Chapter 37 Chapter 37 Luna’s Pleas

~Anna~

His body went limp as he closed his eyes, lips parted, a single breath leaving his mouth.

“No. No. Liam. Liam…”

I slapped his face gently a few times to wake him. He couldn’t just leave me. He couldn’t just…

I screamed his name over and over as I slapped his face harder, but he didn’t respond. Sweat and blood slicked his face and arms. He had bruises all over his torso. He felt cold. Too cold like he had been submerged in icy water for hours.

“Liam…” I whispered, choking at the words I wanted to say. More tears flowed as I cupped his cheek.

Please open your eyes. Please… you can’t just leave me… us. The pack needs you. I need you.

A firm grip on my shoulder made me jerk my head up. The pack members had surrounded us, looking down at us with pained faces, most of them in tears. I looked back to the person behind me. It was Rigel. He wore a calm expression, but his eyes flickered momentarily into a deeper shade of forest green.

“Anna! Liam!” a voice shouted. Lexy came running to us, the pack making way for her and three more members. “Le… he…”

She got down on her knees and pressed two fingers below his ear.

“He has a pulse,” she said, beckoning for her companions to put the stretcher down.

I hesitantly handed him to them, and with Rigel’s help, I shakily got to my feet.

Lexy’s face hardened and her brows furrowed.

“Come with us,” she said, joining the rest who were already carrying Liam away from the scene. I nodded and was about to follow when the murmuring of the pack stopped me. Their eyes were glued to Liam, a glimmer of hope in their eyes. None of them looked back at us as they hurried to get him to the clinic.

I took deep breaths to calm myself.

He’s going to be alright. Lexy’s the best healer there was. He’ll wake up, right?

He fought hard for us. Seeing him get kicked and punched and stepped on was mortifying, but he always got back up. He didn’t scream in pain, he didn’t ask for a break, he never pleaded for his opponent to stop. He kept denying, he kept saying “no”, and he kept fighting back.

The pack cheered him on regardless. They believed he’d win, and he did. They trusted their futures upon him completely, even though he accepted the challenge suddenly and on his own. And even now, they continued to hope that he would return to them.

Noble. Admirable.

For his people to place this much faith in him, I was yet to understand how burdensome it must be for him. I was willing to share it. He didn’t have to bear the weight alone. Not anymore.

So please, fight one more time for us… Alpha.

I didn’t realize everyone was staring at me until I felt a light tap on my arm.

“We have to go,” Rigel said. His other hand was balled into a fist and it was shaking. Without waiting for my reply, he dragged me away from there, and the pack followed.

“What’s going on?” I asked, my voice slightly above a whisper. It was difficult to keep up with him for I was limping.

Howls erupted from a distance. We stopped and turned in the direction from where it came. More howls rang in the air.

“Rogues,” Rigel spat, his grip on my arm tightening.

Gasps came from the pack followed by murmuring, then crying.

“Everyone,” said Rigel, almost shouting. “The Alpha will be taken care of by the Head Healer. Right now, rogues have entered the territory. The Gammas will fight them off. Please proceed to the Safe Zone immediately.”

The children began to wail, and their mothers gathered them in their arms.

“Mind-link everyone left in the village. Retreat to the Forbidden Area, Block 2E.”

As soon as he finished, the pack ran ahead of us. Most of them shifted into their wolves and sprinted, into the Forbidden Area Rigel had just mentioned.

Everyone in the village?

I watched the pack members frantically run over to safety. This wasn’t an evacuation. They were retreating.

Why?

The Alpha was down. No one to issue orders and coordinate a counterattack among the different units. They could communicate via a mind-link but that’d only lead to more confusion. They were sitting ducks, we all were. Loyal to the Alpha, the Gammas would fight to their last. The howls grew louder. This time, it came in random intervals, and most sounded pained.

Rigel was gripping my arm painfully as he dragged me forward. I was a distraction. They needed their Head Gamma and here he was, dragging my sorry self to safety. Could we win without him?

They knew more about this pack than I did. This was the Red Claw Pack! They took down other packs and they were the largest pack on the continent.

I had to trust them… trust Gale…

And yet my gut shouted at me to interfere.

