The Red Wolf

The King goes on a rampage.

Kaden looked at his watch. This meeting was dragging on forever. His mate should be arriving any minute now and he was here. Listening to the group of Alphas from neighboring kingdoms bicker and complain. Alpha Morris slammed his hand on the table and stood up "This has been going on for too long! The Werecats are surrounding our borders, taking our resources, using our streams. And now they're trying to live amongst us. They're planning something! I can feel it!" He slammed his hand on the table again and Kaden growled. Instantly, Morris looked nervous. The audacity. He was an older Alpha. Set in his ways.

Kaden spoke. When he did, the room got eerily quiet in anticipation.

"I advise you sit your ass down Morris." He didn't even bother to address his Alpha status and it didn't go unnoticed. Anger flashed through his eyes but he obeyed his King. "You will not come into my home, sit at my table, and make accusations without facts. The werecats are our allies now, or have you forgotten? I signed the treaty a year ago and gave them the same rights I gave your pathetic pack. If you are so hell bent on living in the past, then perhaps it's time I find a new Alpha to lead the Green Brooke Pack.

Alpha Morris's eyes went wide but he didn't say anything. He knew better. He simply nodded and put his head down. Kaden tapped his fingers on the table as he addressed the rest of the room. 20 Alphas looked at him expectantly.

"Now as for the attacks along the border, I am sending a Lycan warrier with each of you. They will assist in your pack training and investigate the attacks. I expect reports on their findings weekly. Now.." Kaden was cut off by the door flinging open and a nervous Gamma came running in. He dropped to the ground and bared his neck to his King. Kaden tried to control his temper and waved his hand at the boy.

"Speak. There better be a good reason for this interruption." He growled.

The boy never looked up. A sign of respect. His voice shook as he spoke. "Sir Loki your highness. He mind linked patrol. They've been ambushed. 20 rogues...patrol has spotted more outside the border, heading deeper into the forest. They believe your guest has been seperated sir."

Kaden felt the air leave his lungs. His fist slammed down on the table before him, shattering it into pieces. Everyone jumped and leaped to their feet. Kadens wolf was trying to come out. His queen was in danger. Then he felt her. She was trying to reach him. He opened his mind instantly. Desperation filled his mind.

Kaden! Please! Right of the road, heading north. They're coming! The connection broke. He was breathing heavily. If anyone touched his mate, they were dead. To think, a few days ago he wasn't so sure about his little witch, and how his possessiveness and need to protect her was all he could suddenly think about. He realized the room of Alphas were staring at him.

"What are you standing here for?!" He almost shouted. "Your future Queen is in that forest, under attack. If she comes back harmed, ill rip every one of your damn heads off! Find her!" His king command washed over them. They sank to their knees instantly, heads bowed. They couldn't help it. When their King gave an official command, it became law. Some looked angry, some shocked that he found his mate. Alphas were proud and being ordered around was not the way to win favor with any of them. Kaden was a fair King and he could've simply asked for their help, but there wasn't time.

The Alphas ran out of the room, shouting orders to the warriors they brought with them from their packs.

The gamma was still on the floor. "You did good today. Alert the medical staff. We will need all hands on deck when we return." The gamma's eyes shown at the praise and quickly ran out of the door to alert everyone.

Ragnar howled in his mind and for once Kaden didn't fight him. He was the fastest way to get to their mate. Ragnar filled half the room and let out a piercing howl. The walls shook and the whole kingdom vibrated. Gasps of shock and surprise filled air as he ran through the castle and out the front door. The forest stretched before him and they entered it like their lives depended on it. Kaden loved this forest but today it was an obstacle, keeping him from his mate. I smell her. Ragnar stated. They picked up their speed. All around him he heard people shouting orders. He could hear the battles in the distance. He tried to mind link Loki but he could tell his Beta was drained and barely holding his own. He couldn't even answer. He better have a good reason for leaving his mate alone in the forest. Ragnar growled his agreement. Loki was smart and always calculating. But it was hard to give him the benefit of the doubt when it came to his mate in the woods alone.

Flames erupted into the sky, followed by a piercing howl. Kaden smiled to himself. That's my girl. Ragnar growled and dug deeper. This was the fastest they've ever ran. She's bleeding! He has hurt our mate. Anger filled Kadens mind. Ragnar was losing it. On a good day ,it was hard to keep him in control but he has never seen him like this. "Ragnar, remember our mate is out here. Don't get so blinded that you hurt her..... Or I'll never forgive you." Kaden added. Ragnar growled his response. "You dare threaten me?! I would never hurt our mate. But I will kill anyone around her." With this Kaden didn't respond. He knew he would only push him farther over the edge. Instead he focused on Aria. He tried to reach out to her. Their link was weak. He felt her energy draining. Could smell the blood....she was hurt bad. She was losing consciousness. He could smell the foreign wolves all around them. They were closing in on her. Ragnar let out his deepest howl. Warning the intruders that the King was on his way. The forest shook and became quiet. All movement stopped. Not even a bird chirped. He knew the wolves were second guessing their orders, whatever they were. It wasn't a hidden fact that the king was powerful. That he could easily out power 20 alphas in a fight.

"Aria! Get up!" He desperately tried to reach her. To keep her awake.

Ragnar she's fading! His whine was his only response. Her scent got stronger and he knew they were close.

**Arias point of view**

Aria leaned her head against the tree. It was so heavy. Elaina tried to speak to her but all she heard was a buzzing in her ears. The sound of heavy pawprints made her turn her head. 3 wolves emerged to her right. They let out howls of pain when they saw their charred alpha on the ground. The largest in the middle. A chocolate wolf stared at her with hate. He must be the Beta....newly promoted. Aria wouldve laughed at her little joke had she the energy. Her time was up. She raised her good hand at one last effort to fight, but not even a spark came out. She felt no power in her anymore.

