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Elena's POV
The morning light filtered through the cabin's windows, casting a golden hue over the wooden interior. Elena stirred, her body aching from the previous night's ordeal. Her arm, now wrapped in fresh bandages, throbbed faintly. Despite the pain, her mind buzzed with unanswered questions.
She swung her legs off the bed, her bare feet meeting the cold wooden floor. The cabin was quiet, save for the faint crackling of the fire in the living room. As she made her way out, she found Caleb sitting by the hearth, his gaze fixed on the flames.
"Couldn't sleep?" she asked, her voice breaking the silence.
He turned to her, his golden eyes softening. "I wanted to keep watch. After last night…" His voice trailed off, and he clenched his jaw. "I couldn't take any chances."
Elena walked over, sitting on the edge of the couch. "You don't have to protect me every second, Caleb. I can handle myself."
His expression darkened. "You shouldn't have to. Those rogues—Victor—none of this should involve you."
She placed a hand on his arm, her touch grounding him. "But it does. And I'm not running away."
For a moment, their eyes met, and the unspoken bond between them deepened. But before either could say more, the door creaked open, and James stepped in, his face grim.
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James's News
"We have a problem," James announced, brushing snow off his jacket.
"What now?" Caleb asked, his voice laced with frustration.
James leaned against the doorframe. "Scouts spotted more rogues on the outskirts of Blackwood Hollow. They're gathering, Caleb. This isn't just a random attack anymore—it's a coordinated effort."
Elena felt her chest tighten. "What are they planning?"
James shook his head. "We don't know yet. But it's clear they're after her." He glanced at Elena, his expression unreadable. "And they won't stop until they get what they want."
Caleb rose to his feet, his posture tense. "Then we take the fight to them. I'm not waiting around for another ambush."
"Caleb, wait," Elena interjected. "If they're coming for me, maybe we can use that to our advantage."
Both men turned to her, their expressions a mix of surprise and concern.
"You want to bait them?" James asked, his tone incredulous.
Elena nodded, determination flickering in her eyes. "If they think they can catch me, they'll let their guard down. And we can use that to strike back."
"That's too dangerous," Caleb said firmly. "I'm not risking your life."
"And I'm not sitting around while others fight my battles," she shot back. "This is my life, Caleb. I deserve a say in how we handle it."
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The Plan
After much debate, a plan began to take shape. Elena would act as bait, drawing the rogues out into a controlled area where Caleb, James, and a handful of trusted pack members could ambush them.
"Are you sure about this?" Caleb asked as they finalized the details.
Elena nodded. "If it helps keep everyone safe, then yes. I'm sure."
James crossed his arms, his expression skeptical. "Let's just hope the rogues take the bait."
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The Trap
That evening, the group gathered in a clearing deep in the forest. The snow-covered ground muffled their movements, and the surrounding trees provided ample cover.
Elena stood in the center of the clearing, her nerves on edge as she waited. Caleb and the others were hidden nearby, their presence a comforting reminder that she wasn't alone.
The wind picked up, carrying with it the faint scent of danger. Elena's pulse quickened as she caught movement in the shadows.
"They're here," she whispered, her breath visible in the cold air.
The rogues emerged, their red eyes glowing like embers in the darkness. At the forefront was Victor, his imposing figure exuding a dangerous confidence.
"Well, well," Victor drawled, his voice smooth and taunting. "The little lamb comes willingly to the slaughter."
Elena stood her ground, her chin raised defiantly. "I'm not afraid of you."
Victor chuckled darkly. "Brave words for someone so fragile."
As the rogues advanced, Elena took a step back, her movements calculated to lead them further into the trap.
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Caleb's POV
From his hiding spot, Caleb's muscles coiled with tension. Every instinct screamed at him to charge in and protect Elena, but he forced himself to wait. Timing was everything.
He watched as Victor closed in on her, his expression predatory. The sight sent a surge of rage through Caleb, but he held firm.
"Just a little closer," James whispered beside him.
Finally, when the rogues were within range, Caleb gave the signal. The pack members burst from their hiding spots, their howls cutting through the night.
The clearing erupted into chaos as wolves clashed, their snarls and growls filling the air.
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The Battle
Elena scrambled to the edge of the clearing, keeping out of the fray as Caleb and James engaged the rogues. Victor's men fought with ferocity, but Caleb's pack was relentless.
Caleb shifted into his wolf form, his powerful frame barreling into Victor. The two alphas collided with a force that shook the ground, their snarls echoing through the trees.
"You think you can protect her forever?" Victor sneered, his claws swiping at Caleb.
Caleb dodged, his teeth snapping dangerously close to Victor's neck. "I'll die before I let you touch her."
Victor laughed, the sound chilling. "Then you'll die tonight."
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Elena's POV
Elena watched in horror as Caleb and Victor battled, their strength and speed almost supernatural. She wanted to help, but she knew she'd only be a liability in the fight.
Instead, she focused on the rogues surrounding them. Spotting one trying to flank Caleb, she grabbed a fallen branch and swung it with all her might, catching the rogue off guard.
"Stay away from him!" she shouted, adrenaline fueling her actions.
The rogue snarled but was quickly taken down by James, who nodded his thanks before diving back into the fray.
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The Turning Point
Caleb finally gained the upper hand, pinning Victor to the ground. His claws pressed against Victor's throat, his golden eyes blazing with fury.
"This is your last chance," Caleb growled. "Leave. And never come back."
Victor smirked despite his predicament. "You think this is over? This is just the beginning."
With that, he shifted suddenly, slipping free and retreating into the forest with the remaining rogues.
Caleb let out a frustrated howl, his victory tainted by the knowledge that the fight was far from over.
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The Aftermath
Back at the cabin, the group tended to their wounds in silence. The battle had been won, but the cost was heavy.
Elena sat beside Caleb, her hand resting on his. "We'll get through this," she said softly.
Caleb nodded, his golden eyes filled with determination. "As long as you're safe, it's worth it."
Though the danger was far from over, their bond had grown stronger, and they knew they would face whatever came next—together.
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