My hand moves instinctively to my belly, the protective gesture not lost on Lithia. Her gaze softens momentarily.
“The facility where they held us housed at least threeseers,” Kier adds, his golden eyes serious. “All kept separate, all heavily guarded.”
Alarm flashes through me, mixing with protective instinct. My hand presses more firmly against the small swell that houses our pup—potentially another seer in the making. “Other seers?”
Kier nods. “Not wolf though. One is a bear, another human. I’m not sure about the third.”
Ryker’s expression hardens. “Names? Locations?”
“Some,” Lithia confirms. “Enough to begin hunting them.” She attempts to shift position and grimaces. Both Levi and Kier move simultaneously to help her, their hands overlapping before they exchange a look I can’t quite decipher.
“But that can wait until I’ve recovered enough to lead the hunt myself,” she finishes.
The determination in her voice brings a small smile to my lips despite the seriousness of her news. This is the Lithia I remember—fierce, loyal, unstoppable.
“Rest first,” I tell her gently. “Heal. We’ll discuss the details when you’re stronger.”
She looks ready to protest, then relents with a small nod.
Ryker rests a hand briefly on her shoulder—a rare gesture of physical affection from our alpha. “Kitara is right. Rest now. That’s an order.”
A ghost of a smile touches Lithia’s lips. “Yes, Alpha.”
As we leave the healing chambers, I find myself leaning more heavily against Ryker, the events of the day catching up to me. He adjusts immediately, his arm sliding around my waist to support me.
“You should rest too,” he murmurs, concern evident in his voice. “The pup demands much of your strength.”
I shake my head. “We need to discuss what Lithia told us. If there’s truly an organized resistance forming?—”
“Tomorrow,” he interrupts gently. “We’ll gather the senior wolves tomorrow and begin planning. Tonight, you rest.”
Through our bond, I feel his absolute stubbornness—his mate and unborn pup first, all else second.
As we walk back to our chambers, I find myself reflecting on how much has changed—and how much remains uncertain. The old world collapsed with Thaddeus, but the new one is still taking shape, vulnerable to those who fear change.
Back in our chambers, the cradle waits by the hearth—a symbol of the future we’re building. Ryker guides me to our bed, his touch gentle as he helps me settle against the furs.
“Sleep,” he urges, pressing a kiss to my forehead.
“Stay with me?” I ask, needing to be held.
He smiles—one of those rare, unguarded expressions that transform his fierce features. “Always.”
He stretches out beside me, holding me close, one hand coming to rest protectively over our growing pup. I feel the bond between us pulse with love, determination, and the fierce promise to protect what we’ve built together. Whatever threat gathers in the darkness, it will find us ready.
My wolf settles contentedly, certain in a way only she can be.
We are pack, she whispers.We are family. We are unstoppable.
For once, I find myself in complete agreement with her.
Yes, I think, as sleep begins to claim me.Yes,weare.
