I smile, watching Geminie spar with Mika as the Future Moon Goddess throws him over her shoulder, the male wolf landing with a loud thud onto the ground. Lace and I stand off to the side, drinking water as we watch the wolves from Bloodmoon, Astraea, Silver Crystal Crescent, Hidden Claws and the Royal Pack train with one another. Some are focusing on hand to hand combat, some human against wolves, and some fully in wolf form, their snarls filling the air while they rush to one another in a mix of fangs and claws. It amazes me with how easily each wolf was able to handle the change in training after the four packs came to help in the war four days ago. At first we had issues, some wolves refusing to work with others while the Guards treated many of the females as weaker beings. Lace was the first to prove them wrong by taking down five males head one, leaving them a mess on the muddy ground and needing a night in the infirmary.
“Do you think we will win?” Lace asks, turning to face me with a slight frown.
“I do Lace. We have more than enough wolves between the five packs.” I answer honestly, pride swelling with how strong we have all grown. I think about the days I spent as a rogue, spending summer between Silver Crystal Crescent, Bloodmoon and the Temple of the Moon Goddess. Blake, Alice, Albot and I spent our days in the warm sun with each pack, training and running around. When Marcie joined our band of misfits, she learned how a pack genuinely cares for one another. With the help of Geminie, Amberle, Dominic and Ariven, I was able to grow and become stronger. With Ira, she taught me more about the history of the werewolf nation, of the way my people lived in war with Hunters. Every time I visit her, she would encourage me to touch the moon stone in the restricted area. But the timing never felt right.
“Gem and Amberle already knew you were the Lost Princess five years ago when they came to help Hidden Claws. At first it was hard to believe, but I am glad they trusted us with this information. It made the decision to become your ally when the time was right.” Surprised, I look away from the blonde alpha to watch the wolves. In three days I have learned just how much of a good person Lace is, how she loves her pack and respects her brother as her Beta. It made created an ally agreement with her easy. But to know that she knew about me even before I learned the truth about my heritage and decided to put her trust in me long before we met makes me happy.
“I am glad you agreed to help. I don’t know if we even had a fifty-percent chance to win this war with Coro. I always told everyone we would win, but I was never confident in my words until today.” I close my eyes a soft smile on my face as I think about the future everyone will have without Coro in it. How many wolves and packs can grow stronger. How our nation can become stronger. There will be calmer days as we work towards removing Coro’s wolves, to help the Soulless trapped in turmoil cross over and gain a chance to reincarnate. We just need to make it past Friday and win this war.
“I am glad that Hidden Claws can help turn the tides. We all deserve peace, you more than anyone. Lets win this war and heal our nation.” Lace states, her words of passion having me opening my eyes to look at her. My smile grows, matching the wide grin she sports before we both set our water bottles down and head back into sparing. We will all need to be well organized if we plan to win with no loss on our side.
…
The ball room is filled with easy conversation and bits of laughter. After four long day of training, Albot and I decided to surprise everyone with a feast. We only have six days before the moon flowers bloom and Coro arrives with his army. Everyone could use a night of food and relaxing.
“Thank you for doing this.” Mika states, sipping wine from his glass. I smile at the wolf, feeling like his destiny is not over yet, that he will soon return to being an Alpha in no time and Lace will have to find his replacement.
“Everyone earned it. We can’t just focus solely on training and tire ourselves out before the final battle.” I state, leaning against the wall. He lets out a hum of agreement, looking over the wolves and letting out a sad sigh before turning to me.
“I haven’t told Lace yet but I plan to go traveling after the war.” He begins, peaking my interest. I turn to give Mika my full attention, happy to know that my hunch is right.
“Something inside me is itching to leave Hidden Claws and as someone who traveled, do you have any advice?” I smile, thinking back to my days as a rogue and taking a sip of my own wine before answering.
“The best advice I will give is email or call an Alpha in advance if you wish to enter their territory. Some don’t allow outsiders while others are open to helping a wolf out in their travels. You may even spar with a few.”
“Duly noted. I already talked to a few wolf packs I know personally and some have agreed to house me on my travels.” Mika cuts in.
“If you travel to the human cities, just know that it is loud, smelly and full of other beings. You best bet is to keep a low profile and just act like a tourist.” I add, getting a horrified look from Mika.
“Why would I go to human cities?” He nearly shouts and I chuckle, finding his outburst quite comical.
“Because you can learn a lot from humans, vampires and witches like I did.” I state.
“Also, you never know where you will meet your mate. I saved Albot from a dog fighting ring lead by Hunters in Toronto.” I add before walking away in search of my mate. Walking around the ballroom, I watch as Alice runs around with the pups from the pack, her smile so carefree that I can’t wait for the day where I can watch her play with her younger siblings. Unsurprisingly, Blake is in a heated debate with wolves from the other packs, my pup always looking to learn anything new. To think three years ago they were scared of new people, never trusting anyone. Now, they have come so far from their past that I want nothing more than to give them a better future. The only way to do that is to kill Coro is six days.
“Penny for your thoughts Darling?” Strong familiar arms wrap around me, bringing me back into a sturdy chest.
“Maybe.” I smile out, turning to face Albot.
“Care to tell me what you were thinking about my dear?”
“I was thinking we win this war and give Blake and Alice some siblings.” My answer surprises Albot, his eyes wide as he takes in my words.
“We can start that right now!” He growls out possessively, scooping me into his arms while others watch on, laughing. Blushing, I hide my face in the crook of his neck, his quick strides taking us towards the exit.
“Albot, don’t over do it. We still need Crystalline to fight with us in a few days!” Amberle calls out, the room erupting into laughter. She is so dead when we train tomorrow morning.