Chapter 11
Chapter 11
Gideon’s POV
It had rained during the night, and the slow sound of dripping water permeated the forest.
Blood dripped slowly down the leaves of the thicket and pooled in the long grass. The ground of the clearing was scattered with boulders, logs, and the bodies of the fallen.
The fighting had been intense. My warriors and I were covered in blood and minor wounds. Now our panting rang loud in the stillness as the last of the rogues breathed their last.
I gave the gesture to Tegan to round up the civilians. Now that the rogue attacks at the border had intensified, they could no longer maintain their homesteads here.
They would join Nightwolf for their protection. In time, they would build new lives here.
Before that could happen we needed to hold a Pack Acceptance Ceremony.
I could see the resignation on their faces as they gathered up their treasured belongings, buried their dead, and prepared to return to Nightwolf with my warriors.
Never had I seen attacks so vicious as this.
Why would they be targeted for attack? I rubbed at my temples and turned the variables over.
For most of my life, rogue wolf attacks had been acts of desperation.
Without the protection and resource-sharing of a pack, most wolves had trouble surviving on their own. They might raid a vulnerable farmstead, but most of the time, they would just slaughter a few sheep or steal eggs from a chicken coop.
This felt very different.
These rogues had fought in an organized fashion. They had known we would come, and they had been waiting for us.
Wolves did not pick fights with Nightwolf if they wanted to live.
I guess these ones hadn’t.
Someone must be controlling them.
That was a troubling thought that sat with me back to Nightwolf Village.
“My son.” My parents were waiting in the central courtyard when I arrived, “Preparations for the Pack Acceptance Ceremony have begun,” my father confirmed.
I nodded gratefully. The sooner these people could begin to rebuild, the easier their transition would be.
My mother and father exchanged a meaningful look. Having seen that glance many times in my life, I sighed.
“What is it p>
“Your father and I both agree that you and Avery should attend the ceremony together. A show of unity is especially important right now, and the pack needs to see tangible signs of hope for the future.” my mother said firmly.
I knew that tone, and it usually meant that it wasn’t worth the fight it would take to do things my own way.
I may be the Alpha, but every son disregards his mother’s advice at his own peril.
“Very well.” I reluctantly agreed, “Send Camila to bring Avery to the hall p>
“Alpha,” Tegan dropped back from where he’d been debriefing the scout who had covered our retreat, “may I recommend that
1/2
you take some time to bathe and prepare?” He gestured at my uniform, which was splattered with blood and gore.
Frowning, I reached up to my face and felt the streaks of blood there where I had wiped away sweat after the battle.
I suppose I am a bit of a mess. But…
“There will be time for cleaning up later,” I said, “getting these civilians settled first is more important p>
Tegan coughed politely, the way my Beta always did when he disagreed with me. “Your fiancée may find it a bit disconcerting to see you in this state.” He meant I looked a hot mess.
“If she is going to be my Luna, she will have to get used to it, sooner or later.” I frowned, “Don’t you have a search you should be continuing?” I fixed him with a meaningful stare. There had still been no sign of my fate mate.
“Yes, Alpha.” Tegan bowed and hurried away.
I headed for the ceremony hall.
Pack members were crowding through the doors and finding places to stand around the presentation stage. Afterward there would be a welcome feast.
Olivia Harris
Olivia Harris is an emerging author celebrated for her captivating romantic and steamy novels. With a talent for crafting deep emotional connections and fiery chemistry between her characters, Olivia’s stories offer readers an escape into worlds filled with passion, intrigue, and heart-stopping drama.