My Blood Moon

Chapter 36

By the time whatever is making its way toward us, the sounds of their feet are deafening. Derreck and I have slowly, steadily made our way to the forest's edge. A steely sense of dread hangs over the silence of the woods. If I'd been paying attention, I would've noticed the sounds of the forest had stifled themselves long ago...what was coming for us?

Mel's words before we'd left the house earlier come back to me as I glance to our family.

Yes, even the hunters.
We
I glance around the empty kitchen - well empty of people, that is. Almost every surface is cluttered with the contents of the cabinets, the fridge. Nearly every drawer, every door has been left open as - what I can only assume would've been the hurricane of boys that certainly ravaged the place. My first instinct is to apologize for the mess, but the moment I look into Mel's eyes, I find I can't even open my mouth.

The barely restrained tears nearly rip me in two.

"Bekah, I don't think I have to tell you that I love you as my own. We've all known for some time now that this family began to grow the moment you were brought into this  house." She's close to tears, a terrifying notion on its own...but I refrain from interrupting her. "It wasn't what any of us were ready for, but I wouldn't change a single moment. You're all my children and, if I could, I'd be right there next to you all."

I can't hold back my own silent sobs as she pulls me into her warm embrace before I choke out my reply. "We'd all agree, Mom."

Neither of us are willing to let go of the other for a moment. However, Mel clears her throat uncomfortably before pulling away enough to stare me in the eyes. The vise-like grip on my arms more of a fortress than a prison as she comes to some decision. "Now, go out there and prepare what you need to kick that Alpha's ass! Take no prisoner, my dear."

I'm more shocked that she's just told me to kick someone's ass than impressed with her resolve.

But I nod my consent as a slow smirk stretches the corner of my mouth. "They won't know what hit them."

It's a promise I intend to keep.

One that may come sooner than expected, it seems. The odd scent I'd caught quickly mingles with something familiar as Paul comes to stand behind me. His presence hadn't always been the most comforting, however he'd likely become our secret weapon.

"They're still several miles off." Paul's voice breaks the silence as everyone gathers closely, sensing the looming threat.

River speaks up next. "We're upwind, so it's unlikely they've caught a scent."

"However, they probably thought it would be a sneak attack." Dyscen snorts, likely in amusement, at the thought. "Too bad they couldn't mask their own scent ahead of time."

"They probably don't care." Jase chimes in quickly. "They wouldn't expect our new alliance - it's not exactly precedented."

Derreck grunts in agreement as he takes my hand into his own, lightly squeezing to let me know he's ready if I am to take them on tonight. Judging from the increasing moisture, it's likely to be morning soon anyways. After glancing at everyone around us, my eyes find his and take strength from the forrest within.

I turn to the others. "If anyone doesn't quite feel ready to face them, you may leave. However, I won't let them torment our city any longer."

"Who's with us?" Derreck finishes for me.

As far as inspirational speeches, it left much to be desired...but I get the feeling that's just symbolic of us as a pair. Neither of us felt the need to say too much - we'd leave that for Rhys. However, it doesn't seem as if our lack of communication has deterred anyone as, one by one, each person gathered stands their ground. A mixture of old a new faces stare back at me as Anna makes her way to Jase's side, taking his hand in one of her own as the other tightens its grip on the cross-bow at her side.