Chapter 179: 179

Rowan suddenly let out a harsh growl and came to a stop among the trees. I halted beside him, while Cassius moved in close on my other side.

All three of us slowly turned, eyes searching the darkness.

Then it hit me we were completely encircled.

Five wolves stood around us, teeth bared and voices low with warning. They weren’t massive, but they were close to my size and moved with dangerous intent.

A sharp burst of electricity snapped through the air.

My ears twitched as energy surged under my skin. My fur lifted as though pulled by an unseen force, crackling with wild lightning that jumped from strand to strand. It crawled along my body, down my back, and flickered to the end of my tail like an uncontrolled storm.

As I turned slightly, I saw her.

A red-coated female wolf stood at the front. The moment her gaze met mine, her growl faded. She wasn’t as large as Cassius, but she was far beyond an ordinary wolf and clearly led the others.

I carefully pushed my thoughts toward her. We are not your enemies.

She tilted her head, studying me like something unfamiliar. Then she stepped forward.

Rowan and Cassius instantly reacted with deep threatening growls, forcing her to pause. Still, she showed no fear.

“I’ve never come across a wolf like you before,” she said slowly. “Lightning on your body… you’re not a true alpha. You’re not from my pack either. And yet I can hear you. How is that possible?”

She wasn’t supposed to hear me at all. Only strong alpha bonds allowed that kind of connection. I had just exposed something I shouldn’t have.

Cassius smoothly shifted the focus away. “We saw no borders or territory markings.”

Rowan added firmly, “If this land belongs to you, we have no intention of staying.”

Out here, land was claimed only by strength.

The red-furred wolf raised her head slightly, then suddenly tensed. “You’re in heat… Why would you be traveling in this condition?”

“We’re leaving,” Cassius said, stepping forward as one of the smaller wolves shrank back, tail tucked low.

The younger wolf didn’t speak, but his fear was obvious as he listened.

“Wait,” the red alpha quickly called out. “We didn’t attack because we wanted to we thought you were trespassers. A rogue has been hitting our pack… stealing from us… and worse.”

Her tone carried more anger than she was willing to explain.

Rowan’s voice turned sharp. “You’re an alpha. Your job is to defend your pack.”

She lowered her head slightly. “I know. But I only shifted a few months ago. That rogue… he’s far stronger than I am.”

Cassius looked at her with clear disbelief. “So you’re not the true leader?”

“Not really,” she admitted quietly. “Our real alphas are gone. Many of our pack were taken and forced into submission. Treated like nothing more than omega wolves. Only a few of us remain.”

Her words hung heavy in the air.

I stepped forward before I could stop myself. “What can we do?”

At once, the wolves around us lifted their heads, hope flickering in their eyes.

“Selena…” Rowan’s warning voice brushed through my mind.

But I didn’t back away. “If there’s a way we can help…”

The red alpha answered quickly, “If you’re strong enough, you might be able to drive the rogue out.”

Rowan and Cassius both growled in protest.

“We are not leaving your side,” Cassius said firmly through our bond.

“This could still be a trap,” Rowan reminded me.

“I don’t believe it is,” I replied. “And we won’t separate.”

The red wolf turned away. “Follow me. I’ll take you to where he struck last. You’ll be able to pick up his scent there.”

Artemis’ voice carried a quiet panic, like she was already afraid of losing control of the situation. That alone made my instincts tighten. Maybe this really wasn’t safe after all.

A deep, thunderous roar suddenly rolled through the trees.

“Artemis!”

The command was powerful enough to shake the forest. Branches snapped, and leaves scattered as something large forced its way through.

“Grandfather, stop! I’ve got this under control!” she shouted, spinning toward the sound. Her body lowered as if she meant to rush off but she was too late.

A battered older wolf burst into the clearing.

He nearly collapsed on impact.

One of his front limbs was gone, the other ruined beyond repair, twisted and scarred like it had been through repeated torture.

“Grandfather, you shouldn’t be here,” Artemis said sharply.

The old wolf bared his teeth. “You think I’d let you face this alone?”

Then his gaze swept over us and froze.

“Well, well… the Howling Evergreen survivors.”

His eyes locked onto me a moment later, and his entire body jolted in shock.

“No way… an Odinswolf…”

His voice cracked with disbelief. “I never expected to see your bloodline again.”