The Dragon Mate

Attack

Levi’s POV

I curse as I rush to the boarder of our territory. We were under attack and those patrolling could only hold off the orcs so long. They had realized we had formed an alliance with the fae and if they wanted any hope of getting to them, they had to go through us first. The bastards had decided to come in the dead of night but whatever advantage they hoped to get by doing so wasn’t going to happen. I train my pack to be ready at whatever time an attack might come. Already the warriors were rushing to join the fray as others moved to keep watch over the other boarders to ensure no one tried to sneak past while the fight was happening. Sandalphon had taken to watching over the pups and those not yet trained enough to fight.

Shifting into my wolf form I lunge at an orc that was an impressive size even for his kind, the ax in his meaty paws ready to be swung down on one of my own. I bite into his arm drawing the bitter tasting blood as he howls in pain. Jaws locked I swing my body using my weight to take him down. His other hand grabbed my leg but already another packmate was lunging at him and tearing into his other arm. Releasing the arm, I had bitten I rushed to his neck and tore into the flesh violently. His green blood staining the ground, gargled noises filling the night air as he drowned in his own blood.

Knowing he was moments from death I moved onto the next target. These things were huge and use to using brute force to take down their enemies. We are pack, we know how to fight together and use our numbers and strength to deal with invaders to our territory. As my packmate before me braced herself I jumped onto her back to ensure my next leap took me to the orc’s neck. I bite down as my front claws tore into one of his eyes. Before the orc could think to pull me off, I was already hitting the ground and moving on. I was rushing to another that was more resilient than the others as he stood up against four of my packmates when pain flooded my body. A pained howl escaped my maw before I could attempt to stifle it.

One of the orcs had moved with a speed not known for his species. The orcs size made them slow but this one was remarkable fast. I tried to get to my feet but my blood was pouring from the wound his attack had caused. He wasn’t giving me a chance to get to my feet as his fist came down on my body slamming me into the ground. I could hear my bones cracking, could feel the darkness trying to overtake me but I refused to pass out. I saw another wolf rushing towards the orc as the fast monster focused solely on me. I noticed who it was and almost felt sorry for the bastard. As his next strike came down I rolled out of the way even as my body protested loudly. The orc roared in rage only to begin howling in agony. Knight was on top of him, his teeth piercing the orc’s thick hide as he began tearing into the flesh. Green blood flew everywhere as Knight continued to tear into him with his claws. His teeth locked around the orc’s spine prevented him from being thrown off as the orc flailed around in pain.

As Knight’s claws dug deeper into the orc’s flesh, he reached the organs within. Claws catching on one he dragged it from the body causing it to spill out onto the ground. I slowly got to my feet into on rejoining the fight but a hand pressed gently on my side. I turned to find Frost there, whispering words I can’t hear. I hadn’t realized how badly I was hurt until that point. My vision was beginning to blur but I refused to give up. I was alpha, I protected my pack and lead them in battle. As the pain eased I realized Frost was healing me. When she moved away I got to my feet. The orc was dead and Knight was waiting for me. I release a howl with my strength restored and ready to kill those who had dared to attack my pack.

Knight and I headed back into the fray, my gaze catching sight of Sebastian as he and his familiar worked together to take on the massive monsters. My pack worked together well but there was something different about Knight at my side. Like he was made to fight at my side, with the strength of an alpha behind and a relentless rage inside him it didn’t take us long to tear through the numerous orcs. Hearing a death howl I mourned the loss of one of my own, the sound shattering through the night air.

As the remaining orcs turned to run I surveyed the battlefield. One dead, many injured. The death howl I heard came from one of my strongest warriors. His body laying in a pool of blood with two of the new warriors stationed on patrol standing over his body in mourning. No doubt the more experienced warrior had protected them.

I make my way over and nudge my fallen packmate’s body before releasing a howl that was followed by the others. He was with the goddess now, she would give his soul peace.

Shifting back I pick of his body to prepare it for burial. Frost was healing the injured and those with only minor wounds were shifting back to deal with the orc bodies. The fallen warrior had a family that I had to break the news to. Laying the body in the preparation room I went to the others waiting to hear the battle was over and had been won.

Catching the gaze of the warrior’s wife I felt my stomach twist at the sight of her swollen center, she was pregnant with their first pup. Knowing what my gaze meant she collapsed with tears streaming down her cheeks. I moved to her side letting her cry on my shoulder.

There was nothing I could say to make this any less painful. The pack supported each other always. Her pup would have a family with us even if their father had passed. Those who lost loved ones were showered with attention and affection. There were those much like her who had lost mates and they stuck close together to offer support. I had received that same support during the days following my own mate passing on.

Her wails ended only when she’d worn herself out with her tears. I spotted one of the females that was always the first to help those grieving. Going so far as to take them to stay with her so she could comfort them anytime. She helped the woman up and lead her away with whispered words to help ease her pain.

“Alpha.”

I look at Samantha but say nothing, she knows how hard it hits me every time we lose someone. I’m the alpha, I’m suppose to protect the pack and yet today we lost someone.

“Can you make preparations for the burial? I want to make sure we’re prepared if another attack comes.”

There was a reason Samantha was my right hand packmate. She didn’t argue and went to do as I asked. Arranging extra warriors to patrol and keep an eye out for further attacks more than they already did didn’t take much time. Most were almost completely healed and ready and willing to get back to work.

Feeling a firm hold on my shoulder I turn to see Sebastian. After a quick squeeze on my shoulder he moves on. It was strangely comforting and I appreciated it. Going to Frost’s side had her wrapping her arms around me offering more silent comfort. Her scent filled my senses and calmed my aching heart. It had been so long since I had a mate at my side during difficult times like this. Though I wanted to do more, to joint he patrol or do anything I could in the wake of the attack, Frost and Sebastian dragged me to bed. I had been sleeping before the attack and was beyond tired. I was no good to anyone as I was and the others were taking care of their duties.

“Rest Levi.” Frost whispered to me as she wrapped her arms around me, her presence alone easing the way to sleep.