Chapter 24- The Pack Alliance
Moonfall Territory looked different from Blackridge.
The forest was thicker here, the land more uneven as the terrain sloped toward the mountains beyond the valley. Tall oak trees replaced many of the pines that filled Blackridge, their branches spreading wide enough to cast long shadows across the ground.
Emily hadn't seen it in weeks.
But it still felt like home.
Jay rode beside her along the narrow path leading toward the Moonfall packhouse.
Blackridge warriors followed behind them in a tight formation, their presence impossible to miss.
This wasn't just a visit.
It was a message.
When they reached the edge of the territory, several Moonfall wolves stepped into the clearing ahead.
Liam was among them.
Emily jumped down from her horse before the animal had fully stopped.
"Liam!"
Her brother rushed forward and pulled her into a tight embrace.
"You're okay," he said.
Emily pulled back.
"You're the one who was attacked."
Liam shrugged.
"Minor skirmish."
Jay dismounted behind her.
Liam glanced toward him.
"Alpha Carter."
Jay nodded.
"Liam."
The tension between the two men had eased slightly since Emily's arrival in Blackridge, but it hadn't vanished completely.
Emily crossed her arms.
"So what happened?"
Liam gestured toward the territory.
"Marcus sent scouts again."
Jay frowned.
"Not a full attack?"
"No."
Emily's wolf stirred.
"That means he's still testing."
Jay nodded.
"Yes."
Liam sighed.
"That's not the worst part."
Emily blinked.
"What do you mean?"
Liam's expression darkened.
"Marcus left another message."
Emily groaned.
"I'm getting tired of those."
Liam handed her a folded piece of parchment.
Emily opened it.
Her stomach twisted immediately.
The message was written in the same sharp handwriting as the last one.
You cannot protect her forever, Carter.
The silver wolf will belong to Bloodfang.
Emily crumpled the parchment.
"That man has serious obsession issues."
Jay looked toward the Moonfall packhouse.
"We need to talk with your Alpha."
Liam nodded.
"He's waiting."
The packhouse doors opened as they approached.
Moonfall's Alpha stood just inside.
Older than Jay.
Grayer.
But still powerful.
"Emily," he said.
She dipped her head respectfully.
"Alpha."
His gaze moved to Jay.
"Blackridge Alpha."
Jay nodded.
"I came to discuss the attacks."
The Moonfall Alpha sighed.
"I was hoping you would."
He stepped aside.
"Come inside."
Emily glanced between the two territories gathered outside.
Moonfall wolves.
Blackridge warriors.
Standing together.
Jay looked at the Moonfall Alpha.
"This war is coming whether we want it or not."
The older Alpha nodded.
"Yes."
Jay's voice hardened.
"Then we stop fighting separately."
Emily felt the moment the decision settled.
The Moonfall Alpha studied him carefully.
Then slowly nodded.
"The packs stand together."
Emily felt her wolf stir with satisfaction.
Because now the war had truly changed.
Bloodfang wasn't just fighting one territory anymore.
They were facing two.
And Emily had a feeling Marcus Vale had just made the biggest mistake of his life.