Under My Protection
630 Words
Chapter Twelve: Under My Protection
Draven's POV
The clearing fell silent.
The letter suddenly felt heavier in my hand.
Every Alpha was staring at me.
"Read it," Alpha Ronan said.
I nodded and looked back at the parchment.
"'To every Alpha, Beta, and Gamma within the Northern Territories. By order of the Supernatural Council, all packs are to remain alert. Reports confirm that the missing child connected to the Shadowmoon Bloodline may have survived. If a young woman matching the description is found, she is not to be harmed. She is to be protected until Council representatives arrive.'"
No one spoke.
Not even the wind stirred.
My eyes slowly lifted from the letter.
Then landed on Elara.
Silver-blue eyes.
Dark curls.
The mysterious silver light that had surrounded her moments ago.
The timing couldn't be a coincidence.
Ryder was the first to break the silence.
"Alpha..."
He looked from me to Elara.
"You don't think..."
"I do."
Alpha Gideon nodded grimly.
"So do I."
Elara shook her head.
"No."
Her voice trembled.
"They can't be talking about me."
"I don't even know who my parents are."
Luna Elena wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
"You don't have to know who they are for them to be looking for you."
Tears welled in Elara's eyes.
"I've spent eighteen years believing no one wanted me."
The words struck every heart in the clearing.
Even Alpha Ronan looked away.
Ashamed.
I couldn't stand seeing that look in her eyes.
The loneliness.
The heartbreak.
Without thinking, I crossed the distance between us.
Every instinct inside me screamed the same thing.
Protect her.
I stopped in front of her.
"Look at me."
Slowly, she raised her head.
Her beautiful silver-blue eyes met mine.
"I don't know who your family is."
"I don't know why the Council is searching for you."
"But I know one thing."
I gently took her hand.
"I won't let anyone hurt you again."
Her lower lip trembled.
"Why?"
The question broke something inside me.
"Because I'm your mate?"
She shook her head.
"No."
"Because you barely know me."
I smiled softly.
"Maybe."
"Or maybe..."
I stepped a little closer.
"...I know everything I need to."
Her cheeks flushed.
Inside my mind, Orion gave an approving growl.
"She is ours."
Lunara answered immediately.
"Protect her well."
To my surprise...
A second feminine voice spoke.
Cool.
Confident.
"And if you break her heart..."
Vespera paused dramatically.
"I'll haunt you forever."
Orion actually laughed.
"Fair warning, Alpha."
I almost smiled.
Almost.
Elara looked at me curiously.
"What?"
I cleared my throat.
"Our wolves seem to be having a conversation."
Her eyes widened.
"They can do that?"
"I've never heard of it before."
Neither had I.
But somehow...
Orion could hear both Lunara...
And Vespera.
Which meant Elara truly was unlike anyone I'd ever met.
A twig snapped.
Every warrior instantly turned toward the sound.
Three cloaked figures stepped from the trees.
Their faces hidden beneath dark hoods.
Their scents...
Masked.
My instincts screamed danger.
Ryder moved beside me.
Nightshade warriors surrounded Elara.
One of the strangers slowly raised both hands.
"We come in peace."
I didn't lower my guard.
"State your names."
The tallest figure removed his hood.
An older man.
Silver hair.
A scar across one cheek.
Golden eyes.
He bowed respectfully.
"I am Elder Thorne."
He looked directly at Elara.
Then something unexpected happened.
He dropped to one knee.
The other two elders immediately did the same.
My warriors stared in disbelief.
Alpha Ronan looked stunned.
Even Alpha Gideon seemed shocked.
The elder lowered his head.
"We have searched for you for eighteen years."
Elara's breathing became uneven.
"I... I don't understand."
The elder slowly looked up.
His golden eyes filled with tears.
"My princess..."
His voice cracked.
"We've finally found you.
- Writer
