Chapter Twenty

They left for the camping grounds one hour before dawn, taking the familiar path through the Beta den. They walked in a particular formation, with Caius and Dorian in front, and Thaddeus and Emory flanking each side. Nikolai and Kieran walked at the back, with Ronin in the center.

A squad of warriors in their wolf form was scattered throughout the forest, going unseen as they moved through the shadows. They set a wide perimeter and would be the first line of defense if they were ambushed.

Each step Ronin took in the direction of the camping grounds brought a fragmented memory of the day he lost his family. He had to give credit to his opponent–whoever it was, knew him to the extent that they could engage in psychological warfare.

“So Ronin,” Thad’s voice chimed to his left, full of mischief. “Since you won’t be mating the omega, how about you let her go so someone else can claim her, eh?”

Caius sucked his teeth, “That mouth of yours is going to get you killed one day.”

‘Excuse you, I