6

But I didn't say it directly, just deflected. "I was just speaking casually. Don't overthink it. Since we haven't had our mating ceremony yet, I want to go back to Stormfang Pack first and explain things to my family."

Damon clearly didn't believe me and wanted to ask more questions, but Lydia interrupted. "Miss Rivers, I heard you're a chief healer and a pillar of the research institute. I know where to find precious blood moon grass. Want to take a look? If we could gather fresh blood moon grass, that would be even better—it's a key ingredient for werewolf strength enhancement potions."

I shook my head. "No thanks. I don't want to look, and I don't want to gather herbs."

But Lydia persisted. "Don't worry, Miss Rivers. The elite guard teams from both Ironwood Pack and Ashen Peaks Pack are here. There won't be any danger. We'll all go together."

Damon's expression darkened. He obviously didn't want me to go either, and still wanted me to clarify what I'd said earlier.

But then the guard team members started persuading him. "Alpha, let Luna go. Today is the last day of blood moon grass blooming season. Blood moon grass is the raw material for werewolf strength enhancement potions. If we could gather several stalks to make potions, it would greatly boost our pack's power."

After speaking, one of them leaned close to Damon's ear and whispered something.

Damon's face instantly darkened, but after what seemed like several seconds of hesitation, he finally nodded.

As Lydia pulled me away, I felt an uneasy feeling in my heart.

I had the sense they were brewing some plan. I just wanted to gather the herbs quickly and leave.

But just as Lydia and I entered the herb section of the hunting grounds, Lydia suddenly received an urgent mindlink from Ashen Peaks Pack members.

She said seriously to Damon, "Our pack's Alpha is requesting support. There must be an emergency situation. Come with me to check it out."

Damon frowned, clearly somewhat impatient, but Lydia grabbed his sleeve, her voice tearful. "Our two packs have been allies for generations. Even if you don't marry me, our pack has strongly supported your Alpha King campaign. When our pack faces difficulties, you can't just abandon us, right?"

Damon finally compromised. He turned to me and said, "Sage, I'll take some people with her to check on Ashen Peaks Pack. You go gather herbs first, and when you're tired, head back. I'll leave guard team members with you."

I nodded, but felt even more uneasy.

After Damon left, I was about to leave when those guard team members stopped me again, saying it was rare to encounter fresh blood moon grass, so we should gather more since today was the last day of blooming season. Don't spoil the mood.

I was practically surrounded in the middle, unable to leave even if I wanted to. I was forced to go deeper into the herb area.

By the time we reached where the blood moon grass grew, we were in a remote area, and those guard team members gradually dispersed. Finally, only I remained.

My heart tightened. Something felt wrong.

I looked around warily, trying to find an opportunity to leave and return to where there were more people.

But just then, there was sudden movement in the bushes.

What emerged wasn't Damon's guard team, but a group of vicious-looking rogue wolves. They were barely clothed and reeked of foul odors.

They came out of the bushes, their gazes immediately locking onto me, making lewd sounds.

"Hahaha, this girl looks tender. Brothers, we're in for a treat today!"

Terror flashed across my face as I stumbled backward several steps, but those men pounced on me like hungry wolves.

I struggled desperately, but having just been injured and miscarried, my wolf was still in deep slumber and hadn't awakened yet. How could my strength match several adult werewolves?

My clothes were torn, and my cries for help were swallowed by the wind across the hunting grounds.

"Get away! Don't touch me!" My voice trembled as tears streamed down my face.

I kicked and fought desperately, but those men seemed crazed, grabbing my wrists and pinning me to the ground.

My dress was ripped open, my skin exposed to the cold air.

I felt nauseated, my stomach churning, almost ready to vomit.

"Help! Is anyone there! Save me!"

"Help me!"

I screamed desperately, but no one responded. My vision blurred, and all I could hear were their sinister laughter and heavy breathing.

Just when I was nearly in despair, the werewolf on top of me was struck away.

Damon burst in like a demon from hell, his eyes full of murderous rage.

His claws instantly pierced through a rogue wolf's shoulder, slamming him hard to the ground. The werewolf let out a scream, but Damon's attack didn't stop. His wolf used its fangs to bite through the second werewolf's front limb, the sound of breaking bones clearly audible. The third tried to flee, but Damon leaped and pinned him down, claws directly tearing open his back.

But Damon didn't stop there. His fists fell on those men like raindrops until they all lost consciousness.

I trembled all over, my vision went black, and I fainted.