Page 77 of Crescent Warrior

Any wolf that wasn’t actively engaged in combat whipped their head in Nicholas’ directions as Dru stood still, allowing the four wolves to attack him, closing his eyes in resignation. At the last moment, they flew open, locking with Damen and they all felt the whip of command that clearly said: Don’t you dare interfere.

A wild howl of fury and grief was shared across the pack as one of the members of the new pack ripped into Dru’s throat, the other grabbing his shoulder to pin him as blood gushed freely. Both scentless wolves faltered, staring in shock as Dru fell, staggering to the floor.

Damen charged forward, his huge form that of an avenging angel as he shoved the wolves off his father. He stood over him, his face drawn in mindless rage. Nicholas stood slowly, shaking and trembling, howling with pain. Confusion wracked Cole as he stood as well, shooting forward into the fray, lost to his anger.

No. Not Dru.

As she saw him lying, unmoving under Damen, she felt along the pack-bond, praying to every God that was listening. When she realized that he wasn’t there, his soothing presence no longer a part of her world, she almost fell to the floor, crippled by the agony of the loss. She staggered forward but realized that she felt a prickle across her senses.

Something’s wrong.

Damen was crazed; ready to attack. His roar of fury louder than she had ever imagined. He lowered his head, his blue eyes on fire as he faced the opposing pack. He was going to massacre them. She didn’t know how she knew it, but she did.

Damen was always so controlled all the time that she had almost forgotten where his true strength lay. In his unleashed wolf. A shiver of trepidation ran through her as he eyed the other pack with death in his eyes, crouching low, ready to lunge.

She knew without a doubt that he was mindless with grief and would regret any pain or death he caused when he wasn’t reacting blindly. Hippolyta was about to rush in front of him when she saw Selene run straight to him, burying her muzzle in his neck, leaning heavily against him.

Everyone, including the opposing pack, seemed to be holding their breath as his breathing slowly changed, easing only a little, the fury being doused by increments, seeping out of him and leaving behind a terrible pain.

Realizing that he was now under control, she turned her gaze to her own mate, who was standing next to Nicholas, bleeding. She gave him a quick visual inspection, but he didn’t seem to be in too much pain. His leg looked bad, but she knew that if she could get him to safety, he would heal quickly.

Damen heaved out a breath before turning to stare at the leader of the pack who was still strategically positioned to protect his pack, focused on Damen and Selene. His eyes were narrowed, an odd expression playing in his eyes.

He lifted his head, howling loudly at the rest of his pack and they began backing away. Damen tried to lunge forward, but Selene pushed back, not letting him move toward him.

Damen’s growl was low and vicious, a promise of retribution. Hippolyta rushed forward to help, keeping him at her back so that she could face the threat of the other pack, but they were all quickly heading back into the forest.

The silver-eyed wolf stayed and watched as Selene licked Damen’s face, the only thing that seemed to be keeping his rage in check, before he turned and silently left.

CHAPTER TWELVE

“You lied to me,” Knox’s voice was even as they returned to the cottage, but Alex watched him with trepidation, as his eyes flashed molten silver. “Explain yourself.”

“Alpha,” Vincenzo started, limping over.

He was injured in the fight and Elisa was holding his hand, squeezing it as she shook her head. She had already fussed over Alex and Michael’s injuries, ensuring they were already knitting together and healing before she focused her full attention on her mate.

“No, Vin,” Knox’s voice was a whip. “No excuses. I will not be lied to in my own pack.” He turned to look on Alex. “Why would you say that female is your mate when it isn’t true?”

“Of course she is,” Alex denied, shaking his head adamantly. “She’s mine! He fucking stole her.”

Knox studied him carefully, and it was all Alex could do to not bare his throat in submission. His wolf was distressed, aware that the alpha in front of him was furious, even if he wasn’t showing it. He didn’t even understand why Knox has retreated. He was glad—so glad—that they left, but he felt guilty for it.

He knew he should be happy that they killed one of Damen’s packmates, but as Alex watched him die, he almost vomited. It was one thing to say that he could kill Damen and his pack. It was entirely another to go ahead with that plan. Innocent blood was still innocent blood and he couldn’t forget all the years he protected and served.

“She’s his mate. They’ve marked each other. Their scents and souls are mingled. It’s as clear as day.” Knox moved closer, nearing Alex. He held his ground, but only because Michael stood next to him. Alex had no doubt that he would have stepped back if he was alone.

“Now tell me why you lied.” Knox’s expression was dead serious

“She is mine,” he growled. “He’s using something to brainwash her and lie to you.”

Knox’s jaw clenched, but when he spoke, his words were meant for Elisa.

“I’m leaving this cottage to you. Please use it for those with injuries.”

The look he gave Alex and Michael clearly said that he expected them to follow him as he left. He walked to the edge of the forest, the other members of the pack weary and resting, some helping others as they settled after the fight. When they were far enough away to not be heard, he turned, assessing them.

“That male is an alpha.” His tone brooked no arguments. “And I did not see this Jason that you profess is their true king. He wasn’t present to protect the pack that he says is his. That reeks of cowardice to me. I felt the power of the male we faced. His strength. He is the leader of that pack. I won’t believe otherwise.”

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