The path led us through a section of dense trees before suddenly opening to a hidden outcropping high on the ridge. The intimate spot was naturally concealed by tall rock formations on three sides, but opened to a breathtaking panoramic view of all of Shadowlight Lake below. Carson had added comfortable cushions and strung fairy lights among the surrounding trees, making the hidden lookout even more magical.
"Oh wow, this is your special place," I said softly, recognizing it from his description. "The one you said you'd show me someday."
"I wanted to keep my promise," he replied, his voice low. "I've never brought anyone else here."
We settled onto the comfortable cushions Carson had arranged on the natural stone ledge. A small folding table held a thermos of hot chocolate and two mugs. Carson poured the steaming liquid into both mugs, the rich chocolate scent mingling with the crisp night air.
"To new beginnings," he said, raising his mug.
"New be
"No." Carson's voice was flat, absolute."Not happening, not even an option" He continued."Think about it," I pressed. "They want me alive to help with the signal. That gives us leverage.""Astraia, no—""I'll be wired, armed, and have backup standing by," I continued. "But I go in alone, meet with them, and try to negotiate for Troy.""While we hit the facility from the outside," Hunter said, understanding my plan.Carson stepped closer to me, his eyes blazing. "Astraia, do you have any idea what you're suggesting?""I'm suggesting we save your Beta's brother and stop the signal," I shot back."You're suggesting you walk into the hands of people who have been planning to use you for years!" His voice rose. "People who just tried to kidnap you less than twelve hours ago!""And I'm the only one they want alive!" I countered, matching his intensity. "That makes me the only one who can get close enough!""No,
Carson shouted from below. "Now!"I leaped, trusting Carson to catch me. His arms wrapped around me as we tumbled to the ground together, rolling to absorb the impact."Everyone okay?" he asked, helping me to my feet."Fine," I assured him, checking the others. "Ramona?""Bruised but functional," she replied."Jason?""All good. Hard drive's intact."Shouts erupted from the ledge above us. Several figures appeared at the passage exit."Move," Carson ordered. "Forest, now."We ran through the dense trees, putting distance between us and the facility. My heart pounded, adrenaline still coursing through my veins.After ten minutes of hard running, Carson finally called a halt."We should be clear," he said, checking his watch. "Extraction point is two miles east.""Did we get anything useful?" I asked Jason.He patted his pocket. "Hard drive, plus whatever intel Ramona collected.""Blood samples, tissue samples, and three different versions of the control compound," she confirmed. "Shoul
The first Pure Blood Order operative stepped into the tunnel, weapon raised.Carson moved faster than I could track, tackling the man before he could fire a shot."Go!" Carson snarled, his voice already more growl than human speech.I grabbed Dr. Ramona's arm, pulling her deeper into the tunnel as Jason covered our retreat. More shadows poured through the entrance."How many?" I shouted over the sounds of fighting."Too fucking many," Jason replied, firing his dart gun at an approaching figure.The confined space worked both for and against us, they couldn't surround us, but we had nowhere to run. Carson had shifted partially, claws and teeth extended, tearing through the first wave of attackers with brutal efficiency."Astraia!" Dr. Ramona pointed to one of the fallen men. "He's still moving."I looked closer. The man Carson had taken down was getting back up, eyes vacant, moving with that unnatural stillness of the mind-contr
We met Jason at the service exit, away from curious eyes. Dr. Ramona joined us moments later, looking nervous but determined in her own tactical gear."Communications check," Jason said, handing out earpieces. "Secure channel, short range.""If we get separated," Carson instructed, "rendezvous at the eastern ridge. No heroics, no waiting. If you're not there within thirty minutes of the extraction, we assume you're compromised.""Cheerful thought," I muttered."Realistic," he countered. "Everyone clear on the mission? We get Troy, gather intel if possible, and get out. No unnecessary engagement."We all nodded."Vehicle to the border, on foot from there," Carson continued. "Stay close, stay quiet."As we loaded into the unmarked SUV, I caught a glimpse of Carson's profile, jaw set, eyes focused. This wasn't my mate driving; this was the Alpha of High Crest, heading into enemy territory.The ride was tense and silent. Twenty min
"Absolutely not," Carson said, his voice deadly calm. "It's a trap."We were in our quarters, the morning sun barely peeking through the curtains. I paced in front of him, unable to stay still."You didn't see Troy's condition," I argued. "They're hurting him to get to us.""Which is exactly why we can't walk right into their compound." Carson leaned against his desk, arms crossed. "That's what Mitchell wants.""So we just leave Hunter's brother to die?" I stopped pacing to face him."I didn't say that." Carson's jaw tightened. "I said we're not charging in without a plan."Hunter cleared his throat from the doorway. I hadn't heard him arrive. His eyes were bloodshot, his expression haunted. He'd been up all night since seeing the video."Any news from the recon team?" Carson asked him."They've located the facility. Northern border, underground bunker. Heavy guards." Hunter's voice was flat, emotionless. "Three entry points, all monitored.""Patrols?""Rotating every thirty minutes.
The council chamber was already full when we arrived. Conversations stopped as heads turned our way. I saw shock and concern in their expressions, news of the attack had spread."Luna," Miller stood. "We heard what happened. Are you alright?""I'm fine," I assured him. "More importantly, we have a breakthrough with the blocker."Carson guided me to my seat at his right hand. "Hunter, report.""Pure Blood Order forces are converging on territories across the region. Based on their movements, we believe they plan to activate multiple signal transmitters simultaneously during the full moon.""The good news," I said, "is our new formula works against both the mass signal and the targeted compound.""Production status?" Carson asked.Dr. Austin stood. "First batch complete. Enough for all High Crest wolves by noon. Allied packs by evening.""Distribution plan?""Dart systems for emergency response teams," I explained. "Oral solution in water supplies. Injection for all key pack members."E