The sky was full of shadows as the moon hid behind an ocean of clouds. There was no end or beginning to them. It didn't take long for me (and Brendon) to catch up with the pack. Our speed seemed to match as I remembered, I was one of the fastest wolves around. Brendon- an alpha was barely able to catch my tail as he followed. The pack was huge, but I had a feeling we were still outnumbered compared to Blacktail's pack. In size, Blacktail Growlers and the Everfur Howlers were massive packs. Our pack was just a few hundred heads short compared to them. It's funny to think that The Scarlet Knightwalkers was once two seperate packs. They must have been strong to be so few. And, then they took on Lamia and actually won. There must have been strong warriors in the packs. Because, even after defeating a vampire myself... I realize I was only able to do it because I had my k-9s and... Emmett was a fresh blood sucker. It was like killing an infant. He couldn't control his emotions or his own strength.
Without my teeth, all I will have is my strength when we go to war.
Considering how well I handled the rogue from before...
I might not be living come the end of this full moon.
When we reached the borders there was only silence as we smelled the unchecked scent markers for Blacktail. It alerted us they drawn back their warriors for something centering their pack. The scent of blood carried in the wind. But the closer I reached where they were beginning to crowd the more I realized whose blood was spilled.
Arwen howled in fear.
'Malakai!' Arwen howled to tell me what she picked up on. I could smell his scent. 'It's Fang too!' She told me. Their scarlet scents struck my nose as I only caught a view of Mal. Where's Fang? 'Who cares! It's Malakai!' Arwen said in excitement. Mal's small wolf form trotted up to us. He was limping and hiked his leg when he met us at nose length. I could smell the fresh blood that came from his wounds. He had opened them back up and I could taste the scent of wolfsbane coming off of him. Oh no! Mal! What happened to you? I raced to his side as I eyed over his injuries. NENA! I need to take him to Nena. My thoughts were taken away from me as he snapped his jaws to try to keep me away. 'Viv, don't touch the wound. You don't want to get wolfsbane on you and then find yourself injured,' he warned. Several wolves stepped back as they smelled his scent. This was not something any of us wanted to be around. Malakai was a much smaller wolf compared to my older brothers. He was weaker... He was my baby brother. And, all I can remember is how bad it was last time he took on a rogue. What's happened to him? Has he been in Blacktail this whole time? DID THEY TAKE HIM!?
I felt furious rage taking me over as Arwen edged it on.
'BLACKTAIL WILL MAKE AN ENEMY OUT OF US!' Arwen howled. 'IF THEY HURT MAL!'
'Malakai!' My father's voice linked through my mind as I saw him rush to his side and lick behind his ears. 'You're back,' he said in relief. Malakai shook him off as he stopped in front of Brendon and looked him straight in the eyes.
'Lamia attacked Blacktail Growlers while they were least expecting it. Fang got word to the Alpha that you were requesting a treaty-' he glanced around. 'I guess the messenger didn't make it. They're in.'
So- wait?
Blacktail is not the enemy here? They actually want to help us defeat Lamia? Good- but it doesn't explain why Mal was with Blacktail this whole time. I thought... he was safe with one of Eder's knights...
'We have to help them,' I blurted out. My mind linking in on the possible deaths that could be happening in Blacktail's territory thanks to Lamia.
The pack looked ready to move on my command as I budged to run for where Mal came from. Someone caught my tail and stopped me.
'NO.'
Brendon's barked out the stern no that made us all freeze.
'We cannot leave our territory. There isn't enough-'
'THEY'RE DYING!' I yelled as I looked at him. He was holding onto me firmly. 'Fang could be very well one of them!'
'One life is not enough to risk the pack, Blair," he snarled roughly. 'We will not be risking the pack's safety any further.'
'What are you saying!?'
'We're just sitting ducks here if we let our allies die alone,' Malakai said as he looked on edge against Brendon's actions. 'Those are fellow werewolves dying at the hands of our very same enemy, Lamia.' He tensed up as he looked at dad. He seemed hesitate to say something but turned back to Brendon. 'And, Calcifer- my brother is dead. I saw it with my own eyes. Lamia has killed more of our pack members. But, now she only has Cole alive. There is just one remaining hostage.'
Cal is dead? No! That- that can't be true! But- he said he saw it.
