Damien’s POV
Sitting in the dense forest as dawn broke over the treetops, I felt the familiar hollow ache in my chest. No matter how many loyal warriors surrounded me, the emptiness without Elena remained unbearable. Every breath felt incomplete without her presence.
The rescue couldn’t wait any longer.
Asher’s message had confirmed Briar’s safety. She was with the vampires now, away from immediate danger. That knowledge freed me to focus entirely on extracting Elena from her prison cell.
"Explain to me again why mom decided throwing herself into enemy hands was brilliant strategy," Caleb demanded, frustration bleeding through his voice.
"She had to deliver the message to Briar personally. There was no other way to ensure Briar would break free from those Hunters. Julian has her now, which means the plan worked." My explanation came out clipped, businesslike.
"Perfect. Most of their forces are deployed elsewhere. We should strike immediately." Caleb’s impatience mirrored my own desperate need for action.
"Patience. Our pack is already engaging the Hunters at their secondary location. They’ll call for reinforcements any moment now." I kept my voice steady despite the fire burning in my veins.
Caleb stared at me as if I’d lost my mind, but I had calculated every variable in this operation.
The moment those transport helicopters lifted off with their backup forces, we would have a clear path into the base. The timing had to be perfect.
"I assumed everyone evacuated to Peak Pack territory," Caleb said, confusion creasing his features.
"Everyone except our most elite warriors from both packs. They’re positioned and ready." My words carried the weight of absolute certainty.
"They’re waiting to ambush the Hunters?" Understanding finally dawned in his eyes, and I allowed myself a grim smile.
"Dangerous as hell," Caleb muttered.
"Your mother’s strategy. Take your complaints to her." The mention of Elena’s tactical brilliance sent another spike of longing through me. She always saw angles others missed, even when it meant putting herself at risk.
Caleb’s exasperated exhale told me he understood. When Elena set her mind to something, resistance was futile. Supporting her plans was always the wisest choice.
"Alpha." A warrior’s urgent tone made me turn toward the base.
The distant rumble of helicopter engines coming online reached us through the morning air. Finally.
Shouts echoed across the compound as the aircraft prepared for departure. We pressed ourselves deeper into the forest shadows as two helicopters rose into the sky, their rotors beating overhead.
"How many?" I asked once they passed.

My warriors moved with precision, neutralizing threats while avoiding unnecessary casualties. These soldiers weren’t our true enemies, just obstacles in our path to Elena.
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