LOGINAs the survivors were gently guided toward the guest wing, I noticed Peta hanging back, her eyes darting around nervously, an old habit from captivity, I suspected.
"There's something else, isn't there?" I asked quietly, moving closer to her.
She nodded, glancing around before lowering her voice. "I didn't want to say it in front of everyone, especially the children. But there's more. Before we escaped, I overheard the guards talking. They mentioned at least three other locations, one in Idaho, one somewhere in the Dakotas, and another they only referred to as 'the southern facility.'"
My stomach clenched at her words. Five facilities that we knew of now, Montana, Wyoming, and three more, are still operating. How many wolves were still trapped? How many children?
"Do you have any more details?" Kane asked, having moved close enough to hear. "Locations, security levels, numbers?"
Peta shook her head apologetically. "Only fragments. The guards were c
The days that followed were a whirlwind of activity. Alpha Maxwell converted the east wing of the mansion into a command centre, with maps and intelligence reports covering every available wall space. My mates and I worked alongside Lucious to piece together everything we knew about the Northern Alliance's remaining facilities."If we overlay the locations we know about with pack territories that have reported missing wolves," Fin suggested, marking points on a large map, "we might be able to narrow down potential sites."I nodded, studying the patterns emerging. "The Wyoming and Montana facilities were both located near the borders between pack territories. Places where jurisdiction gets murky."Lucious pointed to several areas circled in red. "These match what I remember overhearing. The Idaho facility is somewhere in this region, where three territories meet."As we worked, I couldn't ignore the subtle changes in my body. My senses had always been sharp since Diamond's awakening, b
As the survivors were gently guided toward the guest wing, I noticed Peta hanging back, her eyes darting around nervously, an old habit from captivity, I suspected."There's something else, isn't there?" I asked quietly, moving closer to her.She nodded, glancing around before lowering her voice. "I didn't want to say it in front of everyone, especially the children. But there's more. Before we escaped, I overheard the guards talking. They mentioned at least three other locations, one in Idaho, one somewhere in the Dakotas, and another they only referred to as 'the southern facility.'"My stomach clenched at her words. Five facilities that we knew of now, Montana, Wyoming, and three more, are still operating. How many wolves were still trapped? How many children?"Do you have any more details?" Kane asked, having moved close enough to hear. "Locations, security levels, numbers?"Peta shook her head apologetically. "Only fragments. The guards were c
"The council will have questions," Margaret warned, though her tone had softened. "Many questions.""Then we'll answer them," I replied, my hand finding Lucious's and squeezing briefly. "Together."Brent moved closer, his amber eyes warm with pride as he looked at my brother. "You know, for someone raised by our enemies, you turned out pretty decent."Lucious snorted, the sound so unexpectedly normal that it made me smile. "High praise from one of my sister's mates.""Don't let it go to your head," Brent shot back, but he was grinning.The tension in the room had shifted, the political maneuvering giving way to something more genuine. We still had challenges ahead: the council, the remaining Northern Alliance facilities, the mysterious ancient one Marcus had mentioned, but in this moment, surrounded by family and allies, I felt hope."There's something else we should discuss," Liam said, his scholarly tone drawing everyone's attention. "The
"His existence complicates things considerably. A male Blackthorne heir, raised by the Northern Alliance, suddenly appearing with powers that rival your own?" Richard shook his head. "Many are... concerned about where his loyalties truly lie.""His loyalties are with his family," I said firmly. "With me.""You've known him for less than a week," Margaret pointed out gently. "That's hardly enough time to...""I know him," I interrupted, feeling Diamond's agreement pulse through me. "Our blood connection is deeper than time. Apollo and Diamond recognised each other the moment they met. Whatever the Northern Alliance tried to make him, Lucious is a Blackthorne. He belongs with us.""Then perhaps he should be present for these discussions," Alpha Maxwell suggested diplomatically. "So the other Alphas can see for themselves where he stands."I nodded, grateful for the suggestion. "Is he well enough?""I'm well enough."We all turned to fin
A smile softened the Priestess's weathered face. "He has recovered remarkably well. Apollo's emergence has stabilised him in ways we couldn't have anticipated. He's been asking about you constantly."Relief washed through me. "Can I see him?""Perhaps tomorrow, once you've rested more," Liam suggested gently. "You're still recovering from four days of heat."I wanted to argue, but my body betrayed me with a jaw-cracking yawn. The brief burst of energy from eating was already fading, exhaustion pulling at my limbs."Rest now," the Priestess said, moving toward the door. "I'll return tomorrow with a full briefing on the political situation. And Luna?" She paused, her ancient eyes knowing. "Congratulations. The goddess's blessing shines brightly within you."She was gone before I could ask what she meant, but from the way my mates' attention immediately focused on my stomach, I had a fairly good idea."She sensed it too," Fin murmured, wonder c
"Four days," he replied, reaching for a glass of water and helping me sit up to drink. "Shorter than we expected, but more intense."I glanced around the room, noting the evidence of our marathon heat, discarded clothing, empty water pitchers, and the distinct scent of four wolves and their mate permeating everything. Fin was asleep in another chair, his analytical mind finally surrendered to exhaustion. Brent and Liam were nowhere to be seen."They're getting fresh supplies," Kane explained, following my gaze. "Food, clean bedding. The heat has broken, but you'll need recovery time."I nodded, sipping the water gratefully. My body ached pleasantly, marked with love bites and gentle bruises that would heal quickly with my werewolf metabolism. Despite the physical exhaustion, I felt more at







