Chapter Seven
Lex
I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t good to be back home.
There is something about Summer Valley’s warm, crisp air that’s always relaxing, peaceful.
Even with the impending situation, my pack is welcoming and calm. Many were waiting at the town’s edge when we arrived, greeting us happily.
As people embraced their mates and family members, I couldn’t help but feel the sharp, stinging sensation that’s plagued me since the moment I left Shadow Creek.
It’s a saddening reminder that in a normal situation, Nyx would have already been here. We would have long since arrived together, ready to start our life. She would have already undergone the Luna ceremony and found her place in the pack and my home.
But she hasn’t.
And she’s not here now.
I keep checking on Beau, worried for my younger brother. He’s putting on his usual brave front, but I know him better than he knows himself. And unfortunately, I sympathize with him on a level that neither of us should endure.
Lena remained home with Nyx. It’s a small comforting thought to know they are together, safe and guarded by Daxton.
Hard as it is to trust another Alpha when our instincts are solely focused on protecting our own, I know him well enough to truly be confident that he protects his pack to the same standard that I do.
It helps being able to mind link Nyx, albeit we have an audience most of the time. Often, I see Beau lost in thought, staring into the distance and I know he’s doing the same with his mate.
Nyx reassures me that everything is quiet in Shadow Creek and that she’s being sensible. Except for the minor communication from Daxton that she had asked to return to monitoring. Thankfully, he shot that idea down before any of us could rip him limb from limb.
She’s getting stronger every day. I know in my mind and our bond that she can hold her own, but that’s irrelevant. I need to be the one to protect her.
Part of me wonders if perhaps I slipped into acceptance of our situation quicker than anticipated because it meant Nyx was protected by more than one alpha. Of course, that only became a comforting thought once Maverick removed his head from his ass.
For a while there, I was fully prepared for a war different to the one we are bracing for. More than once I voiced irrational thoughts to Knox and Beau about wiping out Maverick and his pack.
Initially, I had kept that information secretive, especially since it appeared that Maverick was determined to uphold his beliefs. There was no sense in worrying my pack about a situation that would rectify itself in due course.
But as time went by, slowly, I watched both of them begin to crumble. Nyx, more obvious, though she was trying her best to hold onto the anger and hatred she felt. That’s the problem with nature and cosmic bonds though—you can’t fight them forever.
As their slip ups became more recurring, I knew it was only a matter of time. I prepared myself before they did, ready to step up and support Nyx when they both came to the same conclusion I had.
After the situation with Cade, there was no possible way to conceal the information any longer.
Maverick had clearly cracked, and truthfully, he should thank Cade for it.
Perhaps he would have held on longer, placing distance between them and avoiding it.
The attack and kidnapping of Nyx forced their connection to solidify.
That, coupled with the fact I was heading into unfamiliar territory to retrieve my mate, meant it was time to disclose the truth.
Surprisingly, Knox didn’t react at all. In fact, if I had to wager on it, he already knew.
Nyx had already made comments about Knox and her concerns about his feelings toward her. He’s protective, having been there when my mother lost her mate, sending our pack into chaos.
His own father stepped down as Beta to allow him to take his place with me. And I think that instilled the sense that he wasn’t prepared to handle a repeat of the situation.
Regardless, Knox hasn’t made his opinions known—it isn’t his place. So, he’s continued following orders, being my eyes and ears while I’ve been in Shadow Creek.
“We need to arrange an immediate town meeting,” I tell him, noting how stale my office smells due to my extended absence. Rosalee has kept it tidy, but it’s obvious it’s been empty.
“Already done,” Knox replies bluntly, flipping open a notepad. “This afternoon—3.00pm. I’ve ordered a complete shutdown of the town and requested the hall be set up.”
Nodding, I fire up my laptop. I dread to think how many emails I have waiting for me. “I’m going to visit my mother beforehand. Beau and I have kept her up to date, but I’d rather she hear everything in full detail from me first.”
Knox nods once. “Noted. When do you anticipate returning to Shadow Creek?” His voice is void of expression, face emotionless as he waits for my answer.
“As soon as possible,” I answer. “Preferably in the next day or two. Have you assembled the group?”
“Yes.”
He’s a man of few words, but it gets the job done and straight to the point.
“Knox.”
“Yes, Alpha?”
