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No. Aiden.
Aiden was a male around my age. We’d never spoken because I wasn’t allowed to talk to anyone other than the females, but he occasionally snuck me food. They had probably caught him in the act.
The Alpha’s smirk turned vicious. “You remember him, don’t you?”
“No, I don’t know him.”
“Really? Because my Beta found him with you in the pantry the other night—alone.”
The Beta forced him to his knees in front of me and held one of his hands against the floor.
“Remember this lesson,” Alpha Kane said. “I’m the only one who can save you.”
He pulled out a knife and slammed it down, cutting Aiden’s pinky and ring finger clean off.
His screams pierced the air, and my cheeks grew wet with tears.
No one could save me.
I woke up with a gasp, looking left and right as my vision cleared. My heartbeat slowed as I realized I was in bed with my mates. Cool air hit my sweat-soaked back, sending chills down my spine.
Alpha Kane was coming, and I couldn’t bear the thought of my mates getting hurt. They didn’t believe I was the cause of this senseless war, but perhaps I could be the solution.
I would do whatever it took to keep them safe.
Chapter 21
Bowen
The Hand had eyes on Blood Moon. They reported signs of war preparations, but the pack hadn't put their paws to the dirt yet.
They were strategizing and gathering necessities for the march from their territory to ours. The Hand estimated it would be at least two weeks until they reached Hidden Creek.
That gave us time to prepare.
Alpha Wynn assured the pack that our lives would continue as usual despite some changes—like the mandatory training.
It was a comfort—not to mention a message to the outside world that nothing could shake us.
As such, the pack decided to proceed with the Winter’s End Festival. It marked our transition into spring and symbolized the survival of another winter.
All the pack shops closed for the day, and everyone met in the open field on the west side of our territory.
Long benches laden with food sat on one side of the clearing, next to a dining area with picnic tables. The other side had a huge bonfire and space to talk and dance.
Packmates chatted animatedly, determined to enjoy every second of peace.
We walked into the field, and the pack greeted us warmly. Myla made a beeline for a group of elders, and they lit up when she reached them—even crabby old Mr. Devero offered her a polite nod.
Gentry headed for the drink table, and Theron conversed with Brielle.
I glanced toward the food and saw Enforcers crowding the dessert table.
“It’s about time you got here,” Leighton said, clapping a hand on my shoulder. “The boys are determined to eat their weight in cake.”
“Tell me you saved me a slice of cheesecake,” I said with a groan.
Vultures, all of them.
