Chapter Seventy-three
Hunter’s POV
Seated alone in my office that morning, I tried to focus on the endless papers spread across my desk, yet all my mind seemed capable of doing was going back to last night with Faelen.
A faint smile tugged at my lips as I recalled every detail… the way her hair fell in waves across the pillow, her soft laughs, the warmth of her body against mine.
I’d left her early, quietly slipping out to keep up appearances and make it to the office without drawing attention. But the memory lingered, a welcome distraction from my usual routine.
The door creaked open, and I looked up to see Caleb stepping inside, his expression serious. My smile faded as I straightened, noting the urgency in his eyes.
“What’s going on, Caleb?” I asked, gesturing for him to come in.
He closed the door behind him and stepped forward. “I have news from the scouts and spies,” he began, his voice low and wary. “The Belladonna Pack… They’re regrouping for another attack.
“What?” I asked, raising a brow.
Caleb tried to steady his breathing. “This time, they’re not bothering to mask it behind alliances with other packs. Alpha Zodd is coming directly for us, and he’s furious.”
A sharp jolt of anger and dread surged through me. “So he’s declared open war, then? No more hiding behind others?”
“Exactly,” Caleb nodded. “And a big part of that fury? I think it’s aimed at Faelen. He feels betrayed that one of his own has turned against him.”
I clenched my fists, a protective instinct rising inside me. “Faelen did what she had to do,” I said firmly. “She made a choice, and it was the right one. He has no right to…”
Caleb raised a hand to cut me off gently. “I know, Hunter. And I agree. But that doesn’t change his perspective. If anything, it makes him more dangerous.”
I took a deep breath, the weight of the situation settling over me. Zodd was no stranger to ruthlessness I heard… I’d seen him before, but only when my father took me along to Alpha meetings.
I’ve heard so much things about him though… like his willingness to tear down anyone and anything in his way. And now, he had his sights set on us… on Faelen.
“Do you think we should bring her in on this?” Caleb asked, his eyes searching mine. “She’s already proven her loyalty by giving us valuable intel. She might be able to help again, especially if we’re facing an all out attack.”
I thought it over for a second, then nodded. “You’re right. Let’s bring her in.”
Caleb left to fetch her, and a few moments later, the door opened again, and there she was.
Faelen’s expression was anxious, her gaze shifting between me and Caleb as she entered the room.
“Hunter, is something wrong?” she asked, voice curious, and I could see the fear in her eyes. I shook my head, rising from my chair.
“No, you’re not in any trouble, Faelen,” I assured her. “But we do have a situation on our hands, and I believe you can help us.”
I motioned for her to take a seat, and she sat down, looking both relieved and curious.
“Zodd and the Belladonna pack are regrouping,” I began. “They’re coming for us directly, no pretense, no alliances now. And from what we’ve gathered, his anger is largely because of your… well, let’s call it your change of allegiance.”
A flash of recognition crossed her face, and she nodded slowly. “I expected he’d retaliate. But I didn’t think it’d be this fast. Zodd… he’s not usually one for rash actions. He likes to play it carefully, weakening his opponents through spies and other means.”
“Which is exactly why we’re worried,” Caleb added. “He’s rushing things because he’s angry… and specifically about you. If he thinks he’s lost control over one of his own, he’ll do whatever it takes to regain that sense of power.”
Faelen lowered her gaze, her lips tightening as she processed the information. “I know Zodd well enough to understand what he’s capable of when he’s furious. And if he’s as you say, he’ll be ruthless.”
“Of course,” I sighed in frustration.
Faelen took a deep breath, then looked up at me. “I’ll do whatever I can to help. I owe that to you… to all of you.”
Her words stirred something in me, and I couldn’t help but feel a rush of admiration for her.
Faelen had risked everything for us once, and now, despite the threat to her life, she was ready to do it again.
“We appreciate that, Faelen,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “Any insight you have… anything you know about Zodd’s likely strategy… could help us anticipate his next move.”
