Marked by the Alpha’s son

The battle

The howls grew louder as the rogues attacked the eastern side of the mansion grounds. Stephanie stood by the window, watching shadows move in the distance. Guards shouted orders. Wolves clashed in the night. She felt helpless again, but this time she refused to stay frozen.

Luna Elara touched her arm. “We should go to the safe room.”

Stephanie shook her head. “I can’t just hide. Darien is out there fighting for all of us. I want to help.”

Damien appeared in the hallway, already prepared for battle. “Stay close to the main hall. If things get bad, go to the safe room. I’ll lead the defense outside.”

Stephanie followed them downstairs. Her hands were steady as she helped the healers prepare bandages and herbs. The sounds of fighting got closer. A loud crash came from the eastern wall. Rogues had broken through.

Damien shifted and ran out with other warriors. Stephanie stayed near the doors, ready with a heavy stick she had picked up. Her heart raced, but she remembered Darien’s training. She could do this.

The battle spilled into the courtyard. Several rogue wolves pushed past the first line of guards. One headed straight toward the main hall. Stephanie gripped her stick tighter. When the rogue lunged, she swung hard. The hit landed on its side and made it stumble. A guard finished the fight quickly.

More rogues came. The fighting was chaotic and loud. Stephanie helped where she could — throwing rocks to distract enemies and handing weapons to injured guards. She wasn’t as strong as the warriors, but she didn’t run.

Then she saw it — a large rogue wolf breaking through the line and running directly toward her. Its eyes looked mean and focused. She backed up, holding her stick ready.

Before it reached her, a massive black wolf slammed into it from the side. Darien. He had returned from the southern mission faster than expected. His powerful body fought with fury, tearing into the rogue until it stopped moving.

Darien shifted back to human form and ran to her. He pulled her into his arms, breathing hard. “I felt your fear through the bond. I came as fast as I could.”

Stephanie hugged him tight. “I’m okay. I helped a little.”

He kissed her forehead, then her lips, right there in the middle of the chaos. “You did more than a little. I’m so proud of you.”

The battle ended soon after. The remaining rogues fled into the forest. Guards checked the walls and reported the damage. Alpha Thorne called everyone together in the main hall. Many wolves were tired and injured, but they had held the mansion.

Darien kept Stephanie close as they listened to the reports. “The rogues are getting bolder. They’re not just testing us anymore. They want to break our strength.”

Stephanie spoke up softly. “They keep mentioning me. Maybe my old family knows something. My uncle and cousins… they might have talked to outsiders.”

Darien’s eyes darkened. “We’ll question them tomorrow. But right now, you need rest.”

They returned to their suite. Darien checked her for injuries again, his hands gentle. Then he pulled her into bed and held her close. They made love slowly, full of relief and love. He worshipped her body with soft kisses and tender touches, showing how much he had feared for her. Stephanie clung to him, the bond glowing strong between them.

Afterward, they lay together in the quiet. “You fought today,” Darien said, stroking her hair. “You’re becoming the Luna I always knew you could be.”

The next morning, they questioned Stephanie’s uncle and cousins. They had been brought to the mansion under guard. Uncle Harlan looked nervous. Lila tried to act innocent, but her eyes showed guilt.

“Did you speak to anyone about me?” Stephanie asked, standing tall beside Darien.

Marcus shifted uncomfortably. “Some strangers came asking questions. We… we might have said things about you being weak. We didn’t know it would lead to this.”

Darien’s voice was cold. “Your words helped the rogues target my mate. You will stay under watch until this is over.”

The family looked shocked. Stephanie felt a mix of sadness and relief. Her old life was truly behind her now.

The following days were busy with repairs and planning. Darien trained with Stephanie every morning. Their love grew deeper with every touch and conversation. He took her to quiet places in the forest where they could be alone. Their intimate moments were full of passion and tenderness, strengthening the bond.

But the rogues didn’t stop. One evening, a scout brought alarming news. “A large group is gathering near the southern border. They’re planning a major attack in two days.”

Darien looked at Stephanie. “We have to stop them before they reach us. I’ll lead the main force. You’ll stay here where it’s safer.”

Stephanie held his hand. “Be careful. Come back to me.”

As Darien prepared to leave with the warriors the next morning, he kissed her long and deep. “I love you, Stephanie. You’ve changed my world.”

She watched him shift into his powerful black wolf and lead the group away. The mansion felt empty again, but she felt stronger now. She spent the day helping with preparations and training with Damien.

That night, as she tried to sleep, distant howls rose from the south. The battle had begun. Stephanie touched her mark and whispered, “Come back safe, my love.”

The bond felt stretched but still warm. Darien was fighting hard. But something felt wrong. The howls sounded different — more desperate.

A guard knocked on her door urgently. “Luna, we just received word. The rogues have a trap. Darien’s group is surrounded.”

Stephanie’s heart dropped. Her mate was in danger, and she couldn’t just wait.

To be continued…