LIAM

I waited long enough. Maddox and Langston returned with plenty of information to help formulate an attack strategy. It was time to unite our allies and prepare to confront Warwick. We had sufficient time to train key warriors from all the packs, who would then train their own people. This war needed to end so we could all move on with our lives.

I convened a conference call. Sean, Damien, Austin, Jacob, and Gentry gathered in our conference room, with the speakerphone in the center. All the allied pack Alphas were on the line to hear my plan and the subsequent steps. After the general briefing, I planned separate calls with a few packs to discuss finer details.

"We should all plan to arrive on Alpha Jett's territory in seven days, and we'll proceed from there once we're organized," I instructed. I wasn't thrilled about assembling on the land of the man who tried to kidnap my mate, but his territory was closest to Warwick's.

I surveyed my trusted group. Everyone wore a serious expression, mentally preparing for the task ahead. "Alright," I said. "I appreciate your time. I'll see you all in seven days."

Jacob ended the call and began contacting Alpha Langston, Alpha Michael, Alpha Andris, and Beta Meadow.

"Alpha, are you sure attacking head-on is the best approach?" Sean questioned. "I mean no disrespect, but I still have reservations."

"I understand your reservations, Sean, but I don't believe waiting is in our best interest. We've trained our packs, and Warwick knows we're onto him. It's only a matter of time before he acts," I explained. He nodded solemnly.

Jacob signaled that the line was open again. "Gentlemen?" I prompted. Everyone grunted in acknowledgement. "Before we discuss anything further, does anyone have any questions?"

"Can't we wait for the Blood Moon?" Alpha Michael asked. "It proved effective in your pack's strategy during the first conflict."

"I don't think we have that kind of time. The next Blood Moon is almost two months away," I said, bracing my hands on the table.

"Too bad we haven't seen a Harvest Moon in, what, twenty-eight years?" Langston remarked.

"Harvest Moon?" I asked.

"Alpha Liam, are you unfamiliar with the Legend of the Harvest Moon?" Alpha Michael inquired.

"I am," I admitted. "Would someone care to enlighten me?"

Damien leaned forward. "Gentlemen, correct me if I'm wrong, but the Harvest Moon is said to appear in the year an exceptional child, born of the Moon Goddess, is born."

"Yes," Alpha Michael confirmed. "These wolves are special to our Goddess, legend says. They are stronger and have a special purpose. If they live to see another Harvest Moon, the Moon Goddess will lend a hand to their destined purpose."

I exhaled sharply. "Unfortunately, gentlemen, we can't rely on rumored legendary powers. We simply don't have time to wait for a new Harvest Moon."

I looked around the room; everyone seemed to understand. "If we present a united front, I know we can stop this sire from attacking our race. If we fight him together, we cannot lose. We will show our vampire enemy that they cannot easily walk over us. Warwick seeks vengeance, but we fight for something far more important: survival and pride."

DAMIEN

I left the conference room and headed to Luna's office, where Felix was. I offered to brief him on the meeting, as Luna couldn't attend. I also had another reason for speaking with Felix.

In Luna's office, Felix sat near the door while she reviewed spreadsheets. "Felix," I said, entering. He looked up, and I nodded toward the door, suggesting we speak privately.

Outside, Felix waited expectantly. I quietly closed Luna's door and checked the hall before speaking. "I need your help," I began. Felix raised an eyebrow.

"Alpha wants to attack Warwick in eight days," I said. "I won't be ready to fight alongside Cage by then."

"And?" he asked. I couldn't tell if he was impatient or simply direct, but he was the only one in the pack with the knowledge to help.

"I have an idea how I can still contribute, but I'll need your help," I said. He nodded, urging me to continue.

"I can't reliably shift into my wolf form to fight. Cage is unaware of the situation. But I can fight on two legs. With some weapons, I could hold my own against the vampires and be useful," I concluded.

Felix considered my words. "What did you have in mind?" he asked, crossing his arms, now interested.

"This is everything we've salvaged," Sean said, handing a large bin to Felix and me. "It wasn't destroyed in the fires, but we hadn't decided what to do with it."

"Thanks," I said. "I think I have the perfect use for it." Felix nodded, both of us thinking the same thing.

We returned to my office with the box. "I can offer basic instruction, but there's someone else we can contact," Felix said.

"Who?" I asked.

"Did you read the dossier on Alpha Michael of Stary Pack?" Felix asked as we entered my office. I cleared a space on a table.

"Yes, he's a combat expert," I said. Felix nodded.

"He's more than an expert. Did you read the report on his rise to power? He's a hand-to-hand specialist with unique skills," Felix explained.

I hadn't retained all the details from my studies of our allies. "I'm not sure we have time to get his help," I said.

"You won't know unless you ask," Felix replied.

MISSY

That was truly one of the best days of my life. I climbed over the center console and snuggled into Maddox's chest. It was reckless, but I couldn't bear the distance between us in the car on the way home. He laughed, adjusting his seat to accommodate me. He drove with one arm around me, letting me rest contentedly against him, occasionally stroking my head.

The whole thing was pure bliss after all the stress. Maddox roused me to tell me we had a visitor upon our return. Liam sat on our front steps. I swallowed hard; the last time I saw him, I'd screamed at him, blaming him for Maddox's injury.

"Maybe you should talk to him. I need to return the car to the packhouse," Maddox murmured. I nodded and kissed him.

I awkwardly climbed out of the car and approached Liam, who had a bemused expression. "Should I lecture your mate on vehicle safety?" he joked.

"No," I said. "I already did." I sat beside him. Crickets chirped in the nearby woods.

"I thought we should talk," he said gently.

"I'm sorry," I said. "I was out of line." I grimaced, remembering my outburst.

To my surprise, Liam put an arm around me. "I probably deserved it. I know you were hurting and worried." I rested my head on his shoulder. "Even if he did a great job bringing them both back, I shouldn't have asked your mate to do that."

"It's okay. He's back, and we're moving past it," I said, accepting his apology.

"You should know that no matter how many times you scream at me, you're still my pup," he said softly. I sniffled, then laughed softly.

"Keep him out of the fighting, please?" I pleaded, my voice cracking slightly.

"I want you both out of it," he agreed.

Maddox joined us. "Alpha," he greeted Liam. Liam kissed my head and squeezed me briefly before standing, pulling me up.

"Keep a close eye on my girl," Liam said, smiling at Maddox. I moved to Maddox's side, and he put his arm around my waist.

"Wouldn't dream of anything less," Maddox smiled.

We watched Liam leave. I realized that life wouldn't always be perfect. There would always be conflict, but there would also be good days, like today. With Maddox by my side, I knew we could face anything.

"Let's go to bed," I said, hugging Maddox. We went to our little house and ended our perfect day in each other's arms.

I've replaced censored words with appropriate alternatives. The story is now grammatically correct and punctuated appropriately for readability and flow. I've also made some minor stylistic improvements for clarity and consistency.