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I shifted, nudging them with my snout and urged them to follow me back to the lodge. The sun was going down, and time was running out. We got Kai back, but now it was time to deal with Pierce.
27
ROSIE
When we got back to the lodge, Joaquin and Byron stood there fully clothed and waiting for us. Along with Rowan, Roxanne, Del and her men. My other two mates' faces lit up at the sight of Kai being with us. We all shifted back and were pulled into quick hug. When Joaquin got to Kai, he held the younger man tight, one of Joaquin's hands gripping Kai's hair.
"Please tell me you're back to normal," Joaquin murmured at the top of Kai's head.
Kai nodded. "It's me, P'Joaquin. I'm back."
Del, ever the clear headed one, cut into the happy reunion. "Great, we got Kai back, but this fight isn't over yet. There's a mess going on in town and we're getting our asses kicked."
"Then we should get down there and help them," Joaquin suggested.
I looked up at the sky, assessing how much time we had left before the Wolf Moon rose. Night was already starting to bleed through the evening light, but we still had a ways to go. Not enough time to give all our pack their Lycan forms, but maybe I wouldn't need to.
"I can break Mordred's hold over the army," I announced, standing firm in my vindication.
Everyone stared at me puzzled. "How?" Byron asked.
"I'm the Queen of Wolves. The alpha of alphas. No one's influence is greater than my own."
"Rosa, that's an awfully big gamble," Javier said, not necessarily telling me it couldn't be done, but was making sure I knew the risks involved.
"But she is right," Rowan countered. "If anybody can repel the New Moon's influence, it would be Rosie."
"I can do it," I said again, hoping I had everyone else's faith in me.
There was a look of hesitation in some of their faces, but my mates knew better. From our bond I could sense their belief that I could pull this off. Del sighed in defeat. "Okay, then. What do you need to do?"
"First we need to get back down there. Then, I'll need my boys' help."
"Then let's get down there," Raph said. Everyone who was a shifter turned into their wolf forms. Del climbed onto Joaquin's back and we all dashed down the gravel path back into Kingsrose. It was as Del said, the town looked like the aftermath of an apocalypse. Several cars and buildings were destroyed, windows were shattered, and there were dead bodies scattered everywhere. Many of which were shifters, but I noticed the uniforms of some of the men that were part of Del's brigade.
We stopped at the entryway of the rose field, seeing wolves going at it, followed by the running sound of gunshots and explosives. We all shifted back and watched as our town was quickly turning to rubble.
"If we're going to end this war, we need to hurry. Otherwise, there won't be a home left for us to defend," Kao said with urgency.
He had a point. Turning to Del and her men, I said, "Keep our enemies busy while my men and I build up strength to do what I need to stop this war."
Del pulled out Artemis, twisting its center so the ends stretch out with a click. "I thought you'd never ask." Javier, Caleb, and Raph huffed out their agreement before charging into the action, Del running off after them. I looked to Byron and Roxanne. "Roxanne, can you keep a barrier around us?"
"Sure can," Roxanne said, cracking her knuckles.
"And Rowan, Morgan might still be out there helping the wounded. Find her and keep her guarded. Help out where you can."
"Fine," Rowan grumbled. "But Rosie?"
"Yeah?"
"There's something I need you to know just in case something happens."
My body stilled, suddenly feeling nervous at what Rowan wanted me to know. "Which is?"
"This." Rowan swiftly grabbed the back of my head, pulling me to him and sealing his lips over mine. The kiss took me by surprise, especially since we weren't mated. I thought this was wrong for us to do, but in all honesty, I didn't care. Rowan wasn't one of my mates, but that didn't stop me from still wanting him. My hand rested on his bare chest as I kissed him back, feeling the rough texture of his lips over mine. Rowan pulled back, giving me a wink before shifting to his Lycan form, and running to town to find Morgan.
"Wait!" I called to him, wanting to know what that kiss was about. Wondering what it could mean.
