LOGINWe went back to the farmhouse. When we went inside, I was surprised to find Hunter, Tarvyn, Amos, and Tarrah in the living room with Max and Uncle Rodney. They had arrived with Sutton and the human envoy. Sutton told me Helene was here too. Apparently, her and Jaden’s secret was out. So, it was no surprise when Tarrah said Jaden had dragged her off somewhere. Something I was dying to do myself with Sutton. But we had too much to do.Sutton insisted on getting my shoulder wound checked out and cleaned up. When that was dones, she and I made a point to walk through the rest of the camp, making sure everyone was getting fed, getting supplies, and getting rest where needed. I was constantly checking in with all the patrols and scouting parties. I wanted to make sure we knew every Dawn Stalker move we could. I was checking to make sure the medical supplies the humans brought were being allocated properly when I heard familiar raised voices around the barn.“…don’t get to order me around,”
I took a few steps forward. Again trying to make out what I was seeing through the hazy light of the sunrise. I heard footsteps come up behind me but I couldn’t be bothered to see who it was. My eyes stayed fixed on the vehicle coming towards us.Vehicles. Yes, there was definitely more than one. It was a motorcade of black buses and armored trucks.My heart started to race again. My chest tightening. Rhonen’s hackles raised. These were coming down our road. From the direction of Wildmore. This couldn’t be the Dawn Stalker advance. How could they have gotten past our defenses? And with such an arsenal. Pistols and rifles were one thing but armored vehicles?My feet remained planted. The lead vehicle, a truck with a large rifle attached to the roof, approached. More people had come to gather behind me but I couldn’t bring myself to look at them.As the vehicle came to a stop, the back door opened. A breeze picked up. Carrying a familiar scent toward me. A scent that almost had me fall
I took Raphe up to our apartment and got him cleaned up. Luckily, one of Lucas’ suits fit him well enough to be presentable. Soloman had said he fought hard to help them escape. You could hardly tell. He was only left with a few scrapes and scratches. Most of which were well into the healing process. It was a testament to his bloodline. His power had always been evident since I had met him. While that had waivered today, it was coming back.“So, who is it that I’ll be speaking with?” Raphe asked as he tugged on the cuff of the suit jacket.“The mayor of Dranfort—Mayor Goodwin,” I instructed. “The human territory only has one major city. That city governs all of the territory. He governs the city. He has control of their military.”“And he has two companies already marching through Silverstreak territory?”I nodded. “Yes, but he won’t give the order for them to fight with us until he is sure the lycans won’t retaliate. Under other circumstances, he is breaking some serious treaties doi
I rushed back to the packhouse. We came up near the gardens, not far from the back entrance where several vans had groups gathering around them. Somewhere within the throng, I caught sight of Tarvyn near the packhouse entrance as he ushered people out. I pushed my feet to move faster. Breaking out into a full run as I closed the distance.The closer I got the more I could see. The more I saw the harder my heart pounded. The smell of blood hit me just before the sight of blood stained clothes and bandages. People were being carried out of the vans. I started to believe the worst until Soloman’s face broke through the mix.“Soloman…” I called out, rushing in his direction. He turned just in time to see me flying at him, my arms going around his neck. “Thank the goddess.” I fought back tears. Not realizing just how worried I had been about losing him. “What happened? Are you hurt?”“I’m okay,” Soloman assured me. “Just some scratches. We were attacked on our way to the rescue vehicles at
I saw Tarvyn and Amos off once we got a location for them to meet Hunter. As they left, my temporary relief was quickly replaced with the anxiety of waiting. I paced a little before heading outside, desperately needing some air. I didn’t know if it was me or Nova leading me, but we ended up in the shifting clearing.I let Nova run for a while. Letting her get out some energy while I tried to organize my thoughts. It still didn’t feel like enough when we started to head back to the clearing. I knew it wouldn’t be. Nothing would get rid of the tension and worry until the threat was gone. But how to make the waiting more tolerable…?As Nova stepped into the clearing, we quickly realized we weren’t alone. I shifted back.“Tarrah? Helene? What are you two doing here?” I asked.“Someone said they saw you heading out here,” Helene said. “We thought you might like some company.”“Thanks, guys,” I said. “But I’m not sure I’m going to be good company right now.”“Did we ask you to entertain us?
“Come again?” Mayor Goodwin replied.“My mother was Leanetta Thoengarde,” I stated. “Daughter of King Osric of Lycuria. I am his granddaughter.”“Yet you don’t have enough sway to stop his attacks in the first place,” the mayor commented. “So how can you assure me you can protect us going forward.”“You misunderstand me, Mr. Mayor,” I replied. “When this is over, Osric will no longer be king. He has betrayed his own people. He has forfeited the right to keep his crown.”“So, you’re saying you are going to take the crown?” Mayor Goodwin questioned.“No, I won’t either,” I said. “Prince Raphe is next in line for the throne. He is opposing his father’s actions. We aren’t just fighting to save ourselves and our people. We’re fighting to put the rightful and just leader on the throne.”Mayor Goodwin let out a long breath, sitting back in his chair as he steepled is hands in front of him.“Again, Luna, with respect, that isn’t enough to prove your authority to make the promise that we would
It was a long night. I don’t think I slept more than five minutes at a time. Every time I started to drift off, Daisy’s dead face and Jack’s agonizing cry took over my mind. Forcing me awake. Lucas didn’t sleep at all. He didn’t even lay down until I made him just so I could hold him.And he was di
After finishing work for the day, I met Sutton at the packhouse gym. I intended on keeping up with her training. She had shown that she was a natural fighter and honing those skills would only be beneficial. There were several private rooms off the main equipment room that were used for classes and
Two wolves leapt from the bed of the truck. I moved to put Sutton behind me, blocking any direct path. Stepping back as they landed across from us, snarling with teeth bared. I shook my head in warning, knowing the two wouldn’t stand a chance if they were stupid enough to attack. Then three more wo
Sutton sat up straighter. Nervous energy passed through our bond as she looked at me.“What do you mean?” she asked. “You don’t think they could be in danger, do you?”I shook my head. “They are protected, Sutton,” I told her. “We still have men watching them. But… we may want to consider moving th







