Chapter 97
The tension in the pack house was suffocating. Wolves murmured among themselves, their anxiety palpable. Despite the chaos swirling around me, my focus was singular: Jake. He was out there somewhere, fighting to protect our pack, and I would do whatever it took to bring him home.
I stood in the center of the war room with Chris, Selena, and Fatima. The weapons table was now a centerpiece of action: crossbows loaded with silver-tipped arrows, daggers forged from enchanted iron, and heavy axes were laid out for selection.
“We leave nothing to chance,” Chris said firmly, strapping a long blade to his back. “If we’re going into Jona’s territory, we need to be ready for anything.”
Fatima leaned against the wall, her arms crossed. Her human nature meant she lacked the enhanced senses and strength we possessed, but her fierce loyalty made her a formidable ally. “We can’t waste any more time,” she said. “Every second we delay, Jake is in more danger.”
Selena, holding little Logan and Lily, walked in, her expression weary but determined. “The jet is fueled and waiting,” she said softly.
My chest tightened at the sight of my babies. Logan's golden curls glinted in the light, while Lily’s dark eyes sparkled with curiosity. They were so innocent, blissfully unaware of the darkness closing in around us.
Selena held Lily closer and gestured for me to say goodbye.
I knelt in front of them, my heart breaking as I kissed their tiny cheeks. “Mama loves you,” I whispered. “I’ll come for you as soon as it’s safe.”
Lily gurgled happily, clutching my finger, while Matthew pouted. His little hand reached for my hair, tugging it playfully.
“They’re in the best hands,” Selena assured me. “I’ll keep them safe.”
I stood, forcing myself to look away as she left with them. The sound of their laughter fading into the distance felt like a knife twisting in my chest.
“Priscilla,” Fatima said, placing a hand on my arm. “You’re doing the right thing. We’ll get Jake back, and you’ll all be together again.”
I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. “Let’s finish this.”
\---
The forest was eerily quiet as we advanced, the moonlight casting ghostly shadows through the trees. The scent of blood hung heavy in the air, mingled with the faint, familiar trace of Jake.
Chris froze, his nostrils flaring. “Do you smell that?”
I nodded. “Jake.”
We followed the scent until we reached a clearing. The remnants of a struggle were evident—trampled grass, shattered branches, and splatters of blood on the ground.
Fatima picked up a discarded arrow. “Silver-tipped,” she said grimly. “He’s hurt.”
A low, menacing laugh echoed through the trees, sending chills down my spine.
“Did you really think it would be that easy?” a voice taunted.
Jona stepped out of the shadows, his imposing figure illuminated by the moonlight. His eyes gleamed with malice as he smirked at us.
“You’re persistent,” he said, twirling a dagger in his hand. “I’ll give you that.”
Chris growled, stepping forward. “Where’s Jake?”
Jona chuckled, his tone mocking. “He’s alive, for now. But that depends on how much you’re willing to bleed for him.”
Before we could react, rogues poured out from the surrounding trees, their snarls filling the air. The battle erupted in an instant.
Fatima stayed back, using her agility and wits to avoid direct confrontation. She hurled rocks and debris at the rogues, buying us precious seconds.
Chris swung his axe with brutal efficiency, cutting through the attackers like a whirlwind. I fought beside him, my daggers flashing as I defended myself against two wolves at once.
Jona watched the chaos unfold, a satisfied grin on his face.
I lunged at him, my blade aimed for his chest, but he sidestepped effortlessly, grabbing my wrist and twisting it painfully.
“You’re out of your depth, Luna,” he sneered.
I growled, kicking him hard in the stomach. He stumbled back, his smirk faltering.
Chris tackled another rogue, his movements fluid and precise. “We can’t hold this position for long!” he shouted.
Suddenly, Andrew appeared, his face bloodied but his grin intact. “Miss me?” he taunted, swinging his sword at Chris.
Their clash was fierce, their weapons sparking as they collided.
I focused on Jona, dodging his strikes and countering with my own. His strength was overwhelming, but I refused to back down.
“You’re just like him,” he said, his voice dripping with disdain. “So self-righteous, so blind to the damage you cause.”
I didn’t have time to process his words as he lunged again, forcing me to retreat.
Fatima yelled, “Behind you!”
I spun just in time to block an attack from another rogue. My dagger found its mark, and the wolf collapsed at my feet.
Chris, now bleeding from a gash on his arm, managed to corner Andrew. Their fight was brutal, neither willing to give an inch.
Andrew smirked, even as Chris pressed a blade to his throat. “You think killing me will stop him? He’s just getting started.”
“Enough!” Chris growled, driving his blade into Andrew’s chest.
Andrew’s eyes widened in shock as blood spilled from his mouth. “You...have no idea...” he rasped before collapsing.
Jona let out an enraged howl, his eyes glowing with fury. He lunged at Chris, but I intercepted him, slashing at his arm.
“Go!” I yelled. “Get Jake!”
Chris nodded, running toward the scent trail that led deeper into the forest.
Jona snarled, his movements growing more erratic. He fought with the desperation of a cornered animal, his attacks wild but dangerous.
Suddenly, he stepped back, a smirk returning to his face. “You can have this round,” he said, his voice cold. “But this isn’t over.”
Before I could stop him, he disappeared into the shadows, leaving behind the scent of blood and rage.
\---
Chris found Jake bound and unconscious in a clearing. His body was battered, his breathing shallow, but he was alive.
“We’ve got him!” Chris called, hoisting Jake onto his back.
Relief flooded through me as I joined them. Fatima covered our retreat, her sharp eyes scanning for any sign of pursuit.
When we finally reached the safety of the pack house, Anna the pack doctor was waiting. She rushed to tend to Jake’s wounds, her hands steady despite the tension in the air.
As Jake stirred, his eyes meeting mine, he whispered, “Jona...he’s my brother.”
The revelation hit me like a thunderbolt, "how?"
"it's a long story"
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