40. Ava

Panic surges through me—hot,fierce, and utterly foreign. I had always imagined myself springing into action during a crisis, ready to assist wherever I was needed, yet when confronted with the reality, I'm frozen. Ice courses through my veins, and my mind swirls with the fear of losing everything.

A shout cuts through the air—a woman's terrified plea.

The horn echoes through the forest again and again.

Ethan, whose eyes are usually a dark, brooding storm, now blaze with the spirit of his inner wolf. He sits up slowly, cocking his head to the side, attentive and alert.

"Clan lands," he declares, surging out of bed to wrench open the window. "We're under attack." He whirls around to lock eyes with me, a silent exchange passing between us. "Ava."

"Go." Rising to stand beside him at the window, I watch as the clan shifts and dashes into the forest below. "I'll be fine, I promise."

He's torn, I can see it—torn between the urge to stay by my side and protect the clan. The distant cry of a child makes the decision for him. Without a second thought, Ethan shoves the window screen out, barely making a sound as it clatters to the ground, and leaps through, shifting mid-descent.

I rush to the window just in time to see him land with a snarl before bolting away. A horn echoes ominously through the forest. The hunters are attacking on clan lands—a thought so staggering, it fills me with dread. Despite years of coexistence with spiritkin, witches, and fae, the hunters had never dared challenge a clan.

Until now.

Why now? The question propels me into action. I snatch up my discarded clothes, step into my jeans, and hastily pull on my sports bra, leaving the rest scattered. As I rip the door open, I find Tyler there, his face etched with fear and urgency.

"The hunters are on clan lands," he says, his voice trembling. He grabs my hand, pulling me along. "I need to get the children to safety."

"Do you need help?" I offer, ready to leap into action.

He shakes his head, a pained expression flickering across his features. "Don't take this the wrong way, but?—"

"They think I'm the target?" I interrupt, the words spilling out with a confidence I wish I didn't feel. "My father."

"This has never happened before. It can't be a coincidence." He glances back at me as we dash downstairs.

"I agree," I say, stopping him with a firm grip on his arm. "Go, get them to safety."

This is terrifyingly real.

"Ava." Tyler cups my cheeks, his eyes begging me to understand. "Whatever you're planning, don't. I need you to stay here and be safe. Brody and Natalie are on their way back. Can you promise me you'll stay put?"

"I—" Frustration wells up, but I urge him on. "Ensure their safety. I'll do everything in my power to stay safe."

He's clearly reluctant to go, his gaze lingering on me. Then, in a swift move, Tyler plants a kiss on me, a promise of countless more to come. "I plan to steal an infinite number of kisses from you for the rest of our lives. I love you, butterfly." He's gone before I can respond.

Stunned, I trace my lips, savoring the memory of his touch, his taste.

He loves me. The escalating shouts snap me back to the pressing reality, erasing all excitement at feeling loved.

The adrenaline coursing through my veins ignites my determination, my mind racing to devise a strategy. I dash back into Ethan's room, seizing my phone and stuffing it into my pocket. With a deep inhale, I slide into my shoes and sprint down the stairs, driven by an overwhelming need to contribute, to make a difference. I ease the front door open, my senses heightened, scanning for any hint of danger.

From afar, the sounds of anguish and conflict pierce the night. My heart clenches in response, yet I steel myself, knowing impulsiveness won't serve me, or anyone else, now.

Think, Ava, think!The immediate step is to call for backup. I dial Brody's number, my heart in my throat, hoping for a swift answer.

"Brody, it's me," I whisper, urgency threading my voice as I speak into the void. "The hunters… They've invaded. Clan lands… They are attacking… We need a rendezvous point…" My voice fractures, a sob threatening to break through. "I… I'm not sure where to go… Ethan… Tyler has the kids…"

The prerecorded message from Brody plays, his voice exuding confidence—a stark contrast to my desperation. "This is Dr. Brody Walker. Please leave a message…"

Voicemail.

A jolt of realization strikes me—I'm not just a bystander, I'm part of this world. This isn't the time for human hesitations. I'm on clan territory, and I am a wolf.

Stop thinking like a human. Think like a wolf.

My heart beats a fierce rhythm—an echo of the primal essence within. The surrounding chaos dims, making way for an awakening that's both foreign and intimately familiar. My skin prickles, alive with an energy that beckons the core of my being to life.

For too long, I've used my humanity as a shield, a supposed sanctuary from the unpredictable, but now, with everything I love at risk, I see how flimsy that safety was. How can I protect anyone if I'm not willing to embrace all of myself?

The realization is a gut punch, stealing my breath. I can't face this challenge as a mere human. Ethan, Tyler, the children—they need more than what my human form can offer. My hesitation and fears come from clinging to a part of me that's just not enough anymore.

Memories of Ethan's smooth shift into his wolf form light up my thoughts. It's not just about changing shape, it's about fully embracing every piece of who you are, and I'm a wolf shifter too. It's time I face that truth, let go of my fears, and tap into the strength I've always had inside.

