Chapter 161
Zara
Kane remained motionless as I licked the blood from his skin, smiling softly as he looked at the wound I’d left on his neck. Somehow, I knew that when it healed, it would be the color of sapphire.
Neither of us felt the need to speak; our eyes clearly said what needed to be said. I tilted my head to the side, unable to contain the sob that escaped my lips under his touch.
“You’re so beautiful,” Alpha purred, his tongue slowly sliding down my neck.
His fangs were cold, but they warmed me to the core. The pain dissolved into pleasure as his teeth pierced my skin, drawing blood down my collarbones.
“Alpha, we have a problem. Freya, the Moon’s people have invaded the pack—led by a fair-haired werewolf. They’ve breached our defenses on the northern perimeter and are heading south p>
“Sophia and Govinda.” My voice came out hoarse, fear gripping me to the bone.
All the kindness I’d felt for Marcus evaporated, leaving me wondering why he’d even come. I knew the blond was Marcus, just as I knew he was… leading this entire attack. His false promises left a bitter taste in my mouth.
Alpha Kane charged, kissing me quickly but passionately on the lips before speaking.
“I know you want to go, but stay here, Zara, “Alpha Kane breathed, his eyes blazing with a fear I’d never seen before. “Find your father. I’ll handle this p>
I nodded weakly, the same fear burning in my own eyes. I knew Alpha could handle this on his own, but I couldn’t imagine a world without his mate, a life without Alpha. I couldn’t imagine Dad and Ryan surviving because the mere thought of losing Alpha was enough to bring me to my knees.
I watched silently as he rolled over and ran into the woods, taking a piece of my soul with him.
A new burden has fallen on my shoulders, and as the unspoken words escaped my lips. Hidden beneath layers of concealer, the scarlet mark on my shoulder remained untouched and unharmed.
As Alpha Kane made his way through the forest, he sent out an alert to everyone in the pack. I could feel the panic rising, but Alpha managed to contain the forest fire before it engulfed us all.
“Attention, everyone! Those of you on the north side of the pack, seek shelter. Remain indoors until further notice. The rest of you, head south and find a safe place to lay low p>
I had no intention of letting Alpha handle the intrusion alone, as I’m sure he suspected. Now that I’d finally found my mate, the last thing I wanted was to let him out of my sight. First, I needed to make sure my family was safe.
I hadn’t run away when I learned the truth about my origins, nor had I run away when I learned Ryan had been kidnapped, and I refused to run now.
Staying in my human form, I raced through the forest and headed back to the party. The twinkling lights, once romantic, have now become beacons guiding me to my family. The smell of fried food still hung in the air, though the laughter and dancing had died down.
The music had faded, as had the carefree atmosphere. Tension rippled through the crowd: many clutched their children, getting into cars and driving away. Most chose to leave, heading home, where they believed they were safe.
The children continued to run, ignoring the heavy premonition. The adults knew the truth. If Alpha, Zeke, and Bran’s men couldn’t stop the attack, none of us would be safe.
My father abandoned his post at the grill to help some of the elderly get to the packhouse. I helped him as we lifted the old woman’s wheelchair onto the porch. Dad sat the woman down in a chair and, with a somber nod, wheeled her inside.
He was helping some parents track down their anxious children, those too young to understand what was happening. Ryan was nowhere to be seen, most likely heading toward the northern perimeter. I wanted to scold him for putting himself in danger, but how could I blame him when I was about to do the same?
Once everyone had cleared out, I entered the house with Dad. Only a handful of people remained in the packhouse, quietly chatting about the impending threat. He was rushing around the room like a hurricane, offering food and water to anyone who needed it.
“Ryan is heading to the Northern Perimeter?” I asked, noticing the sour expression on my father’s face.
“Of course.” He snorted. “He’s no better at avoiding trouble than you are p>
“I guess it runs in the family.” I chuckled halfheartedly.
“Make sure your brother’s safe while you’re there,” Dad grumbled, squinting at the bloody mark on my neck. “I guess Alpha Kane finally got around to marking you, huh? I can’t say I’m disappointed; I always knew you were destined for great things. You’ll be the most stubborn Luna in history p>
“I’ll be stubborn, but I’ll get my way.” I chuckled, my face flushing under his knowing gaze. “How do you know Kane is my mate p>
“It’s your moongoddess’s fault,” Dad grumbled. “She’s been under suspicion ever since you started training p>
“Of course I have,” I chuckled, meeting my dad’s amused gaze. “I have something to do before I go, but I’ll keep Ryan safe p>
I ran up the stairs, heading for the bedroom Alpha and I shared. This was my last chance, but I needed information. The scarlet mark on my shoulder tingled beneath layers of concealer, a reminder that Alpha’s touch hadn’t faded it.
As the bedroom door closed behind me, I mentally reached out to it. Summoning the shadows became easy, as if they were hiding in the darkness, awaiting my call. I walked to Alpha’s bedside table and grabbed the crude dagger I knew he’d hidden there.
The air around me grew chill, and then a teeth-chattering chill penetrated my bones. In the farthest corners of the room, shadows writhed, answering my call.
I pressed the serrated blade to my palm, applying light pressure. The sharp pain from the cold dulled, and I watched the blood rush to my hand. I couldn’t help but notice that Marcus’s mark was the same shade as fresh blood.