The beta walked up to her and to her surprise shifted into his human form. How cocky of him. The other 2 flanked him on either side for protection. She tried not to notice his bare naked body. It was so natural for their kind, she didn't think she'd ever get used to it....then again she probably wouldn't have to worry about it.

Another loud howl erupted in the forest and she felt her heart constrict. He was here. He was coming for her. The wolves before her froze. Fear and uncertainty flashed across their face as they looked at their beta. He tried to remain calm but he felt the power as well.

"What the hell is he doing out here?!" the beta growled to no one in particular.

Aria smiled and found her voice. "HE is my mate. And your pack just attacked his mate." Satisfaction filled her as horror replaced fear. They probably thought they were going after a little nobody. But whomever sent them obviously didn't know the details or didn't bother to fill their slackies in.

Arias smile was short lived as the Beta grabbed the front of her shirt and hauled her to her feet. She screamed in pain and weakly tried to hit him.

"There's still time! We have to get her to the Witch!" He threw her over one of the wolves backs before shifting back into his wolf form. Aria struggled to move but the wolf bit her leg in warning. Tears streamed down her face. So much pain...they took off running. She was jolted so hard, her consciousness kept slipping. They entered a clearing and she could see a fast moving blur in the distance.

A wolf was coming at them....dark grey. It was covered in cuts and gashes. It looked so weak....Aria realized it was running straight for her wolf she was on and braced herself. It slammed into the wolf, sending her flying into the air. She closed her eyes and waited for the ground to come up and meet her....except it never came. She opened her eyes, shocked to see Loki holding her in his arms. Bruises and cuts littered his naked body...His eyes were tired but alert and ready. How many wolves did him and Taylor face? Where was Taylor? He swayed and looked like he was going to pass out at any moment. She tried to say something but she was too weak. He was the gray wolf that saved her. And now he was going to face 3 more wolves alone....when he could barely stand himself.

He tried to kneel and almost fell on top of her. She grunted in pain.

"I am sorry. I must sit you down. The King is coming, but I need to hold them off until he gets here." His voice came out a rough whisper. Aria understood. She had lost so much blood. She wanted to let the darkness take her. She wanted to close her eyes and rest, but she fought it. She needed to stay awake. She needed to see Kaden.

In an instant, Loki jumped over her and shifted mid-air and rammed the wolf that had been carrying her. The wolf was a low-level wolf, but he put up a good fight. With Lokis energy depleted, he was struggling. But he didn't give up. He finally got his mouth on the wolf's neck and bit down hard. A loud whimper escaped it before he released it, and it fell to the ground limp. Loki let out a tired howl, and it was immediately answered.

The beta and his remaining wolf also let out howls. A breeze swirled around Aria. Warning her, let her know its secrets. Another shift. There was more coming....how could there be this many....She had to help. She had to get up.

"More!" she croaked out. "Loki...more!" He twitched his ear in her direction. Acknowledging, he understood, but he didn't take his eyes off the beta before him. A fully rested beta and a worn out Lycan....it was easy to see who would win this fight. Aria felt tears slide down her face as more and more wolves started coming out of the forest. The Beta must've told them she killed their Alpha. He was their leader now.....

As if on cue, the ground trembled beneath her. The forest went silent, and the wolves started whimpering, looking around. There was an energy that had entered the clearing they were at. A powerful and angry one.

She felt him before she saw him. Relief flooded through her, and she welcomed that addictive scent of his. The King was here. This time, the tears that fell down her cheeks were of relief.

A massive wolf whose fur reflected the moon itself walked into the clearing. "Ragnar.." Elaina whispered weakly....Kadens wolf was named Ragnar huh. Aria fought to stay awake..It hurt to move.

Ragnars eyes darted around the clearing taking in the scene. The more he saw, the redder his eyes became. His lips curled back over his teeth. Then his eyes landed on her. Broken and bleeding on the forest floor. She moved her hand, to reach towards him. To show him she was ok....or she was alive at least. A growl escaped him and behind him walked in several larger wolves. Their size and colors told Aria, they were also Alphas. There had to be at least 10. How could this many Alphas be in one place?

Loki collapsed in relief. His body no longer able to stand. His wolf let out a whine before he was forced to shift back into his human form.

The opposing beta saw this as an advantage. The King and his men were too far away. He nodded at the wolf to his left who lunged at Loki instantly. Aria closed her eyes and waited for the inevitable. For the sound that never came....at least not from Loki. She opened her eyes to see the King in front of Loki...the charging wolf dead at his feet. She never even heard a scream or howl. There had been nothing. How did he get to him so fast?

Ragnars voice echoed through the clearing.

"You DARE attack my people?! You DARE attack my Queen?! You have all signed your death certificates. Not one of you will escape this place. This will be your tomb."

Fear radiated through the opposing pack. Their numbers were strong against the alphas....but they didn't have a Lycan. They looked to their Beta nervously. Some in the back slipped away. Running for their lives. This didn't go unnoticed. Ragnar nodded his head and 2 alphas set off into the forest.

The beta let out a piercing howl and the battle began. They knew they wouldn't win. But they knew they were going to die regardless. The wolves charged. Both sides hitting each other full force. Snapping, growling, and screams of pain filled the air.

Aria couldn't take it anymore. She couldn't stay awake. The last thing she saw was a wolf running at her and Ragnar grabbing its neck as it passed him. An effortless crunch and it was dead....then the world went black...she could rest..