'What are we even doing out here if we can't help them?' I growled. I couldn't understand WHY Brendon was being so stiff.
'We were checking the distress signal for our pack,' Brendon growled back at me. 'Not risking our lives to help another pack from death.'
We- we have to save Cole. He doesn't deserve to die! I can only imagine what they're doing to him... Now that Emmett and Cole can't protect him.
'How do we know that you're not apart of your brother's cue to destroy the rest of us?' A pack member spoke up. 'Where have you been all this time, Mr. Sutton? Why were you in Blacktail of all places. You know they're not our distinguished ally. We wouldn't even ask for their help if it didn't concern them to.'
'I was in Blacktail because they saved me from the bare trap,' Malakai explained. Mal's leg... must be from the bare trap. 'I stayed there because they assured me it was for my own protection. I was going to come back with Fang when we shared confirmation about, Niall.'
'That Niall is with the enemy,' my father spoke softly. I could tell he was hurting inside. Something was off on top of all the emotions happening. I have to convince Brendon... to help our allies. But, how can I? Our pack will not be big enough to kill those vampires. We have to use every paw we can find.
'What would the moon goddess have to say about this?' I asked Brendon. 'You're not lifting a finger to help a pack? She must be furious with you!'
'THAT'S NOT MY PACK! You are my pack and I will not send you there to die,' Brendon growled.
'That's not true,' Mal announced. 'They ARE part of our pack.'
'How dare you suggest that,' Brendon growled. 'SHUT UP MAL-'
'Don't speak to my brother like that,' I snapped my jaws in front of Brendon. How could- he act like this? We should be on our way right now. Not here arguing on what to do. People are dying!
'Blair,' Brendon snarled in anger. I could tell he was angry I was going against him in front of the pack.
'Luna Jena of Blacktail Growlers is my mom,' Malakai shouted. It silenced us. I snapped my head towards him. H-his mom? I looked at my father, seeing him stumble backwards in shock. "My mom's pack is dying. And as your brother in law, I beg that you save my mom's pack." Malakai bowed his head as he lowered down to the ground. A sign of begging. Brendon towered over him. He was watching him and fell silent. 'Please.'
Brendon circled my brother as he looked out at our pack mates. My father lowered his head as he silence seemed to speak words as well. The eyes of the pack followed Alpha Brendon. I couldn't help but feel their eagerness to go to war and save our neighbors. Brendon looked at me.
'Luna Vivienne, you will return home.'
I was going to object him but I couldn't talk.
'We will try to save who we can,' he announced. His voice cutting over what I wanted to say.
'Brendon, I'm coming,' I told him in anger. 'I have to be there with you.' My words cut like daggers. It wasn't healthy for us to be fighting in front of the pack. He is my alpha. I should be obedient to him. I should show submission and loyalty. Because, that is the job of the Luna. To be there first for her alpha. BUT I WASN'T BORN FOR THIS ROLE! I chose it! I will rule in this position MY way. BECAUSE! Someone important told me I will be making my own future for now on.
'No, you'll take Malakai back with you,' he told me sharply. 'You are the heart of this pack. Please stay where it is safe. IF we loose you...'
'I will fight alongside my pack. I have to be there to help others,' I told him. I looked at Malakai. 'But, in your condition... someone needs to walk with you home,' I thought as I looked over the pack. 'Who will take my brother home?'
'I will Luna,' I heard one of the pack members say and walk up to us. 'I'm not that strong so I will be better use at his side then fighting with the pack,' he admitted shamelessly.
'Thank you,' Mal thought. I could tell he was depressed sounding and if he could frown he would. I wonder what's in his mind... 'Please be careful,' he said as he looked at me. 'And, come home safely sister.'
I watched as they walked away from us. Brendon growled quietly as he moved closer to me. 'If you don't stop disobeying,' he said in a teasing tone. 'And going against my orders.... In front of my pack... I will have no mercy next time,' he warned me as he bit down on my ear. I whimpered quietly.
'LET'S GO!' He shouted as he howled. Arwen's energetic emotions had me on a haywire. I bounced into a run as we took off towards the uncharted lands of Blacktail. We would have to follow Mal's scent to find our way there. I don't know what we will find when we get there, but hopefully our assistance will prevent a higher number of casualties.