Chapter 58Antonio's povThe wind was a playful whisper amongst the towering pines as it carried the scent of damp earth and pine needles. It was a smell I knew intimately, a smell that had become synonymous with my mine.I was already seated at the entrance of storm pack when I heard whispers and hushed murmurs in the wind. Tales of a hidden path, a ritual, a chance for a rogue to return to the fold. It was a dangerous path, fraught with trials, tests designed to weed out the unworthy. But I was determined, fuelled by a burning desire to reclaim my rightful place. That throne, the one on my mind must be taken.I stood at the edge of the clearing, the sunlight filtering through the dense canopy, casting mottled shadows on the forest floor. Before me, a winding path snaked its way into the heart of the woods, disappearing into a thick veil of emerald green. It was a path unseen by ordinary eyes, revealed only by the whispers of the ancient trees themselves. I took a deep breath, the sc
Chapter 59Antonio's povThe air around us crackled with tension in the dimly lit tavern. A dozen figures huddled around a table, our faces dimmed by shadows cast by flashing candlelight. I leaned forward, my voice a low growl."We’ve been watching them for some time," I rasped, my words punctuated by the clinking of mugs. "Their patrols are not predictable neither are their defenses weak. The pack alpha, that pompous fool, looks really focused on his newest prize. I just hope we get a good chance."My men around the table stirred, a low murmur rippling through their ranks.My warriors were outcasts, rejected and cast from their packs for various offenses only to become a rogue pack with a reputation for audacity and ruthlessness. Their leader was none other than me. I was the highest in having a cunning mind and a thirst for vengeance against the Pack that had exiled me."But how do we get past the perimeter?" someone asked, his voice hesitant. "Their sentries are vigilant." another
Chapter 60Antonio's povI couldn't be more upset and insulted. This was one of the worst I have ever had to deal with in my whole existence.The air crackled with tension, the scent of war heavy in the air. The moon hung low in the sky, casting long, distorted shadows across the battlefield. I stood defiant, my silhouette against the moon's pale light. I was angry and burning with a fire hoping it would crush my enemies behind me. I had chosen this path, this desperate fight against the storm pack. It's either they gave in this time or I would ensure a lot would go down. I thought, not caring about the guards that disappeared as I prepared to mind link more to come.I sent a message and soon, hundreds of rogue cane to fight with me. I couldn't feel any more supported. I loved the rogue world and just how loyal they get to be to the strongest in the forest. Seeing as I couldn’t have access to the pack, I had chosen to fight, to take what I believed was rightfully mine. I then mindli
Chapter 61Antonio's povIt was still the middle of the night after I managed to escape Alpha Cross' wrath.I was still feeling so insulted and I thought it would be great to channel my anger in the source I thought would be cool.With my teeth bared and a snarl contorting my face, I walked towards the can't where I kept Leila and slammed my fist against the oak door of the prison, the wood groaning under the force I gave it. The stench of damp stone and fear clung to the air, a constant reminder of his failure to conquer Storm Pack. The pack, the very pack I had attempted to conquer, had held me back, their claws and teeth stronger than I had ever anticipated.My gaze fell upon the iron bars of the cell, the only barrier separating me from the one hoe responsible for my humiliation. Leila with her vibrant red hair tangled, lay curled on a straw pallet, her face pale, her forest green eyes closed.Leila, the girl I intended to use as a pawn in my swift games, the girl who, even in her
Chapter 62Antonio's pov"Don't go anywhere!! Come back here. You horrible man! At least he trained your daughter. He showed her love. Her mother who you fucked for years is also horrible. She cheated on both you and my father with women! Women like her. So you see no one put her in that situation. You aren't saying anything. Of course, you know I am telling the truth." she said as she banged the cage very weakly hoping she would get my attention."We have scores to settle. Where are you going you monster? You are evil! Stop let's speak. Tell me why you want my father dead. All your plans will fail. It won't work. Stop hurting people who have done absolutely nothing wrong to you. You fucked with his wife now you want his life. Don't touch him. Let him be so the next enemy would spare your daughter!!!" she screamed with all her might and when I turned to look at her, I couldn't help but laugh seeing her in so much pain. She had this face that spelled terror. I bet She couldn't believe
Chapter 63Xander's povStanding in my office window and just staring into space had been one of my favorite things lately. Ever since she went missing things had never been the same. I had arrested a lot of people hoping to get one or more information but no matter how much I tortured, these folks were not willing to say a thing. This made me wonder what was so special about the person they were visibly trying to protect.Then I heard a knock on my door."come in," I said and then my delta walked in with his head low."Speak," I said. I was out of patience."the high priestess is here. I think she wants to see you," he said to me and my eyes brightened a bit.The high priestess? I thought.What could she possibly be doing in my palace today? I hope all was alright. I thought because the priestess I knew didn't walk without a mission or a message from the moon goddess."I will see her at the chamber," I said to my delta and dismissed him. Then I walked to my table and put down some
Chapter 64Xander's povI stood in my chamber, simmering with the unspoken worry that gnawed at my heart. The fire crackled merrily, but its warmth couldn’t penetrate the chilling emptiness that had taken root in my chest since Leila had vanished. It had been moons, excruciatingly long moons since she’d slipped away, leaving behind only a trail of confusion and the memories of her eyes that still haunted my dreams.I paced, the soft thud of my boots against the stone floor the only sound breaking the suffocating silence. My eyes, usually blazing with an untamed fire, were now dull and hollow, reflecting the pain that threatened to consume me. I had a lot going on in my mind at that moment."alpha Xander," a deep voice boomed from the shadows, breaking the silence. It belonged to Romero, my delta, who was more like my brother in all but blood. I turned my gaze meeting Romero's worried one."Romero," I sighed, a wave of exhaustion washing over me. "Have you heard anything?" I asked my
Chapter 65Xander's povI summoned all my most trusted warriors to my grand field close to my chamber. With a heavy heart and a stern gaze, I had to address them, my voice resonating with both sorrow and determination."My warriors of the black pool pack," I began, my words carrying the weight of my concern, "as you all know, a grave misfortune has befallen our pack. Our beloved Leila had disappeared on the night of the triumph procession and since then, there has been no travel of her. So we must act swiftly to find her."A collective gasp of horror rippled through the assembled warriors. They had known about this for a while and even though they didn't cherish her when she was here, I didn't care.Her eyes kept showing in my trance wherever I stood just like right now. All I can see is her forest-green eyes. Mysterious but innocent. The thought of her being in danger-filled me with a mix of fear and clinch."I have gathered you here today to prepare for a search that will leave no s