Chapter 27

27

GOTTA GO

Octavia

The sun filters through the window, casting warm golden rays across our small kitchenette. I sit across from Wyatt at our coffee table, plates of half-eaten sandwiches and glasses of iced tea sit between us. I can feel the tension coiling in my stomach, a tight knot of worry that won’t loosen. Rachel's banishment from the council is still fresh in my mind, the way it reverberated through the pack, a shockwave that left us all reeling. What will her family think? What will they do?

"Octavia," Wyatt's voice pulls me out of my spiraling thoughts. His deep emerald eyes — always so full of mischief — are now laced with concern. "Are you okay about the Luna Ceremony next week?"

I force a smile, trying to mask the unease. “Yeah, I’m okay,” I lie, but the tremor in my voice gives me away. The truth is, the supposed celebration feels tainted. “I would love that, actually. I can’t wait to be Octavia Saltman.”

A low, sexy growl escapes Wyatt, causing my heart to race. It’s that sound that always makes me feel alive, igniting the flame inside me. In an instant, he abandons his sandwich, lunging across the table to tackle me to the floor. We land with a soft thud, laughter spilling from my lips as he showers me with kisses — first on my face, then my neck, my lips, my forehead. Each kiss sends butterflies dancing in my stomach, my wolf inside me purring with delight.

“Wyatt,” I giggle, squirming beneath him, my cheeks flushing with warmth. “We’re supposed to be having lunch, remember?”

He pauses, his lips hovering just above mine, a teasing glint in his eyes. “Lunch can wait. I need you to know how much I love you.” His voice drops to a low whisper, and he leans down to lick the mark on my neck, the bite that binds us together. “I will claim your body with my cock later, first I want dessert,” he winks, and just like that, my heart races even faster.

Before I can retort or pull him back down to me, there’s a knock at the door. The sound slices through the moment, and I can feel the heat of the moment dissipating like steam. Wyatt groans playfully, rolling off me to stand up. I fan my flushed face, still sprawled on the floor, trying to regain my composure.

“Stay right there, baby girl,” he says, shooting me a playful grin as he walks toward the door, shoulders broad and confident. I can’t help but admire him, my heart swelling with affection.

He opens the door, and I catch a glimpse of who it is. My heart sinks just a little. It’s Marcus, one of the council members — a serious man with a reputation for being no-nonsense. His presence only heightens my worry about Rachel's family.

“Wyatt,” Marcus greets, his tone clipped. “We need to talk.”

I watch as Wyatt’s expression shifts, the playful glimmer replaced with a more serious demeanor. The air grows heavy with tension, and I sit up, bracing myself for whatever news Marcus has brought.

“What’s going on?” Wyatt asks, his voice steady, though I can sense the underlying concern.

Marcus steps inside, glancing at me sitting on the floor before meeting Wyatt’s gaze. “It’s about Rachel’s family. They’re not taking the banishment lightly. There are rumors they might take matters into their own hands.”

I feel a chill run down my spine at his words. “What do you mean?” I interject, my voice shaky.

“Let’s sit down,” Marcus replies, gesturing toward the table where Wyatt and I had been enjoying our lunch. I swallow hard, pushing aside the remnants of my sandwich as they both take seats.

“We have to prepare ourselves,” Marcus continues, his expression grave. “Rachel’s family is not just hurt; they’re furious. They feel dishonored, and that can lead to dangerous consequences.”

The weight of his words settles heavily on my chest. I glance at Wyatt, who is staring at Marcus with a fierce intensity. I know he’s thinking about how to protect me, how to keep our pack safe.

“Octavia, I want you to promise me you’ll stay close to me,” he says, turning to me. “I won’t let anything happen to you.”

“I promise,” I reply, my heart thudding with a mixture of fear and determination. It’s not just about me anymore; it’s about our pack, our future together.

Marcus clears his throat, drawing our attention back. “I suggest we hold a meeting with the pack leaders to discuss this. We need a plan. If Rachel’s family decides to retaliate, we need to be ready.”

Wyatt nods, his jaw set. “I’ll call a meeting tonight. We can’t let them surprise us.”

As Marcus stands to leave, I feel a sense of unease settle over me. I’m caught in a storm of emotions: love for Wyatt, fear for our future, and worry for the repercussions of Rachel’s actions.

“Octavia,” Marcus says before exiting, his gaze softening just a fraction. “Stay strong. We’ll get through this.”

