Chapter 288

The curtains parted, and morning painted the room soft gold. I sat on the edge of the bed and stared down at the map across my lap. The council's indecision gnawed at me. Aurora, firm as always, favored a peaceful approach, yet every instinct screamed the opposite: time was not of our essence.

The door creaked as Trajan entered, his expression wary. “You’re up early,” he said, crossing his arms.

“I couldn’t sleep,” I admitted, rolling up the map. “I’ve made my decision, Trajan. I’m going to scout the disputed territory myself.”

His brows furrowed. “Without the council’s approval? Aurora won’t like this.”

“I’m not waiting for approval anymore,” I snapped, my voice harder than I intended. “This pack needs action, not endless debate.”

Trajan sighed but nodded. “Who are you taking?”

“Only those I trust,” I said. “You in?”

He paused, then gave a curt nod. “Always.”

By midmorning, I had assembled a small group: Trajan, Warrick, and three others who had sworn loyalty without hesitation. The air was heavy with tension as we moved toward the disputed territory, the only sound the rustle of leaves underfoot.

It was wide, open, its edges traced in large juts of rock. It was easy to see why both packs coveted this land: rich soil, clear rivers only a few feet underground, and woods so thick and knotted that it was impossible to cut across. Yet with every step I took deeper into this paradise, the tighter I felt something constricting my gut. “Tracks,” Warrick whispered, squatting low. “Fresh.”

Before I could speak, figures emerged from behind the trees. An army in bronze armor, battle-hardened and numerous, surrounded us in an instant.

“Who dares trespass on our land?” one voice asked, cold and wickedly clear.

I stepped forward, head up. “I’m Dane, Alpha of this pack. We have a right to this territory.”

The army laughed, and a woman in golden armor stepped into view. She was stunningly beautiful, her curves accentuated even by the leather armor she wore, her long hair flowing like a river of midnight. Her sharp eyes were calculating, her lips curled into a smirk.

“And yet you came without an army,” she said, her voice dripping with mockery. “I am Kaida… the leader of this army… and we will teach you a lesson.” She stepped back, and her army advanced, weapons drawn.

“Prepare to at—” Before I could finish my command, they surged at us with incredible speed.

The fighting was fierce; we were outnumbered. We held our own for a time, but it was clear we wouldn't prevail. Soon, bruises blossomed, and a cut on my forehead began dripping blood.

“Enough!” Kaida’s command sliced through the chaos, freeing us. “Leave them.”

Her army hesitated but obeyed. She stepped closer, her eyes locking onto mine. “This is your warning, Alpha. Don’t come back unless you’re ready to lose more than your pride.”

I gritted my teeth in shame but nodded. “Understood.”

The walk back to the packhouse was heavy with defeat. My warriors were silent, their injuries a stark reminder of my failed gamble.

Aurora was waiting when we arrived, her arms crossed and her eyes blazing. “What the hell were you thinking?” she demanded.

I sighed, brushing past her. “Not now, Aurora.”

“Oh, now is exactly the time,” she countered, following me into our room. “You risked their lives for what? Your ego?”

“It wasn’t my ego!” I shouted, spinning to face her. “It was for the pack’s future.”

“And you thought going behind everyone’s back was the best way to secure that?” she shot back, her voice shaking with anger. I could tell she was worried sick for me, but I hated it. I didn’t need pity. “Maybe if the council could make a decision, I wouldn’t have to act on my own!”

She narrowed her eyes, her chest rising and falling with deep breaths. “You put everyone in danger, Dane. Including yourself.”

The tension between us crackled. She turned away, her hands digging into the edge of the dresser. “I can’t lose you,” she whispered, her voice breaking.

Something inside me snapped. I closed the distance between us, my hands wrapping around her waist.

“You won’t lose me,” I whispered, turning her to face me.

She would have argued, her lips parted; I quieted her with another kiss. She resisted a moment before melting into the kiss as her hands tangled in my hair. The kiss deepened, our anger cooling, revealing the desperation beneath.

I lifted her onto the bed as my lips trailed down her neck. Her fingers tugged at my shirt, which came off over my head, the weight of my body pressing on hers. Her soft moans fueled the need in me, and I unbuttoned her blouse to bare skin.

“You drive me crazy,” I muttered into her collarbone, my hands tracing the curves of her body.

She moved beneath me, her nails digging into my back. “Then show me,” she whispered, her voice thick with longing.

Our clothes disappeared in an instant, and I positioned myself between her thighs. My cock rubbed against her slippery clit, teasing her as she gasped.

“Dane,” she moaned, her hips bucking against mine.

I slowly thrust into her, my length filling her warmth as we moved together. Her nails raked down my chest as her cries filled the room, while I quickened my rhythm. “You’re mine,” I growled, my lips capturing hers as we reached the edge together.

We collapsed onto the bed, our breath ragged as we clung to each other.

A knock on the door woke us from our peaceful sleep. I flung on a shirt and opened it to Raven, the young messenger, his face pale.