The Alpha Who Is Fearless

Caden's POV

I had not even arrived at the Packhouse's main entrance when I could hear the mayhem. Something had gone wrong judging by the frantic pace of running feet, the yelled commands, and the low murmurs of tension that sounded in the air like a storm approaching.

As I accelerated a strong sense of uneasiness descended into the pit of my stomach. Guards were already running everywhere their eyes wide with fear when I got to the front.

They weren't merely moving. They were running, desperate, determined, as if they had witnessed the worst and were attempting to brace themselves for more. They appeared to hesitate for a split second when they saw me, but as soon as they realized who it was, they lined up with concerns still visible on their faces.

One of them, gasping for air from running, hurriedly said, “Alpha, you must get inside. The neighborhood pack is attacking with wolves.”

I didn't need to hear anything else. As soon as he said those words I realized what had happened. It was only a matter of time until another pack sensed trouble and attempted to exploit the situation when a pack lacked a crowned Alpha.

They desired to be in charge. Domination was what they wanted. They'd stop at nothing to obtain it. This pack was formidable, but we were exposed without my father's presence and without my leadership.

And I would never allow another pack to exploit that vulnerability once and for all. My heart was thumping in my chest, but I demanded, “Where?” in a steady voice.

Another guard quickly pointed in the direction and said “From the north side. They have crossed the outer line. Men are keeping them at bay but we need more help.”

After giving a single nod I looked at the guards closest to me. “Go to the eastern edge you two. Keep that side secure. We're not sure if more groups will be joining.”

They jolted awake and started running. The two of you to the southern boundary. I yelled at another set of guards, “There's no time to waste—get there now!.”

They were already on their way without hesitation. They were aware of their responsibilities and, more significantly, the stakes, so I didn't have to remind them twice.

My thoughts were already racing through the necessary steps so I moved quickly. There was no time to be wasteful. The situation would need to be contained before it got out of hand if these wolves were already this close. I was about to give out more orders when I suddenly realized something.

Emerald. I briefly lost all memory of the attack as my heart constricted in my chest. I said out loud a little more urgently than I meant to. “Where is Ryker?”

Before speaking the guard who had had a conversation with me glanced over his shoulder and surveyed the grounds. “Alpha is not here. It has been this morning since we last saw him.”

My stomach turned. When I needed him Ryker was there always by my side. With everything going on right now, I couldn't afford to lose him. Emerald was the one thing that mattered to me more than anything else at that particular time.

With a desperate attempt to control my voice, I demanded, “She's safe, right?”

I felt a wave of panic at the idea that something was happening to her and that she was enmeshed in confusion. With a furrowed brow one of the guards advanced. “Alpha men are going to her now. She is in the Packhouse. Nobody is permitted to be close to her. But—”

All right, I cut in, already stepping aside and looking around. I did not, however, listen to the remainder of the report. Reaching her was all I could think about.

With a growl, I turned back to the guard and said, “Make sure someone is always near her.”

Not even a whisper. I didn't wait for his response. I couldn't. I needed to make sure she didn't get hurt because time was running out. The wolf inside of me screamed in rage urging me to take charge and take action.

My muscles tensed in preparation as the gravity of the situation drove me forward. I had no luxury of ignoring my instincts which were screaming. Then I ran. I ran deliberately my mind a jumble of deliberate motions.

But the image of Emerald's face, so strong yet so vulnerable in the face of what was happening kept coming to mind. She needed my protection. The wolves that dared to threaten my pack were another issue I had to handle.

I could already hear the snarls and growls of combat by the time I arrived at the north perimeter. There was a primal roar of wolves clashing in the distance and I could feel the tension in the air. The air was heavy with the smell of sweat and blood and my wolf stirred with a dangerous hunger as it tasted of the metallic tang.

It was a summons to battle and my inner beast answered. As the first enemy wolves appeared from the trees I saw their aggressive eyes flash. They coordinated their movements like a well-oiled machine.

However, they underestimated us because they were facing the Blackwood Pack. They were underestimating me. I made no hesitation. I was unable to pay for it.

“Go!” I yelled my voice echoing throughout the field. “Attain the Packhouse and defend our people without allowing them to move an inch.”

The power of my wolf surged through me and I instantly shifted. The anger that burned in my chest was far worse than the pain of the transformation which was familiar.

My inner wolf was awake and prepared for the battle ahead its instincts primed. My companions also moved their wolves coming out in a single front. The fight broke out right away with the first wolf clash meeting with a vicious bone-crushing force.

The air was filled with the sound of snarling claws scraping against fur and teeth gnashing as the two sides collided. As I ripped through the enemy with controlled rage, I had the advantage due to my wolf's strength and agility. I didn't believe it.

I acted without hesitation. I gave it my all in the battle, knowing that I needed to prevail for the sake of my pack's future as well as for myself. In honor of Emerald. But the battle wasn't the only thing on my mind. It kept coming full circle back to her.

I was inspired and reminded of why I fought so hard by the image of her face and the way she appeared when she was uncertain or in need of consolation. And then my eyes flashed green—my wolf emerging—as I stepped out of the battle to catch my breath. It was not merely a change.

It served as a sign that I was prepared. I'm prepared for whatever this attack has in store. I was Caden, Blackwood Pack's fearless Alpha.

And I would not be stopped by anything.