I wait for him to glance up from his notepad, needing his attention fully for this next conversation.
As much as I understand his reasoning, we need everyone to be prepared.
I don’t care what people think of me or my situation.
But I cannot allow people to be influenced by feelings or concerns if a fight comes.
There can’t be room for hesitation or second guessing.
One wrong move and lives will be lost. It would create a domino effect.
Whole packs have been exterminated due to being underprepared and having the wrong mentality.
“We need to discuss Nyx,” I say firmly, watching his expression for micro movements.
“Your mate?” He clarifies. “How so?”
“You don’t approve of her,” I answer, cutting through the bullshit. “I understand why, but I need to know that regardless, you’re fully prepared to defend me and our pack.”
Knox straightens up at that. “Of course I am, Alpha. I haven’t given you a reason to doubt my loyalty.”
And there it is. A hint and quick micro-expression that gives away his feelings. It vanishes just as fast as it appeared—a touch of fear, concern and guilt.
“No, you haven’t,” I confirm, his posture relaxing slightly. “But it’s clear you do not like the situation. Unless, of course, there’s something else you wish to disclose.”
The command lingers in the air, tension building as Knox holds my firm gaze.
He knows I know.
Neither of them have had the courage to be honest with me, something I’ll circle back to when bigger problems are fixed. But slowly, under my order and intense stare, his resolve falters as the overwhelming compulsion wins out.
“I do not like that you have a mate who is also mated to other packs,” he says sharply but cautiously. “I have accepted it as it is the Moon Goddess’s wish and I have obeyed every order.”
“What did you say to her?” I ask sternly.
Knox pauses, tensing up. “I only warned her not to hurt you, Alpha.”
Something in his expression doesn’t match his words. “When was this?”
He hesitates for a second, contemplating his answer. “Her first visit to Summer Valley, Alpha.”
I lean back in my chair, crossing my arms as red-hot anger starts to annoy me.
“She wasn’t aware of Maverick then,” I point out, my words laced with unspoken outrage.
Knox concedes, nodding slowly. “Her attitude and immaturity gave room for concern. I just wanted to ensure our pack would be protected.”
“That’s not for you to take charge of,” I say aggressively, watching as he winces and slouches. “What else, Knox?”
I see him fight with himself mentally, clearly uncomfortable continuing. But I can sense there’s more.
“I was on duty, keeping guard when the Night Pack arrived. Everyone felt the tension with another pack in close proximity.”
“And?”
“I decided to do my due diligence and keep a close watch on Alpha Maverick. His reputation was concerning and when I saw him wandering Alpha Daxton’s land, I followed.”
Suddenly, it dawns on me. I’m frustrated that he’s attempting to be diplomatic in his wording, but I read between the lines easily.
That night.
“Did you see him and Nyx?” I ask bluntly.
Knox gives a small nod of confirmation. “At the time, I wasn’t aware they were also mates. So, forgive me, but you can understand how I reached that conclusion.”
I relax slightly, arms still crossed but I lower my intense stare on him. “If you were concerned my mate was going to sever the mate bond to be with another wolf, why did you not approach me?”
That’s the real question. The one that requires an immediate answer.
Knox hesitates, clearly sensing he’s backed into a corner with no correct answer.
If he was worried about my wellbeing, he should have spoken up.
Instead, he stayed silent, claiming to obey my orders and act indifferent toward Nyx.
He hadn’t been briefed on the situation with Maverick, so by his omission, he failed to take action to protect me, knowing if he had been correct, the consequences would have been fatal for me. And therefore, the pack.
“Alpha…”
“Answer the question,” I order.
He frowns, lowering his head. “You seemed happy. I didn’t want to question your decision. There were also bigger concerns that didn’t warrant a pack war.”
“I would have died,” I tell him sternly. “But you were wrong.”
Knox nods. “My apologies, Alpha. We are all excited to welcome Luna Nyx into the pack.”
“Bullshit,” I cut him off. “Did you express your concerns to anyone?”
I have to know. This is the worst possible time, but if there’s a risk toward my mate and our pack, it’s important I’m aware. I’d rather be angry now than regretful later.
The silence ticks on as seconds pass, and I realize the answer with growing dread.
“Who did you tell, Knox?” I command, voice dark and low as I resist the temptation to give into my blinding anger.
