Chapter Seventy
CHRIS
Rumors had begun to spread around the pack, whispers of dissent reverberating through the air. I felt the weight of judgment in every gaze that met mine. The pack members knew I harbored a rogue within the walls of the pack and they believed I had betrayed them, but what they didn’t understand was the depth of my love for Lucy.
I remained resolute beside Lucy, ignoring the murmurs of my people. The stern-faced elders had summoned me a couple of times regarding this issue, their judgment echoing the sentiments of the pack. They declared my leadership unfit, a decision that cut through my determination like a serrated blade.
“Chris,” Orvyn spoke, “the pack question your judgment. Trust is eroding.”
Defying the people’s concern, I asserted, “I won’t abandon her. Lucy stays.”
“Then you leave us with no choice. You are not fit to rule this pack if you refuse to keep sentiment aside,” another elder said.
Just as we argued, Lucy stepped forward. “Give me a chance to prove myself, to fight for this pack. I’ll leave once the battle is won,” she said, her voice etched with determination.
“What are you saying, Lucy?” I said, my heart racing at her words.
“I’m doing what is best for everyone. Let’s face it, Chris, they’ll never accept me here,” she said, her voice filled with sadness and defeat.
The elders turned to each other, whispering among themselves. “How are we sure you won’t turn against us when the rogues attack?”
“I’ll never do anything to hurt Chris or his people. I know that my father’s deed has left a mark on this pack and nothing I do will ever change that but give me this chance to prove myself to you,” Lucy pleaded once more.
My instinct screamed to refuse, but the elders, perhaps swayed by the urgency of the situation, surprisingly agreed.
After the council session had ended, I returned to my chambers alone with Lucy. I urged her to retract her statement, but she insisted it was the best.
“We can’t let them dictate our path, Lucy. I won’t let them tear us apart,” I said.
“Chris, this is our chance to make things right. We can’t let Cade win,” she said with a melancholic determination.
“I can’t risk losing you. You are more important to me than anything else,” I said, hoping to make her see reason with me.
Lucy held my hand, her gaze meeting mine, “Sometimes sacrifices are necessary. I’ll fight for your pack, prove my loyalty, and then I’ll be gone.”
“I won’t lose you, Lucy. We can find another way,” I insisted.
“Sometimes you need to let go to protect what matters,” Lucy countered.
“I’m not letting you go….”
Lucy scoffed. “Nothing you say is ever going to change the heart of your people. I’ll always remain a rogue, that’s who I am.”
“Trust me this once. I’ll prove your father’s innocence, just don’t give up on me yet,” I pleaded.
Lothar’s abrupt arrival disrupted our solitude. “Alpha, the rogues are near. We must prepare.”
“We need to get ready, Lucy find someplace safe from all of this. This is my fight and not yours,” I said.
Lucy shook her head in disapproval, “I’m going to be a part of this. This is my fight too, it’s our fight. We have a common enemy – Cade.”
I knew nothing I said would change her mind. Besides, she was right, it was her fight too. Not after all that Cade had done to her and her family.
Summoning all the warriors in the pack and those Alpha Dylan had given to me to assist in this battle, I addressed them.
“Gather around warriors!” my voice resonated, commanding attention. “The rogues are approaching, not just seeking a fight but aiming at destroying all that we have built. We must stand united against this evil. Our loyalty will be tested but we must remain unshaken.”
“Lucy fights by our side. I know some may question this, but trust me and my judgment. She’s bound by the same cause as us – to protect this pack.”This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.
“Now, our young and our old, lead them to safety. Warriors, fortify the walls and secure the gates. We’ll catch these rogues unaware. Their arrival will be their downfall.”
“This is our home! Our pack!! let the howls of defiance ring through the night. We fight not just for ourselves but for the legacy of those who came before us. For Hallowed Manes!!” my rallying cry echoed, resonating with determination.
As we mobilized, the distant howls of the rogues hinted at the imminent clash like a haunting symphony. The battleground awaited them, filled with tension.
Lucy, despite the lingering distrust, took her place amongst the warriors. I caught my eye on her, her expression a mix of worry and determination. “Lucy, stay close to me. We’ll get through this together.”
I tightened my grip on the hilt of my sword, glancing over the pack gathered for the battle.
“I’m worried,” Lucy said, “What if they don’t believe us even after the battle?”
“We’ll find a way to clear your father’s name. Let’s focus on winning this battle,” I asserted.
As I moved to discuss with Lothar, I exchanged glances with some skeptical pack members who glared at Lucy. A few threw distrustful words her way, their whispers carried by the wind.
“A rogue among us—- this is trouble,” one of the warriors said.
“Can we really trust her?” another whispered.
I overheard them but refused to say a word. I was determined that Lucy would prove her loyalty to every one of them.
Amid the uneasy murmur among the warriors, Lothar addressed them. “We face a common enemy, tonight. Trust in each other, trust in our alpha. We’ve trained for a day like this, we’ll protect our own.”
My gaze was fixed on Lucy the whole time, I worried for her safety. I knew she was a warrior but I was obligated to keep her safe as my mate and I knew wouldn’t forgive myself if anything ever happened to her.
The distant howl echoed again, louder this time, signaling the closeness of the rogues. The warriors braced themselves for battle, weapon-ready, and united in the face of the impending threat.