Page 40 of Marked For A Bite
Logan's approval radiated through their bond, warming her from the inside out. "Good. Trust your training, trust your instincts, and trust me."
As they began the trek toward Moon Hollow, Zoe's excitement began overtaking her nervousness. This scroll held answers about the prophecy, about her destiny, and about what her future with Logan might look like. The thought of finally understanding her role in this ancient prediction sent anticipation thrumming through her.
But beneath that excitement lurked a darker worry—what if fulfilling the prophecy meant sacrifice? What if her destiny required separation from Logan, or worse? The mate bond they'd forged felt too precious and new to risk losing, yet she couldn't shake the feeling that the scroll might demand everything she'd found with him.
Stop it,she commanded herself firmly.Focus on the mission. Worry about prophecy implications after we actually have the damn thing.
The autumn forest embraced them as they moved deeper into Silvercrest territory, and Zoe pushed her fears aside to concentrate on the task ahead. Whatever the scroll revealed, she would face it with Logan beside her. That had to be enough for now.
As they approached the perimeter of Moon Hollow, Zoe marveled at how the hidden valley seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly beauty despite housing such dangerous secrets. Towering pines framed the entrance like ancient sentinels, their branches heavy with morning mist that refracted the autumnsunlight in ethereal patterns. The contrast between this peaceful sanctuary and their violent mission sent an odd thrill through her system.
Logan raised his fist, bringing their group to an immediate halt. His eyes swept the terrain with predatory focus, cataloging every shadow and potential threat with the precision that made him the Silvercrest pack's deadliest enforcer.
"Perimeter positions confirmed," Malcolm murmured, his diplomatic charm replaced by the cold efficiency Zoe was learning ran in the Silvercrest bloodline. "Six guards, rotating patrol pattern just like we discussed."
Kieran's blue eyes gleamed with that Alpha authority as he surveyed their target zone. "Maya, take your overwatch position on that ridge. Signal if you spot backup resistance approaching."
"Copy that," Maya replied, her practical field gear making her blend seamlessly into the forest as she moved toward higher ground.
Kieran turned to Malcolm. "Ready to show these Council lackeys what happens when they threaten our pack?"
Malcolm's grin carried a dangerous edge that told Zoe these brothers had been raised for battle. "Just try to keep up, old man."
Zoe watched the Alpha and his brother disappear into the underbrush with movements so fluid they seemed to melt into the landscape itself. The raw power and coordination between them made her wolf hum with admiration for the strength of their brother bond.
Now comes the waiting,she thought, settling into position beside Logan.The part where my imagination tries to drive me insane with worst-case scenarios.
But Logan's presence beside her created an anchor of calm confidence, his tactical readiness radiating through their mate bond like warm honey in her veins. She could feel his strengthflowing into her, bolstering her courage and settling her restless energy into focused determination.
"Breathe," Logan commanded quietly. "Your heart rate is spiking again."
"Sorry," she whispered back, forcing her breathing into the controlled rhythm he'd taught her. "First mission nerves, I guess."
Logan's hand found hers briefly, his fingers intertwining with hers in a gesture so tender it made her chest tight with emotion. "You're about to discover something incredible about yourself down in that bunker. Whatever the scroll reveals, we'll face it together."
A low whistle echoed through the morning air—Kieran's signal that the perimeter guards had been neutralized.
"That's our cue," Logan said, his demeanor shifting instantly from tender mate to lethal weapon. "Remember the plan. I go down first, you count to thirty, then follow with Lena."
The hidden valley spread before them in all its deceptive tranquility, autumn colors painting the trees in brilliant oranges and reds that seemed to mock the violence they'd just unleashed. Zoe followed Logan's silent approach to the concealed hatch, her enhanced senses picking up the metallic scent of blood from Kieran and Malcolm's work.
Logan's fingers traced the edges of the hidden entrance with professional efficiency, locating the mechanism that would grant them access to the underground bunker. The sight of him in full enforcer mode—every movement calculated and every breath controlled—sent inappropriate heat down to her core.
Focus, Zoe,she commanded herself sternly.You can fantasize about your deadly mate after we survive this mission.
"Two guards below," Logan murmured, his enhanced hearing confirming what their intelligence had suggested. "Standard protocol—I neutralize the immediate threats, youprovide Lena the space she needs to work her magic on those protective wards."
He cupped her face briefly, his thumb tracing her cheekbone with devastating gentleness. "Whatever happens down there, trust yourself, and trust me."
"Always," she breathed, meaning it with every fiber of her being.
Logan descended into the bunker with the fluid grace of a predator entering his domain. Zoe began her count, each number marking another second closer to discovering her destiny. Her birthmark throbbed with warmth, as if responding to the proximity of answers she'd been seeking her entire life.
Twenty-eight. Twenty-nine. Thirty.
Zoe dropped through the hatch into the underground chamber, her feet hitting the stone floor with barely a whisper. The scene that greeted her made her wolf purr with vicious satisfaction—Logan had already engaged the two guards with his signature knife work, his movements a deadly dance of precision and power.
Blood painted the ancient stone walls as Logan's blades found their marks with surgical accuracy. The brutal sight should have horrified her. But instead, watching her mate kill with such lethal efficiency to ensure she discovered her destiny, sent primal arousal flooding her system.