I nod, though doubt lingers in my mind. As the door clicks shut behind him, I look at Wyatt, who is still processing the looming threat.

“I hate this,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper.

Wyatt crosses the room and pulls me into his arms, enveloping me in warmth. “I know. But we’ll face it together. You and me, always.”

His words wrap around me like a protective shield, and I take a deep breath, trying to quell the anxiety swirling inside me.

“Can we just forget about it for a moment?” I ask, my voice muffled against his chest. “Can we just focus on us?”

Wyatt pulls back slightly, his eyes searching mine. “You’re right. We can’t let this overshadow what’s coming next week.”

I nod, feeling a flicker of hope. “The Luna Ceremony.”

He grins, that playful spark returning to his eyes. “Exactly. Let’s make it a day to remember, no matter what happens. You deserve to feel special.”

I smile back, warmth spreading through me at his words. “I do want that. I want to celebrate us .”

“Then let’s plan something amazing,” he says, already pulling out his phone, ready to brainstorm ideas.

As he starts tapping away, I lean back against the couch, my heart lighter. Despite the darkness looming on the horizon, I know that with Wyatt by my side, we can face anything.

The air is thick with tension as we sit in the dimly lit room, Wyatt beside me, his hand resting protectively on my knee. The flickering light from the fireplace casts long shadows across the walls, and I can feel the weight of the moment pressing down on us. This meeting isn’t just about Rachel’s family; it’s about our safety, our future, and the fragile peace we’ve fought so hard to maintain.

Dalton leans forward, his brow furrowed in concentration. His jaw is set, and I can tell he’s already strategizing, thinking several steps ahead. Marcus, the council member sits across from us, his expression unreadable. The news he brought earlier about Rachel’s parents, Lena and Eugene, sends a shiver down my spine. They were furious about their daughter’s banishment, and I can’t blame them. Rachel had successfully manipulated so many people, and now she was out of our lives — at least for now.

“Rachel’s family could react violently,” Marcus says, his voice steady but low, as if he’s afraid of awakening a sleeping beast. “They’re not just grieving a daughter; they’re losing their status in the pack and home. We need to be cautious.”

Wyatt nods, his jaw tightening. “We can’t let them think they can get away with anything. They’ll want revenge, and we can’t give them a reason to act out.”

I glance at Wyatt, my heart racing. His determination is palpable, and though I admire his strength, I can’t shake the fear that lingers in the back of my mind. Rachel’s deception had nearly destroyed everything we had built together. Now, with her gone, I should feel relieved, but instead, I’m haunted by the thought of what her family might do.

Dalton interjects, his voice steady and calm. “I suggest we send three warriors with you and Marcus to Lena and Eugene’s house. Make it clear they have until tonight to vacate the pack lands. If they resist, we need to be prepared.”

“Agreed,” Marcus replies, leaning back in his chair, contemplating the gravity of the situation. “It’s better to have a presence there than to risk them escalating things. Rachel’s family is unpredictable right now.”

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. “What if they refuse to leave?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper. “What if they try to retaliate against us?”

Wyatt squeezes my knee, his touch grounding me. “We’ll handle it, Octavia. We’ll make sure they understand the consequences of their actions. The pack’s safety comes first.”

A knot of anxiety twists in my stomach as I picture Lena and Eugene’s home. Would they be packing in anger? Would they lash out at anyone who approached them? The last thing I want is for this to escalate further, but it seems like we’re already standing on the precipice.

“Let’s go,” Wyatt says decisively, rising to his feet. “We’ll head to their house now. The sooner we get this settled, the better.”

I follow him, the weight of the situation pulling at me. With every step, I can feel the gravity of our circumstances. The world outside is dim, the sun setting and casting an orange hue across the sky as we make our way to the door.

As we step outside, the chill of the evening air bites at my skin. I wrap my arms around myself, a shiver running down my spine. Wyatt notices, immediately moving closer, his warmth enveloping me. I lean into him, grateful for the comfort he provides amidst the uncertainty.

Dalton leads the way, his posture alert, scanning the surroundings as we walk toward the cars parked nearby. The quiet of the night feels ominous, as if the very air is holding its breath. I glance back at the pack house, a sense of nostalgia washing over me. So much has happened here — the laughter, the friendships, the heartaches. It feels as though we’re about to face a storm that could change everything.

As we pile into the vehicles, I can’t help but feel a mix of dread and resolve. I look at Wyatt, his expression focused, and I know that he will do everything in his power to protect me and our pack. “We’ll get through this,” I whisper, more to convince myself than him.

