Chapter 42

Chapter 42
Dwight’s POV

The moon hung low and heavy in the sky that night, its pale light spilling across the clearing where my pack had gathered. The air was tense, electric—every breath we took seemed laced with anticipation and the scent of rain. My gaze swept over the circle of warriors, trackers, and elders who had answered the urgent call. The firelight flickered against their faces, painting them in shades of gold and shadow.

I cleared my throat, letting my Alpha presence settle over the crowd like a cloak. “So,” I began, my voice steady but firm, “I called you all here to inform you that war will start first thing tomorrow morning.” A murmur of shock and resolve rippled through the group, but I raised my hand, silencing them. “Alphas from all over have gathered their forces. They’re ready to kill Logan and every last one of his armies. We’ve discussed the plan for tomorrow’s attack—our strategies, our movements—and, of course, the ultimate goal: to kill all rogues who dare side with him.”

A cold wind blew through the clearing, making the fire dance violently, as if it too anticipated the coming bloodshed.

“So,” I continued, my tone sharpening, “I advise all mated females and children who cannot fight to hide in the underground shelter of our Pack House. It was built for situations like this—safe, hidden, and reinforced. My beta and I prepared it a week ago. There are food and water supplies, blankets, and bedding down there. Enough for everyone who needs it.” My eyes swept the crowd, making sure they heard the unspoken truth: This might get ugly.

I felt her presence beside me—Selene, my Luna. She stood silently, chin lifted in defiance, her arms crossed over her chest. I could practically feel the storm brewing inside her. I knew she wouldn’t like what I was about to say next.

“That’s why I called this meeting now,” I said, trying not to meet her eyes. “Almost all of our warriors and our best trackers will be joining the fight. I’ll leave a few behind to guard the Luna and the ones who’ll be in hiding.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught her rolling her eyes. She didn’t even try to hide it. My jaw tightened. She was stubborn, hard-headed, fierce—and in this case, that was exactly the problem.

“And one more thing,” I said, raising my voice, “to those staying behind: protect your Luna. She is carrying the future of our Pack. She’s carrying my child—your future Alpha.”

Gasps and murmurs filled the clearing before a wave of cheers erupted. Pride swelled in my chest, but the moment I glanced at Selene, I saw that same stubborn glint in her eyes. She wasn’t sharing their joy—at least not right now. Her lips pressed into a thin line as if she were silently daring me to tell her again to stay put.

“We’ll celebrate after we win this fight,” I said sharply, cutting through the noise. “For now, prepare yourselves.” The pack moved at once, the sound of boots crunching on gravel mixing with the rustle of leather armor and the clinking of weapons. Orders were barked, plans reinforced, and the scent of adrenaline filled the night.

But she didn’t move. She just stood there, rooted to the ground.

“Selene,” I said sternly, “what are you still doing there? Go to the safe place.”

Her eyes narrowed. This wasn’t the first time we’d had this argument, and I knew it wouldn’t be the last. “Can’t you trust me?” she shot back. “Do you think I’d put our children in danger?”

My hands curled into fists. Of course not, I thought, but that didn’t change my decision. “I know why you’re acting like this, but still—it’s a BIG NO!” The words came out harsher than I intended, my voice echoing in the clearing. The moment the sound left my mouth, guilt sank into my gut. I rarely raised my voice at her, and I saw the way she flinched ever so slightly.

I stepped forward, reaching out to pull her into my arms, but she moved back, avoiding me like I was the enemy. My gaze darted toward my beta and then to Crater—her brother—silently asking for help.

Crater took a step forward, his eyes softening with worry. “Sis, we only want you safe,” he said gently. “Please listen to us. We’ll take care of them. You’re carrying my nieces or nephews. Don’t risk the future of this Pack.”

Selene’s laughter was sharp, bitter. “How cliché! I just want to help the Pack I belong to—not as a Luna, but as a member of this Pack.” Her voice cracked, not from weakness, but from the weight of her frustration. “But apparently my own mate and brother think I’m useless.”

Her words hit me harder than any rogue’s claws ever could. I wanted to argue, to tell her she was wrong, but the truth was complicated. She was one of the most powerful Aeons I’d ever known—trained, battle-tested, fearless—but she was also carrying our child. And if anything happened to her…

She turned away from me, shaking her head. I could feel her disappointment like a physical blow. “Do you really think I can’t handle this? Do you think I don’t remember the training Crater gave me? Do you think I’ll just stand there while others fight for our lives?”

I swallowed hard, forcing myself to stay in control. “It’s not about your skills, Selene. It’s about what we stand to lose.”

She didn’t answer. Instead, she brushed past me, her boots crunching on the gravel as she walked away from the meeting area. I watched her go, torn between chasing after her and letting her cool off. The firelight flickered on her retreating figure, casting long shadows on the ground.

Around us, the Pack continued preparing for the coming war. Warriors checked their weapons, tightening grips on sword hilts and testing the balance of their spears. Trackers exchanged notes on rogue movements, their eyes glinting in the firelight. The scent of iron and leather filled the night air, mixed with the faint metallic tang of blood from those who had already tested their blades. Every heartbeat seemed louder than the last.

I knew tomorrow would change everything. Either we’d stand victorious over Logan’s fallen forces—or we’d be picking up the pieces of everything we’d ever built.

And Selene… if she stayed in the safe house, she’d hate me for it. If she came with us, I’d be half-mad with worry for every second she was out there.

Moon Goddess help me—I didn’t know which was worse.