Chapter 91: Chapter 91
"And lost. Badly." Christian rubbed his face. "She’s been planning revenge for years."
"And Tom just wants Sophie," Marcus added. "Perfect storm of grudges."
I felt sick. This wasn’t just an attack. It was a coordinated assault from three people who wanted us destroyed.
"We need to prepare for a multi-front attack," Christian said. "Marcus, redistribute warriors. Assume they’ll hit us from multiple sides simultaneously."
As Marcus left to give orders, Diana appeared in the doorway.
"I brought something," she said, holding up old books. "Luna protection magic."
Diana spread the books across Christian’s desk.
"Ancient Lunas could create protective barriers during battle," she explained. "It’s not common knowledge, but the ability still exists in your bloodline."
"Barriers?" I leaned closer to look at the faded text. "Like force fields?"
"More like energy shields. They can deflect attacks, slow down enemies, and protect pack members in your immediate area."
"Can you teach me?"
"The basics, yes. But it takes practice to master."
Christian’s hand found my lower back. "Show her."
For the next twenty minutes, Diana walked me through the technique. It was similar to healing—pulling energy from that warm place in my chest—but projecting it outward instead of directing it inward.
My first attempt created a faint shimmer around me that lasted three seconds.
My second attempt was stronger.
By the fifth try, I had a visible shield of golden energy surrounding me in a three-foot radius.
"That’s incredible," Christian breathed.
"It’s exhausting," I panted, letting the shield drop. "I can’t hold it for long."
"You don’t need to hold it long," Diana said. "Just long enough to protect yourself and nearby warriors during critical moments."
Christian was looking at me with pride and concern mixed. "You’re going to be on the battlefield with me, aren’t you?"
"Yes."
"I was afraid you’d say that."
Christian dismissed Marcus and Connor after finalizing battle plans.
Once we were alone, he pulled me into his arms.
"I’m terrified," he admitted quietly.
"Of the attack?"
"Of losing you." His grip tightened. "In your vision, I fell. But Sophie, if something happens to you—if you get hurt because of me—"
"Stop." I pulled back to look at him. "We’re both scared. But we trained for this. I have Luna abilities. We have a strong pack. We’re going to survive this."
"Promise me you’ll use your abilities to protect yourself first."
"Only if you promise not to take stupid risks to protect me."
"I can’t promise that." His smile was sad. "You’re my mate. Protecting you is literally hardwired into me."
"Then we’re at an impasse."
"How about this," he said. "We both fight smart. We trust our training. And we don’t make any heroic sacrifices unless absolutely necessary."
"That’s the best compromise I’m getting, isn’t it?"
"Yes."
I sighed. "Fine. Deal."
We spent the next hour going over defensive positions on the territory map. Christian wanted me near the main battle but protected by my guard detail. I wanted to be wherever I could do the most good with my Luna abilities.
We compromised—again—on a position that let me support multiple groups of warriors without being completely exposed.
Outside the office windows, the sun was setting.
My instincts screamed that the attack would come after dark.
"They’ll attack tonight," I said suddenly.
Christian didn’t question it. "Marcus, prepare for a nighttime assault. Full illumination ready."
Through our bond, I felt the pack’s tension ratcheting higher. Everyone knew. Everyone was ready.
Christian kept me close, one hand always touching me—my arm, my back, or my hand. Like he needed physical contact to stay grounded.
We stood at the window together, looking over Shadow Ridge territory. Our territory. Our pack. Our home.
"After this is over," Christian said softly, "we’re taking a vacation. Somewhere quiet. No pack politics. No psychotic relatives. Just us."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
He kissed me, and it felt like goodbye and promise and forever all mixed together.
Then the world exploded.
The eastern border erupted in flames and sound. The office windows rattled. Alarms shrieked through the compound.
"We’re under attack!" Marcus’s voice came through Christian’s earpiece. "Eastern perimeter breached!"
Christian and I were moving before Marcus finished speaking.
We burst into the hallway just as another explosion hit the western border.
"Multi-front assault!" I shouted over the alarms. "Just like my vision!"
Pack members were running everywhere—warriors to battle stations, families to shelters. Organized chaos.
Marcus appeared, weapon in hand. "Rogues are pouring through the eastern perimeter! At least twenty confirmed!"
A third explosion rocked the building, this one much closer.
Through my Luna bond, I felt pack members’ fear. Pain. Determination. Some were already fighting.
Christian’s entire demeanor shifted into Alpha mode. "Marcus, eastern defense. Connor, coordinate the western response. Diana, medical station now!"
Everyone scattered to follow orders.
Christian grabbed my hand. "Stay with me. We’re heading to the main defensive position."
We ran through Shadow Ridge as it burned around us. Fires lit up the night sky. The sound of fighting echoed from multiple directions. Wolves howled—both ours and theirs.
I activated my Luna abilities, sending calming energy through the pack bonds. Helping them focus. Giving them strength.
Another explosion, even closer. The ground shook.
Christian pulled me around a corner just as a building collapsed behind us.
"There!" A warrior pointed ahead. "Rogues in the courtyard."
I saw them—at least fifty rogues fighting our warriors. Blood. Claws. Teeth.
Christian shifted instantly, his wolf massive and terrifying.
I reached for my Luna power, creating a shield around nearby pack members.
A rogue broke through our line, charging straight at me.
Christian intercepted, tearing into the rogue with brutal efficiency.
More rogues poured in from the east. Then the west. Surrounding us.
Through the chaos, I saw a familiar figure on the ridge above the battle.
Harold, watching his plan unfold.
Beside him stood Vanessa and Tom.
All three of them were staring down at us like we were already dead.