He gives me a reassuring nod, his eyes fierce with determination. “Together.”

The drive to Lena and Eugene’s house is filled with an unsettling silence. My mind races with thoughts of Rachel and the chaos she caused. I still can’t believe she tried to fake a pregnancy; it was a betrayal that cut deeper than I’d ever imagined. But now she is gone, and I should be celebrating that fact. Instead, I’m left wondering how deep her roots ran in our lives.

As we pull up to their house, the first thing I notice is the tension in the air. The lights are on inside, and I can see shadows moving through the windows. Lena and Eugene are home, and I can’t shake the feeling that they’re preparing for a confrontation.

Wyatt turns to me, his voice low and serious. “Stay close to me, baby girl. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

I nod, my heart pounding in my chest. I want to believe him, but the reality of the situation feels too precarious.

Dalton steps out first, followed by Marcus, and then Wyatt and I exit the vehicle. The air is electric as we approach the front porch, and I can feel the tension building with every step. Dalton rings the doorbell, and the sound echoes in the stillness of the night.

Moments later, the door swings open, revealing Lena, her face a mask of disbelief. “What are you doing here?” she demands, her voice sharp and defensive.

“We need to talk,” Wyatt says, his tone calm but firm. “You have until tonight to vacate the pack lands.”

Lena’s eyes widen in anger, and I can see her fists clench at her sides. “You can’t just kick us out! Rachel?—”

“Rachel is no longer part of this pack,” Marcus interjects, his voice steady. “You know the rules. You were warned that this could happen.”

Eugene appears behind Lena, his expression grim. “You think you can just banish us like this? We deserve a chance to defend ourselves!”

Wyatt steps forward, his presence imposing. “You can defend yourselves, but not on pack lands. Although, your wife did help a prisoner escape so she’s lucky that charges aren’t being brought on her. You have until tonight to gather your things. We don’t want any trouble.”

Lena shakes her head, her expression filled with fury. “You think you can intimidate us? We are still a part of this pack, and we won’t be driven out like animals!”

I feel a surge of fear and anger at her words, but I keep my mouth shut. This isn’t about me; it’s about protecting what we’ve built, about standing firm against the chaos Rachel has left behind.

“Enough,” Dalton says, stepping forward. “This isn’t just about you and Rachel. This is about the safety of the entire pack. You’ve aligned yourselves with a traitor. We can’t allow that to continue.”

Lena’s face pales, and I can see the realization hit her that this is bigger than just family loyalty. The consequences of Rachel’s actions are reverberating through every aspect of our lives.

Eugene looks back at Lena, his expression softening. “We should just go,” he murmurs, uncertainty creeping into his voice.

“No!” Lena snaps, her fierce resolve returning. “We’re not leaving without a fight!”

I feel a surge of frustration at her stubbornness. “You don’t have to fight us, Lena,” I say, my voice rising. “This isn’t personal. This is about keeping everyone safe. Rachel put us all at risk, and you need to understand that.”

Lena’s gaze snaps to me, and for a moment, I see a flicker of understanding. But it’s quickly overshadowed by her anger. “You think you can just take everything from us? You think we’ll just stand by and let you ruin our lives?”

“Ruining your lives was never the intention,” Marcus says, his voice steady. “But you need to see that you're putting everyone in danger by refusing to leave. This is your chance to protect your family, to keep them safe.”

I can see the conflict in Lena’s eyes, the struggle between her loyalty to her daughter and the very real threat that looms over them.

“Let’s not make this worse than it has to be,” Wyatt says, his tone softening slightly. “Gather your things, and we’ll help you move. No one wants this to escalate. The council has decided but as your Alpha, so have I.”

Lena’s expression falters, and for a split second, I think she might relent. But then she shakes her head.

Eugene places a hand on her shoulder, his expression torn. “Lena, maybe we should just listen to them. It’s not worth the risk.”

“No!” she snaps again, pulling away from him. “I’m not going to let them walk all over us!”

The argument escalates, with Lena and Eugene exchanging heated words. I glance at Wyatt, my heart racing. We can’t let this devolve into a confrontation.

“Octavia,” he says quietly, “stay back for a moment.”

I nod, stepping to the side as Wyatt and Dalton exchange glances. They seem to communicate without words, and I can see the tension in their bodies as they prepare for any potential fallout.

