THE ALPHA'S UNWANTED MATE

Chapter 18: The Visitor

The tent flap opened.

Everyone went still.

Selena walked in, blood on her armor. Behind her was someone Aria didn't recognize.

A woman. Tall. Red hair. And a scar across her eye.

Damien sat up immediately, ignoring the pain.

"Lyra," he growled. "What are you doing here?"

The woman smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes.

"I came to see if the great Alpha finally died, brother."

Aria's blood went cold.

Brother?

Lyra's eyes flicked to Aria. Then to Leo, who was hiding behind Aria's legs.

"So this is her," Lyra said. "The human."

"Don't," Damien warned. His voice was low and dangerous.

Lyra laughed. "Relax, brother. I'm not here to hurt them. Yet."

She stepped closer to the bed. "I'm here to warn you. The council knows you were shot. They know you're weak."

Selena shifted uncomfortably. "Alpha, we should talk outside."

But Lyra wasn't done. She looked straight at Aria.

"You should leave him. Before his enemies use you to kill him."

Aria stepped forward. "I’m not leaving."

Lyra smiled again. This time it was real.

"We'll see about that."

Damien finally stood up. He swayed, but didn't fall.

"Get out," he said to Lyra. "Now."

Lyra raised her hands. "Fine. But remember what I said, brother. The council is coming."

She turned and walked out, Selena following behind her.

The tent went silent.

Leo ran to Damien and hugged his legs. "Daddy, is that aunty bad?"

Damien looked down at his son, then at Aria.

"I don't know," he whispered. "But we're in danger."

Aria took his hand. "Then we fight. Together."

Outside, wolf howls echoed in the distance.

The council was coming.

Aria's heart pounded. "Who are they?" she asked.

Damien sat back down on the bed, his face pale. The silver was still in him.

"The council rules all packs. 12 alphas. And they hate me."

"Because you're mated to a human?" Aria whispered.

"Because I chose love over tradition," Damien said. He pulled her close. "And because I refused to give up my son."

Leo climbed onto the bed between them. "I don't like that aunty," he mumbled. "She looked at you like... like she wanted to hurt Mama."

Aria stroked his hair. "I know, baby."

Selena suddenly burst back into the tent. Her face was serious.

"Alpha. Scouts reported movement at the border. At least 20 wolves. With the council's crest."

Damien's jaw tightened. "How long?"

"Two hours. Maybe less."

Aria stood up. Her hands were shaking but her voice was steady.

"Then we don't hide. We fight."

Damien looked at her, then at Leo. He was still hurt, but his eyes were burning gold again.

"Get the pack ready," he told Selena. "Weapons. Barriers. Everything."

Selena nodded and ran out.

Aria turned to Damien. "Can you fight?"

Damien grabbed her hand and pulled her down to him.

"I can fight for you. For him." He kissed her forehead. "I won't let them take my family."

Leo hugged them both. "We're a pack, right?"

"Always," Damien and Aria said together.

Outside the tent, the wind picked up. And with it... the sound of footsteps.

Dozens of them.

The council had arrived.

**THE END OF CHAPTER 18**

**TO BE CONTINUED IN CHAPTER 19: FAMILY SECRETS**