forced it to shift, but it obeyed. The glare she pinned to the wolf as she moved towards him, made him freeze with the instinct of prey already caught by the predator. It was his lack of discipline to refine his reflexes that was his downfall. The warrior didn’t so much as jerk as her jaws latched onto his arm, her canines digging deep into his flesh. The familiar warm, metallic, taste of blood pooled on her tongue, a wave of feral victory washing through her. With no time to bask in its glow, she twisted her head until she heard the bone snap, before letting the wolf go and re
Inga POV - “Okay. Just stand back, there’s wounded in here.” Lewis raised his voice through the door, then waited, listening for the slow shuffle of feet. Inga listened too, trying to catch any small whispers of deceit among the crowd of Red Dawn warriors waiting for them. “We’re coming out.” The trio shared one final nod, before the Beta twisted the handle and the door swung open. Her stomach was in knots looking out at the wolves watching them, waiting, their eyes predatory. There were at least six; enough to block the corridor that stretched directly from the door towards the stairs, but Inga was certain there were others. She spotted the Red Dawn Alpha and Daniel standing behind their warriors, the leadership safe except for Luna Eleanor. She had the balls to stand at the front. Inga didn’t have to fake the way her face paled as she locked gazes with the Luna. The gleam in her eyes was malicious, her lips lifting as she took in Inga’s hunched form, leaning so far onto Jami
Inga POV - Clawing at Lewis’ arms did nothing. The man was pure muscle and resilience, ignoring her cries for Connor, ignoring her curses, ignoring her pleas for him to stop. Against the Red Dawn warriors, she doubted she’d be much good anyway. Her body felt heavy, like her veins were filled with lead, every muscle protesting her orders. She couldn’t even lift the arm where Luna Eleanor had stabbed her. Even wiggling her fingers sent shooting pains all through her body. Inga had been stabbed before, most warriors had, but it felt different. Her energy, her strength, was sapped. It was like the blade was draining her. However, none of that mattered. Connor was her mate; she couldn’t leave him behind to face all those warriors alone. She had to try and help him. Again, Inga pounded on Lewis’ chest, each impact jarring her, but none of them made the Silver Night warrior even flinch. It was like she was a fly bumping against a window, the force hurting her and not even smearing his s
Connor POV - He was sure his heart stopped, freezing time for the span of a breath, as Inga tipped on the stairs. Her body shifted backward, falling with only the hard stairs to catch her. The silver blade in her shoulder caught the light as she became airborne. Its flash shot through Connor’s mind, jerking him back to his body, forcing a fresh dose of adrenaline through his system. He charged forward, reaching with desperate hands to catch her, to soften her fall, to protect her. He wasn’t sure if it was a miracle, or a divine gift from the Moon Goddess, but the moment he felt her back push against his fingertips, the panic eased, relief chased it away. He was allowed a breath, but the brief moment of calm was crushed as Inga crashed into him. Connor was off balance. His only goal had been to soften her fall, but he didn’t have time to catch her. Her weight pushed him back, forcing him to join her fall, but he wrapped his arms tight around her, curling into her, protecting he