“Lena,” Dalton says, his voice firm but measured, “this isn’t just about you. It’s about the entire pack. You know the rules, and ignoring them will only make things worse.”

Lena crosses her arms defiantly. “And what if we don’t care about the rules? What if we want to stay?”

“Then you’ll be putting everyone at risk,” Marcus replies, his tone unwavering. “We won’t allow that.”

I watch as Lena’s expression shifts, a flicker of doubt crossing her face. But then she straightens, her resolve hardening once more. “You think you can scare us into submission? You think we’ll just pack up and leave without a fight?”

Wyatt steps closer to her, his voice low and steady. “This isn’t about fear; it’s about responsibility. You may not see it now, but you’re putting your own family in danger by clinging to a past that no longer exists. We’re trying to protect you.”

“Protect us?” Lena scoffs, bitterness dripping from her words. “You’ve already taken everything from us!”

Eugene moves closer to her, trying to reason with her. “Lena, baby, please. We can’t afford to make enemies right now. We don’t know what Rachel will do next.”

That seems to strike a chord with her, the reality of Rachel’s chaos finally settling in. I can see the conflict in her eyes, torn between loyalty to her daughter and the very real consequences of her actions.

“Let’s just pack our things,” Eugene says quietly, his voice filled with resignation. “We’ll leave. We need to think about our safety.”

Lena’s expression flickers, a mixture of anger and uncertainty. “You’re willing to just give up?”

“It’s not giving up,” he replies, earnestness in his voice. “It’s being smart. We can regroup and figure things out later. Rachel is out there somewhere. We need to try and find her.”

For a moment, it seems as though she might relent, but then her eyes flash with defiance once more. “I won’t let them push us around. If we leave, it will be on our terms, not theirs!”

My heart sinks as I watch the tension escalate again. I want to reach out to her, to help her see reason, but I know better than to intervene. This is about their family, their choices.

“Lena,” Marcus says, his voice calm but firm, “this isn’t just about you. You’ve put everyone in danger by refusing to see the bigger picture. We’re trying to help you, but if you don’t leave, we may not be able to protect you. We can’t let you stay here, not after what Rachel has done.”

The mention of Rachel’s name seems to trigger something in Lena, and for the first time, I see her anger begin to waver.

“Fine,” she says, her voice trembling with emotion. “We’ll leave. But I want to make it clear that this isn’t over. You think you’ve won, but we’ll find a way to make things right.”

Wyatt steps forward, his expression unwavering. “This isn’t about winning or losing, Lena. It’s about survival. Take this opportunity to protect your family. That’s all we’re asking.”

Lena hesitates, her expression softening as the reality of their situation sinks in. “What do you want us to do?”

“Start packing your things,” Dalton replies, glancing at Marcus and Wyatt. “We’ll help you move. Just please, don’t make this harder than it has to be.”

With a reluctant nod, Lena turns and disappears into the house, Eugene following closely behind. The tension in the air lingers, but for the first time, I feel a glimmer of hope.

“Let’s give them some space,” Wyatt says, his voice low. “We’ll help them, but we need to make sure they understand the urgency of the situation.”

As we stand outside, I can feel the weight of everything pressing down on me. This wasn’t just about Rachel; it was about the threads that connected us all, the choices that shaped our lives.

“Are you okay?” Wyatt asks, his voice soft as he leans closer.

I nod, though I can’t shake the fear that lingers in the back of my mind. “I just… I want this to be over. I want to move past all of this.”

He nods, his expression understanding. “We will. I promise you, we’ll get through this together.”

As time passes, we can hear the sound of footsteps inside the house, the rustle of boxes being moved. I glance at Dalton, who stands beside us, his expression cautious.

“Do you think they’ll really leave?” I ask, my voice filled with uncertainty.

Dalton shrugs, his gaze fixed on the door. “It’s hard to say. But if they don’t, we’ll be ready to handle whatever comes our way.”

The door opens again, and Lena steps out, her expression tense but resolved. “Fine. We’ll leave. Just give us an hour to pack.”

Wyatt nods, his expression calm. “Take your time, but please remember — this isn’t just about you. We need to ensure the safety of the entire pack. It’s also not a choice. I’m still your Alpha until you cross packlines.”

As Lena turns to head back inside, I can feel a mixture of relief and apprehension. This wasn’t just a confrontation; it was a reminder of how fragile everything could be, of how quickly things could spiral out of control.

