chapter 182

chapter 182
Alexander's POV

"Not whoever killed my son," Frank roared, eyes flashing with madness, "you'll all pay tonight. Wanderers, tear them apart! Leave no survivors!" His wolves howled in response, beginning to close in on us.

I remained motionless, waiting, feeling the Alpha power building inside me. This was like hunting, waiting for prey to walk into a trap. Frank was too confident, thinking he was seeing the real battlefield situation. Stupid bastard.

"Now," I said quietly, knowing every Blood Moon warrior was waiting for this command. At the same time, I nodded to Declan, who responded with a cruel smile.

The "corpses" lying on the ground suddenly moved. Warriors who had appeared gravely wounded stood up, and my people quickly formed a large circle, surrounding the wandering wolves. Declan's pack moved swiftly too, blocking all escape routes. From chaos to perfect formation in less than ten seconds.

Frank's expression shifted from smug to confused to terrified. "What... what is this?" he stammered, looking around as two previously warring packs united against his forces.

"Surprise, motherfucker," I grinned, baring sharp teeth. "Welcome to your death party." I turned to my pack: "Blood Moon!" At the same time, Declan shouted: "Black Moon!"

"Tear them apart!" we commanded in unison. The slaughter began.

The battlefield instantly erupted into true savagery. No more holding back, no more pretending. Blood Moon and Black Moon warriors unleashed their full wildness and power, charging the now panicked wandering wolves. The air filled with real bloodshed and desperate screams.

I shifted into full wolf form, my silver-gray fur bristling, my body nearly twice the size of a normal wolf. The Alpha power surged through my blood, making me stronger, deadlier. I charged directly toward Frank, tearing through two wandering wolves who tried to block my path.

I saw Lucas and Tristan each leading a squad, cutting precisely into enemy formations. Tristan's tactics were cold and lethal, while Lucas moved like a red lightning bolt, leaving dismembered enemies in his wake. Declan and his Beta Blood were also ravaging the battlefield, black wolf shadows and blood intertwining.

"Alexander!" I heard Arabella's voice and turned to see her approaching from the safe zone. Goddammit, this woman just wouldn't listen. She held a gun in her hand, seemingly searching for something.

I growled loudly, hoping she'd understand my warning: Stay back! But it was too late. Frank had spotted her too, his eyes lighting up, his mouth twisting into a grotesque smile.

"So there you are, little bitch," he snarled, suddenly changing direction and charging toward Arabella. No! I immediately gave chase, with only one thought: protect my mate, protect my child.

My claws dug into the earth as I exploded forward with extraordinary speed, intercepting Frank before he could reach Arabella. My body slammed into his with such force that he flew several meters away. I stood protectively in front of Arabella, a dangerous growl rumbling deep in my throat.

"Alexander," Arabella called from behind me, her voice shaking but determined, "be careful, he has a weapon!"

From the corner of my eye, I caught a silver flash—silver weapons, a werewolf's bane. Frank got up from the ground, a silver knife in his hand, his face twisted in a crazed smile.

"You thought I wouldn't be prepared?" he mocked. "I knew you'd come. Alphas are so predictable, always protecting their mates." His eyes shifted to Arabella. "You killed my son, you whore. I'll make you pay for that."

Rage flooded every nerve in my body. No one threatens my mate like that. No one. I felt the Alpha power explode inside me, stronger than ever before. I lunged forward, despite knowing the danger of that silver knife.

Frank thrust the knife at me, but I'd anticipated the move. I dodged sideways, caught his wrist in my jaws, and twisted hard. The sound of bones snapping accompanied his scream. The silver knife fell to the ground, and I immediately batted it away with my paw.

"You should never have threatened my mate," I said after shifting back to human form, my voice low and cold. "You should never have come to my territory to challenge me." I grabbed his throat, lifting him off the ground. "Especially, you should never have said Arabella's name in my presence."

Frank's face reddened from lack of oxygen, his eyes flickering with fear, but there was still a hint of madness there. "Kill... kill me... there will be... more... coming..."

"I don't think so," I smiled coldly, looking around. The battlefield had quieted down. The wandering wolves were almost completely decimated, with the few survivors being subdued by Black Moon and Blood Moon warriors. I turned to Arabella, who stood there, her gun steadily pointed at Frank.

"This one is mine," I told her, my eyes softening for a moment before turning cold again. "I want him to know what the price is for hurting you."

I didn't hesitate, cleanly snapping Frank's neck. His body went limp, falling to the ground like the worthless piece of trash he was. I turned to face Arabella, seeing tears in her eyes, but mostly relief.

"It's over," I said softly, walking toward her. She fell into my arms, her body trembling slightly. I could feel the swell of her belly—our child—pressed against me. My arms wrapped tightly around her, wishing I could pull her into my body, protect her forever.

"Are you okay?" I asked, looking down at her, my fingers gently caressing her cheek, checking for any injuries. She nodded, then buried her face in my chest, taking a deep breath as if my scent could give her security.

Declan approached us, his clothes soaked with blood, though he appeared unharmed. His gaze moved between Arabella and me, finally settling on me. "Pleasure working with you, Harrington."

I nodded, not loosening my hold on Arabella. "How are your losses?"

"A few minor injuries, nothing fatal," he replied, then surveyed the battlefield. "You?"

"About the same," I said. "We'll handle the bodies. No traces left."

Declan nodded, then did something unexpected—he extended his hand to me. "Our temporary alliance ends here. But perhaps... perhaps we can maintain a relatively peaceful relationship."

I looked at his hand, considered for a moment, then released one arm from around Arabella to shake it. "Perhaps. As long as you remember where the boundary lines are." This wasn't just about territory—it was also about Arabella.

"I understand," he answered, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Blood!" he called out, and his Beta approached from nearby. "We're leaving."

As Blood passed us, his gaze lingered on Arabella for a moment before quickly moving away. I felt her tense slightly in my arms, then relax again. There was something there I didn't know about, but now wasn't the time to ask.

Black Moon pack withdrawn, I could finally focus completely on Arabella. I cradled her face in my hands, looking deep into her eyes. "You should have stayed in the safe zone." My tone held reproach, but more concern than anger. "If Frank had hurt you..."

"I had to be there," she interrupted, her voice soft but firm. "This was my fight too, Alexander. He was threatening me, our family."

I sighed, pressing my forehead against hers. "You drive me crazy, you know that?" My hand slid to her belly, gently caressing. "All three of you drive me crazy."

She smiled, the first genuine smile I'd seen tonight. "I love you, Alpha."

"I love you too, Puppy," I replied, kissing her forehead. "Now let's go home. Let's go back to Alice."

"Yes," she promised, leaning into me. "Home. It's all over now. Frank is dead, Wesley is dead, the bounty will disappear. You and Alice don't have to hide anymore, don't have to be afraid."

Lucas and Tristan approached us, their bodies also covered in blood, but their eyes filled with the same relief and joy I felt. The four of us stood together, forming a tight circle, each touching the others, confirming we were all safe, all whole.

"Home," Lucas repeated, longing in his eyes. "Back to Alice."

Tristan adjusted his glasses, a rare smile on his face. "I think she'll be happy to see all of us."

I held Arabella against my side, feeling her warmth as she nestled close. This was my home—my mate, my children, my brothers. Tonight, we had defeated our enemies, protected our territory and family. Tonight, Alpha Harrington could sleep peacefully, knowing everything he loved was safe.

"Home," I said softly, kissing the top of Arabella's head. "Together."