14

We thought the attack was merely a diversion from something far worse and more serious. Even though I've made sure that the knowledge never leaves this region, it's possible that word got around that the angel was in my pack.

I wanted to keep Marina's status as my mate a secret until I had eliminated the dangers, so only a select group of my most dependable pack members knew it. After all, Marina was my mate, and I knew that if she died, a part of me would also die.

I was unwilling to face the chance that losing her might send me insane. She was also the ideal leverage for my opponents, should they ever learn the truth.

One of the elders said, "You know we can't win this war without her.

I answered with a steely gaze, "We have been fighting these conflicts long before I found her, and so far, we have still managed to survive.

Were they implying that I lacked skill?

"It was foretold that she would bring an end to the war. We are not attempting to discredit you or your methods. The el