Chapter 284
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His words are met with determination, and I can sense their confidence.
“Well said,” I say softly.
“Alpha Zaia… A word of encouragement from yourself?” he says.
“Yes, Alpha,” Jai says, his arm around Valerie. She’s gripping his shirt tightly.
I can understand that feeling.
A part of me is tired, wanting this all over with…
“I know this is something we never expected to happen,” I begin softly, knowing they needed to hear
the words of comfort from both their leaders, no matter how hard it is. “But everyone has worked hard,
trained hard, and we are doing this not just for ourselves, but for our loved ones, for a chance at a life
that we deserve…”
I step out into the cold as someone passes me a gun and belt full of ammunition, that Valerie helps me
put on. I don’t plan to use my gun unless needed, but something tells me I will need it.
“Tonight, we fight for a second chance, to prove that everyone deserves to live their lives, regardless of
the choices of our past. We are werewolves, and in the last few weeks and months, I have seen more
and more of us come into touch with that side.”
I look at some of the men who are outside, ready to take their positions around the house.
“The Sable wishes to cleanse the world of all of us, but that will not happen, noť today, not tomorrow.
We may have grown up looking down on those who were in touch with their wolf as if it was wrong, but
we know better now and we will embrace that.”
I walk silently towards the gates. I can hear the breathing of some of those on the other side, but they
are all listening intently to what I am saying.
“The Goddess is merciful, and she has given us a second chance… In the name of the moon and our
Goddess, we will come out victorious. No matter what, the night is ours.”
“The night is ours.” Amurmur of everyone repeating my final words passes through the wind.
Jai and Valerie have stopped bidding one another an emotional goodbye.
1/2
#15 BONUS
I smile softly as they kiss passionately, and I look ahead as Atticus comes into view.
He’s already suited up as his eyes meet mine, and he reaches over, turning my mic off and doing the
same to his own.
“What are you doing?” I ask,
Only for him to caress my cheek. The leather of his
fingerless glove cools against my cheek.
“Just wanted to say a word to you…” he says.
“Atticus-}}
His finger presses against my lips, and I see the emotions in his.
“You are the strongest woman I’ve met Red, after tonight this will be over, and you can live in peace.”
Our eyes meet and I nod. I know I need to be strong, but even then, he sees past it.
“Thank you, Atticus, for everything,” I say quietly. Suddenly it feels like this is it…
“Hey, this isn’t goodbye.” He replies with one of his gorgeous smirks, wrapping his arms around me and
pulling me close. “I’m going to be right there, protecting you every step of the way, alright?”
I close my eyes, and deep down, I wish that he was the man I loved. He has always been there for me,
no matter what. Wouldn’t things have been easier if he were mine?
But love is more painful than that…
I take a deep, shuddering breath, enjoying the comfort of his embrace and inhaling his scent before I
move back.
“The same goes for you. I’ll protect you too.” I smile in a weak attempt to lighten the tension. I’m
rewarded with a smirk before he leans down and kisses my forehead.
Just then a loud explosion goes off somewhere far ahead, illuminating the night with flames that reach
into the sky.
+15 BONUS
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