Blood Moon Rising

Chapter Eleven || From Now

Xander

Xander opened his eyes, it was still dark out. Dawn wasn't far and he could tell that Valus hadn't slept that well when he rolled over and found her with her bedside table light on as she flipped through another old book that had a title he couldn't read because it was so faded.

"How do you even know what book you're reading?" He stretched out and chuckled, "I don't." Valus replied, "I just grab one and start reading." A smile graced her lips as she closed the book, looking down at him. Xander sat up, "Time to get ready?" And she nodded distractedly as her eyes looked over his face. "I'll be okay. Even if we aren't next to each other, I'll have your back." Xander brushed her hair back from her face as he leaned in and kissed the corner of her lips to which she turned her head slightly and kissed him hard.

"Go take your shower. I already got one, I'll meet you downstairs." She said, pulling away from him. Xander nodded and stood, heading to the bathroom.

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Once he finished he got dressed in combat khakis and a black fitted t-shirt, the clothes most warriors wear. His boots were laced tightly as Kane walked in wearing something similar. "Remus is downstairs. Just waiting on you Alpha." Xander nodded as he walked over and clasped his hand around Kane's forearm, Kane returning the grip. "May we see each other on the other side of all this brother." Kane spoke for him. Xander chuckled, "We will. It'll be a story to tell."

They disconnected and began their descent down stairs where they found Alpha James dressed just like the other two men and Valus in skinny jeans, combat boots that went past her calves, and a fitted tank top. They had arrived as she was pulling on her leather jacket before proceeding to tie her hair up in a ponytail. She looked like a warrior unlike all the men that would be on that battlefield, and if looks could kill there wouldn't be a battle. Valus smirked looking at him as the last thought crossed her mind as well.

"The warriors are already waiting near the clearing. Getting into positions." James spoke as he bent to check the laces on his own boots. Remus walked up, "Let's head out."

"Don't think you're going to leave me behind." Cassidy walked up in similar clothing to Valus with her pixie hair flared out in the back. She placed a hand on James' chest lovingly and Xander just watched.

No matter what they had done. They did know how to love truly. Valus had opened a link to speak to him. Xander looked over at her with a small smile. It was a time of battle and they at least knew who they'd be returning with. No matter how bloody, no matter what happens, Xander knew that he would find an ally in the Blood Moon pack.

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James, Xander, Kane and Valus stood side by side in that clearing while Liam led up one of the groups of warriors hidden in the trees. Another group led by Remus was stationed behind the four. Cassidy with her own group as wolves were also hidden in the trees, positioned to the left of Liam's. The rogues would be surrounded.

From the forest across the way, branches began to snap as wolves and men alike made their way into the clearing with Novan in the lead. Beside him stood Kale and Novak along with two other wolves they hadn't met.

Novan stepped forward and raised his arms, "Is there any way I can convince you to just surrender your pack to me?" He sounded so arrogant. James put an arm out to keep Valus from lurching forward, "It is you who needs to stand down, Novan. We should have killed you instead of banishing you." This caused Novan to laugh which also caused a ripple effect through the battalion of rogues.

Xander stepped forward as well. "If you don't stand down, then this is your judgment day Novan!" He yelled across the battlefield, "Now submit for your execution." He growled deeply as they all started moving towards the center of the field. Their speed picked up until they were full on sprinting at the other.