Chapter 18

Chapter

Eighteen

Rowan

W ith Evelyn standing on the step next to me, I rapped my knuckles against the solid wood of the front door. It swung open almost immediately, revealing Will, his warm smile welcoming us in. Beside him stood his wife, Marissa, cradling her swollen belly with a gentleness that spoke volumes of the precious life growing within her.

"Rowan," Will greeted me, clasping my forearm in a firm grip.

"Marissa." I nodded toward her. Normally, I'd hug her, too, but with Will on edge, I didn't want to give him something to grumble about. I'd spoken with him through the pack bond on the way over. He was nervous to have someone staying with them, and I understood that.

I promised I would be watching closely. We only had a few pregnant she-wolves, and each one was a treasure to be cherished and protected.

Truthfully, it was a compromise to have Evelyn even a few doors down from me. I wanted her next to me at all times. In my bed where I could watch over her. But based on the emotions that poured out of her at the cabin, I knew she was fragile. I didn't want to push any more than I had to.

Will, understandably, didn't want the dagger anywhere close to his pregnant mate. It took a little cajoling, but Evelyn had finally agreed to let me store it at my house until we could figure out what to do next.

"Come in, please," Marissa stepped aside, her smile softening the sharp lines of my worry. She moved with an ease that belied her condition, but Will hovered near her, ready to offer support or punch someone's throat at a moment's notice.

"Are you feeling well?" I couldn't help asking, my eyes scanning her for any sign of discomfort. "Is there anything you need?"

"Nothing more than your company, Alpha Rowan," she replied with a lightness that eased the tension coiling in my shoulders. "We're doing just fine, aren't we, love?"

"Never better." Will wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

I led Evelyn into the heart of Will's living room, my hand at the small of her back—a silent promise that I was there, that she was not alone in this unfamiliar territory.

"Will, Marissa," I started, my voice gruff with barely-contained urgency, "Evelyn will be staying with you for a while." The weight of my responsibility as alpha pressed down on me, and I fought to keep my tone even. "Her protection is paramount."

Will's gaze met mine, steady and understanding. "We'll guard her as if she were our own," he said, a solemn vow from one who understood the depth of my commitment.

Marissa stepped forward, her eyes soft but fierce. "No harm will come to her here, Rowan."

"Thank you," I murmured, my relief a palpable thing as I saw the resolve in their eyes. I trusted them implicitly, but leaving Evelyn in someone else's care didn't sit well with me.

"Rowan," Will's voice pulled me back from my thoughts, "there's been talk—rumors of unrest stirring in the neighboring packs. Shifters moving through territories uninvited, challenging the old ways."

I tensed, instincts flaring to life. "How recent are these movements?"

"Last few nights. Can't say if it's rogue wolves or something more coordinated."

"More coordinated?" Marissa echoed, a frown creasing her brow. "Do you think they're planning something?"

"Maybe," I admitted, my mind racing through possibilities and threats. "It could be a power play, a prelude to a challenge. Or worse."

"An uprising?" Will suggested, his voice low.

"Could be," I said grimly. "Which means we need to be prepared. We can't let anything threaten our pack—or any of the others."

Will nodded grimly. "Sounds like you have work to do."

I looked back at Evelyn. She gave a small smile and nodded. It felt like tearing my heart from my chest to turn my back and walk to the porch, but I forced my legs to move. There was much to do, many miles to cover before I could rest.

My boots crunched softly over the needle-strewn path, the moon a slender crescent in the night sky, illuminating the way to the rendezvous point. Jasper and Lana might already be waiting.

After what felt like both a snap of my fingers and an eternity, I arrived at our meeting spot—a small clearing guarded by towering redwoods. A fallen log served as a makeshift bench, its surface smoothed by countless seasons. Here, beneath the watchful gaze of ancient trees, decisions that shaped the fate of our pack had been made. Tonight would be no different.

I perched on the log. Jasper and Lana were never late, yet every second stretched, taut as a bowstring. I flexed my fingers, my wolf pacing restlessly within.

Finally, I lifted my head, nostrils flaring as I scented them before they broke through the foliage. They emerged like specters from the dark, their forms slipping silently into the moonlit clearing. "Rowan," Jasper's voice was a low rumble, his mercenary-like build cutting an imposing silhouette.

"Jasper. Lana." My gaze flicked to her, the sarcasm that usually danced in her eyes replaced with solemnity. Their expressions mirrored the gravity I felt clawing at my insides.

"We've patrolled the borders. No signs of immediate threat, but I don't like the energy."

I nodded. "And you both? How are you holding up?"

"Ready to tear into anyone who threatens us." Lana's brushed back her long dark hair. "We're solid, Rowan. But what about Evelyn? Is she safe?"

"Will and his wife have her under their protection."

"How'd you convince her to leave that shithole of a hotel?" Jasper asked.

"Magicians don't reveal their secrets."

Lana turned to Jasper. "Earrings?"

He shook his head. "Nah. Probably oral."

Lana rolled her eyes.

"Jasper, report," I barked, pretending I hadn't heard either of them.

He smirked. "Tori's got us on the eastern ridge for the next twenty-four hours."

"Perfect. I'll join you for the aerial sweep." I ran a hand through my hair. "I don't have enough information, but someone's hunting the relics."

Jasper frowned. "Relics? As in from the stories?"

"Exactly." I leaned over my knees. "Evelyn is tracking the trail, but so far we only have dead ends."

Lana nodded, then paused. When she spoke, her voice was low. "Rowan…Kitimat is expecting their alpha as early as tomorrow night."

My chest tightened. "He won't cross territory lines."

"And if he does?" Jasper raised an eyebrow.

My wolf let out a low growl. "Then we'll be ready."