I will never reject you

Going to war.

The next morning in the big hall, the warriors were already gathering. Slowly filling the big room, getting ready for the traditional briefing before we embark on this mission.

This time I was up on the podium next to Philip, Alpha Jake, his beta and Rob. Elias is among the warriors from the other packs that will help with communication between the pack armies, helping to coordinate our efforts in a successful manner.

Alpha Jake addressed the warriors first.

"As you all know we have been fending off these rogues for months now. They have been crossing to all neighboring pack borders causing havoc and in a few cases the death of fellow warriors and innocent she-wolves.

New information has come to light, we know the exact location they are hiding and their numbers."

The crowd is whispering intently.

"Quiet."

Ordered Alpha Jake in a commanding tone, the hall went quiet.

I am nervously looking at the crowd. I am self conscious that a lot of curious eyes are on me. I spot Ruth and Ellie in the crowd. They smiled and nodded at me, and I returned the gesture. Alpha Jake carried on.

"My son Alpha Philip will lead this expedition along with his fated mate Sofia Gray from Black forest."

I feel the heat rising and I am sure I have turned red. I didn't expect this declaration. The crowd exclaimed surprised and whispers erupted. My brother Elias had an amused expression at my embarrassment and Ruth and Ellie started cheering and clapping followed by Elias. Mental note to myself: kill Elias later. Soon the whole hall followed suit. Philip gave me a hug and pulled me forward.

"This attention is making me uncomfortable."

I said to Philip through our link.

"Get used to it baby, you are my mate and an Alpha, eyes will always be on you from now on."

I turned to look at him and he smiled encouragingly.

"Ladies and gentlemen my lovely mate Sofia."

Of Course by now the whole pack knew there was something between us but probably they assumed a superficial relationship or something.

"Back to business."

Roared Alpha Jake, all the clamuring came to an abrupt end.

"Philip, since you are leading this expedition you should explain everything."

Said Alpha Jake and took a step backwards.

"We are dealing with 117 rogues, 85 of them warriors, 33 pups and she-wolves who are innocent. They are in Whitepine territory with the support of the Whitepine beta and 100 of their warriors. This is the first time in 60 years that more than half our army is going on an expedition. Two hundred of you are going to war and 85 are staying back to protect the pack. Our efforts are being supported by our 4 allies contributing 150 warriors to our common cause. We will charge a coordinated attack surrounding them. We will attack from the west while the rest of the packs will come from east, north and south.

We are more in numbers, we are trained and disciplined.VICTORY IS CERTAIN."

He hollered the last statement and the crowd exploded in victorious howlings.

The warriors started making their way into the big garden, assuming formation. This time 20 in wolf form lead but Rob will go ahead scouting making sure we have a clear safe path and the rest of us in human form. When Philip and I finally found our way in the garden, Elias came to join us. I spotted Ruth and Ellie and invited them to run close to me, which they happily accepted.

"I see you already made friends."

Said Philip with a warm smile, I smiled back at him.

"I guess I have."

Philip's parents came out to see us off. He hugged his mother and headed at the top of the formation. The wolves had already set off. Luna Sheila approached me.

"You are my son's mate, therefore my daughter. I always say this to my son when he goes on patrol or war.

May the moon goddess keep you safe, you and my son come back to me."

She gave me a hug.

"I hope the moon goddess gives you back your pack."

"Thank you for your kindness."

I replied and gave her a hug.

My Alpha title and claim was kept secret from the warriors and pack only the Alphas knew. Everything would be revealed after all is done.

We broke the hug and I joined Philip at the top of the formation and we set off. We ran all day until it was dark, finally the scouts returned from up ahead and we settled in the forest to eat and get some rest.

Philip Rob Elias and I were sitting together in a semicircle enjoying a meal. After we were done Philip got up and went to walk among the warriors to chat and make sure morals were high, Elias excused himself to find a resting spot.

I was alone with Rob, since I met him I thought of him as way too serious and unpleasant but his deep devotion and loyalty to Philip was undeniable. We sat in awkward silence.

"Are you ready for tomorrow Sofia."

He said, surprising me.

"Yes, I've never cowered from a fight, I know we will be victorious. They are tired and lack training."

He looked at me suggestively.

"That's not what I meant."

"Ohh, I don't know, it still feels unreal to me. They might not accept me as their Alpha."

I smiled nervously.

"They will be lucky to have you."

"I wish we didn't have to go to war though and avoid the loss of life."

I know that Rob is apprehensive about me, he doesn't like me, maybe he thinks I am not good enough for his friend.

"How long have you known Philip?"

I asked.

"Since we were pups, he is the best man I know. I would do anything for him."

"I can see that."

"Be good to him, Alpha sofia."

He said, staring straight into my eyes, it sounds like a warning to me. I give him a reassuring smile then I get up and find a tree a few steps away. I sat down leaning my back on the trunk. Rob stayed close, I suspect Philip is making him keep an eye on me. I got comfortable and looked around at all the warriors resting on the forest floor or against tree trunks. We didn't light any fires, to avoid being spotted by the rogues. We need the element of surprise. A few wolves took the first watch. I was nearly half asleep when Philip came back nearly 40 minutes later. He sat next to me, he put his arm around my shoulders and with a swift move he lifted me and placed me between his legs, my back resting on his chest, none of his warriors dared to look our way.

We kissed and cuddled. I can sense his nervousness for the following day, not about the battle but about me, fearing that he might lose me. I had similar fears, the memories of the five wolves trying to kill him were still fresh in my mind.