Victoria
"I forgive you, Lilith," I said finally. "But I can’t forgive Enzo. Not yet. Maybe not ever."
She nodded, understanding in her eyes. "That’s fair. More than fair, actually."
"But we can be friends again," I offered, extending an olive branch. "I could use a friend right now."
Lilith’s smile was genuine. "I’d like that very much."
When we returned to the pack house, an unexpected sight greeted us. A convoy of vehicles bearing the Shadow Pack emblem was parked in the circular drive, and familiar figures were unloading supplies.
"Rosa?" I called, spotting the motherly figure directing a group of female wolves.
Rosa turned, her face lighting up at the sight of . "Victoria! Or should I call you Alpha now?"
I hurried over, embracing her warmly. "Just Victoria to you, always."
She held at arm’s length, her eyes scrutinizing in that maternal way that always made feel like she could see straight into my soul. "You look tired, child. Are you eating enough? Sleeping?"
I laughed, so of the tension of the past days easing from my shoulders. "I’m fine, Rosa. Better than fine now that you’re here."
She gestured to the supplies being unloaded—boxes of food, dical equipnt, even weapons. "Alpha ordered us to bring everything you might need. The won of Shadow Pack have been cooking since dawn."
"Leo sent all this?" I asked, overwheld by his generosity.
Rosa’s eyes twinkled knowingly. "He said, and I quote, ’Make sure she has everything she needs. Nothing is too much.’"
Warmth blood in my chest. Last night’s intimacy—the way Leo had held in the bath, his whispered confessions, the tenderness in his touch—had felt like sothing profound shifting between us.
"I don’t know what to say," I admitted, watching as Shadow Pack mbers integrated seamlessly with my Howlthorne wolves, working together to unload supplies.
"Say nothing," Rosa advised, patting my cheek. "Actions speak louder than words, Victoria. And his actions are shouting quite clearly, don’t you think?"
I felt a blush creep up my neck. "We should help with the supplies."
Rosa laughed, seeing through my deflection. "Of course, Alpha. Lead the way."
For the next several hours, I worked alongside Rosa, Lilith, and the won of both packs, organizing supplies and preparing the pack house for what was to co. The atmosphere was one of focused determination, with occasional bursts of laughter that reminded there could still be joy even in dark tis.
By late afternoon, Jackson approached with a report on the training progress. "The warriors are working well together," he said. "Your idea to include the females was brilliant—they’ve already identified weaknesses in our periter defense that the n overlooked."
Pride swelled in my chest. "Good. What about communications?"
"Garrett has set up a secure network. We’ll be able to coordinate with Shadow Pack in real-ti during the operation."
I nodded, satisfied. "And our intelligence on Marcus’s compound?"
Jackson handed a tablet. "Latest satellite imagery, courtesy of Alpha Moretti’s contacts. The Forest connection you established yesterday has been corroborated—there’s definitely unusual activity in this northeastern sector."
I studied the images, my newfound Forest abilities humming beneath my skin. I could almost feel the plants in that area reaching out to across the miles, confirming what the satellite had captured.
"We’ll attack from three directions," I decided. "Main force from the south as a distraction, small extraction teams from east and west."
"Bold strategy," Jackson comnted, impressed. "Alpha Moretti suggested sothing similar."
I smiled. "Great minds."
As evening approached, Rosa insisted on serving a proper dinner to everyone involved in the preparations. The pack house dining hall, rarely used under Enzo’s leadership, ca alive with voices and the clinking of cutlery.
I found myself seated at the head of the table—the Alpha’s traditional place. Rosa had outdone herself with the al: roasted venison, fresh vegetables from the Oga House greenhouse, warm bread, and berry pies for dessert.
Looking around at the faces—Shadow Pack and Howlthorne Pack united, Ogas sitting alongside Betas, female warriors discussing strategy with their male counterparts—I felt a surge of emotion.
"I’d like to say sothing," I announced, rising to my feet.
The room quieted, all eyes turning to .
"When I was growing up in this house, I never imagined I would stand before you like this. I was the half-breed, the stain on the Howlthorne na, barely tolerated and never respected." I paused, eting the eyes of those who had once looked through as if I were invisible.
"But tonight, I see sothing miraculous. I see unity where there was division. Strength where there was weakness. Hope where there was despair." I lifted my glass. "Tomorrow, we begin final preparations for battle. So of us may not return. But tonight, we are family—all of us, regardless of pack, rank, or blood."
"To family," Rosa echoed, raising her glass.
"To family," the room chorused.
As glasses clinked and conversation resud, I felt a presence at my shoulder. Jackson, looking solemn.
"Leo called," he said quietly. "He wants an update on today’s progress."
I nodded, excusing myself from the table. In the privacy of my father’s—no, my office now—I returned Leo’s call.
"Victoria," his deep voice ca through imdiately. "How did it go?"
I sank into the leather chair, suddenly aware of how exhausted I was. "Better than I expected. The pack has accepted my leadership, at least temporarily. Training is underway, supplies are organized, and Rosa has everyone well-fed and motivated."
"And you?" he asked softly. "How are you holding up?"
The concern in his voice made my chest tighten. "I’m fine."
"Don’t lie to , little wolf. I can hear the fatigue in your voice."
I sighed, giving in to his perception. "It’s... overwhelming. All these people looking to for answers, for leadership. What if I’m not ready, Leo? What if I make a decision that gets soone killed?"
"That’s the burden of leadership," he said, his voice gentle but firm. "One I’ve carried for years. There are no guarantees in battle, Victoria. People may die. But more will die if you don’t act."
"How do you bear it?" I whispered.
There was a pause, and when he spoke again, his voice had dropped lower. "Before you? I bore it alone. Now... now I find strength in knowing you’re by my side. In knowing I’m protecting sothing—soone—worth fighting for."
My heart stuttered at his words. "Leo..."
"I miss you," he admitted gruffly. "My bed is cold without you."
"It’s only been a day," I reminded him, though I felt the sa ache.
"A day too long." The roughness in his voice sent shivers down my spine. "After this is over, Victoria... we need to talk about our future."
Our future.
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