Chapter 40: Chapter 40

Ariven and I left the meeting room shortly after forming a plan to flush out Lupus and his Soulless and destroy as much of them as we can. For Rogues not yet turned Soulless, We will take them into holding cells and evaluate their mental, physical and emotional state and help them find new packs to join or accept them into Hidden Claws, Blood Moon or Silver Crystal Cresent. Amberle even called a few Allies in Harvest Willow and Glacier to see if they could use new members once this operation is over. They both thankfully said yes and to inform them when these wolves are ready.

“Why not take a nap. I will wake you a few hours before the operation so you can get ready.” My mate suggests, leading me up the stairs of the guest house to our room. I intend to dissuade this idea but a yawn cuts me off making Ariven chuckle as he climbs into bed and opens his arms wide – his way of saying come join him and cuddle. Deciding he is right and that I need sleep, I climb in beside him and cuddle close to his side. His fingers comb through my hair gently, the soothing motion and the sound of his steady heart beat lulling me into sleep quickly.

…

I sigh staring at my reflection in the mirror. Tonight we could lose some good wolves all because Prince Coro wants to take the throne back by force. My hair is pinned into a bun, keeping it out of my face and harder to grab when the fighting begins. This fight will be pointless if I am caught.

“Gem you ready?” Amberle walks into my room wearing a similar sleek black outfit as me, her fiery hair hidden under a black toque and her bright eyes filled with excitement and blood lust. She too is itching for this fight.

“Everyone ready?” I question, turning to join my friend as she leans against the wall.

“Yes, although Ariven is having a hard time convincing Malichi to stay back.” I sigh at her answer, motioning the she-wolf to follow me as we make our way down the stairs of the guest house. As we grow closer to the first floor, a commotion can be heard loud and clear and a head ache begins to form.

“For the last time, I want to come along too!” Malichi’s voice is loud and clear, his anger radiating towards me in violent waves causing me to stumble back. I have never felt such hatred and anger from anyone and it takes a moment to catch my breath before walking into view where Ariven and Dominic try to calm the juvenile down.

“Malichi I can’t allow you to come with us.” I state as soon as I come into his line of vision.

“Why not Alpha?! I deserve some revenge as well!” He shouts causing the others in the room to release a warning growl. I let out a growl of my own, directed at the adults in the room and silencing them before smiling calmly at the Oracle before me.

“Malichi you are an Oracle and an asset to Lu – Prince Coro. If he gets his hands on you during the fight we will not be able to rescue you.” I explain calmly, pulling the teen into my arms and giving him a small hug.

“You’ve been through so much because of him. Stay here with the others and rest. You need it hun and we can’t risk him getting his claws on you.” His shoulders slump in defeat, his head nodding in compliance finally as he pulls away from the hug.

“I’ll listen to you Alpha, but I don’t like this. I have spent six years tortured by that vile man in order to tell him his future.” Malichi states running a hand through his hair. I sigh and pat his shoulder, reassuring him that Coro will receive his just Karma. Lena volunteered to stay behind with some warriors in order to protect Hidden Claws should this mission take a turn for the worse and as she is about to lead the teenage Oracle away and to their pack house, Malichi grabs my hand his silver eyes pure wite and golden hair glowing.

[Be careful Alpha. This battle will be one step in the war but it will not end Corus. You need to come back alive for you and the pup inside you.] He links me, his mouth set into a grim line. Shocked, I intend to ask what the juvenile means but he crumbles and I reach out just in time to stop the kid from hitting the ground face first. When I look to make sure he is okay I realize Malichi is in a deep sleep.

“What happened to him!” Mika shouts out as the rest of the group looks on in confusion.

“A vision, and an important one at that.” Amberle answers before ordering Greg to help Lena with carrying Malichi to Hidden Claws’ pack house. I stand still as everyone files out of the guest house wrapping my mind around the revelation that I am pregnant. That that basted kept me locked away without any proper food and beat me when I defied him for seven days. My rage surges and the last for blood becomes strong; I will kill Coro by any means possible for harming my baby and I.

“Geminie Darling?” A gentle hand is placed on my shoulder, the scent of my mate wrapping around me calming the typhoon like rage into a simmer.

“I’m pregnant.” Shock fills Ariven’s face, his eyes going between my face and flat stomach in confusion.

“How do you know?”

“Malichi. He gave me a warning from the vision.”

“How far along?”

“I’d say two to three weeks considering my heat was the perfect time to conceive.” Running my hand across my face I let out a shaky sigh. For a few moments we stand there in silence accepting the fact we will be parents soon enough then strong arms pull me towards the warmth of my mate where he places a chaste kiss on my lips.

“I know you. I know you won’t run from this fight. But promise me you will be careful. I can’t lose you and our pup.” I see the worry, the love and the fear of losing us in this battle as Ariven states his words. Happy to know he will let me fight beside my friends and pack I place another kiss, this won longer than the first and pour my love into it.

“I promise to keep our pup and I safe.” I whisper, leaning into his embrace and taking a deep breath of his scent. No matter what happens, the pup and I will make it out alive. We allow ourselves another minute of holding onto each other before I pull away and we join the group outside. Amberle and Lace give me questioning gazes and I just tell them I will explain latter. Right now I need to focus on the mission and either end Coro here and now or cripple his power to some degree.

“Everyone, before leave let me remind you all of a few things.” I state, turning to face the crowd of fifty wolves all dressed for battle.

“Number one, all soulless are to be killed. Unfortunately their instincts have taken control and they are too far gone. Give them a merciful and instant death.” Pausing, I allow the wolves from Hidden Claws, Blood Moon and Silver Crystal Crescent to digest this information.

“Number two, for those in team A any and all rogue that surrender instantly are to be led out and handed to Team B where team B will put restraints on them. Witch Cassandra will be here tomorrow to dream walk these surrendered wolves and decide whether they mean harm to the packs or are truly willing to find a pack to join.” I look the Lace, Mika, Amberle and Dominic who all nodd in agreement before addressing the wolves one last time

"Finally, do not engage a fight with Lupus who is the First Prince Coro. He has Royal Blood and any command he gives when using his Royal Command will force you to do it. This may include killing your very own pack mates. Run if you see him.” With a resounding Yes Alpha, I join the other leaders as we stealthily make our ways through the forest. With Amberle and the Trackers taking the lead in the trees and giving us warning of possible Rogues and Soulless on our path, we make it to the entrance of Coro’s base. It was time for the operation to begin.