Chapter 149
LUCIAN’S P.O.V.
The battlefield was unnaturally silent after Edmond’s words hung in the air, heavy as an executioner’s blade. The scent of blood and wet earth combined with the metallic tang of betrayal, and I tightened my jaw as I turned toward the familiar voice. Edmond. His presence sliced through the tension like a jagged knife, and though I couldn’t see him, his aura pressed against mine—challenging, mocking, and strangely amused.
Ares growled low in my mind, his rage mirroring my own, but I held him back—for now.
I straightened my shoulders, my eyes gazing unseeingly toward Edmond’s voice. “What are you talking about?” I asked, keeping my tone steady, though the edges of my patience were fraying.
Edmond’s laugh was slow and deliberate, each chuckle clawing at my pride. “Ah, Lucian, always so composed. A few little birds in your pack whispered an intriguing tale to me. One I found… hard to believe. But curiosity got the better of me.” He paused, and I could hear the smirk in his voice. “So, I had to orchestrate this meeting, didn’t I p>
The air turned colder. My own pack had betrayed me—welcomed danger into our home. The thought of it clawed angrily at my chest, but I filed it away. There would be time to deal with traitors later.
“And?” I asked, keeping my voice sharp, masking the storm building inside me. “What did these so-called birds tell you p>
Edmond didn’t hesitate. “That the infamous Lucian Blackwood, the Alpha feared by all, is blind p>
Silence stretched between us. Ares snarled in my mind, his fury scorching. “We should tear him apart!” He growled, his voice dripping with bloodlust. “Show him and anyone else who thinks we’re weak what happens when they challenge the Moonpeak pack p>
“I couldn’t agree more,” I replied silently, my blood thrumming with rage.
“Is that what you think, Edmond?” I asked, my voice deadly calm. “That I’m blind, and that makes me weak?” I tilted my head, my tone almost mocking. “If you’re so curious, so willing to risk our alliance—and your own life—come closer and find out p>
Edmond’s footsteps crunched against the ground as he moved closer, his confidence infuriating. “Oh, I plan to. And when I’m done, I’ll kill you, your weak little mate, and your sweet pups. Then I’ll take the Moonpeak pack as my own p>
A growl rumbled deep in my chest, a warning, a promise. “Come and try,” I said simply, the words thick with challenge.
The air shifted as Edmond transformed, the sound of snapping bones and tearing flesh filling the silence. Ares surged forward within me, eager, wild, and I let him take control as I shifted into my wolf form. The ground beneath my paws felt firm and familiar as I braced myself, listening for every sound, every breath Edmond made.
His first move was fast—a blur of sound and energy—but I was faster. Blindness was not a weakness; it was my weapon. Every sense honed, every movement calculated. Edmond lunged, and I sidestepped, my claws raking across his flank. He howled in pain but recovered quickly, his massive wolf form circling me like a predator.
“You’re slow,” I taunted, my voice carrying through our mind link, sharp and biting. “Is that the best you can do p>
He snarled and lunged again, teeth aiming for my throat. I met him head-on this time, our bodies colliding with a force that shook the ground. Pain shot through my side as his claws found purchase, but I bit down hard on his shoulder, tasting blood. He howled again, thrashing to get free, but I held firm until he managed to claw my leg, forcing me to release him.
The fight was brutal, primal, each of us landing blow after blow. Blood matted my fur, the metallic scent filling the air, but I didn’t falter. Ares drove me forward, relentless and merciless. “End him, Lucian!” he roared.
“Show him why we’re feared p>
Edmond faltered first. His breaths came ragged, his movements slower, more desperate. I seized the opening, barreling into him with all my strength and pinning him to the ground. My jaws clamped around his neck, a warning growl vibrating through his body.
“Yield,” I commanded, my voice a growl in his mind.
But he didn’t. His arrogance was his downfall. He tried to twist free, snapping at me, but I tightened my grip, teeth pressing against his jugular. His struggles weakened, his body trembling beneath mine.
“Listen,” I growled, releasing his throat just enough to speak. “You thought you could challenge me, bring chaos to my pack, and walk away unscathed? Foolish p>
I turned my head slightly, addressing my enforcers, who had dispatched the rest of Edmond’s wolves with ruthless efficiency. “Gather every enforcer we have,” I ordered, my voice carrying the full weight of my Alpha authority. “Tonight, we raid Edmond’s pack. Leave no one alive—except the children. Bring them back here. I will personally reshape them. They’ll grow loyal to Moonpeak, to me p>
The enforcers bowed their heads in unison. “Yes, Alpha p>
“No,” Edmond rasped, his voice weak but frantic. “Lucian, please. Don’t—don’t do this. My pack—my family p>
I laughed coldly, the sound devoid of humor. “You think Moonpeak became the wealthiest and most feared pack in the world because I’m kind?” I leaned closer, letting him hear the smirk in my voice. “You forget, Edmond. I’m Lucian Blackwood. Mercy is not in my nature p>
Without another word, I bit down hard on his neck, the crunch of bone and the rush of blood marking the end of his pathetic life. I stood, blood dripping from my jaws. Wiping my mouth I turned back to my pack. “Rylan,” I said, locking onto his presence. “You’re in charge of the operation. Go p>
“Yes, Alpha,” he replied, his voice steady.
The pack dispersed, their footsteps fading into the night. Silence fell over the battlefield, broken only by the wind and the distant howls of wolves.
I stood there for a moment, alone with the weight of what had just happened. But Ares’s voice, calm and satisfied, cut through my thoughts.
“Good job, Lucian. Let this be a lesson to anyone who thinks we’re weak p>
And though the victory was mine, I couldn’t shake the gnawing thought of betrayal. Someone in my pack had whispered secrets to Edmond, and I would find them. But that would come later.
For now, Moonpeak had a message to send.