33

I replayed all the beautiful memories I created with my mate in a short film in my head. Our first encounter, waking up in his embrace, our first time in the hospital and the lovely trip to the lake this morning. Of course there weren't many and I would love to do more with him, but unfortunately I don't know how today will end.

Maybe he will die today, but maybe I'm the one. Who can see into the future?

But I know one thing. I love Steven and I will for the rest of my life, even if he dies and Devin takes me with him.

"Ready?" my mate asked me, who was standing next to me in front of the large front door, ready to push it open. Alpha Arsen, ran forward as soon as we left the kitchen.

I took advantage of this calm here again, so I took a closer look at him. His ice blue eyes, which looked worried, but at the same time lovingly into mine. His soft pink lips, which made dimples appear on his cheeks when he smiled at them. And his chocolate brown hair, which was so soft I wanted to stroke it every time.

Instead of answering Steven's question, I moved closer to him. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him further down to me. Automatically, his hands found their way to my hips, where he was now holding me.

Without wasting any more time, I placed my lips on his. I put every bit of my feelings into that kiss again. Of course he could feel my feelings through the completed mate connection anyway, but I wanted to make them clear to him again with the kiss.

I finally let go of him and breathlessly laid my forehead against his. I closed my eyes briefly and wanted to enjoy this moment again.

he was there He was breathing and alive in my arms. I never want to forget this moment.

"Why did that feel like a kiss goodbye?" he asked me in a whisper. He didn't seem to want to spoil the moment either.

I didn't answer him, just walked away from him and put my index finger on his lips to stop him talking. Then I looked deep into his eyes again and whispered, "I love you." The next moment I stepped completely away from Steven and nodded to let him know that I was now ready.

Steven pulled the door open and together, hand in hand, we stepped outside.

Actually, I would have expected total chaos, but it was quiet. Too calm.

There were no children or women anywhere to be seen. However, all the men stood in front of us in a large group and listened to the alpha who was standing in front of the group.

“The hunters come from the north and south driving through the forest in jeeps. We have to stop them before they reach the packhouse because we don't know what they have on board those vehicles. They're armed, and they must be big guns if they dare mess with packs. So be careful and don't attack them directly from the front. We can also expect that they will try to surround us. So we will split into three teams. A team will remain here should they manage to break through. Understood everything? Let's go. You..." The Alpha pointed to about a third of the group. "...will go north with Costa! You..." Again he pointed to a third "...go south with me and he Rest stays here at the pack house with Lucas.

The group split up and the Beta and Alpha teams started running. Steven and I were on the team with Lucas. That means we were allowed to sit around here quietly, waiting and drinking tea.

Patience, a strength I didn't have.

I hated waiting here. Devin was out there somewhere and I'm just waiting for him to finally show up and I can finally erase him from my life. I had never killed anyone before, but today I would. I'll show the hunters and Devin. Never mess with a she-wolf!

"Are you okay?" I was asked from the side. But it wasn't Steven who asked that, it was my brother, whom I only now noticed.

"Jaxon?" I asked a little incredulously, not thinking he would fight with us.

"Yes it's me. I'm here and I'll fight for you and your pack." Thankfully, I hugged Jaxon. Now that it matters, he's always by my side and I'm grateful for that. "I also spoke to the alpha again . When this is all over and the pack is still standing, he will take me into the pack. Imagine that, Silva. We both finally in a real werewolf pack."

This idea was really nice and I was already looking forward to starting this life. My mate, my brother and I in a pack. Which wishes could still come true?

"Thanks for being here," I whispered in his ear before letting go.

"Get ready, those who stand at the packhouse. Hunters got through on our side." , it suddenly shot through the pack mindlink. The Beta tried to sound calm, but you could clearly hear that he was anything but calm.

"What the hell Costa? We have so few that we can easily keep them in shot." , it came from the alpha this time.

"Good for you. But there are just too many here. There are more and more and I really have no idea where they come from!!!" , this time the beta sounded almost panicked.

"I'll help those at the pack house." , said the alpha. Then be quiet.

It was quiet all around us. Nobody said anything. Everyone tried to perk up their wolf ears to hear if something or someone was approaching.

But none. There was just nothing to be heard. Actually, you should notice them slowly, right?

A bang. A deafening loud bang came from my right. Very close to where we were standing. Right, where my mate should actually be.

With this impact I flew a little further to the left and landed on the ground.

I heard nothing more. My ears could only be heard beeping. The world was still and all around me, pure chaos had broken out from one second to the next.

There was smoke everywhere and some of the houses that stood here were completely destroyed.

Wait, where's Steven?

I quickly turned to the side where Steven was standing. But at this point there was only black smoke and there was a hole in the ground after a grenade hit.

But he wasn't there.

Steven, my mate, was gone? They couldn't have just blown it up???

Not like that... I couldn't lose him like that. I didn't want to lose him at all!