Intuition

Eve learned as much as she could about Bastian’s pack. Onyx explained that her parents were mated before they were kicked out of the NorthWood pack for aiding rogues in the valley. Onyx was born later.

Her parents were killed in the war against the mountain packs eleven years ago. She was six years old and she had been adopted by a couple named Jim and Rose Lawler. This was the same family that had raised Bastian after his exile.

When Bastian created the Shadow pack, Jim and Rose refused to support it. They bared no hard feelings against the packs on the range and Onyx claimed they still didn’t. They had planned to move away and this left Onyx with a choice. She could stay with Bastian in the valley or go with her adoptive parents.

Onyx couldn’t exactly explain her decision, but she had clearly remained by Bastian’s side. She had never even been to the mountain but she couldn’t stop herself from being curious about the other Lycans and how they lived. This is what Eve described to her.

She explained the rights of passage each wolf goes through in their packs. The various festivals, celebrations, and events. Eve even explained the Call, the bonding, and the Alpha ceremony. The Luna made sure the information she was giving away couldn’t be used against the pack. But, to Eve, Onyx honestly seemed more curious than devious.

Eve and the young woman eventually sat on the swing on the back porch. Bastian was sitting on top of a picnic table, surrounded by his pack. He was laughing with a beer bottle in his hand. He kept glancing at Eve with an oddly content expression.

Onyx pointed and identified the seven people who were staying on the property. Callie had already introduced herself, if one could call it that. Tyler had been the man she’d passed on her way into the cabin the first time. Scott was a supporter in his late thirties. He wore his brown hair a low pony tail and his light blue eyes looked playful.

Leigh and Felix were a couple and they were both fully-bred defenders. They were both in their twenties though Felix was a bit older. Leigh was tall and she kept her long, sandy hair in a tight bun. Felix always wore a serious expression, it nearly reminded Eve of Duncan’s stoicism.

Darren was a supporter in his twenties. He was muscular and tall, but his broad smile made him appear very approachable. The cocoa shade of his skin tone made his honey eyes appear that much more vivid. Onyx had nothing negative to say about anyone, though it appeared she kept most of her thoughts to herself.

“I wonder how many of them have killed members of my pack?” Eve pondered aloud.

“I-” Onyx paused. “I don’t know.”

“Have you ever killed anyone?” The Luna turned to her.

“No.” She shook her head firmly.

“Good.” She breathed.

“Have you?” Onyx asked quietly.

“Yes.” Eve nodded.

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Flint stood in the snowy forest of SilverCrest territory. The Alpha meeting had arrived and he had been in his animal form for more than an entire day. It was still impossible to separate his personality from that of his inner beast. He waited until the scent of Noah was carried passed him before heading toward it.

Dolan. You’re early. Noah glanced at the sunset in the distance.

We need to talk. Flint grunted internally.

You want to speak to our elders. He sat in the snow.

Our Luna has been taken. We can’t wait until the half moon. He replied firmly.

We know about your Luna. Until you find her, the legend will be of no use to you. Noah stated.

Legends are always vague. We need enough time to track down whatever solution your elders are hiding. Flint growled in frustration.

We told you we would aid you. We will. If time was needed, you would have it. Trust in your allies, Dolan. We are not the enemy. Noah responded with a growl of his own.

Someone was approaching. The wolves turned toward the presence and soon Daniel joined them. He sat across from Flint and glared at him.

Speak! Flint barked, returning his furious gaze.

You’ve been lying to us all. We demand answers! Daniel growled.

What lies? Noah interjected.

Who is the rogue commander? The escaped prisoner? No one has his name! Who attacked our packs?! Why do you protect him?! The NorthWood Alpha snarled.

We do NOT protect him. Flint’s power burst from his chest.

The white wolf charged him. Daniel was ready for the blow, or so he thought. Flint’s chest slammed into his, sending him back into the snow. Another presence was coming toward them. Jay had arrived and was on the way. The other Alphas could feel it.

Then who is he?! Who killed our warrior?! Daniel snarled as he lunged toward Flint.

The large, white wolf dodged him and knocked him away with his hip.

His family name is Anderson! He’s a rogue commander against StarLight! Flint forced himself to answer.

Jay’s black wolf ran over the hilltop and barreled toward Flint. While he was distracted, the GraySky Alpha rammed him. He tumbled to the side as Jay put his power on full display.

Where is she?! He roared angrily.

Flint jumped to his feet and growled defensively. Daniel was about to lunge toward him when Noah stepped into his path.

Not your fight. The older wolf grunted firmly.

Jay ran toward Flint again but Flint dodged away from him. He could see the anger, frustration, and panic in the all too familiar electric blue eyes of the black wolf.

We don’t know! Flint barked.

What’s happening Dolan?! Why is she gone?! You were supposed to protect her! Jay snapped at him.

Flint’s eyes felt blurry with rage. He roared aggressively and knocked the black wolf back several feet before pouncing on him. Jay dug his teeth into his front leg but he was too slow. Flint had already latched onto the other Alpha’s throat.

Adams’ blood. The taste of it turned his stomach. It tasted nearly like Eve’s had when he marked her. This penetrated his mind, finally separating his wolf from his human.

Release him! Flint commanded himself.

The white wolf reluctantly obeyed him. Jay didn’t stop fighting. He knocked Flint back a step. He then bit his shoulder, pushing him backwards again.

Fight back! Jay demanded as he again sank his teeth into Flint’s leg.

After several more wounds had been inflicted, he commanded action from Flint again. Flint allowed himself to absorb the blows, it nearly felt like he deserved them.

We don’t know where she is. The white wolf finally stated.

She was taken because of you. Wasn’t she? Jay huffed.

Yes. Flint admitted.

Something was wrong with her at the Call. What was it? He asked with more vindication.

The pup is powerful. Very powerful. He answered.

What does that mean!? Jay growled.

We don’t know! Flint’s frustration erupted. We don’t know where she is! We don’t know what he has planned for her! We don’t know if the baby is making her sicker! We just don’t fucking know anything! Her mindlink is closed! We can’t even feel her!

As he finished speaking he was growling and heaving his breaths. The other Alphas examined him, seeing his emotions. The surrounding wolves couldn’t help but search their links for their mates, reassuring themselves.

We have warriors searching the valley and trackers on their way to GreenTree. We will raid the rogue homes, foundations, and shelters. We will find her, even if we do it ourself. Jay stated firmly.

Flint nodded. He knew that even if he objected to GraySky pack’s ‘offer’, Jay couldn’t be swayed. Daniel stepped forward, drawing all eyes.

This Anderson rogue took your Luna. He killed a member of all of our packs. He is after you. Why? The NorthWood Alpha probed demandingly.

Ancient grudges. It doesn’t matter now. Flint raised his chin and faced the group. The goal of the rogues is to drive us apart. They know if they divide our packs, we aren’t as strong.

Well, he has succeeded. NorthWood will no longer obey or respect StarLight. You are untrustworthy and your secrets killed one of our warriors. It will not happen again. Daniel growled before he turned and stalked away.

Jay grunted in frustration before leaving as well. Flint watched the stars up above, trying to calm the rising power in his chest.

NorthWood will ease after a time of peace. Noah stated knowingly.

Flint scoffed.

Go, Dolan. Return on the half moon. The older Alpha ordered.

The large, white wolf turned to leave but paused. He glanced over his shoulder and held Noah’s gaze firmly.

If her strength wanes, and she dies before the half moon, I will kill all of you. Starting with your elders.

Flint allowed this promise to hang in the air as he ran between the trees, toward home.