Chapter 18
Chapter
Eighteen
Dawn breaks cold and clear over the Shadowmist territory, the first rays of sunlight painting the mountain peaks gold against the fading night.
I stand at the entrance to the pack’s den, wrapped in Ryker’s coat, watching as patrol groups return from their night shifts and day teams prepare to take their place.
Ryker rolled out of bed an hour ago and I followed, wanting to be close.
“Be careful,” I’d whispered, tilting my head back for a kiss. He’d chuckled, taking his time tasting my mouth, ignoring the wolves around us who teased and catcalled the mark on his neck as they’d wandered by.
“Be good,” he’d whispered against my lips before shifting and bounding outside.
“You should be resting.” Zella appears at my side, interrupting my thoughts. She’s looking surprisingly alert despite the late night. “How are you feeling?”
“Fine.”
Zella bumps me with her hip, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively. “Fine, hmm?”
I flush, hiding a smile. “How about you?”
She sighs dramatically. “The single wolves in this pack, I tell you, they’re all bite and no play. And the biting isn’t even the good kind.”
I chuckle, then turn back to stare out at the sunrise.
“Talk to me, Kitara.”
I sigh, shaking my head. “I can’t stop thinking about what’s coming,” I admit, keeping my voice low though we stand alone.
She nods. “Ryker told the council about your vision.”
This surprises me. “He shared it already?”
“Before the ceremony. The senior wolves needed to know.” She touches my arm gently. “Your gift is our advantage, Kitara. It’s the only reason we have a chance.”
The responsibility settles heavier on my shoulders. In Silvercrest, my visions were weapons to be used against other packs. Here, they’ve become shields to protect my new family.
“I’m not sure it’s enough,” I confess. “There were so many wolves, Zella. And from multiple packs.”
“Numbers aren’t everything in warfare,” Zella says with quiet confidence. “The Shadowmist has survived against worse odds before.” Her smile turns encouraging. “Besides, we have something they don’t.”
“What’s that?”
“Allies. Ryker’s working hard to bring them into our circle. We won’t be alone.” She squeezes my hand. “That makes all the difference.”
Her faith warms me despite the morning chill. Over the past days, Zella has proven a steady friend—always appearing when I need guidance, offering insights into pack customs and personalities, she’s made me feel less alone in this new world.
“The Alpha called a war council,” she continues. “Midday in the Strategy Chamber. As Alpha Female, your presence is expected.”
A nervous flutter rises in my stomach. “I’ve never participated in military planning before.”
“Then it’s time you learned,” Elias says from behind us.
I turn to find him fully dressed—fitted black clothing that allows for quick movement, the gold symbol of the Shadowmist Pack gleaming at his throat.
Zella immediately bows her head, exposing her neck in a show of submission. “Elias. I was just informing the Alpha Female about the council.”
“So I heard.” His gaze moves briefly to her before returning to me. “Thank you, Zella. You’re dismissed.”
She nods, squeezing my hand once more before departing with that silent grace all shifted wolves seem to possess.
When we’re alone, Elias gestures at me to walk with him. I fall into step as we begin to stroll down toward the river that laps the mountain.
“The pack speaks of nothing but you this morning.”
Anxiety spikes through me. “Because of how I participated? Riding Ryker?”
“Because of how you contributed,” he corrects. “Your vision guided the hunt to the strongest prey.”
We walk on for a time in companionable silence before he breaks it. “Something’s troubling you,” he observes. “Beyond the obvious threat.”
I consider deflecting but decide on honesty. “The vision from the Well. I saw Ryker doing something he can never take back.”
A look flickers across his face, old pain, quickly mastered. “We all do terrible things when we have no other option.”
I hesitate, searching for words. “Doesn’t it weigh on you?”
“Every day,” he admits, surprising me with his frankness. “But not in the way you might think.” He stops at the river, bending to pick up a smooth stone. “To be alpha is a hard job. It’s to fight and draw blood, to destroy and protect. All in an effort to create something better in its place.
“It’s a heavy burden to bear.” He tosses the rock, watching as it skims across the water. “Thaddeus has ruled through fear for generations. He’s convinced the packs that only strict hierarchy and separation can ensure our survival. But it’s a lie, one that serves only to maintain his power.”
“And you think killing him will change that overnight?”
His laugh holds no humor. “Nothing changes overnight. But it begins with removing the obstacle that prevents all progress.” He shrugs. “Ryker believes it will change the way we proceed.”