His head hangs low, body starting to shake slightly.
“Knox,” I snap when he refuses to answer, taking no pleasure in the uncharacteristic whimper that emerges from him.
“I’m sorry, Alpha,” he murmurs. “I told Beta Isaiah.”
“You seem stressed, darling.”
Despite everything in me that compels my existence to flee back to Shadow Creek, I push on. It’s killing me.
I try to hide it, but, unfortunately, a mother always knows.
“It’s nothing,” I tell her, offering a smile. “We’re just glad to be here with you.”
I look over at Beau, noticing that he hasn’t touched the food she’s placed in front of us. That’s a telling sign.
He gives me a puzzled look, clearly picking up on my vibe as well.
I haven’t relayed the information to anyone yet. I’m not sure how, to be honest.
It took my entire strength not to tear Knox apart limb from limb, a thought I never imagined I would feel toward my Beta.
He’s supposed to be one of the few I trust with my life.
This feels like the ultimate betrayal, even though he tried to assure me he didn’t know about the Seventh Circle’s involvement in this whole situation.
Like Alphas, it’s no secret that Betas often communicate.
Networking is a huge part of our roles, ensuring we know everything about everyone at all times.
Unfortunately, while Betas have much better control than most other wolves, they aren’t as skilled as we are.
It can be easy to lose yourself in a moment of frustration, venting about concerns like any regular person would about their job.
But this isn’t just a job. This is everything.
You should never give up information about your pack to another. Even if you believe it’s something minor, you never know what they might do with it. This is the perfect example of that.
None of us could have prepared for the truth about Nyx and how she ties into the Great War. Yet, one minor comment fueled by annoyance and suddenly it’s clear why Orson and his pack were not surprised by our admission that Nyx was mated to all of us.
Alphas have somewhat turned a blind eye about the Betas speaking because frankly, it can be beneficial. For example, Orson was probably thrilled with Isaiah’s information. Any of us would have been too.
Except we’re on the other foot here.
Knox fucked up. Big time.
We thought by declaring Nyx as our joint mate it would show unity toward our packs, hoping it would scare them into backing off. But they already knew—and clearly, that’s why they had started attacking us in secret.
No longer are we a united front. We're a target.
Orson viewed us as a package deal—knowing that if he can somehow take out Nyx, it’s a three for one victory. Four, if Daxton involves himself which is a given.
“It’s a terrible situation,” Mom sighs, picking up her coffee mug. “But all of us have your back, Lex. Your father would be proud of the Alpha you are.”
I smile tightly at her. “I miss him every day.”
“Me too,” she says gently. “But you were born for this.” Turning to Beau, she softens her gaze. “Both of you.”
Beau nods. He’s never been fazed about his position. I remember him laughing when he told me Nyx had called him the spare during our early days in Shadow Creek.
He likes being in his position. High up enough to be in the know and assist with decisions, but able to have a somewhat normal existence. It’s the perfect mix for him.
“I can’t wait for you to meet our mates,” Beau mutters, a touch of happiness returning as he thinks about Lena. “They are both wonderful wolves.”
A sense of pride rushes in at his words. It makes me feel a little better, albeit only minor, knowing that someone sees the good in Nyx like I do. Beau found her as amusing as I did, enjoying the arguing and headbanging. And now that he’s mated to her best friend, the two have gotten quite close.
It’s touching to watch your family dote on your mate, knowing they love them and will protect them too.
I share his thoughts, excited for when this is all over and Mom can meet Nyx. I know she’ll love her like I do. Like Beau, Mom will probably get a kick out of our vastly different personalities. Nyx brings color into a black and white world, making it interesting and exciting.
“I’m so happy for you both,” Mom answers, beaming. “Lena and Nyx will be wonderful additions to the family.”
The two of them continue chatting as I fall into deep thoughts.
I play my speech over and over in my mind, perfecting the words and tone.
I only get one shot at briefing the pack.
I need them to be prepared, to understand the seriousness.
But it’s also my job to ensure they aren’t terrified, that I have it under control and it will be okay.
Hopefully it’s just a precaution. It’s a lot to ask people to blindly follow me into the unknown, away from their families and fated mates. But once this is all resolved, we can go back to normal. Well, as normal as my situation will allow.
Nyx will be their Luna. And I’m done allowing people like Orson delay that for me any longer.