Chapter 427: Betrayer - Part 1
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LERRIN
Suhle had sent to him while they were still flying. Her voice was faint—from her weariness, not the distance—but she had done as he'd asked. She'd gotten to the encampment and called Asta, Craye, and the few other leaders that remained, told them that the drums of war were beating, and they were on their way.
The birds left to fly them didn't have to fly high, or take the long route, so he was relieved when, just a couple hours later, Suhle told him they were almost there.
When you arrive I will treat you as my servant, not as my mate, he cautioned her. But know that I have not been able to breathe with you gone. It will be the joy of my heart to have my eyes on. When this is over, I'm taking you, Suhle. Forever.
I wait for the day, Lerrin. This war, this conflict… it grieves me.
He didn't tell her that it grieved him as well—even more so since he stood in the middle of the Fist Leaders and was forced to organize an army he did not want to send on the Tree City, and yet, still hadn't figured out how to hold back.
He had cautioned them all to patience. Plans made in haste were likely flawed, he reminded them. But he could not deny the wisdom of preparing for battle. So he'd approved the formation of the frontline, scouts and sentries, and now they gathered the troops on the edge of the plain in preparation. They used the shelter of the trees and underbrush, but most of his fighters rested in their fists in the grasses. They would wake with the dawn.
When the birds began to land out in the field, one by one, Lerrin's breath caught. One of those carried his mate, and she was safe. She'd crossed a warzone, called his enemies to him, and now she was arriving.
He would make certain she was out of the way before he dealt with Asta and Craye.
Because that was his goal for this night. No matter what occurred tomorrow, no matter how dark things became, he would be certain that the wolves walked into the new dawn fully aware of where he stood and who stood with him.
So as the first of the birds back-flapped to lower themselves and their loads gently to the ground, Lerrin was already stalking towards them, the council and generals behind him.
Before he'd reached them, he saw Suhle climbing out of one of the hammocks, pulling her hood up to cover her hair that had been mussed by the wind. His heart leapt and he caught her eye only for the briefest of seconds, but it made his entire body clench.
Stalking forward though, he headed first for Asta, who was climbing gracefully out of one of the hammocks in her fighting leathers, her hair tied back in a tight braid, and her bow on her shoulder.
She caught sight of Lerrin stalking towards her and gave him the salute she used before the fighters, as an example to them. She was leaning down to pick something up from the hammock when he called for her.
"Asta!" he barked.
She snapped her head around, catching the tension in his tone and coming to her feet again. "Yes, what is—"
Lerrin snarled and leapt into beast form. He was upon her before she'd even realized he attacked. But she had trained with him since they were adolescents, and she had a brilliant mind for combat. She didn't question, only shifted to meet him, snarling, mouth open to show her teeth as he bowled into her and almost took her off her feet.
Those around them went still and silent. As Alpha it was Lerrin's prerogative to discipline whomever he deemed necessary. The others would not interfere, but with no warning, all watched, curious and nervous. He could hear the pack mind.
Why did the Alpha attack his own Second?
Asta yelped when he got teeth into her ear, but she shoulder checked him and front paws lost traction for a second. They broke apart and began to circle each other, her silver and gray hackles high and head low as she looked for an opening to get her teeth into him.
Why are you coming for me? she sent, her tone genuinely confused, though her beast's upper lip rose to show her teeth.
Lerrin went one better and opened his entire mouth, letting her see both rows of his teeth, snapping and snarling. Those watching inched further back to give them more space.
You have deceived me and engaged with those who would remove me if I did not serve their purposes, he sent, descending on her, growling. You are not a loyal wolf, you are a betrayer and I will not leave you in power to draw the innocent with you!
Her beast tensed and stopped circling, but didn't leap. Though her ears were pricked and she didn't drop his gaze, she kept her chin low and lowered her head to stand beneath him. Lerrin, I—
Silence, bitch! And he feinted, snarling, spittle flying from his lips and teeth as he overstood her, snapping just an inch from the back of her neck.
I am not a traitor! She pleaded with him. I was trying to bring them to you—
You left my back unguarded—
No!
—and you marked me a fool to those who knew. You left me walking in the dark when you should have stood before me!
I couldn't tell you, you would have just killed them all. I was spying for you—
Even when they took our females for breeding?! Asta, how could you?
She whined, and dropped her head further. Lerrin, she sent desperately, I do not aim for your throne I serve you!
You serve no one but yourself!
He tensed to pounce, but to his surprise, Asta returned to human form and debased herself before his beast, kneeling, one hand to the dirt, the other to her heart.
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