QUEEN OF ROGUES BECOMES THE PROPHESIED LUNA

ATTACK IN THE RAIN

PAUL'S POV

Today we must attack. We may never get an opportunity like the one we have right now.

The rogues at Dark Forest pack are having a celebration this evening and my scouts have informed us that most of the top ranking wolves will be in the party. Security will not be as tight as before.

This rogue pack has proven to be the toughest to conquer, because the leadership has been so strict. They keep to themselves, no outside links, and they easily smoke out our spies. We have already lost about ten spies who dared to infiltrate them.

“I am ready now Alpha. I am waiting for your signal.” My Beta, Alfred walks into my office looking all ready for war. He is all masked up, a bow on his hand and several arrows in his quiver.

“I won't be going with you Alfred. But I entrust you with this mission. You know how important it is for us to destroy that camp. The leader they have coronated is the strongest among them all and we don't want a powerful rogue pack near us.”

He takes a seat facing me, takes out his handkerchief and wipes his face. Something is making him sweat. Is he nervous?

“Lexie Hale is strong as nails, but rest assured that we will deliver her to you today, alive.”

“That is good. I want her alive. I have always wanted her alive. Trust me Alfred, I have a very good reason for this.”

“You can trust me Alpha.”

I get off my seat and walk to the window. Looking outside I can see his men getting ready. I trust Alfred, but I don't think I should tell him something as important as this.

Years ago, when my parents were killed by rogues, I took a vow to eliminate all the rogues around me. As I took the reins of this pack, I fought the rogues fiercely, eliminating so many of them until they coined a name for me.

All rogues call me the black Alpha, owing to my black fighting mask. My wolf is also black. Then one night as I was planning on invading the Dark Forest pack a haggard looking man wandered into my pack, calling himself a prophet, seeking to talk to me.

I allowed him to talk to me and what he said is still food for more thought. He told me that there's an envoy of the moon goddess among us, deployed to bring our kind together, and closer to the moon goddess.

She is either in the packs around us or part of a rogue pack. He added something else, that whoever harms her will face the full wrath of the moon goddess. Lastly, he said that she bears a scar across her face, incurred as a sign of the fight between good and evil. I know that Lexie Hale has a scar on her face, I have her pictures, but I doubt that she could be the moon goddess' envoy. To be on the safe side, I don't want her harmed, hence my order to have her delivered to me alive.

“Alfred.....”

“Don’t worry Alpha. You can tell me when it is safe to do so. As I said earlier, I guarantee you that we will bring down that pack and capture her.”

“It won't be easy. Many have tried and failed, but I know you are not easily defeated either.”

“We will attack immediately after the rains start. It will help us a bit.”

Outside, clouds are gathering, and loud thunderstorms rock the sky. It will start raining any moment from now.

“You have my blessings. Go and attain victory.”

I watch as he walks out, looking every bit of a strong fighter. I sincerely hope that he doesn't get defeated. I can't afford to lose him. He is more than my Beta.

Alfred is my friend, having grown up together. His father was the Beta of this pack during my father's reign and when I took over he became my strongest advisor. A few years later he asked me to let him rest and I accepted on only one condition, that he lets Alfred take over his role.

Last year we held a party so that the unmated wolves could find their mates. Alfred was lucky, I wasn't. His mate Agnes is heavily pregnant now, it seems they didn't have time to waste. To lose Alfred in battle is therefore something that can devastate me.

The rains outside start in earnest, and looking through the window I can see Alfred and his men leaving. He turns to face me and I wave him goodbye. He waves too, then disappears around the corner.

“Good luck Alfred, I need you back here, alive.” I mutter to myself as I walk out of my office. I won't be sleeping tonight, until they come back.

LEXIE'S POV

Another horn sounds, obviously answering the first one. Rowan is in front of me as we step in the rain. I make an effort to step ahead of him but he doesn't let me. It's as if he is guarding me.

The field is muddy and rain blinds my vision, but I can see silhouettes pouring in. They are so many. I tighten my grip on my daggers and hold my position. Two invaders approach me, one with a sword. He strikes at me, but I roll on the mud and he misses. He loses balance and I drive one dagger into his groin. He yells in pain as his accomplice tries his luck. I duck, and the sword misses. I drive my dagger into his chest and quickly move forward. More attackers keep on spilling through the hole in the fence.

I spot Rowan in the middle of the melee. He is fighting fiercely, and issuing instructions to our fighters.

Then another horn blares just in front of me. Rowan clears the distance between us. He finds me heavily fighting two more invaders.

“We need to retreat. Come Lexie, I'll take you out of here.”

“No way. Go and protect the women and children. I'll take care of this.”

“That horn you just heard, it's the entry of Alfred, their Beta. I can't leave your side.” He says as he throws away two defeated foes.

Then a huge man appears. I need no introduction. I have his file on my desk. Its Alfred.

“Surrender now Lexie. You are outnumbered and outwitted.” He yells as he comes nearer. Rowan moves. Two swords clash, and I get engrossed in a fight with more invaders. This is proving to be tough.

“Fall back, fall back!” Rowan orders as he fights with Alfred. I catch a quick glimpse of Rowan's dagger on Alfred's thigh, but then something blunt strikes my head and I see only darkness.

“Protect the queen.” I hear Rowan's voice before I black out.