I am spiritkin.

Eyes closed, I breathe deeply and center myself, aligning with my inner spirit. The presence of the wolf within is undeniable, restless, and yearning for release. This transformation isn't just something I need to do, it's me accepting who I really am.

With a final breath, I surrender to the change I've resisted for far too long. It's intense, pain and thrill mixing together as my body shifts and changes into its truest form. My screams of agony turn into growls of power.

Then, there's clarity. The world sharpens, a riot of scents and sounds unveiling the intricacies of life with newfound precision. In this form, I'm strong and free, my doubts replaced by a solid sense of who I am.

My senses guide me. Beyond the noise of battle, and the smell of fear and blood, I catch the scent of my clan. They are my north star, leading me through the turmoil.

With a deep, centering breath, I move forward on all fours, each step growing more confident. I burst into a sprint, the ground blurring beneath me as I race toward the fray, determined to stand with my clan and to demonstrate my true strength.

I may not be stronger than them, but I can be just as cunning as my father, and right now, I need to be.

The night cloaks me, turning me into a mere wisp among the shadows, with the moon shedding just enough light to paint everything in shades of gray. The forest around me buzzes with the subtle sounds of life and the distant clashes of my clan defending our territory. Here I am, in my majestic wolf form, endeavoring not to let the rush of adrenaline make a fool of me.

The air is tainted with an unmistakable scent—humans, but not the kind who are lost. They came with ill intentions. Hunters. Their heartbeats are a discordant rhythm in the night, approaching with all the subtlety of an avalanche. They think they are being stealthy with their high-tech gear and weapons, clearly unacquainted with a wolf whose senses are finely tuned.

Hint—that's me.

I stay low, using the wind to hide my approach. They are encroaching on my territory, and I have no intention of rolling out the red carpet. Creeping closer, they think they are hidden, not realizing I'm about to turn their night upside down.

As they stop and scan the dark, I pounce on the one closest to me, my teeth finding his arm. It's not exactly my preferred taste, but it gets the job done. He cries out, a mix of surprise and pain, as we hit the ground.

The second one spins, aiming his rifle at me, but I'm quicker. I dodge the bullet, then I'm on him in a heartbeat. Our fight is messy and desperate, his silver knife glinting under the moon—a poor choice against me. I dodge and weave, using moves he's never seen, and soon, he's down, joining his friend in defeat.

I release a howl into the night—a cry of victory and a beacon to my clan. Without lingering, I dissolve back into the shadows, reclaimed by the night.

Panting, I stand victorious, yet the feeling is bittersweet. That's when I detect the taste of blood in my mouth, sharp and metallic. Surprisingly, it doesn't make me feel sick or uneasy. I push the idea of blood away, attributing my newfound tolerance to being in my spiritkin form.

The night has more in store, however, delivering a gut-wrenching twist. The air, heavy with the scent of blood and illuminated by moonlight, carries a howl—a sound laden with so much agony, it ensnares my heart. Instinct propels me forward, my paws thundering toward the source of that distress. In that moment, nothing else matters.

I burst into a clearing that the moonlight transforms into a stage set for heartbreak, with Natalie caught in the center. She is stuck between her wolf and human forms, her blood darkening the earth. A hunter looms above her, a stark embodiment of death, his gun pointed straight at her heart.

Anger floods me.

Any past grievances, jealousies, or conflicts—none of it matters now. Natalie is family, part of the clan, and this hunter is about to discover the grave mistake of threatening one of our own.

With primal instinct, I throw myself at him, fueled by raw fury. We crash to the ground, our struggle a whirlwind of snarls and grunts. My wolf instincts give me the edge, a mix of surprise and anger propelling me. A final, decisive blow renders him unconscious.

My focus returns to Natalie, and my heart races with worry. Shifting back, I kneel beside her.

"Shit, Natalie, focus on your human form," I coax, hoping she can focus enough to heal. "There you go, focus."

Her return to human form is agonizingly slow, every transformation marked by pain. When her eyes finally open, my presence seems to both confuse and comfort her.

"Ava?" she murmurs. Her eyes are glazed over from pain, and there's a hole in her shoulder, where the hunter already shot her before I got to him.

"Yeah, it's me," I reply, forcing cheerfulness into my tone, despite the tightness in my chest. "Let's get you somewhere safe, okay? Can you shift to heal?"

"No, I can't. Leave me to rot." She lets her head thump to the earth. "It's what I deserve."

"Get up." I try to drag her to a sitting position, but she's dead weight. "Come on, I'm not leaving a soul behind."

"Don't be stubborn. Let me die." She twists out of my grip, only to hurt herself, yelping in pain.

Growling, I tug her up again, not about to give up. "Well, guess what? This stubborn wolf isn't letting you die out here."

"Fine," she snaps back, letting me pull her up. Her whole body trembles, and bruises bloom all over her.

