AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Cassia resolved to fight with everything she had to protect her mate and pack … her family.
This battle must be successful. There was no other outcome. Not for them. Not for their pack. Or the world.
9
Julian loathed the thought of allowing the rescued wolves to fight in battle, but they’d insisted on retribution. He didn’t know them as people, yet the wolves were irrevocably tied to him forever. The bond between an Alpha and pack wolves had already begun to sprout roots in his psyche.
Though unexpected and overwhelming, his wolf celebrated, finally released to lead as he was always meant to do. The Prince of Wolves’ destiny had been determined by fate, and Julian accepted his charge with pride.
The sound of Cassia’s voice broke his contemplation and he smiled up at her, watching as she braided her hair.
“I can feel you, my Alpha. Do not worry about the pack. This is their decision to fight. This storm will pass,” she assured him.
“How can you know me so well when we’ve just met?” Julian smiled, his heart tightened. You’re not alone.
“I can feel you as you probably feel me. I may be chameleon but I’m your mate.”
“The wolves seem to be recovering, but there are at least fifteen who aren’t in condition to go anywhere. I had to order them to stay back … I took them to Logan’s. I understand Makoto’s perspective but I explained that their presence would put the rest of us at risk. There’re ten wolves I’m allowing to come with us, but I still have concerns about letting them go.”
“You will have to use your power to control them. Kenji and Makoto may have their opinions based on their own experiences, but you are Alpha. If they, at any time, become a liability, you can order them to retreat. They will submit. I trust you will do what is best for your pack … meaning all of us. Rafe. Greyson. Sayuri. You’ve honed your leadership with Rafe … and you are the Prince of Wolves … this is your nature.” Cassia sat beside him on the edge of the bed. Her palm cupped his cheek. “I want you to know that if at any time you need me to shift into something other than what I choose, let me know. You know how to communicate with me. I promise I will listen. I’m not wolf. And yes, I’m independent but we go into battle as pack. You are my Alpha as well.”
“Cass …” Warmth in his chest bloomed with emotion … with love for his mate. Guilt threaded through him. “This is going to be over soon. I promise I’m going to make up for this chaos. You and I are going to build a beautiful life together. No more demons. Just you and me … settling down, growing roots. We’ll build a new house. And a pack house. And we’ll do it somewhere where you can fly or run or gallop … whatever your form, you’ll be free. We’ll be free.”
Cassia smiled and leaned into his embrace, her forehead touching his. “I can’t wait.”
“Cassia …” I love you.
“Julian …” I love you too.
Julian captured her lips with his, pouring all of his love and power into their kiss. There was no other option but to win the battle. More than good versus evil, he’d fight with his own life to protect his mate and his pack. Laser-focused on his goal, the Alpha set off to war.
* * *
“What the hell, dude? It’s windy as fuck up here. And cold. I swear you like freezing my ass.”
“You must toughen up, wolf,” Greyson told him, zipping his leather jacket.
“Why the hell are we up so high? I’m sure there’s a warmer place we can catch a demon. They are in Hell, after all.”
“We are on Mount Aso,” Sayuri explained. “This is a sacred place … the veil to the underworld is thin.”
“You sure this baby isn’t going to … you know.” Rafe held his hands near the sides of his head and stretched his fingers, “Because I’m as down with a good hike as the next person, but with the looks of the steam coming out of this volcano, I’d say she’s restless.”
“She is a breathing, living entity.” Kenji’s expression remained serious. “We cannot predict her temperament.”
“It will be fine, Rafe.” Julian placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, sending his wolf the power of the Alpha. “I need you focused tonight. As my beta, you must get the others out of here should things go south. You must submit and do as I say even if your vampire side tells you otherwise. Do I have your word?”
“Yes, yes you have my word.” Rafe locked his eyes on Julian’s and nodded.
“Good, wolf. We must protect our pack.” Julian gave a nod of confidence to Rafe.
“Agreed.” Rafe quieted his concerns.
“Dominque. Xavier. Greyson. Are you ready for what’s about to go down? You don’t have to stay. You can leave right now if you want. This isn’t your fight.”
“Well, I do have an appointment this weekend for a facial,” Dominique told Julian, a lilt of amusement to her voice. “No, I’m good. We have many families in this world. Now you’re part of mine. Like it or not.”
“You’re pack, Dom. I appreciate your help today. I promise this is the last leg of our tour. You’ll make that appointment.” Julian inwardly chuckled at Dominique’s failed attempt to conceal her emotions.