She nodded, her brow furrowing in thought. “He’ll go for weak spots. That’s his style. He’ll look for any opportunity to split your forces, to create diversions. And he’s known for targeting leaders directly, anyone who he sees as a threat.”
I shared a look with Caleb, who seemed to be weighing her words carefully. “We’ll need to reinforce our security around the estate and prepare for these usual tactics of his,” I said. “And Faelen really… thank you. For everything.”
She looked up at me, her gaze unwavering. “It’s an honor, Hunter. I don’t regret any of it.”
Her words lingered, reminding me of the risk she’d taken and the loyalty she’d chosen. As I watched her, I felt a surge of joy and confidence.
Whatever Zodd was planning, we’ll be ready… and this time, we wouldn’t just defend. We’d fight back, to protect what was ours.
Caleb quickly set up a council meeting, involving all the elders of the pack, as well as the high ranking officers. We gathered around the large table in the council hall.
Faelen sat among us beside me at the head of the table, a sense of quiet nervousness radiating from her.
Spending time around Alpha Zodd, she had an intuitive understanding of Belladonna’s tactics and Zodd’s methods.
Caleb made a brief introduction, informing everyone of the reason we were there. He then explained Faelen’s presence there.
I could already see the faces of the members, and I knew many of them were already asking questions.
Faelen rose up and nodded politely, then she appreciated the opportunity given to her to serve the pack one more time.
She then went into full details of what she knew about Belladonna. As she spoke, I could see she’d thought through every possible angle.
I leaned forward, listening closely as she outlined the important things.
“Alpha Zodd’s strength is his ability to divide his opponents’ forces,” she began, scanning the faces around the table. “He’ll most likely first send small groups of his fighters into vulnerable areas around the territory, creating chaos to draw attention and divide our defenses.”
Caleb nodded. “We’ve seen his forces operate that way before. If we’re not careful, we’ll be stretched too thin, trying to chase down multiple fronts.”
“Exactly,” Faelen said. “Which is why we need to reinforce certain points and identify tactics of our own.”
I watched as she sketched a rough map of the territory on the large parchment in front of her, marking several spots along our borders.
I couldn’t hide my admiration as I watched her, every word revealing how deeply she understood the Belladonna Pack’s tactics.
“What about the estate?” I asked. “If they reach us here, we’ll need a strong inner defense.”
Faelen looked at me directly, nodding. “I thought of that. We should prepare the estate as a last line of defense. Have a few hidden escape routes for critical personnel too. I know Zodd will send some of his strongest to breach the estate, but if we set the right traps, they’ll be slowed down or cornered.”
She traced her finger along another part of the map. “I also suggest a small team stationed at the secondary exit. That way, if they do make it inside, with surprise.”
A murmur of agreement spread around the table as the council members exchanged approving glances. Caleb’s smile told me he was impressed as well.
He leaned toward her and said, “You really know his tactics. This could give us a serious advantage.”
Faelen simply shrugged, though I could tell she was pleased by everyone’s reaction. “It’s just a matter of thinking like him,” she replied. “Zodd has certain patterns. He’s strategic, but he’s also predictable if you know what to look for.”
I made a mental note to ensure her comfort here while she continued to help us. Faelen’s role was now invaluable, and I didn’t want her doubting the trust we’d put in her.
I glanced at her, nodding my appreciation. “Faelen,” I said, “Your insight is giving us a real shot at stopping Zodd’s forces before they can cause any serious harm. You’ve done more than anyone could’ve expected.”
She met my gaze, her expression humble but determined. “I’ll do everything I can. This is my fight now too.”
With her strategies in place, we spent the next several hours refining the plan, adding more specific roles for each of our fighters and assigning them to the areas she had identified.
Every detail she provided, every insight into Zodd’s personality and approach, painted a clearer picture of the threat ahead.
I couldn’t deny the deep satisfaction I felt knowing Faelen was here with us, guiding our defense.