CHAPTER 16

He was still torn between telling her and not telling her. Bruce retreated to the balcony and observed the pack lands come to life as the sun began to rise. He could see the peaceful ebb and flow of a community as pack members started their daily routines.

Amelia had grown to be a vital component of that balance. Even without the full strength of being a Hybrid her work as Luna had improved things within the pack. She had created programs that improved their community and guaranteed their future, bridging the gap between wolves and humans.

How would that change if people knew the real her? Would it provide her more power and enable her to further assist the pack? Or would it destroy the self-assurance she had acquired, making her doubt every choice she had made and every connection she had made?

And there was the issue of security. Should rumors spread that their Luna was a werewolf in hibernation with an uncommon and potent bloodline, their pack might become a target. Some people in the werewolf community would do anything to gain such power, whether it was to use Amelia for their advantage or to get rid of anyone they perceived as a danger.

Bruce's hands gripped the balcony railing tightly, his instincts of protection kicking in. He would pass away before he allowed Amelia to suffer anymore. Could he, however, shield her from the reality of her nature?

Bruce's thoughts were interrupted by a gentle knock on the door. He called out from the balcony, "Come in."

Elijah came in, concern and exhaustion written all over his face. "Bruce," he uttered in a low, urgent voice. "We need to talk. There's been a development."

Bruce straightened up, alert as a button. "What is it?"

Elijah looked around as if he was looking for listeners who were not visible. "Yesterday, I saw something. Close to the boundary of the area. A presence, watching us. I know it has something to do with all of this, even though I am not sure how to explain it."

Bruce felt a shiver go down his spine. "You mean connected to Amelia?"

Elijah gave a solemn nod. "I worry that we might not have as much time as we anticipated to choose our next move. If anyone else knows what her secret is..."

Bruce's mind was racing, ideas and backup plans coming up one after the other and being discarded quickly. His Alpha voice taking over, he stated, "We need to increase patrols." "Squad up the guards at the edges of the pack. Elijah, too... I believe it is time to involve the council in this. We are going to require every bit of assistance."

"And Amelia?" Elijah questioned, sounding unusually uncertain. "Do we tell her?"

Bruce looked back out onto the balcony and saw Amelia off in the distance. While tending to the plants in the pack gardens, she shared laughter with some of the younger wolves. The sight of her, content and joyful, caused his heart to pound from the weight of what he knew.

"Not yet," he finally stated, his voice heaving with authority. "We require additional information to fully comprehend the extent of the threat that faces us. But soon. She is deserving of the truth and the opportunity to fully accept who she is."

Elijah nodded, his posture showing signs of relief. "I will handle setting up the council meeting. And Bruce, the pack is behind you no matter what happens next. Between the two of you."

Bruce stood on the balcony, staring at Amelia as Elijah went off to fulfill his orders. Now that he realized the true nature of the mate bond, it hummed between them even more.

He whispered, "I will protect you," a promise that was heard over the morning wind. "My love, do whatever it takes. I will watch out for you and guide you toward becoming the person you are."

However, a part of him was questioning whether it was already too late even as he made this promise. Elijah had reported seeing an unseen watcher, and the atmosphere of looming danger suggested that a storm was approaching that would destroy everything they had constructed.

From the gardens, Amelia looked up as if sensing his gaze, her eyes meeting his in the distance. She waved with a bright, carefree smile. Bruce returned the wave and forced a smile.

Bruce made up his mind as he observed the woman he loved going about her day blissfully unaware of the turbulent forces assembling all around her. Together, they would confront whatever was approaching. No more half-truths or secrets.

Amelia needed to discover her actual self.

Bruce saw a flicker of movement as he turned from the balcony, determined to get things moving. A shadow that appeared darker than it should have been was there, at the very edge of the tree line, moving with the wind.

The wolf inside Bruce charged forward, growling deep inside his chest. With all the power and fury of an Alpha defending his mate and his pack, he would take on any threat that lurked around the corner.

It looked like it would be a fight for Amelia's truth, and possibly for their pack's survival as well.