Page 28 of Those That Defy the Realm

An emotion I haven’t felt in a long time creeps out alongside the utter pleasure being pounded into me. One I’m utterly terrified of.

But before I can think of how to react, a shout so loud cuts through everything.

“Henry!” It’s Ty, followed by a slam of a door.

“Fuck. Not now,” Henry curses. Immediately stopping.

“Henry! We’re leaving. Now!” Ty’s voice is further away but still rings through the room.

“I’m sorry.” Henry drops his head and kisses me swiftly before he’s gone. He’s pulled out of me and off the bed before I can blink.

The orgasm I was on the edge of dies quickly as panic takes over. “Henry, what’s happening?” I ask as I clamber off the bed.

“I need to go,” he says, shoving his clothes on, and sprinting out the door before he’s even done up his jeans properly.

Quickly locating my dress, I throw it over my head, forego my underwear and bra and sprint after the male that was just banging me into next week.

“Is Rory hurt?” It’s the only explanation for the sheer terror on Ty’s face as both males quickly lace up their boots.

“We don’t know,” Henry answers. “But we need to go to the ranch. Lock all the doors once we’ve left.”

“Can I come with you?” If Rory is in trouble I want to help.

“No,” Ty snaps. Then his tone gentles. “You’re human. I don’t want you in the crossfire.”

I can see that arguing will get me nowhere, so I have no option but to let them leave.

“Be safe.” I call from where I remain at the top of the stairs.

Henry pauses in the open front door to look back at me. He nods and then they’re gone.

Running a hand through my hair, shaking the mental whiplash of the last few minutes, I focus on making a plan. I might be human but I’m not useless. If they’re heading into a fight they’re going to need support afterwards. I’m assuming they’re going to win because the alternative option isn’t something I can consider. I lost Rory once, I can’t think of the universe taking her away a second time.

I get to work and call the one person I know who will help me.

CHAPTER 11

ASH

We arrive to chaos.

By the time the ranch comes into view, we’ve been hearing sounds of fighting for a couple of minutes already, ever since I locked my hearing onto the pack of vampires that are our target.

Seeing as our presence on this island is breaking several laws, and most importantly, the treaty, it wasn’t like we could’ve sailed in on the high speed ferries right into the port. No, me and my team had to dock our boat up in the barren northern borders in the dead of night, where there was no chance of us being seen.

It’s a good job Emmerson knows how to sail with basic equipment and not much preparation.

The other two making up my little sub-pack are Tally and Parker, two wolves who work as enforcers on our borders. They’re skilled in fighting and being discreet. Plus, they leapt at the chance to leave the Northern Isles. Whilst some wolves are happy with our territory and don’t wish to venture further, others can get frustrated with our lack of choice about our location. Hopefully, if this goes well, we might be getting a few more opportunities.

I got chosen to lead this particular mission as none of my older siblings were particularly keen. Rune would’ve been the most sensible choice seeing as he’s second eldest; Colton not being available due to his mate Luna now being heavily pregnant. But Rune doesn’t get involved in the politics, not like Colton does, and like I am now.

It’s as if the last few months and my sudden interest in the running of the pack have led to this moment. And to be fair, with how scheming my parents can be, I’m not that surprised. I think my mum had this very mission planned out as a strong possibility as soon as she knew Ty had survived the war, and she has been putting the necessary wheels into motion since they visited at Solstice.

Forcing myself to not howl, I give a series of low woofs to my pack mates as we get within striking distance. It’s not ideal. We’ve run for miles, haven’t eaten enough and definitely haven’t slept enough. There’s no choice though, either we fight or we risk the vampires losing this battle.

And the thought of Henry, Ty and Aurora being trapped, tortured, or worse by these pricks is enough to spike my adrenaline and push me onwards.

There’s a group fighting just outside the house, but none of the vampires I need eyes on are amongst the raucous. It’s challenging to know which side we need to help. We know Ty has allies in the pack but we have no idea who they are, bar a few names and vague descriptions.