Chapter 17

Zara sits across from her father, Donovan, in his study. The room is warm and inviting, with rich wood paneling and a fireplace crackling in the corner. Donovan leans back in his chair, his green eyes studying his daughter intently.

"I"ve been hearing good things about your training with Elder Thorn," he says, a hint of pride in his voice. "He tells me you"re making great progress."

Zara nods, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "It"s been intense, but I feel like I"m learning a lot. Elder Thorn has been pushing me to tap into abilities I didn"t even know I had."

Donovan chuckles. "That sounds like Thorn. He"s always been one to challenge his students, to help them reach their full potential."

He leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "I have to admit, part of me wishes I could have been the one to train you, to show you the ropes of being a guardian. But with everything going on with Marius, I needed to focus on making sure the pack understands the gravity of the situation."

Zara reaches out, placing her hand on her father"s. "I understand, Dad. The pack needs you right now. And besides, Elder Thorn was the one who trained you, right? So in a way, it"s like I"m learning from both of you."

Donovan smiles, squeezing his daughter"s hand. "You"re right. Thorn was the one who prepared me for my role as Alpha, just as he"s preparing you now. He"s a wise old wolf, and I trust him completely."

He sits back, his expression turning serious. "But Zara, being a guardian is a heavy responsibility. It"s not just about being strong or fast or even tapping into ancient powers. It"s about putting the needs of the pack, of our people, above everything else."

Zara nods solemnly. "I know, Dad. And I"m ready for that. I"ve always known that being Alpha would mean making sacrifices, putting the pack first. But now, with this mate bond with Alexi, I feel like my destiny is even more intertwined with the fate of our people."

Donovan sighs, running a hand through his graying hair. "I won"t lie, Zara. The idea of you being bonded to a vampire, it"s not something I ever would have expected or even wanted for you. But I also know that the spirits work in mysterious ways, and if this bond is part of your path, then I have to trust in that."

He stands, coming around the desk to pull his daughter into a hug. "I"m proud of you, Zara. You"re becoming the leader I always knew you could be. And no matter what challenges lie ahead, know that I"ll always be here for you, supporting you every step of the way."

Zara hugs her father back tightly, feeling a surge of emotion. "Thanks, Dad. That means everything to me."

Zara and Donovan"s heads snap up as a chorus of howls pierces the night, the warning cry of the sentry wolves guarding the perimeter of the Silvercrest territory.

A familiar voice suddenly echoes in her mind. Darling, did you forget something? I"d rather not have to hurt or kill any of your packmates unnecessarily. Alexi"s smooth, slightly amused tone reverberates through their mental link.

Zara can"t help but chuckle at the absurdity of the situation, causing Donovan to pull back and look at her quizzically. "What"s so funny?" he asks, his brow furrowed in confusion.

Shaking her head, Zara grins. "It"s Alexi. He"s back, but apparently we forgot to inform the pack about his impending arrival. It seems our sentries have him surrounded."

Donovan"s eyes widen in surprise before he lets out a soft snort. "Well, that"s one way to make an entrance. I suppose we should go and defuse the situation before things escalate."

Calm down, my fierce vampire,Zara sends through their bond, her mental voice tinged with amusement. I"m on my way. Try not to provoke anyone in the meantime, will you?

She can practically feel Alexi"s eye roll in response. I make no promises, my she-wolf. But for you, I"ll do my best to play nice.

Zara turns to her father, her sea-green eyes sparkling with mirth. "I better go and rescue my mate from our overzealous guardians. Care to join me?"

Donovan chuckles, nodding his head. "Lead the way, Alpha-to-be. Let"s go and introduce your vampire to the pack properly."

Zara and Donovan hurry towards the entrance of the Silvercrest territory, the sound of agitated sentry howls filling the air. As they approach, Zara can"t help but be amused at the sight before her.

Alexi leans against a tree, in the center of a circle of snarling wolves, their hackles raised and their golden eyes glowing in the darkness. He looks entirely unconcerned, his hands raised in a gesture of mock surrender. His eyes sparkle with mirth as he meets Zara"s gaze, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

Donovan steps forward, his presence commanding instant attention. "Stand down," he orders, his deep voice resonating with authority.

The sentries immediately back away, though they keep their eyes trained on Alexi, distrust evident in their tense stances.

