Chapter 182

Chapter 182
Riley's POV

I stood at the window of Bloodclaw headquarters, watching our warriors train with increasing intensity. My fingers absently traced the mark on my neck—Kassak's claim—while my mind calculated escape routes and weaknesses in their formation. The morning sun highlighted gaps in their defensive patterns that even I, with my limited combat training, could spot.

Storm purred contentedly at the thought of our mate supervising the training ground, her loyalty to Kassak unwavering. But the human part of me—the part still faithful to Moonshade—remained coldly analytical, cataloging every flaw I could later exploit.

The door behind me burst open. A blood-spattered scout stumbled in, his breathing ragged as he dropped to one knee before Kassak. The sharp tang of fear permeated his scent.

"Alpha, I have urgent news," he gasped, keeping his head bowed. "The traitors—Lyra and Rovak—they've been accepted by Moonshade Pack."

Kassak stiffened. "Explain."

"I observed them on Moonshade's training grounds," the scout continued. "They weren't prisoners. They were... instructors. Teaching Moonshade warriors how to fight against our techniques."

My heart leapt with hope, though I kept my expression carefully neutral. Lyra and Rovak had made it safely to Moonshade with Theo. I felt a rush of relief that Freya's son was safe, followed immediately by sharp anxiety—I needed to warn them about what was coming.

"There's more," the scout added, his voice dropping lower. "The five warriors we lost in the last raid... they're training with Moonshade too. Voluntarily. I saw no restraints, no silver chains. They moved freely among the pack."

The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees. Kassak's rage built like an approaching storm—first silence, then a low growl that vibrated through the floorboards. With a roar that made the windows shake, he slammed his fist through the heavy oak desk, splitting it cleanly in two.

"TRAITORS!" he bellowed, his eyes flashing dangerous gold as Havoc, his wolf, surged forward. The air grew thick and oppressive with his fury, making it difficult to breathe. "My own warriors. My own PACK."

Through our mate bond, a blast of scorching rage hit me so forcefully I nearly staggered. The betrayal he felt was visceral—like molten metal pouring through our connection. Storm whimpered, cowering from the intensity, while I fought to keep my expression appropriately concerned rather than terrified.

"Gather everyone," Kassak ordered, his voice deadly quiet now. "No more gradual approach. No more waiting. We attack in three days—full force."

The scout nodded and backed out quickly. I remained by the window, calculating rapidly. Three days. Not the two weeks I'd expected. My carefully constructed plan to gradually weaken Bloodclaw's fighting force and supply lines before the full assault was now useless.

"They'll pay for this betrayal," Kassak growled, coming to stand beside me. His body radiated heat and fury. "Especially Lyra. I saved her life, gave her purpose, and this is how she repays me?"

Havoc's gold gleamed in his eyes as he traced a finger along my jawline. "But you, my Luna... you alone have proven faithful."

I leaned into his touch, letting Storm's pleasure and devotion flow through our bond while keeping my own thoughts carefully shielded. "Three days seems so soon," I whispered, genuine worry coloring my voice, though not for the reasons he assumed.

"Are you concerned for your safety?" His expression softened slightly. "You needn't be. Bloodclaw's strength will crush Moonshade. Their pathetic alliance with Pine Shadow won't save them."

I lowered my eyes, seizing the opportunity his misunderstanding presented. "I'm just... I miss my mother," I said softly, allowing real emotion to color my voice. This wasn't a lie—I did miss her—which made it impossible for Kassak to detect deception through our bond. "Could she... could she come stay with me until this is over?"

I deliberately left vague what "this" referred to, another trick to avoid lying directly.

Kassak's expression immediately shifted to one of protectiveness. "Of course, my Luna. I'll send four of my best warriors to escort her here immediately. She'll have the finest guest quarters prepared."

I pressed a kiss to his cheek, genuine gratitude mingling with calculated manipulation. "Thank you, Alpha."

---

When Elena arrived two days later, Kassak greeted her with all the pomp and ceremony his position demanded. I watched from the top of the steps as he escorted her from the car, noting how my mother's eyes catalogued everything—the armed guards, the battle preparations, the tense atmosphere of a pack preparing for war.

"Welcome to Bloodclaw, Elena," Kassak said formally. "Your daughter has brought great strength to our pack as my Luna."

My mother nodded politely, though I could see her discomfort at the compound's oppressive atmosphere. "Thank you for your hospitality, Alpha Kassak. I'm pleased to see my daughter so... well situated."

"Your daughter chose the winning side," Kassak said, with a meaningful glance at me. "Her loyalty has been invaluable."

After showing Elena to her quarters, Kassak excused himself to attend to battle preparations, leaving us alone.

The moment the door closed, I collapsed into my mother's arms, tears I'd held back for months finally breaking free. She held me tightly, stroking my hair as silent sobs wracked my body.

"Shhh, my darling," she whispered, checking the room for listening devices before speaking further. "Are you safe? Are you hurt?"

I shook my head, struggling to compose myself. "It's worse than I imagined, Mom," I whispered. "Storm has completely accepted the mate bond. My body responds to him. Sometimes I—" my voice broke, "—sometimes I can't tell where Storm ends and I begin anymore."

Elena's eyes filled with tears. "Oh, Riley..."

"Every day is a battle," I continued, wiping my eyes. "I have to constantly remind myself who I really am, who I'm loyal to. But it's getting harder."

"You've been so brave," she murmured.

I straightened, forcing steel back into my spine. "I've managed to delay their attacks, weaken their supply lines. When Kassak is... distracted, I've been able to undermine his Beta's authority, create doubt among his warriors."

My mother's expression was pained but proud. "Freya never blamed you, you know. Even after learning about your messages about Kassak."

Relief flooded through me. "And the pack? Have they treated you badly because of me?"

"No," Elena shook her head. "Freya has been especially kind. She remembers how I helped care for Bella during her coma. And she..." she hesitated, "she found Theo."

My breath caught. "He's safe? Really safe?"

Elena nodded, a small smile forming. "Pine Shadow has strengthened their alliance with Moonshade. They're preparing defenses, but they need to know what's coming."

I gripped her hands. "Kassak plans to attack in full force tomorrow."

My mother's eyes widened with alarm. "So soon?" She glanced toward the door, then leaned closer. "Listen carefully, Riley. Do you remember last time I..."

For the next several minutes, she whispered instructions in my ear, her voice so low even my enhanced hearing strained to catch every word. As she spoke, my eyes widened in understanding.

"Do you think you can do this?" she asked finally.

"Yes," I whispered, memorizing her teachings. "But it's risky. If Kassak senses anything through our bond..."

"That's why timing is everything," she murmured. "And why you must shield your intentions completely, just as I've shown you."