Nicklaus’s POV
I rushed out with incredible speed, making sure that they were following me. It was hard to believe that they were so foolish to blindly pursue me, walking right into the trap I had prepared.
Using a mind link, I contacted the pack members who were nearby and instructed them to meet me at the woods. Once there, I concealed myself, waiting for the intruders to arrive.
Two of them emerged from the shadows, their eyes a dark black, indicating their transformed state. In a matter of seconds, I shifted into my wolf form, allowing Lethal to take full control. The two intruders were swiftly dispatched, their lifeless bodies falling into pools of their own blood.
However, the situation escalated quickly into a brutal and bloody combat. My rage intensified as I witnessed some of my own pack members falling to the enemy’s strikes. A feral roar erupted from my throat as I attacked without mercy, tearing out hearts without hesitation. The thirst for vengeance fueled my actions, and I shifted back into my human form, claws still extended, beheading one of my assailants.
Unbeknownst to me, more enemies were approaching from another direction. An arrow meant for my heart missed its mark, instead piercing through my shoulder. Despite my efforts to heal myself, the effects were minimal, and I realized that the arrow was laced with wolf bane, inhibiting my healing abilities. Determined not to succumb, I forcibly removed the arrow, but my situation grew dire. I needed to burn out the wolf bane, yet I found myself surrounded by adversaries with no immediate solution.
Suddenly, the incoming barrage of arrows halted abruptly, freezing near my eyes. A voice pulled my attention-a woman from the bar I frequented, Jessica. My surprise at her intervention was overshadowed by the urgency of the battle. Who was she really, and how did she possess such power? Lethal urged me to focus on the fight, and I obeyed, attacking with relentless determination.
“Nice job. Are you hurt?” Jessica inquired once the battle had subsided. I nodded in response.
“Where is Gabby? And Estella?” I asked anxiously, relieved when Margaret assured me they were both safe.
“Estella is with her tutor, and Gabby is resting,” Margaret reassured me.
Feeling a sense of relief, I noticed Jessica preparing to leave. I stopped her, a burning question on my mind.
“I need to go now,” she stated.
“Please wait,” I interrupted. She paused, and I continued, “I’m not going to ask you to stay for lunch. But I do need to know-why did you help me?”
“I helped you so you could put in a good word for me with your handsome friend. I need to head to my bar now. Hope to see you around, and I look forward to meeting your friend again,” she stated before departing. It amused me that her motivation for helping me was to earn my recommendation to my beta. She was deeply infatuated with Martins, and I couldn’t help but feel he was fortunate to have her. However, my concerns revolved around their compatibility-she was a witch, and he was a beta. Would their future together be harmonious?
“Can we talk?” Margaret’s voice interrupted my thoughts, redirecting my attention towards her.
“Yes, of course,” I agreed. I had anticipated this conversation would arise sooner or later. I knew she wanted to discuss the unexpected attack that occurred last night.
Taking my seat, I winced slightly as pain radiated from the spot where I had been injured during the attack. “Regarding what happened last night, don’t you think it’s time for you to return to your pack and end this conflict? We were fortunate yesterday, but what about tomorrow, the day after, or any unforeseen day? The witches are growing increasingly concerned about potential harm.”
“I completely understand your perspective, and I’ll discuss it with Gabby. If she agrees, we’ll leave. After all, you’ve done more good for us than harm, and I won’t forget that,” I assured her, prompting a smile from Margaret.
“Alright, I’ll address the community. Many of them are feeling fearful now, and I’ll try to assuage those fears,” she declared.
“Sounds like a plan. I need to check on my mate now,” I mentioned, signaling my departure.
As I returned to my room, I reflected on the recent events. We had suffered casualties during the attack, and I knew it was my responsibility to ensure proper burials for our fallen comrades. However, this couldn’t be done here on witch territory; I needed to transport their remains back to our pack’s homeland.
In an attempt to contact my beta, I dialed his number multiple times, yet received no response. Concern grew within me. I reached out to someone else, who informed me that Martins had left last night upon hearing about the attack. He had rushed to our aid immediately after sending me a text. However, he had not yet arrived at his intended destination. I couldn’t help but wonder what was causing the delay.
I decided to call him again, but before doing so, I turned my attention to my mate. Gabby was still sound asleep, her peaceful expression contrasting with the turmoil that had unfolded the previous night. Glancing at the herb tonic on the table, a thought crossed my mind-had Margaret done something to her?