They had a strong chain of command until the Alpha, the head, was cut off the picture. The Beta was next, but if the attack was widespread…

Gale could handle it. I didn’t underestimate any of them in the slightest. I shouldn’t do this. I’d only get in the way. But… I couldn’t let them do this alone when I could do something…

I forced myself to a stop.

Rigel glared at me. “What are you doing? We have to get you out of here,” he implored.

“Take me to Liam,” I said firmly.

“Lexy will –“

I shook my arm off his grasp and started to run, more like limp, towards the clinic. He had no choice but to follow.

“What are you doing?” he asked, irritated.

“I need to be with him. Get me a map and give me a run-down of our units. You’ll be my eyes and ears until this is over.”

“Anna, I have to get you to safety!” he shouted, his eyes flashing a dangerous glare.

I understood that keeping him here was frustrating him. His men were on the frontlines and he should be there with them. But he had to make up for my shortcoming. I didn’t have a wolf.

He made a move to grab my hand, but I jumped to my side to avoid it, balancing on one foot. I kept up with my pace.

“Anna please!” he shouted. “Listen to me!”

“I need… I need you to relay orders to our fighters!”

My mind was thinking up how we could survive this, years of training under my father kicking in.

“I’m joining the fight.”

“Liam is unconscious, for fu-“

“Not Liam’s,” I said, looking him right in the eye. “Mine.”

The door opened with a bang. One of Lexy’s assistants was on his way out.

“Where is he?” I demanded, and he pointed to a hallway. My voice must’ve shocked him – I was beyond anxious and furious.

We passed by a line of displayed lockers. A map was spread out on the wall beside the pack crest. I hurriedly removed the pins and clung to the map.

“This way,” said Rigel, passing me by and leading the way.

When we reached the room, from the small circular glass window, I could see him lying down on a bed, with an oxygen mask on and different tubes attached to his body. The people gathered around him, every single one of them busy with their own tasks.

“You’re taking his place?” Rigel asked silently, his lips set in a deep frown.

He reached for my arm, but I pulled it back, avoiding him. “No, Rigel!”

“I have to get you to safety, Sarina!” he shouted, making me gasp. He slapped himself once, hard, leaving a red handprint on his cheek. “I’m sorry. Anna, please…”

I shook my head, dismissing his outburst. We’d discuss it later. Right now, we had three forces to deal with.

“Their positions and units. Mark all of it on the map.”

“Anna…”

“I am your Luna, and you will obey my commands!” I shouted.

His eyes widened then he recovered, his eyes the normal clear green.

“Now do as you’re told, Head Gamma.”

His gaze hardened as he stared down at me.

“Fine,” he said through gritted teeth. He snatched the map from my hand and spread it on the floor. He pointed to several spots as he gave a summary of their positions and numbers.

“The rogues are here,” he said, pointing to an area in the northeast borders, “and here.” Another area on the eastern borders. “Right now, the special units are on standby. The remaining Gammas have split into two.”

From the north, it was closer to the castle. The attack on the east most likely targeted the villagers. But why? The timing was impeccable. There weren’t many members in the village. If they attacked earlier, they would’ve had more advantages.

Their number was too many and rogues usually acted alone or in small groups. This seemed like a coordinated attack. It couldn’t have been a coincidence. What were they really after?

“Where’s the Forbidden Area?” I asked. “Block2E?”

“Here,” he said, pointing to a spot the farthest from the attacks.

“Why’s it forbidden?”

“The pack’s craziest member lives there. He’s isolated for many reasons, but when need be, he will protect the pack,” he replied.

“How?” I ask. “Who… what… is he?”

He hesitated in answering. “He… he’s a very powerful witch.”

Witch! That’s it!

“Where’s the witch who came with the Blue Moon Pack?” I overheard Lexy talking to some scary-looking warriors earlier at the mansion about a witch.

“We don’t know,” he admitted.

“Keep the channel open. Pass this to Gale.”

His eyes glazed over.

“Tell him I’m taking command. Pull back our fighters on the east borders and have them join our forces on the northeast.”

“The rogues will enter.”

