The Newbreeder

Chapter 34

Amaya

  The one that just started? Did that mean Jasper's pack was under attack, or were they going to try and overthrow the castle?

  "What war?" I asked, stepping right up to the gate with him.

  He smirked before he answered mow m
e. "The one that's going to reveal your true colors, princess." He said the word princess as if it were an insult.

  "Who are you?" I asked, summoning all the power I could muster. The sooner we knew his name, the sooner we could start looking for Victor.

  "Now, where's the fun in that?" He walked away from the gate and further into the cell.

  Christian's phone started to ring, and he excused himself. I turned to Jordan, trying to get a hold of my emotions.

  "He's lying. I don't believe him." I looked over my shoulder as if to make sure he hadn't left his cell.

  "Maybe," Jordan said, placing his hands on my shoulders and turning me to face him. "Or maybe he just gave us the information we needed." His expression made it clear — he believed the prisoner.

  Behind us, laughter echoed from the cell. We turned our attention back to him.

  "You should listen to him," the prisoner said. "He's smarter than most of you are at this point."

  I took a step closer to the bars. "If you think you can scare me—"

  "Oh, I don't need to scare you," he interrupted. "I just need to wait. Once the first bloodshed happens, you'll come looking for me."

  "Why would I ever do that?" I shot back.

  He smiled, and for the first time, there was something almost compassionate in his eyes. "Because, Amaya... when the truth comes out, you won't know who your enemies are."

  Just as I was about to rebut, Christian marched back toward us. "Packs are being attacked. We need to go—now!"Jordan ran after Christian as I gave the prisoner one last look before chasing after them.

  We left the cells and marched into the palace. Christian mind-linked the other members of the Guard to meet us in the briefing room and started calling the Guard units in the Capitol, issuing orders.

  When we entered the room, Jasper and his leadership stood on the opposite side of the table. Chloe stood close to him — too close — and I wanted to freeze the world until only Jasper and I remained. The mate bond was growing stronger; the more time I spent near him, the more I felt it pulling at me.

  "I just received three calls from three different pack alphas," Christian began. "They're reporting rogue attacks — and..." He paused. "They're attacking with the help of vampires."

  A wave of stiffness rolled through the room. We could barely fend off rogues — creatures already stronger than most of us — and now we had to face vampires.

  "From where we are, one pack lies east, and the other two are south," Christian said, turning to Jasper with almost pleading eyes. "We have half our troops here. Are you able to send reinforcements?"

  "Yes, I can send half of the shifters I have," Jasper replied. Christian nodded and turned back to the room.

  "Divide into your battle groups. I'll supplement Jasper's forces where I see fit. Group One will head east, Group Two will head southeast, and Group Three will head true south. Coordinates will be sent to your group leaders now. Gear up — we leave at 1530."

  Everyone scattered to prepare. Christian and I stayed behind, along with Jasper and his leadership.

  "Do I need to worry about my pack?" Jasper asked, stepping closer.