Chapter 20
Apr 18, 2025
A bloodcurdling scream erupted through the halls of the Crescent Moon Packhouse, causing several pack members to flinch and stop in their tracks. It was Damien, his fury echoing off the walls. He stood in his office, fists clenched, his green eyes blazing with unrestrained rage.
“They what?” he growled, his voice deadly as he glared at the messenger who dared to deliver the news.
“They’ve officially been claimed as members of the Silverstone Pack,” the messenger repeated, his voice shaky. “Lucien made the announcement last night during a dinner party.”
Damien slammed his fist into the wall, the impact cracking the wood. “That bastard,” he hissed, pacing the room like a caged animal. His chest heaved as he tried to process the information. Lucien had done it—he’d officially staked his claim on Felicia and the boys. And Damien had done nothing to stop it.
Xavier leaned against the doorframe, watching silently. His Alpha’s temper had been a ticking time bomb since the day Damien kicked Danielle out of the pack. Now, with Felicia and the boys gone, it had exploded. He crossed his arms, observing Damien but saying little. There was no reasoning with him when he was like this.
“I’m going to find her,” Damien snarled, running a hand through his dark hair. “I’m going to talk to her, and I’ll deal with Lucien. He doesn’t get to take what’s mine.”
Xavier finally spoke, his tone measured. “You kicked Danielle out, and now you’re about to storm into another Alpha’s territory uninvited? Do you realize how reckless this is?”
Damien spun on his Beta, his eyes narrowing. “Reckless? Reckless is letting Lucien sink his claws into my mate and my sons. I won’t stand here and do nothing.”
Xavier sighed but didn’t argue further. He knew Damien’s mind was made up. “At least try not to start a war,” he muttered.
Damien ignored him, grabbing his jacket and storming out of the packhouse. His mind was a whirlwind of anger and determination. He didn’t care about protocol or alliances anymore. He needed to see Felicia, to make her understand that Lucien wasn’t the answer.
The drive to Moonveil Pack territory was a blur. By the time Damien arrived at the edge of Orion’s territory, the sun was high in the sky, casting long shadows over the forest. But something was off. Wolves were stationed everywhere, standing guard with tense, watchful eyes. It wasn’t the usual patrol Damien was used to seeing. These wolves were on high alert.
“What’s going on here?” Damien demanded as he stepped out of his car, his voice sharp.
One of the guards, a burly wolf with gray fur, turned to him, his expression grim. “Rogue attack,” he said curtly, his tone suggesting he had little patience for interruptions. “We’re securing the territory.”
Damien’s brow furrowed, his frustration growing. “I need to go in and speak with Orion,” he said firmly, trying to push past them.
The wolves exchanged glances, their expressions darkening. One of them stepped forward, blocking Damien’s path. “Unless you know how to visit him in the afterlife, that won’t be possible.”
Damien froze, his blood turning cold. “What are you talking about?” he growled, his voice low and dangerous.
The wolf who had spoken straightened, his eyes hard. “Orion didn’t survive the attack. He’s dead.”
The words hit Damien like a punch to the gut. For a moment, he stood there in stunned silence, his mind struggling to process what he’d just heard. Orion… dead? It didn’t seem possible. Orion had always been a strong, commanding presence, a wolf who seemed untouchable. And now he was gone?
