Chapter 81

**Embraced by the Pack**

The woodland floor was covered in dappled shadows as the early light made its way through the thick canopy. As I stood in the center of our camp, I was troubled by the events of the previous few weeks. Although the treachery we discovered had rocked the pack to its foundation, it had also strengthened our bonds.

I became aware of the little shifts in how my packmates behaved with me as I made my way across the camp. More grins, more acknowledging nods, and an overall feeling of unity that had not before existed. I had a true feeling of belonging for the first time since I joined the pack.

Kai came over, his face kind. "Luna," he said, "the council has requested your presence."

He led me to the middle area where the council members were assembled, and I nodded. Despite the solemn expressions on their faces, there was a spirit of respect that had not permeated our earlier encounters.

"Luna," said Elder Miriam, "your deeds have shown your strength and dedication. The pack supports you.

There was a ripple of agreement throughout the council. I experienced a wave of emotion, with a strong feeling of obligation blending with thankfulness.

"Thank you," I said in a firm voice. "I am honored to stand with the pack."

Kai and I strolled by the riverside as the gathering came to an end. The serenity that had descended upon the pack was reflected in the soft flow of the stream.

Kai said, "You've come a long way," as the sunshine reflected in his eyes.

I grinned, sensing that what he had said was true. The answer was, "We all have,"

A howl in the distance—a cry for assistance—cut off our discourse. We instantly transformed into wolves and raced toward the direction of the disturbance.

When we reached a clearing, we saw a young wolf, unknown and wounded, surrounded by a gang of angry outlaws. The air was thick with the smell of blood and violence.

The rogues turned to us, their eyes shining with ill intent, and Kai gave a warning growl. The air crackled with the threat of violence as a tense standoff erupted.

I took a step forward and showed my control by exposing my teeth. Uncertainty flickered in the rogues' eyes as they paused.

My fangs snapped millimeters from the neck of the closest renegade as I pounced on him, sensing their faltering determination. The others started to back off, hesitant to confront us any more after he gave a terrified shriek.

After they had run away, I focused on the wounded wolf. His glossy black coat was matted with blood, and he was young—no more than a puppy.

I said, "You're safe now," and gave him a gentle prompt.

His eyes were wide with fright as he glanced up at me. "Thank you," he said in a tremulous murmur.

Kai stepped forward, his eyes evaluating. Gently, "Who are you?" he inquired.

After a moment of hesitation, the young wolf said, "My name is Aiden. We were assaulted when I was in a pack. I got away."

I glanced at Kai, and we both understood one other. We couldn't leave him hurt and alone.

"Come with us," I said. "We'll take care of you."

Gratitude flooded Aiden's eyes, and he gave a feeble nod. We supported him as we walked back to the campground after helping him get up.

The pack gathered as we walked into the camp, their faces showing interest. As they immediately greeted Aiden and offered support and consolation, I felt a wave of pride.

I sat next to Aiden and listened to his narrative later that night as the pack gathered around the common fire. He described how the rogues had unexpectedly attacked and destroyed his pack.

Recalling, "They were led by a wolf with a scar across his eye," Aiden's voice faltered.

A beat skipped in my chest. The description matched that of a wolf with a reputation for cruelty and slyness, an infamous rogue leader we had previously met.

Kai's face reflected my anxiety. He muttered, "We need to be ready if he's targeting packs in the area."

I nodded, my resolve becoming stronger. I swore, "We'll protect our own,"

I was standing at the edge of the camp, staring up at the starry sky as the night became darker. My previous feeling of belonging was now entwined with a strong determination to protect my new family.

I turned as I heard a ruffle in the underbrush and saw a dark figure coming out of the woods. When the individual entered the light and I recognized the face—Elias—my heart began to accelerate.

"Elias," I exhaled, feeling shocked and bewildered. "What are you doing here?"

He made a peace sign with his hands. He said, "I come with a warning," with ur

gency. "The renegade commander is preparing an assault against