Page 35 of Howling Holidays

"Understood, Alpha," Ethan replies, his voice filled with both respect and concern for my well-being. He and the rest of our group turn their attention to the remaining shadow shifters, giving me the space I need to focus on rescuing Emily. Just then, a second shadow shifter appears between me and the one holding Emily hostage.

"Logan, please be careful," Emily pleads, her voice barely audible over the sounds of battle as the shifter restraining her drags her away. I can't help but smile at her concern, even as my heart races with adrenaline and fear.

"Trust me, Emily. I'll get you out of this," I promise, my resolve only growing stronger as I dart at the shadow shifter once more, determined to save the woman I love and protect my pack from the darkness that threatens to consume us all. Ethan shifts into his wolf form and circles Callie, trying to keep her from being taken as well.

With a determined snarl, I dodge the shadow shifter's vicious swipe and counter with a powerful blow of my own. I've fought countless battles in my time as alpha, but never against creatures like these. These shadow shifters seem to anticipate our every move, blending into the darkness before reappearing to strike with ruthless precision.

"Damn it," I mutter in my head, gritting my teeth as I narrowly avoid another attack. I can't let them get the better of me – not when Emily's life is on the line. My mind races, searching for any advantage I might have over these twisted beings.

The shadows seem to close in around me, but I refuse to be deterred. I can almost hear my father's voice in my head, urging me to keep going: You're stronger than they are, Logan. You have the heart of a true alpha.

"Logan!" Callie shouts, her voice pulling me back to the present. "Ethan and I can create a distraction while you go after Emily!"

"Are you sure about this, Callie?" I look at her questioningly, knowing that I can't afford any mistakes.

"Trust us, Logan," Ethan adds, his eyes steely with determination. "We've got your back."

"Alright," I nod, taking a deep breath as I prepare to put my plan into action. "Let's do this."

As Ethan and Callie unleash a coordinated assault on the shadow shifters, I use the commotion to slip through their ranks unseen. My wolf senses heighten, allowing me to track Emily's scent through the chaos. The familiar smell of her hair, mixed with the tang of fear, spurs me on.

“Let me go!” Emily grits out as she unsuccessfully tries to kick and wrestle her way to freedom.

"Emily!" I call out, barely able to contain my desperation. "Where are you?!" But it’s no use, she can’t hear my thoughts, so I let out a deep, guttural howl.

"Logan!" Her voice reaches me, weak and terrified. "I'm here! Over by the tree!"

I follow her voice, my heart pounding in my chest like a wild drum. And then I see her – Emily, bound and trembling against a bare and gnarled old pine. The sight of her, so vulnerable and afraid, ignites a fury within me that I've never known. I shift back into my human form and race to her side.

"Emily," I breathe, relief washing over me as I rush to free her, my arms enveloping her in a protective embrace. "Thank God you're alright."

“Yeah, I just have this gash on my leg but other than that I’m fine.” She replies as I step back to look at her.

"Logan," she whispers, her breath warm against my neck. "I knew you'd come for me."

I hold her close, unwilling to let her go even for a moment. As we stand there, locked in our fierce embrace, I know with absolute certainty that I would do anything – face any foe or challenge – to keep her safe.

"Emily, you're safe now," I assure her gently, my voice a low rumble in the stillness of the forest. "I won't let anything happen to you." I lean down and press my lips fiercely against hers, not daring to move.

"Logan," she murmurs when our lips finally break apart, her eyes glistening with tears as she gazes up at me. "You saved me. I don't know what I would've done if you hadn't been here."

"Neither do I," I admit, my heart aching at the thought of losing her. "But we're together now, and that's all that matters."

As we stand there amidst the eerie mist and towering trees with freshly fallen snow, I can't help but marvel at the depth of our connection. This love that courses through us – fierce and undeniable – has given me a purpose beyond protecting my pack and town. It has given me something even more worth fighting for.

"Come on," I say, determination simmering in my veins as I take her hand. "We need to get our group together and keep moving. The heart of the forest isn't far now."

"Right," Emily agrees, her expression resolute. "We can't let this curse continue any longer."

We circle back to Ethan, Callie and the rest of the group and find some of them bandaging injuries and sipping healing potions from the witches. “We walk together from here on out,” I command. “It’s too dangerous to split up the further into the forest we go. They know we’re here, and they’ll do anything to try and stop us.”

As we venture deeper into the forest, the sense of urgency grows stronger. We have come so far, putting our lives on the line in the name of love and the safety of those we care about. And now, the peak of our mission looms before us, beckoning us ever onward.

The terrain becomes increasingly dangerous, but we press on, our determination unwavering. Time is of the essence; we must reach the heart of the forest before nightfall, when the shadows grow restless, and their power is at its peak, say the witches.

"Logan," Emily says, her voice strained as she navigates the twisted roots and tangled vines hidden in the snow that threaten to slow our progress. "What do you think we'll find when we reach the heart of the forest? Do you think we’ll have enough time to break the curse?"

"I'm not sure," I admit, my thoughts racing with possibilities and uncertainty. "But we have no choice but to try and work quickly. The fate of the pack and Everwood depends on us."

---