Chapter 59

THIRD POV

Two massive wolves stood on the northern ridge overlooking their territories. Alpha Deric and his brother Alpha Miker watched their pack members move below, their lands still free from Alpha Queen Vespa's control.

"She's coming for us next," Miker said, shaking his head. "Every pack that borders ours has fallen."

Deric's eyes narrowed. "Let her try." He flexed his fingers, dark red energy crackling between them. His blood magic. The reason many challengers had second thoughts before attacking. They knew that the only thing stopping Vespa from claiming their territory was Deric's blood magic. Miker was grateful for his hither because of his gift. They wolf probably be dead by now, or reduced to prisoners with their alpha powers taken by Vespa while she claimed their packs and all that lived in it.

Yet, these men knew that it was not too far from happening.

The brothers descended from the ridge and entered Deric's war tent. Maps covered a wooden table, marking pack territories and recent conquests.

"The eastern border needs reinforcing," Miker jabbed his finger at the map. "Your blood mages are strong, but they can't cover every entrance point."

Deric paced the tent. "We split our forces, strengthening both territories equally."

"That thins us out too much," Miker slammed his fist on the table. "If Vespa attacks with her full strength—"

"Then we fall back to the mountain pass and funnel them through," Deric cut in. "What I'm worried about is infiltration. Her spies could already be among us."

Miker ran a hand through his hair. "Which is why we should strike first."

"No." Deric's voice dropped dangerously low. "That's exactly what she wants. She has fifteen times our numbers. A direct attack would be suicide."

The brothers had fought hard to keep the two packs under their control. They had inherited both packs from their father, and both had picked their pack's and stayed with it. The two packs formed an unbreakable alliance since then, being by each other's side.

"I don't think we need all of these, though. It's been two years since she conquered the last pack. If she wanted to do something to us, she'd have done it all along," Deric tried to assure himself and his brother.

Miker only laughed.

"We should not be taken unaware, though."

Both paused for a few seconds.

Alpha Miker leaned in, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "Derek, I think the only reason Alpha Queen Vesper hasn't come for us yet is because she's aware of our alliance. She knows that taking on one pack means taking on both."

Alpha Deric nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, that's likely true. But we can't let our guard down, Miker. We need to stay vigilant and prepared. One misstep, and she'll seize the opportunity to destroy us."

Miker nodded.

"Exactly what I'm saying. We can't let our guard down or trust her completely. And maybe it's high guns we merge both packs as one and rule together."

"Nothing would be balanced that way. Don't worry, we will think of a solution to that."

The two brothers quickly agreed. Every day, they lived in fear of what Vespa would do to them when she finally caught them in their weak state. They knew she was looking out for the most vulnerable moment, so she could attack them.

Their discussion shifted from Vespa to lighter topics. They talked about fishing and hunting, and then about cars.

Outside, commotion broke the brothers' concentration. Deric pushed the tent flap open to see a rider galloping into camp, his horse lathered in sweat.

The messenger practically fell from his mount, dropping to one knee before the alphas. "Alpha Deric, Alpha Miker— urgent news from the eastern territory."

The two exchanged glances as they gulped. Why would the great Alpha king Arlo or any of his messengers want anything with them? Hopefully, they were not in trouble.

"Speak," Miker commanded, trying to sound authoritative even though fear gnawed behind his throat.

The messenger's hands trembled. "A letter for you two. You can go through it and find out."

The messenger bowed once again and left with his horse.

"The Alpha King would always try to maintain the old formal style," Miker had time to tease, amidst the tension that threatened to tear his throat.

The two walked back inside, ready to open the letter and curious to know what it was all about.