"So, it''s already decided? You made this decision without me here?" Darren was frustrated but he managed to control his temper. I looked over at the three men in front of us. "You had no right to make that call without consulting me first," Darren growled, his fists clenched at his sides. I watched Darren''s shoulders tense, the muscles in his back coiling like a spring about to snap. My heart ached, seeing him struggle against the curse that amplified his temper.


    I felt his darkness pooling inside of me, and I sent my calming energy back to him. I watched as his green eyes nced at me gratefully before he returned his focus back to the man in front of us.


    "We have extensive military training. Trust me, this is the best move. I made a tactical decision based on the intelligence we had." A man with blond hair and brown eyes looked over at Ivan, his brother. "You agree with this strategy, don''t you?"


    "Anton, it isn''t that I don''t agree with it, but I do think you should have discussed it with Darren first." Ivan came to


    Darren''s defense and I listened as Anton snorted.


    "What is important is that we''re prepared and ready. We have to act quickly. Isn''t that right?" Anton nced over at Finn, who had been standing there quietly. "I think, because I''m the most experienced military strategist in this room, my judgment should carry some weight. Or would you prefer we lose this war?" Chapter 67


    it sound like we don''t have a choice but to go along with you." I spoke up calmly and clearly. His brown eyes snapped to me. "I agree with your strategy. It looks solid. But the proper way to do this would have been to have everything prepared and waiting for everyone to agree. Trust is fragile. This alliance is new. It is best to start things off strong. However," I ced my hand on Darren. "Since this is a new thing for all of us, we are bound to make mistakes in the beginning. I think you meant well. I see no reason why we can''t mobilize our troops to this strategy." Darren looked down at me and gave me an appreciative smile.


    "Our alliance is too important to jeopardize with rash decisions or poormunication. I apologize for overstepping." Anton then smiled as he stared at


    me.


    "Thank you, Anton. Your strategic mind is invaluable to us all. We just need to ensure we''re moving forward as a united front." Darren''s hand found the small of my back, his touch sending a shiver up my spine. I nced up to see his eyes beaming down at me with pride.


    "Every moment counts. We can''t afford to give them time to fortify their defenses." Finn finally spoke up.


    I watched as Darren nodded, his jaw set with determination. "Agreed. I''ll lead the first wave with you, Anton. We''ll need strong fighters and leaders in the front to keep the momentum going. They''ll be watching us to know how to continue."


    "That is exactly where I have you," Anton said, bringing a paper to the front. "Finn will also be leading, along with Toga, the tiger prince." Anton nodded toward the dark-skinned man next to him. "And his sister, Asta." I perked up, hearing her name, and I looked over at Toga. His silver eyes seemed indifferent but were Chapter 67


    1. me.


    "Where will she be?" Toga asked.


    "Allissa will be leading the second wave with Ivan." Anton nced up at his brother with a slight nod. "It''s your job to do a clean sweep. Kill any stragglers and rescue any victims."


    "I''ll lead the second wave, but by Allissa''s side. She''s carrying the future heir, and while she is strong, it is war ...


    battles are unpredictable." Ivan''s voice was firm and steady. There was no room for objection.


    "Your silver lycan abilities will be crucial. The first wave will breach their defenses, and you''ll sweep in to neutralize any remaining threats. Your heightened senses will be invaluable in detecting hidden enemies."


    "My silver lycan abilities?" I watched as he looked at me in confusion.


    "Your silver isn''t just a color. It is gifted with power by the Moon Goddess herself. Magic she gave the royal lycans." Toga frowned. "You don''t know anything about yourself, do you?"


    "Do you?" I asked, watching him purse his lips. "Do you and


    "Asta-"


    "We don''t know what happened to your father, but we do know some things about your family. We used to know your father when we were children. His watch was found in our territory. It was sitting in a pool of blood. I don''t know how it got there, but we held onto it for all these years. I''m sorry I don''t know more about that. However, I can tell you that your magic will be


    when you need it most."


    I felt disappointed. I guess I was hoping they knew something. Instead, they just happened to find my father''s watch. They didn''t know anything more than I did. Except that, somehow, my father''s watch was in their territory. I guess that was something. Hearing I had magic didn''t really sink in mentally. Not that I knew how to use it anyway.


    "Alright, let''s get into position. We need to start the attack at once."


    "We''ll hit them hard and fast. Create chaos, draw out their leaders," Darren growled. I felt my chest tighten as I returned my focus to what was happening. My fierce, protective man would be leaving my side to attack first. I couldn''t help but think about him charging into danger with his curse fueling his temper. What if he was blinded by red and made a lethal mistake? He entwined his fingers with mine, his touch grounding me. Our eyes met and he nodded his head with a


    small smile.


    I''ll be safe.


    Don''t let the curse cloud your judgment, I linked to him as everyone trickled away. He wrapped his arms around me.


    "My mate and unborn child are here. I have every reason to stay in sound mind," he whispered, leaning his head down to mine. Our eyes connected and I wished that, if I really did have magic, it would protect him.


    I kissed his lips softly. "For strength," I whispered, my breath mingling with his. Chapter 67


    voice sending shivers down my spine. He lifted up and looked behind me. That


    was when I realized that Ivan was still standing here. "Ivan-"


    "Allissa is safe. Just concentrate on what needs done."


    I watched as Darren nodded his head. He cupped my cheek with his hand, letting


    his fingers trail over my skin as he stepped


    away.


    I watched him walking toward the front as soldiers rushed past, their armor nking and creaking.


    "Stay close to me." Ivan moved right behind me, the heat of his front against my back.


    "Don''t forget, I can hold my own."


    I listened as he chuckled, a low rumble against my back. "Oh I know. Just don''t go ying hero, alright?"


    A loud horn sted as the first units assembled. My breath caught in my throat as


    I spotted Darren in the front. "Gods, let hime back to me." I felt Ivan squeeze my shoulder.


    "He will. That stubborn bastard''s too in love with you. No way -he will die and allow another man to im you."


    I watched as the army in front of me shifted into their beasts, and those who didn''t shift brought up the rear. With a feral roar, they charged forward. The thundering


    of hooves and paws filled the air as the first wave surged forward, a tide of fur and steel rushing toward the captured vige.


    steeled myself, moving toward the front with Ivan. The sounds of the battle soon


    filled the air, and I was anxious to join them. Darren ... please be okay.


    Write yourment