Xander’s POV
The night was too quiet, the kind of quiet that hums with anticipation, where even the wind seemed to hold its breath. I stood on the hill overlooking the Silver Moon Pack’s borders, the faint glow of their territory bleeding into the darkness. Every muscle in my body was taut, my wolf clawing at the edges of my control, thirsting for retribution. Tonight, there would be no treaties, no negotiations.
Tonight, blood would be spilled.
The evidence was undeniable, and my patience had run dry. Alison’s frail body haunted my every waking moment, her life hanging by a thread because of Kendrick’s cowardice. My hands clenched at my sides as I turned to the warriors flanking me. My most loyal pack members, their faces grim and determined, waited for my command.
“Alpha,” Luke whispered beside me, his voice low and cautious. “Are you sure about this? The council… ”
“To hell with the council,” I snapped, my voice a growl that made his wolf shrink. “They can keep their treaties and laws. They didn’t feel her pain. They didn’t watch her fade away. Tonight, we take what’s ours, no matter the cost.”
Luke nodded, though hesitation flickered in his eyes. I ignored it. Mercy was a luxury I could no longer afford.
I raised my hand, signaling the warriors to move. The night erupted into action. Shadows darted through the forest as we descended upon the Silver Moon Pack like a storm.
The first wave hit the patrol guards. We moved with precision, years of training guiding every strike. My claws tore through the nearest wolf, his yelp cut short as he crumpled to the ground. The scent of blood filled the air, sharp and metallic, fueling the primal hunger within me.
Chaos spread like wildfire. Warriors from the Silver Moon Pack scrambled to respond, but they were unprepared for the ferocity of our assault. Their howls of alarm echoed through the trees, mingling with the snarls and growls of combat.
I shifted mid-leap, landing on all fours as Cain took control. My vision sharpened, every movement around me crisp and clear. A wolf lunged at me, his teeth bared. I met him head-on, slamming him into the ground with bone-shattering force.
In the distance, I saw Luke and a group of warriors breaking through the defenses, heading straight for the packhouse. Good. That was where Kendrick would be hiding, like the coward he was.
I tore through another wolf, his blood staining my fur. Around me, the forest floor was littered with bodies, the air thick with the scent of death and the coppery tang of spilled blood.
My wolf howled, a sound that echoed with rage and triumph, as we pushed deeper into enemy territory.
The packhouse loomed before us, its grand structure a beacon of false security. I shifted back to human form, my chest heaving, claws still dripping with blood. I didn’t bother wiping it off as I kicked open the door, the wood splintering under the force.
Inside, Kendrick stood with his Beta, Silas, and his Luna, Priya. Their expressions ranged from shock to defiance, but I could smell the fear beneath it all.
“Xander,” Kendrick said, his voice steady but his eyes betraying his unease. “You’ve gone too far. This attack… ”
“Save your freaking breath,” I interrupted, my voice cold as ice. “Your Luna poisoned her. You thought you all could get away with it.”
His eyes widened fractionally, but he quickly masked it. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Alison’s condition… ”
“Don’t fucking say her name,” I snarled, taking a step forward. My claws extended, glinting in the dim light. “You don’t get to speak her name after what you’ve done.”
“Alpha Kendrick,” Priya interjected, stepping forward, “perhaps we can resolve this without more bloodshed.”
I laughed, a dark, humorless sound. “Bloodshed is the only language you evils understand. And tonight, I’m fluent.”
Silas moved as if to attack, but Luke stepped in, his blade flashing as he held it to the Beta’s throat. “Don’t,” Luke warned, his voice low and menacing.
Kendrick growled, his wolf threatening to surface. “You’re making a mistake, Xander. The council won’t stand for this.”
“The council can rot in hell,” I said, my eyes glowing with the fire of my wolf. “Their rules didn’t protect Alison. They didn’t stop you.”
Before he could respond, I lunged. My hand closed around his throat, slamming him against the wall. He struggled, claws raking against my arm, but I held firm.
“You’ll pay for what you did,” I hissed, my voice dripping with venom.
Priya cried out, rushing toward me, but Luke intercepted her, holding her back. Silas tried to break free, but a quick strike from another warrior sent him to his knees.
The room was chaos, but I thrived in it. My grip tightened on Kendrick’s throat as he gasped for air. “You think you can hunt down my Luna and walk away unscathed?” I growled. “Think again.”
I threw him to the ground, his body crumpling in a heap. He coughed, clutching his throat, but I was already moving.
“Bind them,” I commanded, my voice ringing with authority.
The warriors obeyed, quickly restraining Kendrick, Priya, and Silas. The Silver Moon Pack’s leaders, brought to their knees in their own home.
The air was heavy with victory as we dragged them from the packhouse. The moon cast an eerie glow on their defeated forms, highlighting every cut, bruise, and drop of blood.
“Xander,” Priya pleaded, her voice trembling. “Don’t do this. We didn’t harm Alison. This is a misunderstanding.”
“Save your lies,” I snapped, not bothering to look at her.
Kendrick glared at me, defiance sparking in his eyes despite his predicament. “You’ll regret this,” he spat. “The council… ”
“Let them come,” I interrupted, my voice cold and unyielding. “I’ll deal with them the same way I am going to deal with you.”
As we marched back to our territory, the weight of what I had done began to settle in. But I felt no regret, only a grim satisfaction.
When we reached our border, a messenger was waiting. His face was pale as he handed me a letter sealed with the mark of the council.
I tore it open, scanning the contents. My jaw tightened as I read the words:
Alpha Xander Kane, you stand accused of violating the peace treaty. A hearing has been scheduled to address your actions.
The letter crumpled in my hand, my anger simmering just below the surface.
Let them try to judge me. Let them try to stop me. I would face them head-on, just as I had faced Kendrick.
But for now, my focus was clear. Alison’s attackers would pay, and no council, no treaty, would stand in my way.
I turned to my warriors, a grim smile tugging at my lips. “Let them come,” I said softly, my voice carrying the promise of retribution.
And as the moon rose higher, its light bathing our victory, I felt the weight of destiny pressing down on me. This was only the beginning.