Page 45 of Protected By Artemis

She laughed softly, the sound like a melody. “Not so different, indeed. Now, enough talk about the past. Let’s focus on the present.” She leaned in, kissing him softly, the taste of honey lingering on their lips.

As they lost themselves in each other, the troubles of the outside world faded away, leaving only the sweetness of themoment. “They are really good,” he murmured, his voice low as he nibbled on her lip.

“I’m glad you like them.” She laughed softly, running her fingers through his hair. “There’s plenty more where that came from.”

“Is that so?” he teased, pulling back slightly to look into her eyes. “Guess I’ll have to stick around then.”

“You better. I have a lot more to share with you.”

Their laughter filled the room, a comforting sound that wrapped around them like a warm blanket. He pulled her closer, their bodies fitting together perfectly. Eventually, they lay tangled together, the remnants of their snack forgotten. He brushed a strand of hair from her face, his thumb tracing her cheek. “You know,” he said softly, “I never thought I’d find someone who could understand me like you do.”

She smiled, her eyes shining with affection. “And I never thought I’d find someone who could make me feel so…normal.”

He chuckled, kissing her forehead. “Normal, huh? That’s quite the compliment coming from a goddess.”

She nudged him playfully. “Don’t let it go to your head.”

His phone buzzed with a text about pack matters. He glanced at the message and sighed, knowing duty called. Beside him, Artemis stretched and announced, “I have some council business to take care of in Olympus. And I’ll go bug Hephaestus to make him work faster.” She kissed him softly, a lingering touch that made it hard for him to let her go.

“Alright,” he murmured. “I’ll see you later.”

She gave him one last kiss before teleporting away. He took a deep breath, appreciating the fleeting scent of her perfume, then headed toward the lodge. As he walked, he noticed the kids playing in the field, their laughter echoing through the air. Nearby, people tended to the community garden, their hands working the earth with practiced care. Other pack memberswere busy with their day, some chatting, some working, all contributing to the life and spirit of the pack.

As he continued his walk toward the lodge, he noticed the barn being rebuilt. The massive wooden structure was a focal point of their community, and seeing it being restored filled him with a sense of pride and hope. The barn was more than just a building; it was a symbol of their pack’s resilience and heritage. Its restoration would not only provide a functional space but also uplift the spirits of everyone in the pack.

He paused for a moment, watching the progress. The workers were methodical, their movements a dance of coordinated effort. Beams were being hoisted into place, and the rhythmic sound of hammers echoed across the field. A couple of pack members noticed him watching and waved. He waved back, feeling a swell of gratitude for their hard work and dedication. The barn’s restoration was a community effort, and everyone had a role to play, whether big or small.

He continued his walk with renewed energy, the sight of the barn a reminder of what they were working toward. Stepping into the lodge, the hub of their community, he felt a wave of warmth and belonging. The large space was alive with activity. On one side, a class was in session, where members were learning and sharing skills. On the other, people worked together on various projects, the hum of conversation and the clatter of tools creating a symphony of productivity. Familiar faces greeted him as he moved through the space, and he exchanged a few words with those he passed.

He received a text message from Xavier. “Urgent: Need to discuss supply chain issues with the winter prep. Meet me at the conference room ASAP.”

Winter prep was a critical part of their pack’s survival in Anchorage. They had to ensure that their supplies were stockedand ready to withstand the harsh Alaskan winter. Any disruption in their supply chain could put the entire pack at risk.

He quickened his pace and spotted Xavier talking with a few pack members who looked equally concerned.

Xavier nodded in greeting, his expression serious. “We’ve hit a snag with our suppliers,” he began without preamble. “The usual routes are blocked, and the alternate ones are unreliable at best. If we don’t figure this out soon, we won’t have enough supplies to last through winter.”

He frowned, realizing the gravity of the situation. “We can’t afford to let this slide. Have you identified any potential new suppliers or routes?”

“A few possibilities, but we need to act fast. I’ve already asked some of our scouts to check the viability of these new routes, but we’ll need to negotiate quickly with the suppliers. Some of them are wary of dealing with shifters.”

He rubbed his brow thoughtfully. “We’ll need to reassure them and secure those supplies. Let’s gather the key members and strategize. We can’t let the pack down.”

Cade and Xavier stilled, their senses suddenly overwhelmed by the sharp scent of burning. The next moment, a massive fireball engulfed the hallway, sending a shockwave through the lodge. The blaze came from the kitchen down the hall.

They rushed toward the inferno, but the heat and flames were too intense to penetrate. Cade barked an order at Xavier, “Make sure the building is evacuated!”

Xavier nodded and sprinted down the hallway, shouting for everyone to get out. Cade circled to another entrance of the kitchen and managed to force his way in, immediately confronted by the sight of workstations engulfed in flames and several people unconscious on the floor.

Ignoring the searing heat, he lifted two people and carried them out through a back door that opened onto the field. Hequickly went back in, each breath a struggle as the smoke thickened. It was nearly impossible to see, but he pushed forward, using his shifter senses to navigate the smoky inferno.

He swept the room, ensuring no one was left behind. Just as he was about to reach the door, a powerful explosion erupted behind him, and everything went dark.

When he regained consciousness, the world was a haze of smoke and pain. He tried to move, but his body was sluggish, weighed down by the debris. The sound of distant shouts and the crackle of flames filled his ears. Summoning his strength, he pushed himself up, determined to get out and ensure the safety of his pack.

His vision blurred, but he managed to stagger toward the door. Each step was a battle, but he knew he couldn’t afford to give up. His pack needed him. As he stumbled out into the open air, he saw Xavier rushing toward him, relief etched on his face.

“You’re alive!” Xavier exclaimed, helping him to his feet.

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