Chapter 61

Hunter

I made it back to my land. Taking down Phoenix would not be an easy task. I needed all the help I could get. I immediately called a pack meeting. As a group of rogues, they had no obligation to help me at all. They were free to do as they pleased. I would not force them to put their lives on the line when they had families and lives of their own to consider. But I hoped at least some would be willing to support me.

"Thank you all for coming. I know this is short notice and I haven't been around lately. I ran into some issues while I was away. At the same time, I made a useful discovery. As you all know I have met my mate. Currently she is probably trailing me closely, trying to prevent me from doing what I have dreamed of doing for a long time now. I once belonged to the pack and was destined to become alpha. This is not new information. My pack was destroyed and taken. It has been my hope that one day I would be able to reclaim my land. I now have that opportunity. I needed to be certain that the land in question was truly mine. I also needed time to prepare which I believe we have. Most of you here know that this was the goal from the very beginning. Although it may come as a shock to the rest of you, I still hope to have your support. Taking over this land will be dangerous. Lives will be lost. But if we succeed, which I am confident we will, it will mean better lives for all of us. I will accept you into the new pack and be the leader I have always been. We will have more resources and opportunities. Our young can have better access to education. It will be safer for them to roam. I am aware that some of you wish to remain rogue, that is your choice. I just ask that any willing participants come forward with the knowledge of what this war will mean." I waited for those willing to step forward, and the numbers surprised me. I did not expect so many to actually want to join me. Nevertheless, I was grateful.

"I appreciate your loyalty. I promise I will do everything to ensure we emerge victorious. We don't have much time. We leave within the hour. Any sighting of my mate, or any unknown wolf, must be reported immediately. We cannot afford any delays or slip ups. Those of you choosing not to participate can do as you wish. But I would advise all women and children to report to the safe houses until further notice. The length of this war is unknown. But we will return as soon as possible."

With those last words I went to prepare myself. This is my time, my moment, nothing would stand in my way.

Phoenix

Peace. I was finally at peace. After all I'd been through with trying to become the greatest alpha, searching for answers about the strengths and weakness of our kind, I was never able to find peace. Not until her. All this time I knew my mate was what was missing from my life, but I never imagined she would be anything like Ruby. I always thought she would be more like me, craving power and ready to rule by my side. I thought she would be happy to be queen, it just seemed logical. But it turned out I was wrong, very wrong. She was nothing like other she wolves I had encountered. Those things didn't appeal to her. At first I was confused, but now I am grateful. Grateful that she's different. It gave me hope that maybe one day, I could be more like her, that she could fix me, rid me of the darkness that consumed me. As I watched her sleep, it was clear to me. Although the Moon Goddess may make the occasional mistake, this time she knew exactly what she was doing. I had all I needed in life. The fact that she had forgiven me made me want to worship her even more.

"Alpha we have a problem," my beta mind linked breaking me out of my thoughts.

"What is it?" I tried to keep my tone neutral, but I hated being distracted.

"We're being surrounded by rogues."