72

POV – Tomas
Kallen, Stuart, and Kai-Lea had caught Kaitlyn and Millus in their scheme, finally unmasking the betrayal that had lingered like a dark cloud over us. We were finally home after what felt like an eternity of turmoil. A week had passed since that harrowing night when chaos had reigned and uncertainty had threatened to unravel everything we held dear. Gussie and Chellea, along with the younger pups, were back in school—though neither Gussie nor Chellea seemed remotely happy about it. Their reluctance hung in the air like a thick fog, a reminder that our lives had been irrevocably altered. Each time I looked at them, I saw the weight of their worry etched into their faces, their laughter stifled under the gravity of recent events. Yet, despite the lingering shadows of our past, things were looking to return to what could be described as normal around here.
The chaos had subsided, and the senior class had completed their testing, all eager to turn the page and begin the next chapter of their lives with college classes on the horizon. I could sense the anticipation building in the air, a palpable excitement that contrasted sharply with the unease still simmering beneath the surface. All Hallows' Eve was just two days away, and Kai-Lea and Krysta were planning a celebration that promised to be nothing short of spectacular. Kai-Lea had discovered that this was, by far, her favorite holiday, and her excitement was infectious. Her laughter rang through the halls, brightening the dim corners of our home and reminding us all of the joys we had fought so hard to protect.
Just as the festivities were set to begin, a warrior’s voice cut through the celebratory noise: ‘We have rogues on the western border. Alphas, you're needed,’ he communicated through the pack mind link. The gravity of his words sent a chill down my spine, a stark contrast to the warmth that had filled our home moments before. Kallen and Stuart were right on my heels, their expressions a mix of determination and dread as we hurried to assess the unfolding chaos. My heart raced, fueled by adrenaline, as we sprang to our feet. The urgency in the air was palpable, like the tense stillness before a storm. Every instinct within me screamed for action; I had to protect my pack, my family.
As we approached the western border, the scene that greeted us was grim: over one hundred and fifty rogues surged forward, their movements coordinated and ruthless, their intent clear and malicious. A surge of protective instinct washed over me, and I felt the weight of my role as an Alpha heavy on my shoulders. My family depended on me to keep them safe, and I was determined to do just that. The air crackled with tension, and I could feel the eyes of my warriors on me, waiting for a command, seeking reassurance that their leader would guide them through this threat.
Without hesitation, Kallen and Stuart shifted, their powerful forms becoming a blur of muscle and fur as they tore through the enemy with terrifying efficiency. They dispatched six rogues in mere seconds, their movements fluid and deadly, a testament to their training and innate prowess. I shifted alongside them, my instincts kicking in as I leaped into the fray. In the blink of an eye, I took down a dozen rogues, each movement precise, driven by the primal need to protect my family. The visceral thrill of battle coursed through me, reminding me of my purpose.
The air was thick with the scent of sweat and blood, punctuated by the sounds of growls and the sickening thud of bodies hitting the ground. I felt the familiar rush of battle coursing through my veins, a blend of exhilaration and dread that heightened my senses. Every rogue I fought against represented a threat to my pack, to my family, and that made them my enemy. The chaos around me intensified as the rogues fought back, their eyes filled with desperation. I could see the resolve in their expressions; they were here for a reason, but they would find no mercy from me.
Suddenly, a frantic voice shattered the chaos: ‘TOMAS, WE'RE BEING ATTACKED AT THE HOUSE! HURRY!’ It was Krysta, her panic echoing through the pack link. My heart dropped, a stone of fear settling in my gut as I grasped the urgency of our situation. I could almost visualize the chaos unfolding at home, my family in danger, and that thought fueled my resolve. Images of my daughters, vulnerable and unprotected, surged to the forefront of my mind, each second of delay feeling like an eternity.
Thankfully, Wade had sounded the alarm, sending most of the pack to safety in the bunkers scattered around the grounds. But I knew that wouldn’t be enough if we didn’t act quickly. Time was of the essence. I exchanged a quick glance with Kallen and Stuart, the unspoken bond between us igniting our determination. “We need to end this,” I said, my voice low but steady, the weight of leadership settling firmly on my shoulders. There was no room for hesitation; our loved ones were depending on us, and failure was not an option.
Together, we charged into the heart of the conflict, prepared to protect our home at all costs. The air around us thickened as we collided with the rogues, a whirlwind of fur and fury. My senses heightened, each rogue I encountered became a target, a barrier between me and the safety of my family. I fought with everything I had, fueled by a desperate need to end the threat looming over us. The clash of teeth and claws echoed around us, punctuated by the growls and snarls of our pack fighting to reclaim their territory.
Every rogue that fell heightened my resolve, each victory a small reprieve in the overwhelming chaos. The sound of battle became a symphony of violence, and I lost myself in the rhythm of the fight, my instincts guiding me as I protected my family. With Kallen and Stuart at my side, we became a force to be reckoned with, carving a path through the horde.
But just as we were beginning to turn the tide, a sense of dread washed over me, urging me to push harder. I couldn’t shake the feeling that something worse was waiting for us, lurking just beyond the chaos. As we fought, the sound of Krysta's voice echoed again in my mind, reminding me that our home was under siege, and my heart raced with each passing moment.
We needed to finish this battle quickly. There was no time to waste.