Zara strides forward, her eyes locked on Alexi"s. His gaze meets hers, and even from a distance, she can see the crimson glint in his eyes, a sign of his own excitement. She feels a corresponding flash of gold in her own eyes, the wolf within her responding to the call of her mate.

"I guess we forgot to send out the memo about you," Zara says dryly as she reaches him, crossing her arms over her chest. "You know, the one that says "Attention all werewolves: This vampire is off-limits, by order of your future Alpha.""

Alexi pushes off the tree, brushing invisible dust from his leather jacket. "Well, you might want to inform the rest of your pack," he drawls, his tone casual yet laced with an underlying warning. "Zampieri guards are on their way. They"re not as...cool-headed as I am."

Zara raises an eyebrow at his statement, a retort on the tip of her tongue, but Donovan speaks first.

"I"ll handle it," he assures Alexi, his expression serious. He turns to the sentries. "Come with me. We need to prepare the others."

With a final nod to Zara, Donovan strides away, the sentries falling into step behind him. Zara watches them go, a mix of pride and apprehension swirling in her chest. She knows her father will ensure the pack is ready, but the impending arrival of vampire guards on their territory sets her on edge.

As if sensing her unease, Alexi steps closer, his scent of pine and cedarwood enveloping her. "Relax, darling," he murmurs, his voice low and soothing. "We got this."

Zara meets his gaze, the intensity in his eyes sending a shiver down her spine. She knows he"s right. They"re bound now, vampire and werewolf, united against a common enemy.

"I know," she replies softly, reaching out to lace her fingers with his. The contact sends a jolt of electricity through her, the mate bond humming between them.

Alexi squeezes her hand, a silent reassurance. "We should head inside," he suggests, glancing towards the heart of the Silvercrest territory. "We have plans to make."

Zara paces the length of her father"s study, her brow furrowed in thought. Alexi leans against the mahogany desk, his arms crossed over his chest as he watches her, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

"So, let me get this straight," Zara says, turning to face him. "Aziel is telling the Zampieri guards what needs to happen, but we have to attack as soon as they get here? Before Marius realizes we"ve agreed to a truce?"

Alexi nods, his expression turning serious. "Exactly. Marius has eyes and ears everywhere. If he gets wind of our alliance, he"ll be prepared for us. We need to strike hard and fast, catch him off guard."

Zara runs a hand through her dark hair, her mind racing. She knows Alexi is right, but the thought of leading her pack into battle alongside vampires still feels surreal. She glances at her father, who sits behind his desk, his fingers steepled under his chin.

"What do you think, Dad?" she asks, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Donovan meets her gaze, his green eyes filled with a mix of pride and concern. "I think," he says slowly, "that you and Alexi are right. We can"t afford to give Marius any more time to plan. If the Zampieri guards are willing to fight with us, we need to take advantage of that."

Zara nods, a sense of determination settling over her. She knows what she has to do, what her role as future Alpha demands of her.

"Okay," she says, squaring her shoulders. "Let"s do this."

Alexi pushes off the desk, a grin spreading across his face. "That"s my she-wolf," he says, his eyes flashing crimson with excitement.

Zara rolls her eyes, but she can"t help the smile that tugs at her lips. Despite the gravity of the situation, Alexi"s presence, his unwavering confidence, bolsters her own resolve.

Suddenly, a chorus of howls rises from outside, the sound reverberating through the study. Zara"s head snaps up, her eyes widening.

"The sentries," she says, her voice tight with tension. "The Zampieri guards must be here."

Donovan rises from his chair, his expression grim. "It"s time," he says, his voice deep and commanding.

Zara nods, her heart pounding in her chest. She feels Alexi"s hand on her shoulder, a reassuring squeeze that sends a jolt of electricity through her.

"Let"s go," he says, his voice low and steady.

Zara meets his gaze, her eyes flashing gold as the wolf within her rises to the surface. She knows the battle ahead will be challenging, that they"ll be facing an enemy who will stop at nothing to maintain his power.

But with Alexi by her side, with the strength of her pack and the Zampieri guards behind them, she feels a surge of hope, a fierce determination to protect what"s hers.

With a final nod to her father, Zara turns and strides out of the study, Alexi falling into step beside her. Together, they head towards the sound of the howls, ready to face whatever lies ahead.