Chapter 247

Chapter 247
Steven's POV

I've always known Guardians were powerful. But witnessing that earth-shattering force firsthand left me speechless.

Hazel had reduced over a thousand hunters to ash with a single blast. As I held my mate's hand, watching her slowly recover, I couldn't help but wonder exactly how much raw power was contained in her small frame.

Carefully lifting Hazel into my arms, I carried her away from the chaotic battlefield. Her body felt lighter than usual, drained of the incredible energy she'd channeled.

The night ahead would be long and filled with grim work.

"Alpha, we need to..." Christopher approached, his expression somber.

"I know," I nodded. "Start organizing cleanup teams. I'll be there shortly."

I found a quiet corner where I could lay Hazel down. Her breathing had steadied, and color was gradually returning to her pale cheeks. I pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead before reluctantly leaving her side.

The battlefield was a nightmare. That Elder who'd described the hunters as being thrown into a wood chipper wasn't exaggerating. If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't have believed it possible.

Limbs, weapons, and unidentifiable remains were scattered across the competition grounds.

The air reeked of blood and gunpowder.

"We need to burn everything," I ordered, surveying the carnage. "No evidence can remain for human authorities to find."

Throughout the night, we worked tirelessly. Building massive pyres, we incinerated all traces of the hunters' presence.

The Elders took charge of fabricating explanations for the explosions and fires in the state park—gas leaks, lightning strikes, anything that would keep human police from investigating too closely.

William, Ethan, and I spent hours consoling packs who had lost members in the attack. The hardest conversations were with those who had lost their Alphas. A pack without a leader is like a body without a head—disoriented and vulnerable. Some had young sons or brothers who could eventually take over, but others faced complete disarray. We promised temporary guidance until they could reorganize.

By dawn, my body ached with exhaustion, but there was no time to rest. The Elders called an emergency Alpha meeting before our departure.

"This attack is unprecedented," the Head Elder began, his weathered face grave. "Hunters have never been so bold or coordinated."

"They're getting desperate," another Elder added. "The question is, why now?"

I stepped forward. "Recently, we had sprites in our territory attacked as well. Their wings were torn off." Several Alphas murmured in shock. "And there are rumors of werewolves being captured and held somewhere."

This sparked immediate discussion. Three Alphas admitted they suspected members of their packs had been taken, but despite extensive searches, they'd found nothing.

"We need more information," the Head Elder concluded. "Two weeks from today, we'll hold a video conference. Each Alpha should gather whatever intelligence they can about hunter activities. This isn't just random violence anymore—this is war."

The drive home was tense. Though Hazel's condition had improved significantly, and both Grace and Skylar insisted they were fine, the championship's violent conclusion had left everyone on edge.

"How are you feeling?" I asked Hazel as we crossed into our territory.

She gave me a tired smile. "Better. Still drained, but better."

Back at the packhouse, I immediately called an all-pack meeting. Everyone gathered in the main hall, anxiety evident on their faces. They'd heard rumors about the attack, and I needed to address their concerns directly.

"As you all know, twenty of us traveled to the Moon Goddess Championship," I began, my voice carrying throughout the hall. "Though the final rankings haven't been officially announced, I'm proud to tell you that Wayward Home Pack placed in the top three."

Cheers erupted, momentarily lifting the somber mood.

"Furthermore," I continued once the noise settled, "your Beta, Christopher, claimed first place in the Beta competition."

This announcement triggered an even louder response—howls and stomping feet echoed off the walls as Christopher stood, acknowledging the praise with a slight bow.

"Today, I'm also officially appointing Joseph as our Lead Warrior, based on his outstanding performance."

Joseph stepped forward, surprise and pride evident on his face as pack members slapped his back and offered congratulations.

Once the excitement died down, my tone grew serious.

"Now, for what many of you have already heard rumors about—during the final day of competition, hunters attacked."

A heavy silence fell over the room.

"There were over a thousand of them, according to Hazel. While this is a significant number, we need to recognize that it represents only a small fraction of hunters nationwide." I paused, letting that sink in. "William, Ethan, and I have discussed this at length. We believe the Guardians have become targets. The hunters have witnessed their power, and unfortunately, some escaped to report back. We believe they will come again."

"They won't touch our Luna," Christopher declared firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument. Murmurs of agreement spread through the crowd.

"No, they won't," I agreed. "But to ensure everyone's safety, we'll be strengthening our border patrols. I'll also be contacting our sprite allies to report any unusual activity they observe."

I took a deep breath before continuing: "There's one more thing you should know. Your Luna has issued a challenge to her father—the tyrant who banished her when she was twelve because her wolf hadn't awakened." I glanced at Hazel, drawing strength from her presence.

"She plans to reclaim leadership of her original pack through formal challenge. We expect her to win, which means we'll soon have many new members joining us."

I noticed pack members exchanging uneasy glances.

"Where will we put them all?" Zinnia finally asked, voicing the collective concern.

"I've already spoken with the Elders," I explained. "We'll be purchasing the land between our territory and the packs of Alphas Ethan and William. This will connect all three territories, creating a continuous boundary that will provide additional security. The canyon between our three packs will serve as a communal area for gatherings and social events."

Callum raised his hand. "Where will the money come from for this land purchase?"

"The land itself is relatively inexpensive due to its terrain," I replied. "But I've negotiated with the Elders—in exchange for Hazel's father's territory, which is more suitable for habitation, they'll consider it an even trade."

"Luna," Christopher spoke up, his tone respectful but concerned, "what if some members of your father's pack refuse to follow you? We all respect you greatly, but not all wolves would willingly follow a female Alpha."

"Those who choose not to follow your Luna will have options," I interjected before Hazel could respond. "They can become rogues or seek acceptance in other packs willing to take them."

I raised my glass, signaling the end of the formal meeting and the beginning of dinner.

As the atmosphere lightened and conversations resumed, Callum sidled up beside me.

"So, strictly speaking, you're both Alphas now," he said with a smirk, nodding toward Hazel and me.

I wrapped my arm around my mate's waist, pulling her close as I met his gaze.

"We always have been," I replied simply, my eyes never leaving Hazel's.