Chapter 50: Chapter 50

Mink’s P.O.V

Abhay and I started to walk back to the pack, the body of the stranger left behind in the snow. I would send one of my men to get him back to the packhouse, and once he was identified, his body would be disposed off in the Jharna.

"But Mink, you didn't steal anyone," he said firmly, as he held my hand firmly to help me navigate the tough terrains. "Those people who joined our pack did so of their own free will. Their alphas were abusive, manipulative. They sought refuge with us because they saw a better life, a chance to escape the tyranny they faced."

"I know, Abhay," I nodded, agreeing to his convictions. "But the Alphas would never believe such a claim. In their minds, they are just and fair. Everything they do is because they believe it's best for their pack. They've been enforcing their rule for ages, and instead of introspecting, they would rather blame others, label them as thieves, and try to sabotage them."

Abhay nodded, understanding evident in his eyes. "You're right, Mink. It's a vicious cycle. They're so entrenched in their own beliefs, in their own version of reality, that they refuse to acknowledge any wrongdoing. To them, anyone who opposes them is automatically deemed a threat, a villain in their narrative."

He paused, as if considering his next words carefully. "But we can't let their narrow-mindedness dictate our actions. However…I do need to ask you something.”

“Sure, what is it?”

"Mink, I’m not very up-to-date with werewolf politics, but…" he began, his voice steady but filled with concern, "is there no peaceful way to settle this? Can't we find a way to avoid bloodshed?"

I sighed as I held his gaze. "Abhay, once a challenge has been issued, there's no turning back. It's a matter of honor and pride for the Alpha. Refusing a challenge would be seen as weakness, and that's something they cannot afford to show."

"But surely," he pressed on, "there must be some way to negotiate, to find a compromise."

I shook my head solemnly. "Not in this case. Especially when the Alpha learns that I'm a female. He'll see it as an opportunity to prove his dominance, to show that he's superior by defeating me. He'll come after me even harder, thinking I'm an easy target to take down."

I could see the way Abhay’s eyes clouded over, almost in defeat. "So what do we do?" he asked, feeling a sense of helplessness creeping in.

"We prepare.” I told him firmly, determination coloring my words. “We train harder than ever before. We make sure that every member of our pack is ready to defend themselves when the time comes. We can't afford to be caught off guard."

He nodded in understanding. "You're right. We need to be ready for whatever comes our way. We can't let fear dictate our actions."

My heart softened as I looked at him. "Thank you, Abhay. I know this isn't easy, the time ahead will be tough and I’m going to be dragging you into something you never expected to be a part of."

“No, don’t say that. Some things are just unavoidable and we can’t do anything to stop them.” He told me with a renewed sense of determination "Let's get started then. We have a lot of work to do."

However, there was another pressing concern that we needed to address and it was better if we did that before we reached the pack.

"Abhay," I murmured softly, catching his attention. He turns to me, his amber eyes softening as they meet mine.

"Yes, Mink?" he replies, concerned about lacing his voice.

I take a deep breath, gathering my thoughts before speaking. "I was thinking... by the time the attack happens, I hope I've already given birth to our child. I want to be there in the fields, to fight alongside our packmates."

Abhay's expression softens even further, a mixture of love and concern evident in his eyes.

"Mink, you're about five months pregnant already," he reminds me gently. "You need to take care of yourself and the child. Fighting in your condition would be too risky."

I sigh, knowing he's right but still feeling frustrated by my limitations. "I know, but I can't shake this feeling that I need to be there," I admit, my voice tinged with uncertainty.

Abhay reaches out to gently caress my cheek, his touch comforting. "I understand, Mink. Your bravery is commendable, but your priority right now is your health and the health of our child. We'll make sure you're safe during the attack, I promise."

I lean into his touch, feeling reassured by his words. "Thank you, Abhay," I whisper, gratitude flooding through me.

He smiles warmly, pressing a tender kiss to my forehead. "I love you, Mink. We'll get through this together, I promise."

*

An hour later, as we trudged back to the packhouse, the weight of the day's events hung heavy on our shoulders. The moon cast a pale glow over the landscape, illuminating the path ahead but doing little to ease the tension in the air. Abhay, and I walked in silence, each lost in our own thoughts, replaying the events of the evening in our minds.

As we approached the packhouse, my voice broke the silence. "Gaurav, make sure the body is taken care of as soon as we get back. We can't afford to leave any traces behind."

The guard at the door nodded solemnly, his expression grim. "Of course, Alpha. I'll take care of it."

But as we reached the packhouse and the guard went to give the order to one of the patrol guards, a sense of unease washed over me. The guard, Gaurav’s frantic demeanor was immediately apparent as he approached us once again, much sooner than I had expected to see him, his breath coming in ragged gasps.

My brow furrowed in concern. "What's wrong?" I asked, my voice sharp with urgency. "Did you do what I asked?"

The guard's eyes darted nervously between us before he finally spoke, his words tumbling out in a rush.

"Alpha, I... I couldn't do it. I couldn't burn the body."

My heart sank as his words registered. "Why not?" I demanded, my voice tinged with frustration and disbelief.

The guard swallowed hard, his hands trembling at his sides. "Because... because the person lying dead out there...near the Jharna… its Sahil Akhtar, Arsalan's Beta."

Fear gripped me and I knew what this meant not only for me but for the whole pack and at that moment, I didn't know if I had the strength to face what was coming.