Chapter 89
“Dex,” I whispered, “take Marco and Lena. Create a distraction at the
point we discussed. The rest will follow my signal.”
The three rogues disappeared into the underbrush. Minutes later,
howls and snarls erupted from the perimeter. I watched with cold
calculation as two Spring Valley warriors responded, only to be
ambushed by Dex’s group.
Alarms echoed through the trees, followed by shouts and running
feet. I nodded to the remaining rogues. “Now. Remember–maximum
chaos.”
As they charged forward, I slipped away, using the distraction to
penetrate deeper into Spring Valley territory. My heart raced with
anticipation as I moved silently toward where I believed the
community center would be.
It’s working, Shadow exulted. We’re inside.
I froze suddenly, catching a new scent. Alpha and Beta–Matthew and
James–approaching rapidly. I pressed myself against a large pine,
controlling my breathing as they passed less than thirty yards away.
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Through the trees, I watched Matthew barking orders, directing his warriors toward the breach. James followed a step behind, his
expression grim but determined.
Too strong together, Shadow warned. We can’t face both.
I agreed. Even with my growing power, challenging an established
Alpha and his Beta simultaneously would be suicide. I needed to wait,
to find Julia and escape before-
James stopped suddenly, his head tilting as if listening. I observed
with predatory focus as the Beta’s expression shifted from
determination to distraction.
A mindlink, I realized. He received a message.
I watched James turn to Matthew, saying something I couldn’t hear,
but his body language told everything–tension, concern, divided
attention. His hand unconsciously moved to touch his mate mark.
His pregnant mate, Shadow growled. She needs him.
This was the opportunity I needed. I gestured to two of the rogues
who had followed me.
“The Alpha,” I whispered. “Draw him away.”
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The rogues nodded eagerly, too stupid to realize they were being
sacrificed. They moved away, deliberately making enough noise to
attract Matthew’s attention.
As Matthew turned toward the new threat, I shifted fluidly into my
wolf form. With frightening speed, I launched myself toward the
distracted Beta.
James sensed the attack a second too late. My powerful jaws clamped
around his shoulder, driving him to the ground. Blood filled my
mouth as my teeth tore through muscle and sinew, the hot metallic
taste fueling my rage.
James fought back ferociously, managing to slam an elbow into my ribs, but I twisted and struck again, this time tearing at his throat.
A furious roar erupted from behind me. I released my victim and spun to see Matthew charging toward me, his human form abandoned for a
massive silver–gray wolf twice my size.
RUN! Shadow screamed in my mind.
I didn’t hesitate. I’d seen enough to know that Matthew’s Alpha power
far exceeded my own growing strength. I bolted into the forest,
abandoning my rogue allies without a second thought.
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Behind me, Matthew’s anguished howl pierced the night. I pushed
myself harder, ignoring the cuts from branches and thorns as I fled
through the dense underbrush.
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