CHAPTER 39
823 Words
The morning air was sharp and biting as news spread like wildfire through the pack territory—a border breach. Unfamiliar scents had been detected near the eastern ridge. Not rogues this time, but worse.
Exiled wolves.
Lucian stood tall near the gates with Harper flanking his right and Beta Gavin by his side. His eyes were dark, calculating, and cold as steel.
“They crossed the line on purpose,” Harper said. “They wanted to be seen.”
Lucian didn’t reply immediately. His gaze drifted to the horizon, where trees blurred into shadows. He knew this wasn’t random. This was planned. Precise.
And timed.
Right after his confrontation with the Council. Right after Dexton’s public meltdown. Someone was stirring the ashes of rebellion.
Back at the estate, Selene had just begun to recover from Dexton’s verbal attack when the message reached her. A messenger wolf, bloodied and panting, had collapsed at the doorstep, muttering warnings.
“Outsiders… rebels… they’re coming.”
Selene’s fingers tightened around the teacup in her hand until it cracked. Her heart thudded painfully in her chest—not out of fear for herself, but for Lucian. For the pack. For everything they had built.
She rose instantly, her voice sharp. “Prepare the infirmary. Get the women and children into the inner quarters. Now.”
Her presence was commanding, even if her voice trembled slightly.
At the ridge, the enemy finally revealed themselves—five wolves, larger than usual, wearing the faded tattoos of banished clans. Their leader, a scarred male with yellow eyes and torn ears, shifted back to his human form without shame.
“We come bearing a message,” he said. “From those who believe in the old ways. From those who do not recognize Lucian as Alpha any longer.”
Lucian didn’t blink. “You have a death wish then.”
“We have a vision,” the man snarled. “And it doesn’t involve a Luna like her.” His eyes glinted with cruel amusement. “Selene… the w***e who couldn’t keep her first mate.”
Gavin growled low, but Lucian raised a hand, stepping forward.
“You speak boldly for a corpse,” Lucian said coldly. “Let me show you how foolish that is.”
But the exiled wolf grinned. “Strike me down, and another will rise. This is bigger than you. The council’s influence is not as silent as you think, Alpha.”
Lucian’s eyes narrowed.
So that was it.
This wasn’t just a rebellion. It was a proxy war—funded or at least encouraged by the Council. Using exiled wolves to do their dirty work. No traceable hands. No official declaration.
Cowards.
The enemy retreated as swiftly as they had come, leaving only their threat behind.
Lucian turned to his Beta. “Double the patrols. Close all gates. Bring in the outer scouts. If they come again, I want them buried where they stand.”
“Yes, Alpha,” Gavin responded.
Back at the estate, Selene was overseeing the movement of families to the safe wing when Harper found her.
“You’re needed,” she said quietly. “Lucian wants to speak with you.”
Selene followed without question, already sensing something had shifted. When she entered the war room, Lucian stood alone, his hands braced on the map-laden table.
He didn’t look up immediately. “They want war.”
Selene stepped closer. “Then they’ll get one.”
Lucian finally met her gaze. His expression softened—just for her.
“This isn’t just about us anymore. They’ve turned it into something bigger. Political. Cultural. They’re using our bond to fuel an uprising.”
Selene hesitated before speaking. “Do you regret it? Claiming me?”
Lucian’s eyes blazed. “Never.”
A silence hung between them—thick with unspoken fears, desires, and determination.
“I want to fight,” Selene said.
“I know,” Lucian replied. “And you will. But we need to be smart.”
They were interrupted by another knock. Harper reentered, eyes wide. “We intercepted a message.”
Lucian tensed. “From who?”
Harper handed over the paper. “It was meant for Dexton. From the Council.”
Selene’s breath caught.
Lucian unfolded it, reading silently. His jaw clenched tighter with every line.
“The time is now. Choose where you stand. Your Alpha is weak, blinded by lust. A true leader would take back what was his and restore order. If you do, we will back you.”
Silence.
Rage.
Betrayal.
Selene’s voice was barely a whisper. “They want him to challenge you.”
Lucian nodded. “And if he does, they’ll try to make it official. A coup dressed in tradition.”
Selene looked away, swallowing hard. “You think he will?”
“I don’t know,” Lucian admitted. “But I know they’ll push him until he breaks.”
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