Alpha's Hunt For Love

Chapter 7. When the howl breaks

The sun had barely risen when I woke up in John's arms. His steady breathing calmed me, but something inside me still felt unsettled. My wolf was restless, pacing in the back of my mind. I didn't want to worry him, so I forced a smile when he kissed my forehead.

"You look beautiful in the morning light," he whispered, his blue eyes glowing with affection.

"I look like a mess," I teased, trying to sound lighthearted. But his gaze lingered on me longer than usual, and I knew he felt something was off.

John didn't press me. That was his way — he let me have my space, even when every part of him wanted to protect me. Instead, he distracted me with little things. We walked around the flower stand together, he showed me how some of the patrol routes worked, and he even made me laugh when he carried me on his back halfway to the river.

But the gnawing feeling never left me.

By evening, the pack was gathered in the yard. Music played softly, children chased each other between tables, and the elders shared stories over warm plates of food. For a moment, it almost felt normal. I was happy, surrounded by my new family, but I couldn't shake the feeling that danger was watching from the shadows.

John squeezed my hand. "Relax, sweetheart. You're safe here."

I smiled back, though I wasn't sure if I was convincing him or myself.

That's when it happened.

The sharp howl of a sentinel wolf tore through the night. Chairs scraped, children froze, and warriors immediately rose to their feet. John's expression darkened, his golden wolf flickering in his eyes.

"They're testing the border again," he muttered. "Stay here. I need to lead the defense."

Before I could speak, he cupped my face and kissed me once, fiercely but quickly, as if he was imprinting his soul into me before running into battle. Then he was gone, shifting mid-stride into Nox's majestic white form, his howl commanding the warriors into position.

I didn't have time to think. I saw the fear in the children's eyes, the trembling hands of the elders. My wolf urged me forward. Protect them.

"Come with me!" I called, guiding the elderly and the little ones into the packhouse. I checked doors, closed windows, and kept my voice steady so they wouldn't sense my fear.

"Stay calm. John and the others are strong. Nothing will happen to us," I reassured them, though my chest felt like it was being crushed.

I was busy helping the children into the cellar when I felt it—someone's hand clamped over my mouth, dragging me back into the shadows. My heart slammed against my ribs, but before panic could take me, Luna surged forward.

Not this time.

I twisted, sinking my teeth into the intruder's palm. He cursed, loosening his grip just enough for me to slam my elbow into his ribs. He growled, low and furious, a scent foreign to me filling the air. Rogues.

Before I could reach the door again, he yanked me hard, pulling me through the packhouse exit and into the chaos outside. The battlefield spread before me—wolves clashing, teeth flashing, the ground torn by claws. And there I was, forced into the center of it.

"Little Luna," the man hissed, his eyes wild. "Once you fall, the pack will follow."

His words lit a fire in me. No. My pack. My family. I refused to let him win.

I dropped low, letting Luna guide me, claws tearing at his arm when he tried to grab me again. He was stronger, but I was faster, and for every strike he landed, I returned one just as sharp. The sounds of war roared around us, but all I could hear was my wolf, urging me to fight harder.