Shadows of the pack novel Chapter 108

Aria stood by the window, her gaze fixed on the world outside. The battle had come and gone, leaving its scars both visible and hidden. Malachi had been locked away, his wolf spirit dissipated, rendering him powerless. It had been weeks since the celestial eclipse, and there had been no word from Antonio or the hunters.

In the midst of it all, Liam's wounds were being treated, and he had confessed to his role in the chaos that had unfolded. He had revealed Rebecca's part in the plot, exposing her treachery. Knox, fueled by his fierce determination and the ruthless instincts of his wolf, had personally sought out the Alphas, ensuring that they would remain within their respective packs for a very long time.

Aria couldn't help but let out a tired sigh. Her pup lay sleeping peacefully in the cradle, blissfully unaware of the tumultuous events that had unfolded. She watched him, her heart heavy with the knowledge of what had been taken away from him, from them. What she had taken away.

Knox's hand slipped around her waist, offering silent support. No words were needed as they both simply stared out the window.

"Do you think he will hate me?" Aria's voice quivered with uncertainty.

Knox sighed, his eyes filled with tenderness. "He would never."

Aria continued, her voice trembling, "But I've taken so much from him. He will grow up and resent me. He will be a werewolf without a—"

Knox gently turned her around, halting their silent contemplation. He placed a tender kiss on her lips and wiped away the tears that had already begun to fall from her eyes. "He will love you," he whispered, his voice filled with unwavering conviction.

Knox's gaze shifted to their pup, who slumbered peacefully. A small smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "And we will love him. 

He paused before he spoke again, "We still haven't decided on a name."

Aria was about to respond when an unexpected interruption came. Kira appeared at the entrance panting from her hurried journey. She bowed her head respectfully before addressing the Alpha and Luna.

"Alpha, Luna," she began, her voice tinged with urgency, "I was sent to find you."

Aria exchanged a glance with Knox, a sense of curiosity mingling with concern. "Why?" she inquired.

Kira hesitated for a moment before delivering her message. "The leader of the Order wishes to speak with you."

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"You are a far way from the Order's chamber," Isolde remarked.

He turned to regard her, his expression composed. "I could say the exact same thing about you."

Silence hung in the room for a moment, a tense pause before Isolde broke it. Her voice was tinged with accusation as she voiced her frustrations. "Why didn't the Order intervene? Malachi's hate started with us. Yet you and the rest of the members stood and did nothing."

Alaric sighed, his demeanor remaining calm despite the tension in the room. "It was in the Order's best interest that we did not involve ourselves. When the time was right, we would have."

Isolde scoffed, her arms folding defensively. "When the time was right? What if it had been too late by then?"

"I didn't come here to argue with you," Alaric replied evenly.

She pressed on, her eyes determined. "Then what are you doing here?"

"I'm here to thank the Alpha and Luna for the sacrifice they made," Alaric explained.

Isolde's skepticism remained evident as she countered, "They do not need your thanks. They only fought for what was right, just like you and the other members of the Order should have."

"Why don't they tell me themselves?" Alaric questioned, his gaze shifting towards the entrance.

Aria entered the room, her presence commanding as she addressed Alaric directly. "I would gladly," she stated firmly, her eyes unwavering. "Like Isolde said, we do not need your thanks."

Alaric's attention turned to Knox, who echoed Aria's sentiment. "You heard my mate."

Aria continued, her voice tinged with disappointment, "I don't know much about you or the ancient ways, but if you call yourself the Order, then you should have intervened when the ancient wolf was upsetting that balance. Then maybe my son would still have his wolf."

Alaric shook his head, a sense of regret in his eyes. "It was not in our place."

Knox sighed, his frustration evident despite his attempts to remain composed. "We appreciate you coming here."

Alaric nodded and then turned to leave, acknowledging the Alpha and Luna. "It's time to leave, Isolde."