Chapter 158: Emergency measures

Olivia

The city seemed oblivious to what was happening just a few miles away, beyond its borders. Danger loomed like a shadow. Everything seemed normal, as if nothing had changed, but we all knew it was a fragile illusion.

I was in the command center, reviewing every detail of our defenses while Aaron and Alana organized the warriors. Orlando never left my side, not even for a moment.

"Olivia, are you sure about this? I'm not asking because I doubt you - Goddess knows that if we trust anyone blindly, it's you. My concern comes from my complete lack of understanding of... this," he said, frowning as he watched the screens filled with information. Wolves and technology were like oil and water.

"This is the best option we have. We need to know Joaquin's every move before he attacks. I know you have incredible senses - sight, hearing, smell - but this covers so much more," I replied firmly.

We had already had a meeting where I explained how to use the technology available to protect the city and track Joaquin's movements. I had asked for the best equipment: drones, telescopes, motion and infrared sensors. We had worked tirelessly for hours - no sleep, no breaks - putting all our efforts into this. We went straight to the office and stayed there. The doctor had administered the vaccines and the antidote was ready - we were covered on that front. My idea had been approved, and now it was time to put it into action.

I turned toward a table where several devices were laid out. Grabbing the controls of one of the drones, I showed Orlando the images on the screen. The drones had captured enemy movements. Joaquin was on the outskirts, meeting with a group of allies.

"They’re splitting up to attack from different points. It’s a good strategy," Orlando observed, watching the images closely. "Honestly, it’s what I would do in his place. We need to notify Peggy immediately."

"And here—he's meeting with other wolves, isn’t he?" I pointed at another set of images. Orlando’s expression shifted from surprise to concern.

"They're rogues, Luna. The worst kind. I thought he would align with the humans, that they would be his allies, but this… this might be even worse," he muttered. I told him about when the hunters had captured me, about my fight with Chris. So much had happened, and the present was so chaotic that I had almost forgotten. Those moments with Caterina… and Franco.

I busied myself with work, but my thoughts drifted to Christopher. Where was he now? Had he already entered the battle? Was he safe? I longed to see his wolf again, to take in his presence. The last time I saw him, I had been so afraid, yet even then, I had to admit he was magnificent—gray, imposing.

A little later, I made my way toward the Silver Enterprises buildings, where Christopher and I had once lived together. Suddenly, something strange caught my eye. A shadow moved swiftly between the buildings. I stepped forward, but it was already gone. I assumed it was part of the wolves preparing for battle, security measures, or just the general chaos of our city's defense. Before I could investigate further, I was met by a familiar face.

"Olivia!" Mr. Daniel greeted me warmly, his team standing behind him. It felt like years had passed since I had last been here. A different life—before I knew anything about wolves, before everything changed. Back when I thought I was just going to a meeting with Chris, unaware that it was a gathering of werewolves—before I was kidnapped, and my world fell apart.

"Olivia, it's an honor to see you again," Daniel said with a genuine smile.

"Thank you, Mr. Daniel. I’m glad to be here. You know what’s happening," I replied, a tight knot forming in my throat.

"Yes, and we're ready. The building will go on lockdown. Most of the residents here are warrior wolves—they'll stay alert. Only you will be allowed inside," he assured me. Seeing my distress, he added, "Everything will return to normal soon, with our Alpha and you, Luna." Before I could respond, Alana burst into the room, her expression tense.

"Luna, we've received an attack alert. Something is happening."

"For heaven’s sake!" I rushed to the security cameras. When I saw the footage, my heart stopped for a moment. Christopher and his team had arrived just outside the city—but so had the enemy. The battle had begun.

Thankfully, our team here knew how to handle the cameras, keeping track of everything in real time. I couldn't take my eyes off the screens, searching desperately for my mate. The fight was fast and brutal. Our people advanced through the edge of the forest, striking the enemy in small units. I saw wolves drenched in blood, but they had the upper hand. Then I spotted them—terrifying wolves charging in from the other side.

"Rogues!" Aaron shouted.

"Send out messages! Warn everyone!" I ordered, and we quickly got to work. The alerts went through, but the rogues attacked as if there were no tomorrow.

"I'm going out!" Aaron declared. "I'll lead our warriors to strike now. Others will hold the city's entrance—I saw that Samuel is on the other side." I saw the concern in Alana’s eyes.

"We need every fighter we can get," she insisted. Wolves were like that, I had learned—they never fought alone.

"Everyone in the office and the buildings should be ready. Even if it's just to secure the passageways," Aaron instructed. He pulled Alana into a brief embrace, then turned to Orlando.

"Take care of our Luna. And if anything happens… seal the city. Activate the emergency protocol. No one goes in, no one goes out." The Beta nodded in understanding. That protocol felt too extreme to me. I immediately knew we couldn't let it come to that. No one in… not even them.

"We have to do something," I murmured urgently. "We need to find a way to help." Without hesitation, I sent out more drones to get a better view of the attack. My eyes scanned every image, searching for any possible advantage.

"Do rogues have any weaknesses?" I asked.

"In general, they're more chaotic than wolves. They lack the guidance of an Alpha. Their animal instincts are wilder. But like all wolves, they still have heightened senses," Orlando explained. I kept searching, digging through networks and databases.

Heightened senses… A strength—unless… Finally, I found something that could help us. It was risky, but it might work. I turned to Orlando, my mouth slightly open in realization.

"Don't tell me you have another crazy idea, Luna," he said with a smirk. "Just say the word, and we'll make it happen."

"I need your help. I have to convince the others, and I know it won’t be easy."