Page 75 of Crescent Warrior

When a quiet whisper ran across his senses and he tilted his head in the direction of the breeze sweeping past him. It seemed to caress his pelt gently. Confused, he dropped his head to sniff around the area.

He smelled something dank in the distance, like a cave. At the same time, he caught the fresh scent of the sea. Confused, he turned around to look behind him.

Would they miss me if I went to see what this is?

He was hit suddenly with the presence of Alex and Michael across their pack-bond, flooding him with their excitement and hope. Miles perked up immediately. They were sending him images of other Werewolves. Many other Werewolves. And they were on their way. Now.

A laugh bubbled up into his chest, a bark escaping him. They did it. They found a pack to support his cause. He focused on the messages that were coming his way just as he got hit with a spew of information from his second pack-bond.

The one he had to the pack that he would soon rule. Hippolyta knew the Werewolves were coming. Soon, they would be upon them, their numbers much larger. There was finally a real threat to oppose Damen.

An evil smirk spread across his wolf’s lips, his fangs bared.

Good.

Alex and Michael had done so well. With these numbers, perhaps they could kill Damen. The worry that had been festering inside of him slowly evaporated.

We can help you.

The whisper was on the wind, and his head spun in the direction of the cave again, drawn to it, finding himself walking a few feet toward it without thought. He drew himself short, turning back toward where he could scent this new pack coming toward them.

We can give you so much power.

Looking in the direction of the cave his brow furrowed.

When Hippolyta felt Damen's calming presence across the pack-bond, she immediately felt like everything would be alright.

Selene entered next and was followed by Cole.

She was swamped by an urge to run directly to him, but that wasn’t what they needed right now. As everyone else in the pack transformed, she felt them one by one.

Castor, Penelope, Pollux, and Dru entered at the same time, sending reassurance and strength to them all. Damen immediately took charge, his plan clear in her mind.

He wanted them to meet the new pack, not threatening them at all. In fact, they would talk to them. She could feel excitement skitter across the bond from all the unmated wolves who realized how many Werewolves were coming their way.

Their hope was endearing and she smiled, finally easing on her harsh pace as she spotted Damen running in her direction. He slowed as well, Selene right behind him. He nudged her shoulder in thanks for the warning and she watched as their pack surrounded them.

He changed into his human form, keeping a wary eye on their surroundings. Hippolyta knew he was offering an olive branch by appearing in his weaker, human form, but still, Damen was undeniably a king in all ways, his face regal and serious but prepared for anything.

He stood tall and confident, his eyes only moving to his mate next to him for a moment to ensure she was effectively protected. Hippolyta adjusted her position so she could be in front of Selene with Ares flanking her other side. Satisfied, Damen went back to waiting for the other pack, his head raised as he scented the air.

“So many more than I thought,” he murmured and Hippolyta couldn’t help but agree. The sheer number coming toward them was overwhelming. If they chose to attack, she only hoped they would be able to fight back.

There was a sudden probing touch across her pack-bond, a shiver running down her spine and her head snapped in Cole’s direction. He was staring at her, his eyes sparkling with possessiveness and grief.

She swallowed, knowing they needed to talk, but also aware that this wasn’t the right time. Pushing aside her need to go to him, she focused on protecting her queen, turning her gaze back to the oncoming pack. They lined up in front of them in rows, their larger number clear.

When one huge wolf with flashing, silver eyes pushed forward, the rest of the pack stayed back. Hippolyta stiffened immediately. He looked similar to Other, one of the two wolves they had met that carried no scent, but he didn’t have their ability to mask themselves.

“Hello, brother,” Damen called across the space. “Welcome to our territory. I am Damen, alpha of this pack.”

The wolf didn’t respond, looking around and assessing, his eyes sweeping across their ranks with calculation. He focused on Damen again as two wolves moved out to flank him. When they did, a shudder of wariness traveled down Hippolyta’s spine.

Other and Alex.

The two Werewolves she had been most worried about were standing there, on either side of this huge wolf. She didn’t know what it could mean, but she knew that it couldn’t be good.

“I am asking that we talk this out before you proceed with violence.” Damen’s voice rang with command and she watched the big wolf stiffen, his eyes narrowing on Damen. He bared his fangs and Hippolyta dropped low, ready to lunge in front of her king to protect his vulnerable human form. “Please. Let us speak.”

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