“Let them. Mobilize all special units near the area. Draw them into the territory. The slope should slow them down. Tell those units to repeatedly engage and retreat.”

“More rogues are coming,” he growled, relaying Gale’s reply.

“In the absence of the Head Gamma, the Delta Unit will lead them. All special units near the Forbidden Area are to gather there immediately. They have only one order: protect the pack at all costs.”

“The Delta Unit is for you, Luna!”

“I am with the Head Gamma. He is more than enough to protect me,” I retorted. “Where is this very powerful witch? Which border is he assigned?”

“He is asleep, Luna.”

“Wake him up!”

A witch, who was no doubt a powerful one, would greatly increase our chances of surviving. Then I was reminded, what happened to the Blue Moon Pack?

I shook my head; they were none of my concern. They shouldn’t be...

“We can’t. He’ll go on a rampage if we force him.”

I clicked my tongue in annoyance. This was my first to hear of a sleeping witch. “Get the spies to watch the Blue Moon Pack. Under no circumstances are they allowed to engage. Their orders are to observe and report suspicious activity immediately.”

Rigel remained silent. “Beta, please let me help…”

“I have an Order,” said Rigel, relaying his reply. “What are your intentions, Anna? If it goes against my Order, I will not let you take part in this.”

“I have no other intentions but to protect the pack and my Alpha,” I said firmly.

“My Order is to protect our people,” he said. “Very well. The Red Claw Pack places their faith on their Luna.”

“Keep this a secret between us. Am I clear?”

“Yes, Luna,” he replied. Rigel’s eyes fluttered as he came back to himself. “Yes, Luna,” he repeated. This time, the answer came from him.

This was supposed to be in the Beta’s hands.

But, with Liam fighting for all of us, forgive me for being selfish, everyone.

This would be straining for Rigel. I’d apologize and prostrate before him later until he was satisfied, so let me be selfish for now.

“Keep me informed,” I said firmly, and he nodded.

The door suddenly opened and Lexy stepped out.

“How is he?” I asked, feeling a sting on my already swollen eyes.

She drew a sharp intake of air.

“Werewolf poison and black magic,” she divulged, her voice cracking.

She looked at Rigel with worrying eyes.

“I can’t…” she trailed.

Hands covered her face, and her shoulders shook as she sobbed.

Almost immediately, she showed us her face again. Blinking away the tears, she wiped the moisture off with her fingers.

“It didn’t… won’t… work,” she said.

I didn’t know if it’d work. Lexy was about to have a breakdown. Liam lying on that metal bed with the machine beeping high and fast, he looked dead. It was up to me now.

“What does he need?” I asked, holding Lexy by her arms. “Lexy…”

“B-Blood,” she hiccupped. She was shaking even worse now, and Rigel was already on her side. “Po-poison… in… blood.”

It’s crazy for me to think I can save him.

“Use my blood,” I told her. “It’ll heal him.”

I shouldn’t get their hopes up.

“Wha-what?” she asked, gasping for air.

“My blood can heal. I’ll explain later. Trust me. Change his blood with mine.”

She stared at me with widened eyes as I had just gone insane. Maybe I was. It sounded insane in my mind, it sounded desperate.

“Trust me,” I whispered, glancing at Liam behind her shoulder. “Please…”

“You’ll lose too much,” Lexy answered.

I smiled in relief. She accepted. “To change all of it, you’ll – “

“Do it,” I said, interrupting her.

We should wake that sleeping beauty and drag his ass over here so he could heal my Liam!

“Now, Lexy!”

“Okay,” she breathed, as she led me into the room.

“Rigel, update,” I ordered as they prepared me.

“The Gammas have all gathered on the northeast border. The special units are slowing down the rogues on the eastern border. All pack members are accounted for and in the Forbidden Area. The Blue Moon Pack has fled to the south.”

“Good. Whichever of the borders gets cleared first, order all units to assist the remaining immediately. Block 2E team is still on stand-by. Send spies to check the village. Make sure no rogue is left behind.”

“Yes, Luna.”

