Giovanni

Chapter 47

Thora Hawthorn:

I lay in my room as Gio pops in and out insisting that I rest. He runs around the castle almost frantic preparing for this attack. It's almost impressive how much he's learned. I can see the panic and fear but I also see how well he is.

He has the warriors on constant rotation waiting. He has our first line at the boarders, second like about a mile from that, and so on. He's evacuated the village to stay temporarily in a nearby pack. He's evacuated the castle of all staff and he has sent for all medical teams from nearby packs to come here in our defense.

While all of this is great there is no way he is ready to fight alongside our warriors in this war. He's strong and he's a good fighter but wars such as these are messy. You have so many things to pay attention to at one time. It's not only a fight for your life but it's also for everyone else. When you are out there you are the first line, you are in charge, and you are everyone protector. Hopefully, by the time this war starts, I'll be able to fight. One of us has to and I'd rather it be me than him.

The door opened and Rayan pops his head into the room. He has on a full combat uniform. Since he is head of the guard he has to locate the head of the operation. In a sea of wolves he'll be better off moving through the fight in human form. He wears all black; A heavy bulletproof vest, weapons attached to almost every part of his body. Guns, knives, and even a bow and some arrows. I know all the equipment is heavy but he wears it easily. He and four other trusted guards are in this attire while the rest of the guard has stripped into loose clothing. Easily ripped so that they can shift with ease.

"Hey," he says closing the door behind him. "Just coming in to check on you again."

I smile "I'm fine. How's everything out there?"

"Hectic," he mutters sitting on the edge of the bed. He sighs and stretches. "Everyone is running around gathering what they need. Rotating positrons. Medics just got here and they are setting up at several stations throughout the area. Some in the castle some out."

"Why are they set up outside?" I ask sitting up with confusion all over my face.

"Vanni's orders. Says it'll be easier to get to one if they are closer."

I sigh and rub my head. "How are the warriors?"

"Scared," he says "but ready"

"I have to fight," I mutter.

Rayan looks at me like I'm crazy and then shakes his head. "You can't, Thora. You are weak right now."

"I'm one of the best fighters this Kingdom has."

"Yes but-"

"I refuse to let people die on my behalf while I lay in bed, Rayan." I look at him and narrow my eyes. "I refuse to let you fight without me beside you."

Rayan looks down at his gloved hands. "He should be here with us."

"He's not dead, Rayan."

"He might as well be," Rayan says angrily. "How could he do this? It's always been us. The three of us together. Why would he do this?"

I shake my head and rise from the bed to hug him. My legs shake a little bit I ignore it. I wrap my arms around his neck and sigh. "Mates change your perspective-"

"Bullshit," he mumbles. "He made a promise to this kingdom and to us. Also, my head is squished into your chest and honestly, I don't want Giovanni to kill me before the war starts," he says laughing.

"Sorry," I mutter backing away "Perv."

"Hey! You started it!" He claims rising from the bed to tower over me. I look at his bloodshot eyes and bags. It's clear he didn't sleep at all last night and neither did Gio.