Hare Moon

Get to the Bunker

TW: The remaining chapters contain War and Violence. I know this is very common in the werewolf genre, but given the war in Ukraine right now I felt like I should place a Warning!

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Then four things all happen simultaneously. I feel this intense sense of fulfilment on a level so deep it surely cannot be contained within a single plane of existence, the gym door bursts open, Milton's phone rings...and is immediately drowned out by a piercing alarm ringing throughout the building.

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"Sir, the Ghostpines have invaded from the North and West, with smaller groups coming in from all sides." The guards that burst through the door waste no time.

Bile rises in my throat. Attack? Invaded?

"Alpha's position?" In an instant Milton is all business, showing no emotion. The switch is unnerving.

"North."

"How close?"

They all speak with a calm urgency. Efficient but controlled.

"Both of their Alphas have been spotted, one is heading their main army against the Alpha in the Northern sector, and the other is leading a secondary force inwards from the Western forest. There are also enemies stalking the central forest, killing lone pack members and causing panic."

Killing?

People are dying?

"Take her to the loch bunker and don't leave her side." Milton nods at Goliath, who entered with the two other soldiers.

This can't be happening.

"I'm taking soldiers to head off the forces in the West and give the primary school a chance to evacuate," Milton tells the other guard, who nods and ducks out with his radio. Milton turns to me and takes my shoulders. "Go with Goliath. Listen to him. Stay in the bunker. And for Goddess sake, don't do anything foolish. If you think I will yell at you for it later, just don't do it."

"Milly—"

"I'll see you soon."

My heart screams that might not be true. He needs to come with me to safety, not run into the jaws of his enemies. I force a nod, fighting the sting in my eyes. Milton speeds across the room with one of the men, asking questions and giving orders. He disappears out the door and I feel empty. One second my heart is wild, anticipating his lips on mine, the next it's beating in fear, alone, with everyone I know in danger.

I slowly turn to see Goliath gathering my things. I should help, but I just...stare.

Quick steps approach from behind. Strong arms spin me and his beard scratches against my face, then Milton's lips are pressed firmly to my own. There's no movement, just a desperate pressure. I'm overcome with joy and indescribable feelings so acute that it's actually unpleasant, like a really bad panic attack, and I fear that I may have thrown up a little in his mouth.

"I love you," he breathes, "I'm sorry it's taken me so long to admit it. I love you."

He loves me?

He loves me!

I gaze into his eyes, letting his words replay again and again with a dopey grin. This time when he speeds out of sight I don't feel so empty.

Goliath wraps the hoodie Milton had been wearing around my shoulders. I take a big sniff at the fabric and feel his essence sinking into my pores, making the world a little less daunting.