Chapter 3 The Storm Approaches

Aidana's golden eyes locked onto Dacre's icy gaze across the border, the air between them thick with tension. Rage crackled like lightning in her veins, her wolf Snarling at the mere sight of him. Dacre stood tall, arms crossed over his chest, his expression unreadable, but his clenched fists betrayed his fury.

Neither spoke. Words weren't needed. Their packs had been at war for years, and standing this close without bloodshed felt unnatural. The scent of damp earth and pine hung between them, but all Aidana could smell was the bitter scent of Shadowveil's warriors lingering on him. It made her stomach twist with disgust.

Dacre was the first to break away, scoffing under his breath as he turned on his heel. Aidana let out a low growl but didn't stop him. This was far from over. She had more important matters to deal with-like strengthening Nightfang's borders to keep him and his pack out.

Turning sharply, she stalked back into her territory, her warriors falling into step beside her. The moment she stepped into the heart of her land, a gut-wrenching scent hit her-blood. Fresh. Thick. Wrong.

Her heart slammed against her ribs. "What happened?" she demanded.

A scout, panting and wide-eyed, stumbled forward. "Alpha, we were attacked. A group of rogues stormed the eastern border-half our warriors are dead or missing. The survivors... they say the leader left a message."

Aidana's pulse roared in her ears. "What message?"

The scout swallowed hard. "Submit, or be destroyed. The attacker was Kale Hunter."

The name sent a ripple of fury through her. She had heard of Kale Hunter-the rogue alpha who led a brutal pack of outcasts, tearing through lands and claiming them as his own. But she had never thought he would come for Nightfang.

"Where is he now?" she demanded.

"Gone, but he left his mark," the scout said, pointing to the fallen warriors. "And he took prisoners."

Aidana's blood burned. She had no time to waste. This wasn't just an attack. This was a declaration of war.

Dacre stormed into Shadowveil's stronghold, his frustration from his encounter with Aidana still simmering beneath his skin. But the moment he caught the scent of blood in the air, everything else fell away. His warriors stood tense, whispering among themselves. He scanned the clearing, his sharp eyes narrowing on Orion, his Beta, who looked grim.

"What happened?" Dacre barked.

Orion stepped forward. "We were attacked, Alpha. A rogue force ambushed the northern border. The survivors say it was Kale Hunter leading them."

Dacre stiffened. He had heard the stories. A brutal rogue who didn't just kill-he conquered.

His fingers curled into fists. "How many casualties?"

"Too many," Orion said, his voice heavy. "And he left a message."

Dacre's jaw clenched. "Let me guess. Submit, or die."

Orion nodded. "Exactly."

Dacre let out a slow breath, his mind racing. This wasn't just about Shadowveil. If Kale Hunter had attacked Nightfang too, that meant only one thing-he wanted both packs under his control.

Dacre refused to be anyone's pawn.

The next evening, as the moon hung high in the sky, Aidana and Dacre found themselves at the neutral ground once more. This time, not to battle each other-but to face something far worse.

Kale Hunter stood before them, his presence commanding, his rogue warriors flanking him like shadows. He was tall, broad, his dark eyes gleaming with amusement as he studied them.

"Well, well," he drawled. "The mighty alphas of Nightfang and Shadowveil, standing together. How poetic."

Aidana's lip curled. "You think this is funny? You attack our packs and expect us to bow?"

Kale smirked. "No, I expect you to recognize reality. You fight each other like fools while the real enemy closes in. I'm giving you an opportunity. Join me, and your packs will thrive. Resist... and they will crumble."

Dacre's voice was sharp as a blade. "You're delusional if you think we'll ever follow you."

Kale sighed dramatically. "And here I was, hoping you'd be reasonable. But I suppose I shouldn't be surprised." He stepped closer, his voice dropping into something far more dangerous. "You have three days to decide. Submit-or watch your people die."

The air crackled with unspoken threats, the scent of blood still lingering as Kale turned and disappeared into the night, his warriors melting into the darkness with him.

Aidana stood still, her breath coming hard and fast. Dacre was opposite her, equally tense.

"This isn't over," she muttered.

Dacre's jaw was tight. "No. It's just beginning."

They may have despised each other, but now, for the first time, they had a common enemy. And they both knew-neither could win this war alone