Shadows of the pack novel Chapter 104

A tense hush fell over the battlefield as Malachi and Isolde locked eyes. The swirling chaos of the battle seemed to recede, leaving only the two of them in a silent standoff.

Malachi inhaled deeply, his eyes never leaving Isolde's. "I can feel it," he murmured, his voice carrying a dark undercurrent, "the power seeping from it."

Isolde held her ground, her posture unwavering. "You will not come anywhere near that pup," she declared.

A cruel smile twisted on Malachi's lips. "Why don't you stop me then?" And with that, he lunged forward, his movements fluid and predatory.

The world erupted into chaos once more as the battle resumed in full force. Antonio, with a frenzied determination in his eyes, launched himself at Knox. Their bodies collided with a bone-jarring force, and they tumbled to the ground in a tumultuous grapple.

Despite the loss of his wolf, Knox remained a formidable fighter. He blocked Antonio's attacks with a mix of skill and brute strength, refusing to yield to the vengeful Alpha's onslaught.

Elsewhere on the battlefield, the Alphas armed with weapons unleashed a fierce assault on both the werewolves and the hunters. The clash of blades and the twang of arrows filled the air as they fought.

Liam, in the midst of the chaos, moved forward with purpose. The battle was not his concern. He dodged a swung sword and rolled under the arc of an arrow, his agility and combat instincts serving him well. He knew that every second counted, and he couldn't afford to be distracted by the chaos around him.

Meanwhile, inside the pack house, Aria's agonized screams pierced the air. She clutched Lydia's hand with a bone-crushing grip, her face contorted in pain. "Why isn't he coming, Lydia?" she cried out, her voice filled with desperation. 

Aria's breathing came in ragged gasps as she struggled to manage the excruciating pain. "I'm really tired," she admitted, her voice barely a whisper as she fought to maintain her composure.

Lydia, her eyes filled with worry, continued to offer words of encouragement and support. She gently rubbed circles on Aria's swollen stomach, trying to provide whatever comfort she could. "You're doing great, Aria," she assured her. "I'm sure Elara will be here any minute. Just keep controlling your breaths."

But Aria's resolve was waning as the pain intensified. She knew what needed to be done. "I need you to go," she said, her voice resolute.

Lydia looked at her with confusion, her brow furrowing in concern. "What?"

Aria's grip on Lydia's hand tightened, her gaze unwavering. "I need you to go and find someone to help me get this pup out of me."

"But, Aria," Lydia began to protest, "Shana and Melody—"

The room quaked, its very foundations trembling, as the mark on Aria's arm suddenly blazed with a blinding light. Aria's scream filled the room, echoing her anguish. "Go!" she screamed, her voice a command laced with pain and urgency.

Lydia's hurried footsteps echoed down the corridor as she made her way through the pack house, her thoughts consumed by the urgency of her mission. She needed to find someone, anyone, who could help Aria in her time of need.

As she rounded a corner, she nearly collided with Elara, who was moving with equal urgency. Their eyes met, and without exchanging words, they both knew where the other was headed.

"Elara, it's Aria," Lydia blurted out, her voice quivering with worry. "She's in labor, and it's... it's bad. I need help."

Elara nodded, her own concern etched across her features. "I was just on my way. Let's go."

Together, they rushed back to Aria's room, their hearts pounding with dread as they approached the door. But as they reached for the handle, they noticed that it was locked from the inside.

"That's strange," Elara muttered, exchanging a worried look with Lydia. "Aria couldn't have locked herself in."

Rebecca removed the key from the door then turned her gaze to Aria, "I don't remember mine being as painful as this."

Aria turned her head toward the voice, surprise evident on her face. "What are you doing here, Rebecca? And why aren't you with your pup?"

Rebecca smiled, a cold and calculating glint in her eyes, before stepping further into the room.

"The better question," Rebecca retorted, "should be how quick do you want your death? Of course, after you've given me your pup."