Dark Angel of the pack

Chapter Thirty-Five: The Warning

Dinner had barely begun to feel normal.

Asia sat at the table with her family, the clink of cutlery too loud in the quiet room. Jack was across from her, still pale but alive, and she kept stealing glances at him like her eyes needed proof he hadn’t vanished again. Alpha Kade ate in silence, posture rigid, while Luna Mara tried—valiantly—to soften the air with small talk.

For a brief moment, Asia let herself believe the danger had paused.

Then the front door blew open.

The sound was violent—wood slamming against the wall hard enough to rattle the house. Every instinct in the room ignited at once.

Jack was on his feet.

Alpha Kade’s power surged, thick and commanding.

Asia’s heart slammed painfully against her ribs.

A figure staggered in.

“Kael,” Asia breathed.

The vampire barely made it inside before collapsing to one knee. His movements were sluggish, uneven, like every step cost him something. His clothes were torn and darkened, his skin ashen, his usual mocking grin nowhere to be found.

Fear replaced it.

“I really hate dramatic entrances,” Kael rasped, forcing out a breathless laugh that didn’t fool anyone. “But this one felt necessary.”

Jack crossed the room in seconds, catching him before he hit the floor. “What happened?”

Kael’s eyes lifted—straight to Asia. “The hunter,” he said hoarsely. “The thing that nearly killed you, Jack.”

The room went cold.

Asia felt the words settle deep in her bones.

“It’s coming,” Kael continued. “Not circling. Not watching. Coming.”

Alpha Kade stepped forward, towering. “Why warn us?”

Kael huffed weakly. “Because I tried to slow it down. Didn’t work. And because… it’s not hunting just her anymore.”

Asia’s breath caught. “What do you mean?”

Kael swallowed. “You’re the center of it, Asia. But anyone near you? Anyone who protects you?” His gaze flicked to Jack. “Targets.”

The lights flickered violently.

Jack stiffened. “It’s close.”

Kael nodded faintly. “Too close.”

Luna Mara knelt beside him immediately, her hands glowing softly as she checked his pulse. “You pushed yourself far beyond your limits.”

Kael gave a tired smirk. “Story of my life.”

His eyes met Asia’s again—uncharacteristically serious. “Whatever you are becoming… it terrifies things that shouldn’t feel fear.”

Then his strength gave out.

Kael collapsed unconscious into Luna Mara’s arms.

Silence crashed down.

Asia’s chest felt tight, panic threatening to swallow her whole. “We have to fight it,” she said urgently. “Now.”

“No.”

The word came down hard.

Asia turned sharply to her father. “What?”

Alpha Kade stepped forward, his presence filling the room, voice steady but absolute. “You are not ready.”

The blue light beneath Asia’s skin flickered in response to her anger. “It’s already here. People are getting hurt because of me.”

“And that,” Kade said, “is exactly why you will not face it.”

Jack opened his mouth. Kade cut him off with a sharp glance. “You almost died protecting her. That was not victory.”

Asia clenched her fists. “I won’t hide.”

“You won’t die either,” Kade snapped. “Not for pride. Not for destiny.”

Luna Mara stood slowly, worry etched into her face. “Asia… what froze you before wasn’t weakness. It was your instincts warning you. You are powerful—but unfinished.”

“I don’t care,” Asia said, voice breaking. “I’m tired of being protected.”

Kade’s voice lowered, losing some of its Alpha edge. “And I am tired of almost losing you.”

The words hit harder than any command.

Jack spoke quietly, carefully. “She’s stronger than you think.”

“I know,” Kade replied. “And that’s why I’m afraid.”

The house trembled faintly—like something massive passing nearby.

Jack’s head snapped up. “It’s closer.”

Kade lifted Kael with ease. “Mara—secure him.”

Luna Mara nodded.

Asia stepped closer to her father, eyes blazing. “Train me faster.”

Kade looked at her for a long moment.

Then he nodded once. “We will. Brutally. Because when you face that thing…” His gaze hardened. “You will not run.”

Outside, unseen and patient, something ancient moved closer—unbothered by warnings, unafraid of resistance.

The hunter had been announced.

And Asia’s countdown had begun.