Kael stirred slowly, the world coming back into focus as a dull ache throbbed through his body. He felt the warmth of a hand clutching his, and when he opened his eyes, Selene's face filled his vision, her tear-streaked cheeks and worried expression tightening something deep in his chest.
"You're awake," she said, her voice thick with relief.
Kael tried to sit up, but a sharp pain in his side stopped him. Selene pressed a gentle hand to his shoulder. "Don't. You need to rest."
"Damon?" Kael asked, his voice rough.
Selene hesitated before answering. "He hasn't come back yet."
Kael's jaw tightened, frustration flickering across his face. "He's still out there. I need to—"
"You need to heal," Selene interrupted firmly. "Kael, you can't lead this fight if you tear yourself apart first."
Her words struck a chord, and for once, Kael didn't argue. Instead, he leaned back, his gaze locked onto hers. "I meant what I said, Selene," he murmured.
Her heart skipped a beat. "About… loving me?"
Kael nodded, his blue eyes unwavering. "I should've told you sooner. But I need you to know now, before—"
"Don't," she said, her voice breaking. "Don't talk like this is the end. We're going to get through this, Kael. Together."
A faint smile tugged at his lips. "You're stubborn."
"So are you," she replied, a shaky laugh escaping her.
---
The pack had gathered by the time Kael emerged from the den, Selene close at his side. The air was thick with tension, but a flicker of hope sparked in the wolves' eyes as they saw their Alpha standing tall despite his injuries.
"Damon is still missing," Kael began, his voice steady despite the strain. "And Magnus won't stop until he's taken everything from us. But this is our home, and I refuse to let him destroy it."
The wolves murmured their agreement, their loyalty clear despite the fear that lingered beneath the surface.
"We need to fortify the borders," Kael continued. "Magnus will come, and when he does, we'll be ready."
Raven, a sleek, dark-haired wolf who served as one of Kael's top scouts, stepped forward. "I'll lead the perimeter patrols."
Kael nodded. "Good. Keep me updated on any movement."
As the pack dispersed to carry out their tasks, Kael turned to Selene.
"Stay with Lorcan," he said. "He can protect you better than anyone else."
Selene bristled. "I'm not hiding, Kael. I can help."
"You already have," Kael said, his tone gentle but firm. "But I can't fight if I'm worried about you being caught in the crossfire."
Her gaze softened, and she reluctantly nodded. "Just… promise me you'll be careful."
Kael's lips curved into a faint smile. "I'll do my best."
---
The pack worked tirelessly through the night, reinforcing defenses and preparing for the inevitable. Selene stayed with Lorcan near the den, her anxiety growing with every passing hour.
"You care for him deeply," Lorcan said, his voice calm and knowing.
Selene glanced at the elder wolf, his piercing eyes seeming to see straight into her soul. "I do," she admitted.
"And he for you," Lorcan said. "The bond between you is powerful, Selene. Stronger than most realize."
"What does that mean?" she asked, her voice trembling.
Lorcan smiled faintly. "You share more than a connection of souls. The moon chose you for Kael because you have the strength to stand by his side—not just as his mate, but as his equal."
Selene frowned. "I'm just human. How can I possibly be his equal?"
"Because love makes you stronger than you know," Lorcan said simply.
His words settled over her like a heavy blanket, and for the first time, she began to truly understand the weight of her bond with Kael.
---
Near dawn, a scout returned with grim news.
"Magnus's wolves are gathering at the southern border," the scout reported. "They'll be here by nightfall."
Kael nodded, his expression grim but resolute. "We'll meet them head-on. Call the pack to the clearing."
The pack gathered quickly, their expressions a mixture of fear and determination. Kael stood before them, his silver hair catching the first rays of sunlight.
"This is it," he said, his voice carrying across the clearing. "Magnus thinks he can take our home, our family. But he's wrong. We are stronger together, and we will show him that tonight."
The wolves howled in unison, their cries echoing through the forest.
Selene stepped forward, her heart pounding. "I'm staying with you," she said, her voice firm.
Kael frowned. "Selene—"
"No," she interrupted. "I won't sit back and watch from the sidelines. This is my fight too."
Kael stared at her for a long moment before finally nodding. "Stay close to me."
Her heart swelled at his trust, and she reached out, taking his hand. "I will."
---
As the sun set, the pack moved into position. Kael stood at the front, his eyes scanning the darkening forest as Magnus's wolves began to emerge from the shadows.
Magnus stepped forward, his golden eyes gleaming with triumph.
"Brave of you to face me, Kael," he said, his voice laced with mockery.
Kael growled, his blue eyes blazing. "You've pushed your luck for the last time, Magnus. This ends here."
Magnus chuckled. "We'll see about that."
With a flick of his hand, Magnus's wolves charged, and the clearing erupted into chaos.
Selene stayed close to Kael, her heart racing as she fought alongside him. She struck out with a staff, using the training Kael had given her to defend herself against the wolves that lunged at her.
Kael fought with brutal efficiency, his silver fur flashing as he tore through the rogues. Despite the chaos, he never strayed far from Selene, his protective instincts driving every move.
But even as they held their ground, Selene knew the battle was far from over. Magnus was still out there, and the final confrontation was drawing closer with every passing moment.