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“She’s right,” Vale says slowly. “I know how hunters think. Right now, they are calling more reinforcements in, building more weapons, and biding their time until they attack. When they do, they won’t retreat this time. They will kill everyone—children, women, and men. Our best bet is Quinn’s plan, the element of surprise. We can catch them before they are ready and end this once and for all.”
“And who goes?” Dom asks.
“Volunteers only. I will never force anyone, but know I will be going,” I reply, waiting until the protests die down after my announcement. “If I don’t come back, Marie will rule in my absence until another alpha can be chosen.”
“No,” Marie protests. “I lost my mate. I won’t lose my daughter.”
“You will lose me regardless. At least this way, we stand a chance,” I tell her. “I won’t sit here and wait like a coward. I will face them head-on. They are just humans, that’s all. Despite what they did here, they are weak and powerless. We are creatures born from moonlight and pain. We are fangs and claws. We are wolves. It’s time we showed them that.” I wanted this to be a vote, but it’s clear they need someone to take charge, so I stand tall, trusting my judgement like Jang taught me. “This is my ruling. This time, it isn’t a joint decision. Spread the word, volunteers only. Gather as many as we can without leaving the pack undefended. Make it known we may not come back.”
I watch as they file out, arguing amongst themselves. “Please, Quinny,” Marie begs, her eyes glossy with unshed tears as she stops before me. “Don’t make me stand by and watch as you walk towards death.”
I grip her hand as I meet her worried gaze. “I have to do this. Please understand, I’m doing this for everyone.”
“And what about you? What about me? My mate gave his life for everyone, and now you are going to do the same,” she hisses, anger mixing with her pain.
“It stopped being about us the second they killed one of our pack members. I am alpha now, not just your daughter. I have everyone’s lives to think about, not just my own. I cannot and will not stand by and let them ruin our pack. If they want a war, then I will give them one.” I lean in and kiss her cheek, knowing she’s hurting. “I know you’re scared, I am too, but I have to do this. Don’t make me go without your blessing.”
In some ways, I don’t envy my mother. She is the heart and soul of this pack, and although she will never lead, she has to watch her family do just that and die for it. All the while, she stands tall, keeping our people together despite her own agony.
She swallows, tears sliding down her cheeks. “You better come back.”
“I’ll try,” I promise. “Look after the pack for me.”
“Only until you get back,” she retorts. “So come home.” She steps back, looking at Vale, Lucien, and Jai. I don’t even need to ask them if they will volunteer because I know they will come with me.
It’s an unspoken promise.
“Bring my daughter home to me. Vow it,” she demands.
“Mother,” I warn.
“Vow it,” she roars.
“I would die before I let anything happen to her,” Jai states calmly. “I will kill every single hunter who dares hurt the woman I love, and we will do everything in our power to bring Quinn home to you.”
My heart skips a beat at his confession. He loves me?
It feels right, and despite the circumstances, my wolf howls in happiness and approval.
Marie swallows and nods. “I guess that’s good enough.” She looks me over. “You are a brave fool, just like your father.”
“That’s why you love us,” I reply.
“Sometimes love fucking hurts,” she mutters before hugging me and departing. I watch her go, knowing she is struggling with losing her only tie to this world. I don’t just need to return for my pack, but I also need to return for her. I know losing me would be her death, and I will not let that happen.
I’m coming back.
I have to, and when I do, I will bring peace.
They wanted beasts?
They’ve got them, and all the wilderness that lives inside our souls.
We are all aware tonight could be our last in this world. The pack is quiet as loved ones spend the night with those who have volunteered, making the most of the time we have.
I’m alone, staring at the lake, but I should have known I’m never truly alone—not anymore. I once craved silence and solitude, but I hate it now. I miss their taunts, their teasing voices, and the warmth of knowing they are next to me.
They haven’t been in my life long, but I’ve come to depend on them when my burdens get too big. That should scare me, but if anything, it’s a relief. I have looked after everyone else for as long as I can remember, but with them, I don’t have to. They look after me. They take the weight and allow me to function.
