Chapter 33: Demand for Surrender

I walked through the Redwater village in the cool morning air, but the anxiety that hung over the pack was more intense than the mist of the morning.  The fighters put in more training.  At the borders, patrols doubled.  No one knew when Midnight Moon would strike back, but everyone knew it would happen.  

Cassius walked towards me, his face gloomy, as I was just getting back from the training fields.  "Derek requests that you enter the war room.  Right now.  

I felt a chill go down my back.  "What took place?"  

"The Moon despatched a messenger at midnight."  

My heart was racing.  I rushed to the Alpha's hall and pushed open the huge wooden doors to discover the battle chamber crowded with council members and Redwater's best fighters.  Derek's golden eyes were flaming with controlled rage as he stood at the head of the table, his mouth clinched.  The blood-red wax seal of Midnight Moon burst open on an unrolled parchment that lay in the middle of the table.  

Derek glanced in my direction.  "You must watch this."  

I moved in closer to read the phrases written in Jared's incisive, methodical handwriting.  

Greetings, Alpha Blackthorn  

Something that belongs to me is in your possession.  

**No wolf leaves my pack without repercussions, and Claire was formerly a member of Midnight Moon.  There is no denying that you are harbouring a traitor.  Give her back to us before the next full moon, or else there will be repercussions. **  

Make an informed decision.  

**Alpha Jared**  

After I finished reading, the room fell silent.  Fury searing in my chest, I wrapped my fingers around the page.  

I thought Jared would pursue me, but this—this was a demand that was almost a declaration of war.  

Garrick laughed.  He's issuing us a deadline.  Claire, we must either give up or be ready for battle.  

Derek said with deadly composure.  "We don't give up."  

Then Sienna folded her arms.  "Jared is not playing a bluff.  They have resources, and Midnight Moon has numbers.  

Then we fight," Cassius stated firmly.  "We've encountered worse."  

I raised my chin.  "I refuse to cause Redwater to suffer as a result of me."  

Derek fixed his fierce, unblinking gaze on mine.  "Claire, this is about more than just you.  Jared is putting us to the test.  He will perceive us as weak if we give in.  

Garrick let out a loud sigh.  "And he'll come get us if we don't."  

A sneer formed on Derek's lips.  "Then allow him to arrive."  

---  

After the meeting, the pack's tension only increased.  As soon as word got out about Jared's demand, I was the focus of cautious looks and hushed discussions.  Some people thought I was a fighter who had proven herself.  Others believed that their homes were now under danger because of me.  

By nightfall, I found myself standing outside the community, looking out over the dense forest that encircled Redwater.   The moon shone in the woods in a disconcerting way, and for a time I felt like everything was weighing down on me.  

I turned as I heard footsteps and saw Derek standing beside me.   He was silent at first, watching the shadows as they moved between the trees.  

Finally, he added, "You're thinking about running."  

I sighed.   "I'm thinking about the repercussions of staying."  

"There's nowhere you're going."  

I glanced over at him.   "You seem so sure."  

"Yes, I am."  

I shook my head.   "Derek, I don't want to be the reason your pack suffers."  

His bright eyes were staring right at me.   Is this all about you, do you think?   Jared would have come for Redwater eventually.   All this did was provide him an excuse.  

I inhaled deeply.   "What shall we do, then?"  

A small smirk appeared on his lips.   "First, we take the initiative."  

I was about to ask him what he meant when we heard a rustle in the trees.   Derek's face darkened and his muscles clenched as he instinctively moved in front of me.  

Then out of the shadows came a lone guy.  

One of the Midnight Moon's warriors.  

With his dark clothing torn and splattered with dirt, he was bleeding.   He stumbled forward and fell to his knees before us.   I recognised him immediately as one of Jared's goons, Ronan.  

In a scratchy voice, he muttered, "Help me."  

Derek remained in the same position.   "Why in the world would we do it?"  

Ronan looked up, his eyes full of terror.   The reason for this is that Jared is not anticipating the full moon.   He's already en route.  

Hearing those comments made me feel chilled.  

Derek's expression hardened.   "When?"  

Ronan coughed, his lips turning red.   "As soon as possible.   He has mercenaries on staff.   Rogues.   They are already getting close to the edge.  

I gave a quick breath.   I looked at Derek and saw the same realisation in his eyes.  

Jared had deceived us.   The exchange had been a distraction.   He wasn't going to wait for an answer; he was already acting.  

Derek breathed through his nose, and for a minute his face was inscrutable.   Then he turned around on his heel.  

He said, "Set off the alarm."   "War will break out soon."