35 - Finn


    Words fail to capture the overwhelmingfort I feel holding Greta close in my arms. Yet, there''s no time to dwell on that warmth now; this battle is far from over. Sliding my fingers gently through her hair, I press a soft kiss to her lips onest time before easing her off myp and rising to my feet. She catches on quickly, grasping my hand tightly, and together we sprint into the dense forest, the sounds of snarling wolves and snapping jaws echoing behind us.


    "They knew we wereing," Greta murmurs, a rare trace of worry threading


    through her voice-something I''m not ustomed to hearing.


    "I''m aware," I reply, frustration thick in my tone. "I think your warriors got outmaneuvered." Ryker''s team is notoriously skilled, so it''s baffling how this could have happened.


    "Could they be using any of your old hideouts or secret routes to infiltrate the pack?" she asks, eyes scanning the shadows.


    "I doubt it," I say thoughtfully. "Amy''s father was extremely secretive about our movements. There was a heavy reliance on magic to mask our travel. No one really knew where or how we moved until we reached the destination he chose."


    "He really pushed the magic, didn''t he?" Gretaments, shaking her head.


    "Yeah, he had plenty of weaknesses, but his powers made up for them. That''s how he kept control over us most of the time. We were always numb, thanks to whatever he slipped into our food. The worst part? We knew what he was doing—and we let it happen.” Bitterness seeps into my voice despite my efforts to suppress it.


    He used to give us these long, hollow speeches about safety and focus, about how it was necessary to keep us from distractions while we fulfilled our destiny against Ryker''s pack. It was all lies-nothing but a load of bullsh*t.


    We reach a small clearing where at least ten wolves are locked in fiercebat. Now that I bear Greta''s mark, I can easily distinguish between the rogues and those loyal to the pack by scent alone. It''s a crucial advantage to know who stands with me and who stands against me. Turning to my mate, I ask, “Ready to finish this?"


    She giggles softly, a spark of determination lighting her eyes. "Absolutely. Let''s see who''s the better fighter now."


    With that, we both shift, our forms blurring, and dive into the fray, taking down as many enemies as we can.


    After dispatching two more wolves, Ie face to face with a massive beast-no doubt Janelle''s mate. His muscles bulge beneath thick fur, and his wild, bloodshot eyes betray a mind clouded by something stronger than rage. He sizes me up with a grunt before charging headlong into battle.


    Like the others I''ve fought today, he''s all raw aggression and reckless moves. Even Sammy and I fought with more precision when we faced the pack. Something''s off— they don''t know what they''re doing, and it''s going to be their downfall.


    He uses his bulk to his advantage, tackling me to the ground and pressing a heavy paw against my chest. But I''m smaller and more agile, slipping free from his grasp. Rolling beneath him, I sh at his underbelly, but his thick, matted fur shields his skin from my ws.


    We circle each other endlessly, exchanging bites and scratches. The fight drags on, and I start to grow bored with his predictable tactics. He lunges forward, misses, then pulls back, only to try again momentster. When I can''t stand it any longer, I time his next attack perfectly and meet him head-on, snapping my powerful jaws at his muzzle.


    Suddenly, a smaller gray wolf charges in to assist him, but he shoves her away with a hind leg. I''m not sure if it''s to protect her or because he wants to fight me alone. It must be Janelle, trying to shield her mate from further harm. I can smell the blood on him, but his injuries remain hidden, giving me no advantage.


    He lunges once more, mouth wide open, fangs gleaming as he aims for my throat.


    I rear up and sh a w across his muzzle, eliciting a sharp whimper from the


    gray wolf and a pained howl from him. Following through, I aim to pin his neck down when suddenly, a desperate voice breaks through the chaos.


    "No, Finn, don''t hurt him!" Janelle''s sobs cut through the air.


    My mind races with thoughts I dare not voice aloud: *You should''ve thought this through beforeunching another attack on this pack. They''ve never wronged you. They never harmed us. I don''t even understand why you came here. ude was a fool for bringing you all, and you''re fools for staying and trying this again.*


    I mp my jaws tighter around his neck, knowing he''s a threat in this state.


    "No! You can''t take him from me! He''s the only good thing in this entire mess!" Janelle cries, her voice breaking with anguish.


    The forest seems to hold its breath as the fight reaches a painful, fragile pause.