Always And Forever | ENG ✓

Chapter Twenty-Two: Preparing for War

The pack house buzzed with a frenetic energy as we moved into full preparation for the battle ahead. Word of the enemy's fortress had spread quickly, and the weight of what we were about to face hung heavy in the air. This wasn't just a fight for survival anymore-it was a fight for our home, our family, and everything we had built.

The pack worked tirelessly, their movements efficient but filled with an underlying tension. Weapons were sharpened, supplies gathered, and strategies refined. Every wolf had a role, and no one hesitated to step up. We had no choice. The enemy was building something too dangerous to ignore, and if we didn't stop them now, we might not get another chance.

I stood at the center of the strategy room, a large map of the forest spread out before me. Dean was on my right, Ace on my left, their presence grounding me as we discussed our next moves.

"We'll split into three groups," I said, tracing my fingers along the map. "One group will flank the fortress from the west, drawing their attention. The second group will take the east, cutting off their escape routes. The third group-led by me-will go straight for the center. We take out their leaders, destroy whatever they're building, and end this before it can go any further."

Dean frowned, his arms crossed over his chest. "It's risky. If any of the groups falter, the whole plan falls apart."

"I know," I said, meeting his gaze. "But it's the only way. We can't afford to hold back."

Ace nodded, his expression grim but resolute. "We'll need precise timing. If we're even a second too early or too late, it'll leave us vulnerable."

"That's why we've trained for this," I replied, my voice steady. "We've faced worse before. We'll do this together, or not at all."

Dean let out a sigh, his jaw tightening as he looked back at the map. "Fine. But I'm not letting you go to the center alone. I'll be with you."

I glanced at him, surprised by the intensity in his voice. "Dean-"

"I'm not arguing," he interrupted, his tone firm. "I've already lost too much. I'm not losing you too."

There was no point in protesting. I could see the determination in his eyes, and I knew he wouldn't back down.

"Fine," I said quietly. "But you follow my lead."

Dean gave a small nod, the tension between us easing slightly. We were on the same page now, and that was all that mattered.

The hours leading up to the attack were a blur of activity. I moved through the pack, checking in with each group, ensuring they were ready. The younger wolves, though clearly nervous, showed no signs of backing down. Their bravery inspired me, and I made sure to tell them so.

"You're doing this for the pack," I said to one of them, a young wolf named Keira whose hands trembled slightly as she prepared her gear. "We're all counting on each other. And I know you won't let us down."

She nodded, her expression firming as she took a deep breath. "I won't, Alpha."

The title still felt strange, but hearing it from her lips filled me with a quiet resolve. I wasn't just their leader-I was their protector. And I wouldn't let them down.

As night fell, the pack gathered near the edge of the forest, the moonlight casting an eerie glow over the trees. The air was electric with anticipation, every wolf tense but focused.

I stepped to the front of the group, my heart pounding as I looked out over the faces of my pack. They were ready-battle-worn but unbroken. This was what it meant to be a family, to stand together in the face of impossible odds.

"We've trained for this," I began, my voice carrying through the stillness. "We've fought together, bled together, and tonight, we fight again. Not just for survival, but for each other. For our home. For everything we hold dear."

The pack let out a low growl of agreement, their eyes glowing faintly in the moonlight.

"We face an enemy that wants to take everything from us," I continued, my voice growing stronger. "But they don't know who they're dealing with. We are wolves. We are a pack. And we will not fall."

A chorus of howls erupted, the sound echoing through the forest and sending a shiver down my spine. This was it. The moment we had been preparing for.

Dean stepped up beside me, his presence steadying. "Ready?" he asked, his voice low.

I nodded, my gaze fixed on the dark horizon ahead. "Let's end this."

As we moved through the forest, the tension grew with every step. The sounds of the pack were quiet, their movements silent as we approached the enemy's fortress. The scouts had been right-it was massive, a sprawling structure of stone and wood that rose ominously from the forest floor. Fires burned in crude pits along the perimeter, casting flickering shadows over the walls.

The creatures were everywhere, their glowing yellow eyes patrolling the fortress like sentinels. It was a chilling sight, but we didn't falter.

Ace signaled for the groups to take their positions, and we moved into place. The flanking teams disappeared into the shadows, and I took a deep breath, preparing for what was to come.

"On my mark," I whispered, my voice barely audible over the crackling of the fires.

The seconds stretched into eternity as we waited, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. And then, with a sharp howl, the attack began.

The flanking groups struck first, their sudden assault drawing the creatures away from the fortress. Shouts and snarls filled the air as the battle erupted, chaos spreading through the enemy ranks.

"Now!" I shouted, charging forward with Dean and the others at my side.

We hit the center of the fortress with the force of a tidal wave, our claws and teeth tearing through the enemy like a storm. The creatures fought back with ferocity, but we were stronger. Faster. United.

I felt the wolf within me rise again, the primal power surging through my veins as I shifted mid-battle. My white fur gleamed in the firelight, and the sight of me sent a ripple of fear through the enemy ranks.

"Protect the Alpha!" one of the creatures snarled, its voice guttural and filled with panic.

But they couldn't stop me.

I tore through their defenses, my pack following in my wake, and together, we pushed deeper into the fortress. The air was thick with the scent of blood and smoke, the sound of battle echoing around us.

And then, in the heart of the fortress, I saw it.

The figure.

It stood atop a crude platform, cloaked in shadows, its presence radiating power and malice. Its glowing eyes locked onto mine, and I felt a chill run through me.

"So," it said, its voice echoing through the chaos. "The White Alpha has finally arrived."

The words sent a surge of rage through me, and I let out a powerful howl, the sound shaking the very air around us.

The figure didn't move, its smile cruel. "Let's see if you're worthy of your title."

The battle wasn't over. It was just beginning.