“Stay close,” Wyatt murmurs, his hand finding mine. I squeeze it tightly, drawing strength from him as we wait for Lena and Eugene to gather their belongings.

The minutes seem to stretch on, and as I glance back at the pack house, I can’t shake the feeling that this is only the beginning. Rachel’s shadow looms over us, and I know that even with her gone, the repercussions of her actions will ripple through our lives for a long time to come.

Finally, after what feels like an eternity, Lena and Eugene emerge from the house, their arms laden with boxes and bags. The expressions on their faces are a mixture of anger and defeat, and I can’t help but feel a pang of sympathy for them.

“We’re ready,” Lena says, her voice tight.

“Let’s get you moved then,” Dalton replies, stepping forward to help.

As we pile their belongings into the vehicles, I can’t shake the feeling that this is not just an end, but a transition. A chance for a new beginning, even if it comes with its own set of challenges.

“Thank you,” Eugene says quietly as he loads the last box. “For not making this worse than it had to be. And for what it’s worth, I’m sorry for everything my daughter has done. I’m ashamed of her actions.”

Wyatt nods, his expression serious. “We just want everyone to be safe. That’s all that matters.”

As we drive away from Lena and Eugene’s house, I can’t help but glance back, a mixture of relief and sorrow washing over me. This isn’t over, I remind myself. There are still shadows lurking in the corners, still remnants of Rachel’s chaos that will take time to heal. The gloom of the rogue problem is still there and I know Wyatt is still getting messages from Alpha Rex from the Howlite Pack.

But for now, we’ve taken a step towards stability. We’ve faced the storm together, and as long as I have Wyatt by my side, I know we can weather whatever comes next.

With the pack behind us and a new day ahead, I take a deep breath, ready to embrace whatever challenges lie in our path. Together, we’ll forge a new future, one step at a time.

Wyatt

The moon hangs high in the star-studded sky, casting a silver glow through the windows of our bedroom. I sit on the plush brown rug by the fireplace, its wine-red embers crackling softly, filling the air with warmth and the faint scent of cedar. My heart is heavy, a weight that drags at my chest, even as I glance at the serene figure sleeping beside me. Octavia. My mate. My Luna.

She lies there, her chest rising and falling gently, her dark hair splayed across the pillows like a cascade of midnight. At this moment, she looks unburdened by the chaos surrounding us, and I wish I could join her in that peace. But the truth is, the world outside these walls is anything but tranquil.

Alpha Rex of the Howlite Pack has been relentless in his pursuit of my attention, sending me emails daily, laced with urgency, about the rogue issue at his borders. I know I should be responding, should be rallying my pack to assist him, but the thought of leaving Octavia, even for a fleeting moment, gnaws at me. Besides, I have enough on my plate. Just twenty-four hours ago, I had to banish three pack members, all because of Rachel's deceitful actions — her faked pregnancy and the audacity to kidnap Octavia.

The Luna Ceremony is looming like a storm cloud on the horizon, and the packhouse is in a frenzy. Florists bustle in and out, their arms laden with bouquets and floral arrangements, while the kitchen is a whirlwind of activity. My mother is in a constant state of distress, fussing over the wrong flowers showing up, insisting that I need to intervene because gardenias instead of calla lilies is just unacceptable, according to mom. But I can’t. Not now. I just want to lock the world outside away and lose myself in Octavia’s eyes.

I lean back on my hands, staring at her, imagining what it would be like to escape from all this, to elope with her in a quiet grove far from the prying eyes of the pack. Just us. I want to swear my commitment to her, to have her sworn to the pack without the fluster of a grand ceremony. Yet, I can’t bring myself to take that away from her. She deserves the world, and a ceremony surrounded by loved ones is a part of that.

I pull my knees to my chest, resting my chin on them as the fire flickers, casting dancing shadows across the room. I think back to the first time I met Octavia — her laughter echoing in the air like music, her spirit so bright it could light up the darkest of nights. She had brought life back to our pack, woven her way into the hearts of everyone, including mine.

"Wyatt," she whispers in her sleep, a soft smile gracing her lips. My heart skips a beat. Even in her dreams, she calls for me. I can't help but reach out, brushing a strand of hair away from her face.

Just then, my phone buzzes on the side table, a harsh reminder of reality. I reluctantly reach for it, hoping it’s not another message from Rex. I glance at the screen and see Dalton's name flashing. I know he wouldn’t call unless it was important.

“Hey,” I say, keeping my voice low so I don’t disturb Octavia.

