Chapter 40: The Beta’s Betrayal

Claire's POV

The instant that sharp whistle ran through the silence, I knew we were in trouble.  

More figures emerged from the shadows, their movements precise and deliberate. Jared's forces had been waiting, hidden in darkness, biding their time.  

Not just ambush. 

Coordinated strike. 

Without hesitation, Derek grabbed Sam by his collar and slammed him against a tree, the dagger digging dangerously into his former Beta's throat. "How long have you planned this?" His tone was chilling. 

Sam's gaze darted towards the growing figures, thumbed sweat droplets sliding from his temple. "It's too late, Derek. You've already lost." 

Derek shook his head; it didn't bother him. "Oh really?" 

And then abruptly hit Sam with the hilt of his knife onto his temple. Sam became unconscious, droppings like a rag doll at Derek's feet. 

I barely had time to process before the first attacker lunged. 

Dodged barely in time as injury to the side screamed with pain. The previous wound left by Sam slowed my movements, but I pushed through to block one blow and counter with the strike. I could feel their fist collide with his jaw, launching him backwards. 

Derek was already in motion, cutting down the first enemy to reach him. Movements were sharp, efficient--deadly. Here was his element, a force of nature in the darkness, his blade flashing with every lethal strike. 

But they kept coming. 

And we were outnumbered. 

"Move!" Derek barked, catching my arm and pulling me back as another attacker swung a blade where my head had been just moments before. I staggered, but he didn't let me fall. 

We had to get back to Redwater. 

We needed reinforcements. 

I twisted, getting free of the enemy's hold and slashing my blade across his arm. He howled in pain, but I did not stop to watch him fall. Instead, I turned my attention to the tree line, the path leading back to the pack's territory. 

"We need to warn them!" I yelled. 

Derek gritted his teeth. "Go! I'll hold them off." 

Not a chance I would leave him behind. 

I grabbed his wrist before he could protest and started leading him away. We were off, breaking into a sprint, weaving through the trees as fast as we could, with our enemies close behind. 

Less than a mile stood between Redwater and me, but with the pain in my side and boredom weighing me down, it felt like aeons. 

Then right as we rushed through the final stretch of trees, I saw it- 

Smoke. 

Black, choking smoke curled into the air. 

My stomach dropped. 

But they were already at Redwater. 

The call for attack had begun. 

Under his breath, Derek swore, tightening his hold around his weapon. "Faster!" 

We managed to push ourselves forward and broke out into the open clearing. 

Chaos awaited us. 

Redwater warriors fought desperately to keep Jared's forces from crossing the pack's boundaries. Burning wood barricades cast an eerie glow across the battlefield. 

Body strewn all over the grounds were interspersed with water blood and enemy blood. The scent of coppery blood turned into the acrid smell of smoke. 

And right in the middle of it all 

Jared. 

He watched from just inside the main gates, regarding the devastation he had wrought with cool detachment. 

Waiting. 

Derek saw him, and pure rage flashed in his eyes. 

But there was no time for personal grudges yet. 

I turned towards the first nearest Redwater warrior, a young boy who had hardly completed his first shift, all bloody with a gash on his shoulder. "Where's the Alpha Council?" 

He gasped for breath. "Holding—north side—defending the pack house." 

Exchanged meaningful glances between Derek and me. 

If the Council fell, then Redwater was doomed. 

We cut through the battlefield, dodging debris that was raining down and enemy blades alike. Every step sent pain lancing through my side, but I didn't stop. 

Not when I noticed Lila in the distance giving orders. 

Not when I saw Sam-alive-dragged behind enemy lines by Jared's men. 

Not when I heard the desperate wails of Redwater's young children, too small to fight, cowering in fear as their home burned down. 

This had to end. 

Now. 

I saw Derek glance at me, a silent question in his gaze. 

I gave a small nod. 

He understood. 

Then without further ado, we split up. 

Derek charged toward the centre of the battle, the thickest part of the fight. His mere presence was enough to send shockwaves through the Redwater warriors, who rallied in renewed determination. 

I took another way, skirting around the battlefield toward the pack house. 

The Council was Redwater's last defence. 

There would be nothing left if they fell. 

I neared the northern edge of the fight when I saw a pack of enemy wolves encircling the barricade, ripping down Redwater's defence with brutal efficiency. 

I gritted my teeth. 

They wouldn't break through. 

Not while I still stood. 

With that, I lunged into the fray, shoving my blade into the closest enemy's back. He let out a strangled scream after which collapsed. Another turned to me, however,r I dodged his strike, the usage of his momentum in opposition to him to slam him flat into the dirt.

I fought like hell, pushing through the pain, through the exhaustion, through the chaos. 

And finally- 

I made it. 

At the base of the pack house steps, the few remaining members of the Council stood against the tide. Their clothes were streaked with blood, their faces grim with determination. 

And yet they were losing. 

No time to think about it. 

I hurled myself into the fray beside them, refusing to let Redwater fall. 

One by one, the enemy wolves began to waver. 

One by one, they pushed back. 

Until all of a sudden, I caught a very familiar scent. 

One I hadn't imagined. 

One that froze my blood in my veins. 

Lila. 

I whirled around, simply in time to see her stepping through the flames, lips curling right into a slow and sinister smile. 

"Still alive, I see," she mused, tilting her head. "You're more resilient than I gave you credit for."

I had my fists clenching. "You will regret coming right here."

Lila snickered. "Oh no, I do not think so."

Next, she was shifting—bones cracking, fur erupting from the hairless skin of her transforming wolf.

Initiate assault.

I narrowly managed my shift earlier than she changed into already on a pinnacle of me, her claws raking across my shoulder. The pain flared, however, I did not note it and met her with identical pressure.

We engaged in combat, biting, scratching, neither of us conceding an inch.

The fight raged around us, but at that moment, it became just me and her.

And I sure as hell am no longer going to lose.

I went for it, sinking my teeth into her side, and tasting blood. She screamed as she twisted, her fangs closing in precariously on my throat.

But then—

A piercing howl shattered the air.

Derek.

I turned just in time to catch him standing near the edge of the battlefield—

With Jared facing him. 

I gasped.