Chapter 5: The Raid

Carodia is a country hidden on the globe. The rest of the world thinks it does not exist, but it does. It is very real. Carodia is a kingdom made up of wolf packs, co-existing on common ground. Wars happen. Misunderstandings have claimed many packs over the centuries, but this Kingdom is what the moon goddess has provided for us. 

The maids are here again. It's been three days since my coronation and trouble looms near. I'm wearing battle clothes instead of a pretty gown to the throne room today. The red Valley pack is fighting a war and I am Luna. I must lead by example. 

The doors of the throne room open for me and I walk inside, making all heads turn. I see the way Chase looks at me from his seat. His eyes rake over my attire. The pure leather pants and black corset top hug every curve in my body and my blonde hair I always have in a messy bun drapes over my shoulders. 

His eyes fix on the way my small breasts perk up inside my top, but I ignore his scrutiny and make way to my throne. Séverin and his soldiers are before us. They are strategizing for the war about to happen. 

Séverin says, "I have deployed wolves in every corner of our territory. The rogue and his army wouldn't be able to trespass." 

Chase nods and he wants to speak when I roll right on. "Have you checked with the slaves today, Séverin?"

The pack's general appears confused. It takes seconds for him to regroup and respond. "Luna Marelyn, I-I am more focused on the defence against the threat coming for our pack."

I scoff, not because he was wrong to protect Red Valley from danger, but because I know what he did for Chase. In secret, Séverin released Ruby and has her kept in a private room only the Alpha knows about.

Chase knows everything. He is also aware it's his child Ruby's carrying. It pisses me off to think all of this was happening right under my nose and I knew nothing about it. 

The meeting ends an hour later and Chase confronts me outside the throne room, behind the back door. He is fuming like war. 

"What are you playing at, Mare?" He asks, and I curl the corners of my lips in a sinister smile. 

For the past few days, I have had time to think about my situation. I can't cry anymore and I refuse to be weak. 

"A different game." 

He frowns at me. "What in the world are you talking about?" 

"I want a son, Chase. A son who will be the heir to the Red Valley throne, not the child my sister is carrying. I will only keep quiet about your affair with Ruby, if you grant me that." 

He spits. "Nice try, Mare, but I do not desire you. I will never sleep with you."

The little self-confidence I have mustered up for the morning vanishes, and I believe what he just said. Maybe I'm not desirable to anyone. If Chase does not see me as a woman, maybe no man will. 

He steps into my personal space and his angry face shifts and reveals fangs and powerful red eyes. 

"Don't you ever blackmail me again because if you do, I'll raid your pack, take all you have." He brushes the back of his palm down my cheek and I turn my face away. "And enslave you and your precious father." 

"Charles will never let you do that!"

"The wolves of Red Valley are very opinionated, Mare. It will surprise you. My father stands no chance against me, so you better choose wisely."

He leaves and I try to steady my beating heart. I'm nursing a broken heart all over again.

At night, nothing happens. Sleep falls over the Red Valley pack's territory and not a single soul is on guard. We've waited all day for the threat, but the day's over now and everyone has retired to their tents.

I'm in my room, lying on my bed. I know the room across from me is empty because Chase sleeps with Ruby in her private room every night. My heart doesn't wish to rest and so, when chaos erupts outside, I'm wide awake to hear it happen. 

I can hear wolves growling and the voices screaming in agony. I shoot up from my bed immediately, but as I'm about to jump down, a hand captures my neck. A needle pierces through my nape's skin next, and pain blurs my vision. It explodes behind my lids as I scream. My fangs open up and my eyes blaze yellow.

Wolf's bane. But then there's something else mixed with the liquid being injected into my body. It's a sedative and my wolf can't fight it. I see the darkly handsome face before my world goes black.

Someone has kidnapped me.