“Wyatt, it’s Rex again,” Dalton says, the urgency in his tone unmistakable. “He’s demanding an answer about the rogues. We can’t keep putting this off.”

I squeeze my eyes shut, frustration boiling beneath the surface. “I know, Dalton, but I can’t just leave right now. Not when everything is so... chaotic.”

“I get it, but we’re running out of time. If we don’t act, they could breach the border, and we’ll have a bigger problem on our hands. We have an alliance with the Howlite Pack and I doubt you want to go back on that.”

I run a hand through my hair, feeling the weight of leadership pressing down on me. “I’ll think of something. Just keep him at bay for a little longer. I need to focus on Octavia and the ceremony.”

“Understood. Just... don’t make promises you can’t keep,” he warns before hanging up.

I set the phone down, rubbing my temples as I fight to regain my composure. I glance back at Octavia, her peaceful expression grounding me. I want to be the leader my pack needs, but more than that, I want to be the mate she deserves.

Letting out a long breath, I lean closer to her, brushing my lips against her forehead. “I’m here, baby girl,” I whisper, hoping my words seep into her dreams. “I’ll protect you. Always.”

The fire crackles softly, and I lose myself in the moment, allowing the warmth to wrap around me. But as the minutes tick by, I can’t shake off the sense of dread. The rogue threat looms like a shadow, and I know our time is limited.

But for now, I’m content to simply watch her sleep, to let the world fade away as I cherish this quiet moment. I know that when she wakes, we’ll face the chaos together, hand in hand. Because that’s what being a mate is all about — facing the storms of life with unwavering loyalty and love.

As I settle back against the rug, gazing into the mesmerizing dance of the flames, I silently vow to Octavia. I will figure this out; I will protect our future. And when the time is right, I’ll make sure she knows just how deeply she is loved — beyond the ceremonies, beyond the expectations. Just her and me against the world.

Time drifts lazily, the night wrapping around us like a comforting blanket. I can nearly feel the pull of sleep, but I resist, wanting to savor every second of this peace. I watch Octavia’s lips part in a soft sigh, her dreams taking her to places I can only imagine.

But as my thoughts meander, they inevitably return to the problem at hand. I know Rex won’t give up until he gets what he wants. The Howlite Pack is strong, but their borders are vulnerable, and the rogues are a menace we can’t ignore.

I’ll have to gather the war council soon, to strategize and put a plan into action. But for now, I’m here, in this moment, and I’ll hold onto it as tightly as I can.

The first rays of dawn begin to filter through the curtains, painting the room in soft golds and pinks. I can hear the distant sounds of my pack stirring, the hustle of preparation for the day ahead. I know I should be joining them, but I can’t bring myself to leave this sanctuary just yet.

Finally, Octavia stirs, her eyelids fluttering as she wakes. She blinks against the light, and a slow smile spreads across her face as she meets my gaze.

“Good morning, mate,” she murmurs, her voice still thick with sleep.

“Good morning, baby,” I reply, my heart swelling at the sight of her. “Did you sleep well?”

“Better than I have in days,” she says, stretching like a cat before turning to face me fully. “What about you?”

I hesitate, the weight of my responsibilities pressing down once more. “I had a lot on my mind, but watching you sleep helped.”

“Always the protector, huh?” she teases lightly, but I can see the concern in her eyes.

“Just trying to keep everything together,” I admit. “Rex is breathing down my neck about the rogues, and we have a ceremony to prepare for.”

Her expression shifts, the reality of our situation settling in. “I know it’s a lot, Wyatt. But we’ll get through it together. We always do.”

Her reassurance warms my heart, and I reach out, taking her hand in mine. “Together,” I echo, squeezing her fingers gently.

Octavia sits up, her hair cascading around her shoulders. “Let’s get through today first. We can worry about the rogues later, right?”

I chuckle softly, grateful for her unwavering optimism. “You’re right. Let’s tackle one thing at a time.”

With that, we rise from our cozy spot by the fire, ready to face the day ahead. But as I step back into the reality of our pack, I can’t shake the feeling that the calm before the storm is about to break. And when it does, I’ll be ready to defend everything I hold dear.

Whether it’s against the rogues threatening our territory or the pressures of leadership, I’ll stand firm with Octavia by my side. After all, love is the greatest power of all, and together, we can overcome anything.

As I look into her chocolate eyes, I know we’ll face whatever comes our way. And with her love to guide me, I feel stronger than ever.