I laid down on another bed beside his. His skin was going blue, and he was still as if he was a corpse. His chest neither rose nor fell, and his lashes didn’t flutter in the slightest. It’d be alright now. This had to work. No one was going to die again – not under my watch. It was too early… too early for him to go. Things were just beginning between us. It was a rocky start and we still had a lot to clear up, but we were headed in the right direction.

I don’t accept it. You have to live.

Someone squeezed my hand. “Anna, if we do this, you’ll lose… you’ll d-“

“I won’t,” I said, smiling up at her. “After scaring the souls out of us, I won’t forgive him until I give him a good smacking.”

Her assistants chuckled at my statement.

“I’m the Head Healer of the pack,” she stated, looking me straight in the eye. “No Alpha or Luna is dying under my watch. Trust me.”

“I do,” I replied, looking at my mate.

I reached for his hand and intertwined my fingers with his. They felt ice cold. A shiver ran up my spine.

You’ll be alright. I promise.

I closed my eyes as I felt the soft wet cotton dab on my skin. Then a slight prick of the needle. I focused on breathing as the needle settled under my skin. It was uncomfortable, to say the least.

“Update, Luna,” said Rigel.

I was still conscious enough for this. I nodded my head.

“Vampires have entered the territory from the Northwest,” he said.

Vampires? The packs have a treaty with the Vampire King, a truce that’d been honored for millennia. Vampires weren’t welcome here, and werewolves weren’t welcome on their own hunting grounds. Nasty species.

What were they after – the witch? Was he that powerful? Regardless, they needed to be captured alive as much as possible. This was a serious breach of the truce; it might be labeled as a rebelling against the werewolves.

“How many? What’s the situation on the borders?”

Lexy’s assistants tensed and glanced at each other with worrying looks.

“The scouts reported two. The Gammas need more time.”

They were coming from the northwest, too close to the Forbidden Area. If I moved the Delta Unit, the pack would be left defenseless.

There might be more of them. Or if it’s just the two of them, then they’re high-ranking.

Either way, I couldn’t risk it. We had to make a move.

“Mobilize the Delta Unit. Engage from a distance. Avoid close combat for as long as possible,” I ordered.

“Luna, half the Delta Unit can take on two vampires.”

“Do not underestimate them, Rigel. Two vampires can easily slaughter a pack if they’re high-ranking.”

“Do not underestimate my team, Luna,” he said. I could see him smirk. His team?

“I’m sorry.”

I heard a crumbling sound. Opening my eyes, I saw that he had punched the wall outside, a small cloud of cement dust clouding his fist.

“They need me out there…” he whispered.

“With all due respect Head Gamma, you’d be of more use here. One more man can’t change the tides of battle.”

“Anything can turn the tables, Anna,” he said sternly, looking me straight in the eye.

His fist was shaking in fury, but I couldn’t let him go. He strode towards me with a scowl on his face. “Gale and the warriors, the medics… they’re all risking their lives for the pack and here I am acting as a phone. I’m more useful in the face of battle, Anna. In here, I’m nothing but a coward. But I can’t leave your side because I’ve been given an Order.”

Lexy got between us before he could get any closer.

“Don’t,” she said sternly.

My head was spinning as more blood traveled through the tube. I squeezed Liam’s hand, hoping to feel the warmth from them again. They were cold.

“I need my knight.”

My vision blurred and I could only hear their voices faintly. I tried to concentrate on what they were saying but only inaudible sounds registered in my brain. The pack must survive. Liam must live.

I think I heard howls from a distance.

It must’ve been my imagination. The rogues shouldn’t be nearby.

“Jayme woke up,” said Rigel. “He’s…”

I couldn’t hear him anymore. My body felt too light yet too heavy. The blurry images were a pain that I closed my eyes instead. As I held his arm, my mind wandered back to when we first met, the events that took place within a week – it was all rather interesting.

Almost everything was now new to me. The world was full of colors and everything vibrant and full of life.

It all happened because Liam found me that night, and he accepted me as his mate. He never once called me hurtful names, or shouted at me, or treated me like I wasn’t a person.

My body was protesting. All the blood was leaving my system and I could feel my heart frantically jumping.

Goddess, please don’t take them away from me.

“Keep them safe,” I whispered as the world faded into the background.