She searched my face, conflict warring in her eyes.


    Rae had never been one to sit idly by when others were in need. I knew that I was asking a lot of her, but she was the only one who could do this right now.


    If I went into the panic room with the boys, it would only cause Felicity to target it outright. She was determined to get to me, no matter what.


    Keeping distance from the boys was the best way I could protect them right now, no matter how much it hurt me.


    "Rae," I said again, quieter now. "They need you alive. I need you alive."


    August whimpered, sensing the tension. Rae pulled him closer, exhaling slowly.


    "...All right," she said finally. Reluctantly. "But if this door opens again-


    "It won''t," I said. "Not unless I open it."


    The sound ofn''s cries from within was too much. Without thinking, I rushed into the room and scooped him into my arms. He calmed almost instantly, looking up at me with wide, stormy eyes still wet with tears.


    "It''s alright, baby. Mama is here, you''re safe. I will always keep you safe."


    He pressed his soft little hand to my face and leaned his forehead against me. I kissed him gently and stroked his hair, just for a moment.


    Rae walked to us, the look of concern still apparent.


    I bent my head to ce a gentle kiss to August''s chubby cheek.


    "That goes for you, too, brave boy. Mama won''t let anything happen to you.''


    The sound of chaos from outside shattered the moment. I reluctantly handedn to Rae


    She nodded once, sharp and decisive. "I''ve got them."


    I had to tear myself away from them, my heart aching with each step. The door sealed behind me with a heavy, final sound that echoed in my bones.


    I turned away-and froze.


    The front doors of the packhouse mmed open with a force that sent a shockwave through the entry hall.


    Stone cracked.


    Wind and rain tore inside, carrying with them the stench of wet fur and blood. Rogues flooded the threshold.


    They came fast and hard, howling as they surged into the packhouse, some already mid-shift, others in wolf form with eyes wild and mouths slick with foam. The smaller defensive force stationed inside met them instantly, steel shing as they formed a barrier between the invaders and the inner corridors.


    The sh was brutal. Close. Deafening.


    I could see it all too clearly from the top of the staircase. I couldn''t look away.


    +25 Bonus


    I backed away instinctively, heart pounding as the goddess''s power red again in response to the breach. The wards along the walls lit up, fighting to contain the damage, but I could feel how thin they were here- never meant to withstand a direct assault like this.


    Then she stepped through the doors.


    Felicity didn''t rush.


    She walked.


    Like she still believed that she owned this ce.


    Rain streamed down her hair and shoulders, her human form restored for the moment, expression calm to the point of serenity as chaos erupted around her. Rogues parted instinctively to let her pass, warriors recoiling from the cold pressure of her presence.


    Her eyes found me instantly.


    A smile curved her lips-slow, triumphant.


    "There you are," she said, her voice carrying effortlessly over the din. "Did you really think I wouldn''te for you myself?"


    The goddess surged hot and furious in my chest, power spiking so hard it made my vision swim.


    "You must have known," Felicity continued, tilting her head as if studying something fragile. “I would alwayse home in the end."


    I swallowed, forcing my feet to stay nted even as every instinct screamed at me to retreat.


    "You won''t touch my children," I said, my voice steady despite the terror racing through me.


    Sheughed softly. "Children are leverage, not targets. Haven''t you learned anything yet?"


    Her gaze flicked past me, toward the corridor that led deeper into the packhouse. Ice flooded my veins.


    I reached out with the goddess''s power again, mming anotheryer of wards into ce behind me, cutting off the inner passage with a re of light that made Felicity hiss softly.


    Her smile sharpened.


    "Oh," she said. "Good. You''re learning."


    She took a step forward.


    I raised my hands, power coiling around me, heart hammering as the truth settled in


    fully.


    I couldn''t chase the storm.


    I couldn''t fight like the others.


    But I could stand.


    And I would.


    Right here.


    Cede is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a ir for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cede''s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.