Adams’ POV
I stood under the faint moonlight watching the shadows move across the dirt path to Thornvale village. I had guided my men through the chaos and as they started to gather and celebrate I couldn’t shake the strange feeling surrounding me.
“Your Highness,” said a voice from behind. I turned to see Elder Simmons coming closer with his old face shining in the dim light of the torches along the path.
“Hello Elder Simmons,” I said to him with my voice steady, but friendly. “You look good.”
Simmons nodded slightly while showing his age. “It’s a real honor to talk with you, Alpha King.” He paused while looking for the right words.
“We can’t thank you enough for getting here so quickly. The rogues had us trapped and you… you rescued us.”
I shook my head while feeling a familiar sense of humility. “I have to do this for my pack. I can’t let anything bad happen to my people.”
“Even so, you took big risks. Your men fought hard, and their bravery made a difference,” he said with his voice full of feeling. “Let me offer our sincere thanks. We would be delighted if you stayed with us tonight to celebrate.”
“I need to go back to the palace,” I said while feeling the familiar pain of missing Lilith in my heart. “There’s still a lot to do.”
Simmons looked at me closely. I could tell he wanted me to think again. “We know what you have to do, but please, spending one night together would really cheer us up. The rogues might be held back for now, but the villagers are starting to talk. Staying would mean so much to us…”
A moment of doubt sparked inside me as I felt the heat of the fire in the village square. Should I stay? “I will leave some of my soldiers here to watch over Thornvale,” I finally said. “They can help while I’m away.”
Simmons agreed but there was a fire of determination in his eyes. “Wouldn’t it be smart to show your strength and celebrate this win together? Even your soldiers might need a night to enjoy their success.”
At that moment, Beta Ronan came over, looking less sure of himself. “Maybe it’s better to stay, Your Highness. The men really look up to you. It would boost their spirits a lot.”
“Ronan, I’m thankful for your support,” I said while feeling tense thinking about Lilith waiting for me at home. I knew she would get it-she had always been understanding. But the look in Ronan’s eyes made me think again.
“Okay,” I agreed while giving in to the Elder and Ronan, even though I was hesitant. “I’ll stay the night… but we leave at sunrise.”
“Thanks!” Simmons said while feeling a sense of relief ease the worry on his face.
As night came, laughter and fun filled the village square where a big bonfire burned bright with flames reaching into the dark sky.
I sat on a strong log next to Ronan and Elder Simmons with the fire’s warm light dancing over our faces.
“Here’s to the brave people who fought for Thornvale!” Elder Simmons lifted his cup. I watched the men gathered by the fire with their spirits high as they shared stories from the battle.
“To victory!” the soldiers shouted with their voices full of strong energy.
But I knew as Simmons put down his cup that things weren’t as steady as they looked.
“People are already talking about the rogues coming together, getting closer with danger ahead. They won’t take a break for long after this loss.”
“Let them come,” I said firmly. “I won’t let fear control my pack.”
Ronan moved next to me with his forehead creased in thought. “What if they come in larger groups? We need to get ready.”
I nodded while feeling the burden of responsibility pressing down on me.
“We’ll increase our patrols and strengthen our defenses. Information is our best weapon.”
“You’re courageous, but it’s important to be careful too,” Simmons said earnestly. I valued his thoughts, but I couldn’t let uncertainty slip in. “We might win today, but we can’t relax.”
I said “We’ll be ready for anything they send our way, but for now we celebrate. Tonight we enjoy our win.”
As the night went on, music played and laughter echoed among friends. I relaxed while soaking in the happiness of my soldiers. But then I saw Ronan acting differently. Something was going on under the surface.
“Is everything okay?” I asked while looking at him as he moved restlessly.
He looked across the fire at Dale, who was excitedly telling stories about our recent win. Dale had shown he was a standout among us, and tonight he was really impressive-more than just a good fighter.
“Ronan, you look like you’re not paying attention,” I said while raising an eyebrow.
“What? No, it’s nothing,” he said nervously, but his eyes stayed fixed on Dale with the laughter around him like a song.
“Go ahead and say it,” I encouraged softly. “You have the right to share your thoughts.”
“No. I just-” Ronan shook his head, but the redness on his cheeks showed he was lying.
“Come on Ronan. Don’t lie to me. I’ve noticed how you look at him,” I insisted.
He was clearly uncomfortable. “Dale is… amazing. He’s brave and after today he’s almost a hero.”
“Does it bother you?” I asked while trying not to laugh. I could feel different emotions stirring inside him.
Ronan looked at Dale with clear admiration. “No! I mean yes. I just-he was my second-in-command in the fight. I-”
“What? Are you scared he’ll replace you? Show you up?” I joked while trying to lighten the mood.
Ronan gulped while feeling less defensive. “I’m not sure, maybe. It’s just… Dale stands out, Your Highness. It’s who he is.”
I leaned closer with sincerity in my voice. “Ronan, you are one of the bravest warriors I have seen in my small life. Dale may have got it today, but that does not change who you are.”
He sighed while feeling both shy and determined. “Thanks, I just-”
But then the mood changed around me. A sudden pain in my stomach surprised me with a feeling that made my senses race. I could hear it then-a faraway shout ringing in my head like a warning that made me more alert.
“Did you hear that?” I asked quietly and urgently.
Ronan shook his head while looking around as the party went on non-stop.
“What about you, Elder?” I asked Simmons while looking at him closely, but his face turned confused, replacing the hint of worry.
“Maybe the wind is tricking us,” he said, but I could feel his discomfort in the way he spoke.
I couldn’t ignore the feeling eating at me with concern swirling like smoke in my chest. My mind wandered to the palace and Lilith. What was she feeling at this moment?
As I looked closely at the happy mess around me, I saw Ronan watching Dale again. This time it was more than just liking, it was something deeper and something meaningful.
I observed a shake in Ronan’s voice which made me nervous. Suddenly, my wolf whispered something to me, making me lose my breath. The emotions inside Ronan were more than just friendship or competition. Ronan had a mate bond with Dale!!!