Leaning on each other, we make our way through the woods, our journey punctuated by too many halts. Despite the pain and the constant reminders of danger around us, we press on. Shouts and screams make my legs itch to run, and bullets spray the trees, shooting bark everywhere.

"Go. You need to help the others," Natalie insists, trying to push me away for the sake of the clan.

"Not leaving you," I protest, taking more of her weight to reassure her of my commitment. "The guys would never forgive me if I let you just…stay here."

She lets out a pained laugh but grips me tighter. "Damn silver buckshot. Can't shift," she confesses through gritted teeth.

"There, look." I gesture toward the faint outline of our village through the trees. "We're almost home."

Natalie suddenly collapses, pulling me down with her. "Ava," she whispers, pointing with a trembling hand. "Hunters."

My heart sinks as I scout the area, leaving Natalie briefly to get a clearer view. The forest crawls with hunters.

"It was a diversion," I realize, a wave of fear washing over me.

The harsh truth hits me—the belief in our security was a mere fa?ade, cleverly crafted to spread us thin and make us vulnerable. They lured us out, exploiting our trust in our defenses.

We are all scattered in the woods where they secluded us, taking us out one by one.

And we fell for it.

"Go," Natalie whispers, her voice tinged with pain yet filled with determination. "You go. I'll stay hidden." She attempts to rise, but the silver in her wounds binds her, preventing any transformation.

"No way," I protest, my eyes flicking between her and the advancing shadows. "We're not splitting up."

Natalie's gaze halts me, a fierce resolve shining through despite her frailty.

"Ava, you're stronger and faster now. You have the advantage. I…" She grimaces, her failed attempt to shift underscoring the gravity of our situation.

Witnessing her struggle solidifies my resolve. She's right—stealth and speed are our allies now, not brute strength. "Okay," I agree, my voice laden with the heavy burden of our choice. "Stay hidden. If you manage to shift, come find me."

Natalie fades into the underbrush, her silhouette merging seamlessly with the night as if she were never there, but then she pauses, whispering urgently, "Wait."

I crouch down, fearing she hurt herself more by attempting to shift. "What is it?"

"I'm sorry," she blurts out, shaking her head. "Someone sent me a letter claiming you were part of the cult. I used it as ammunition against you, but I shouldn't have."

I nod, filing away her apology for later.

"Know what? Apologize later, after they are all dead. We can have drinks and laugh about your jealousy later." Well, mocktails for me.

"Nachos," she says. "Nachos and tequila."

"You have to survive first."

"So do you," she retorts.

"I plan to."

I shift forms swiftly, embracing the night as I stalk through the darkness. The cool air brushes against my fur, contrasting with the fire that rages within. Uncertainty about my pack's safety gnaws at me, but hope keeps despair at bay.

I edge around the clearing, using their arrogance against them. They never expected a lone wolf to strike back.

I use their methodology against them, singling them out and taking them down one at a time.

Selecting a straggler, I launch a silent, swift attack. He collapses—a soundless testament to the folly of underestimating a determined wolf. Each takedown fuels my adrenaline, yet amidst the thrill, a pang of conscience emerges. These hunters, misled by their leader, deserve a chance at redemption, not death.

Only they are here to kill us, not make peace with us, and I can't give them the chance to kill again.

Shaking off those thoughts, I zero in on the pressing danger. The atmosphere is charged with the ominous energy of impending doom. I neutralize one more hunter, then plunge into the thick of the fight, making my way toward the clan house, where the conflict intensifies.

Ahead, Ethan, Tyler, and Brody move with seamless coordination. I skid to a stop, choosing to work with them. Luckily, they don't growl at me to get to safety, and instead, we move together.

We stand side by side.

As our determination crystallizes, so does the hunters' resolve. Their faces, etched with grim determination, reveal a willingness to fight to the end, driven by orders rooted in deep-seated hatred. Their eyes reflect a chilling commitment, a mirror of our own, but born from blind allegiance rather than unity.

This realization fuels a fiercer resolve within me. If they refuse to back down, then we have no choice but to defend our home with every ounce of our strength.

We refine our strategy, focusing on separating the hunters to break apart their unity and spirit. As we take down one, though, another steps up, their relentless numbers overwhelming.

Exhaustion attempts to slow me down, but determination fires my muscles.

In the chaos, a moment of terror unfolds as a hunter targets Ethan. Time stretches thin, my actions driven by an urgent need to protect, but before despair can take hold, Tyler intervenes, his swift action averting disaster.

The battle intensifies, our willpower and resilience the only things keeping us going. We gradually push the hunters back to the tree line, where spiritkin take them out one at a time, our resolve unshaken by the realization that this is more than a mere physical confrontation—it's a clash of ideologies.

This understanding does not weaken us, rather, it fortifies our determination. We fight not only for survival, but for the principle of coexistence, challenging the narrative driven by fear and hatred.

As the conflict wanes and the hunters retreat, a figure emerges from the forest, a presence that stirs a whirlwind of emotions within me.

I shift and stare in shock.

"Dad?" I whisper, disbelief in my voice.