Chapter 99: Allies Found Anna POV

Early the next morning, we resumed our trek. 

With his keen eyes searching the landscape for any indication of danger, Lucas walked next to me. 

His voice was firm yet low as he remarked, "We should rest soon. We need our strength if we encounter difficulties because we have been walking for hours."

Despite my body's protests against stopping, I nodded. I knew he was correct, but the need to get to Nightshade blazed like a flame inside me. We could not risk being unprepared and stumbling into Oliver's turf.

Lucas froze when we came to a little clearing, his hand out to stop me. 

"Heard it?" His body tensed as he whispered.

As I listened, I strained my hearing and became more perceptive. There was a slight rustle from the woods up ahead, and then the distinct sound of low voices. 

Lucas stepped protectively in front of me and said, "Stay close."

We approached the source of the commotion with caution, and as we turned a corner, a pack of wolves appeared. Their clothes were ragged, their faces were suspicious, and they had a rugged appearance. Rogues.

We were first noticed by one of them, a tall man with numerous scars on his face. With his hand on a dagger hilt at his belt, he took a step forward.

"Who are you?" His voice was rough as he commanded. "And why are you on our land?"

Lucas's body was still coiled like a spring, but he raised his hands in a sign of peace. Evenly, he stated, "We're not here to fight. We are only traveling through."

As he examined us, the man's eyes narrowed. "You're passing through? It doesn't appear to be. You smell like a pack wolf."

With my heart racing, I took a step forward. I blurted out, "We're not here to cause trouble. We're trying to stop Oliver."

The group erupted when Oliver's name was mentioned. A short-haired woman spat on the floor, her face contorting into a sneer.

"Oliver," she murmured resentfully. "What does a pack wolf like you care about stopping him?"

I paused, looking at Lucas, who nodded slightly. I took a deep breath, and met the woman's gaze.

Despite the tremble in my chest, I spoke steadily and said, "Because he's destroyed everything I care about. And I'm not going to allow him to harm anybody else."

The scarred guy chuckled harshly. "For someone like you, those are big words. Why do you think you can defeat him?"

I took a step closer and continued, "Because I have to. Oliver has wronged too many people. He must be stopped because he is a tyrant."

The group's mistrust was evident as they exchanged doubtful looks.

With her arms crossed, the woman questioned, "And how exactly do you plan to do that? You and your boyfriend don't exactly look like an army."

Lucas looked offended by the comment but kept silent allowing me to talk.

I acknowledged, "I know it sounds impossible, but I'm not asking you to believe in me. I'm urging you to have confidence in yourselves. You've seen what Oliver is capable of. You know what he's done to anyone who has dared to oppose him."

The scarred man's jaw tensed, and the woman's eyes grew darker. I persisted even though I could see the anguish and rage on their faces.

I went on, my voice getting louder, "I've seen it too. My guardian was killed by him. Crescent Grove was devastated by him. Without hesitation, he has destroyed packs and families. And he will continue until nothing is left if we don't stop him."

With narrowed eyes, the scarred man took a step forward. His voice was low as he said, "You talk a good game. But in this place, words don't really mean anything. Oliver, you want to stop him? Show it."

His challenge weighed heavily on me as I gulped. "What are you expecting me to do?"

He looked at me for a long time and then pointed to the others. He said, "Tell us everything. Tell us about Oliver's treatment of you. We will know if you're lying."

I looked at Lucas, and he nodded reassuringly. I inhaled deeply before starting to share my story with them.

I informed them about Nightshade and Oliver's treatment of the other omegas and me. I informed them of Leo's execution for a crime he did not commit. I told them about the damage Oliver had caused to Crescent Grove.

I noticed the rogues' faces change as I talked. Their doubts started to fade, giving way to rage and, at last, what appeared to be comprehension.

The wind rustling through the trees was the only sound in the clearing when I was done.

Slowly, the scarred guy nodded while looking directly into my eyes. Gruffly, he remarked, "You've been through hell. I'll give it to you. However, it would be suicide to fight Oliver."

"Perhaps," I responded firmly. "But it's worse to do nothing."

The woman moved forward, a puzzled look on her face. She remarked, "You're asking us to risk everything. What makes you worthy of our trust?"

I said, "Because I'm risking everything too. And because Oliver will continue to tear us apart if we don't stand together."

With my comments lingering in the air, the group fell silent once more. The scarred guy finally sighed deeply.

"You have courage," he remarked. "But you need a plan if you're going to do this."

I felt a glimmer of optimism in my chest. I replied, "Then assist us. Assist us in stopping him."

The woman glanced at the man and gave a grudging nod.

"All right," he said. "We'll listen to you."

"All right," I murmured, feeling a wave of relief wash over me.

Lucas looked at me as the rogues started talking strategy. He smiled slightly at me, and for the first time in a long time, I thought we might have a shot.

However, I felt in my heart that this was just the start. The path ahead would not be simple, and Oliver would not be defeated easily.

However, we had allies for the time being. And it was the beginning.