“And you? What do you believe?”
He sighs. “That without Thaddeus corrupting the packs we can finally live as we have always meant to.”
I consider his words, remembering the celebration after the hunt, the joy of inclusion and connection.
“First, we have to survive what’s coming,” I remind him.
“Yes.” His expression hardens with resolve.
“Which is why you need to rest before the council. You will be crucial in the days ahead.” He turns to me, his gaze serious.
“Don’t underestimate your power, Kitara.
You may have the sight, but it is your influence over Ryker that will be tested.
You are his greatest strength—and weakness.
Not because you can’t shift,” he says, interrupting my protest. “But because you are his mate. He’s bound to you.
You are his and he is yours. There is no beginning or end in a mate bond, there only is the bond. ”
He pats me on my shoulder. “Come, let’s get you some breakfast.”
As I follow him silently back to our den, I know he speaks true. Which worries me far more than any vision I’ve ever had.
Inside the small Strategy Chamber sits a massive stone table that dominates the space. Its surface is carved into a topographical representation of the region. Small markers in various colors indicate pack boundaries, patrol routes, and defensive positions.
When Ryker and I enter, the chamber is already filled with wolves of various ranks.
I recognize Lithia and Elias at the head of the table, along with Elder Lyra and several others whose names I’m still learning.
Zella stands among a group that’s off to one side, observing rather than participating in the discussion.
Conversations halt as we approach, all eyes turning to us. To my surprise, the wolves bow not just to Ryker but to me as well—acknowledgment of my position.
“Let’s begin,” Ryker commands as we take our places at the head of the table.
Lithia nods, stepping forward. “Border patrols have been doubled, focusing on the three most likely approach vectors based on the Alpha Female’s vision.” Her silver eyes meet mine. “We’ve installed early warning systems with scent markers that will trigger if crossed.”
“The tunnel network?” Ryker asks.
“Secured,” Elias confirms. “We’ve collapsed all secondary entrances, leaving only the main passages. They’re rigged for controlled detonation if needed.”
I listen carefully, trying to absorb the military terminology and strategic concepts being discussed. Through our bond, I sense Ryker’s focus, his careful consideration of each aspect being presented.
“What of our allies?” Ryker asks, directing the question to a lean wolf I don’t recognize.
“The Ghost River Pack confirms support,” the wolf replies. “They can provide thirty fighters. The Mountain Striders another twenty. Both will arrive within three days.”
“Not enough,” Lithia states flatly. “Thaddeus brings hundreds.”
“Quality over quantity,” Ryker counters. “These are wolves who’ve fought alongside us before. They understand what’s at stake.” He turns back to the lean wolf. “And the other packs?”
“We’re still working on them, Alpha.”
Ryker nods once. “Keep discussions moving forward, Thomas. Whatever you need, you can have it.”
The discussion continues, discussing supplies, weapons, evacuation plans for the youngest and oldest members of the pack. I’m struck by the thoroughness of their preparations—clearly, the Shadowmist wolves have faced existential threats before.
“And what of the Alpha Female’s gift?” Elder Lyra asks, her weathered face turning toward me. “What role will it play in our defense?”
All eyes shift to me, expectant. I straighten my spine, forcing myself not to shrink under their collective gaze.
“I can monitor Thaddeus’s planning,” I say, my voice steadier than I expected. “See adjustments to his strategy as they form. And during the battle itself, I can try to anticipate movements, provide real-time intelligence.”
“Try?” Levi challenges from farther down the table. “Our lives will depend on more than possibilities.”
Before Ryker can intervene, I meet Levi’s gaze directly. “My gift has been growing stronger since the claiming. But yes, there are still limitations—silver dust clouds my sight, as does the new moon’s phase.” I lift my chin. “I won’t promise what I can’t deliver with certainty.”
A murmur runs through the gathered wolves—not disapproval, I realize, but something closer to respect for my honesty.
“Well said.” Elder Lyra nods. “Better truth than false comfort.”
“Kitara will continue training with me,” Ryker states, his tone making it clear the matter is settled. “Her gift, combined with our territorial knowledge and fighting skills, gives us the edge we need.”
Lithia clears her throat. “With respect, Alpha, we should discuss worst-case scenarios. If we’re overrun—”
“We won’t be,” Ryker cuts her off.
“But if we are,” she persists, her scarred face set with determination, “protocols must be established. Particularly for the Alpha Female.”