Chapter 5 Five

Dave

It had been months since that night in the warehouse,since I carried Tabitha home, bleeding and unconscious, unsure if she or our unborn pup would make it.

But the worst was behind us.

The wolfbane was out of her system. Her strength had returned. And just last week, Marcus confirmed what we had prayed for every day: the pup was healthy. Strong heartbeat. Steady movements. A fighter,just like their mother.

Today, the house was filled with the scent of something warm and buttery. I followed the aroma into the kitchen and found Tabitha standing by the stove, stirring with focused care. Her belly, round and full, peeked out from the apron tied around her waist. She was glowing. Not just from the pregnancy, but from peace. From life.

I walked in quietly and slipped my arms around her waist from behind, resting my hands gently over the bump. She leaned back into me with a soft sigh, and for a moment, we just stood there, breathing in sync.

"Smells amazing," I murmured against her neck.

"Chicken stew. With dumplings. Your favorite," she said with a smile, glancing at me over her shoulder.

"You're my favorite," I whispered, pressing a kiss to her cheek.

She chuckled, elbowing me playfully before nudging me toward the plates. "Help me set the table before the boys destroy the living room."

I obeyed without protest. As I moved around the kitchen, placing bowls and silverware on the table, the sound of tiny feet thundered down the hallway.

Ethan and Liam burst into the room, their matching grins lighting up the space. "Is it ready?!" Ethan asked eagerly.

"Sit down, little wolves," I said, ruffling Liam's hair as they scrambled into their chairs.

I turned back to Tabitha and held her arm as she eased herself into her seat. She winced slightly, but smiled through it. "I'm fine," she said, but I stayed by her side until she was comfortable.

Dinner was simple, but perfect. Laughter echoed between bites of stew. Liam dropped his spoon twice. Ethan talked about a bird he saw in the woods that he swore had "shiny teeth like a vampire." Tabitha laughed so hard she had to hold her belly.

I watched them all,my mate, my boys, my soon-to-arrive pup and felt something I hadn't in a long time.

Home.

When dinner was over, and the boys were chasing each other around the table, I knelt beside Tabitha and kissed the curve of her belly.

"Thank you," I whispered.

She stroked my hair, her voice soft and sure. "I can feel it we will welcome our pup soon."

Just when the evening felt whole,when I thought maybe, just maybe, we could have peace.

A low, menacing growl rolled through the air from outside.

I stiffened instantly, scenting the wind.

Rogues.

And not just any rogues.

Sirius,the leader of the rogues.

His voice boomed through the night like thunder cracking through bone.

"Dave! Come out!" he snarled. "I told you this wasn't over. I'm going to end you now."

My jaw clenched. I turned toward the door, already shifting mentally into warrior mode.

"Tabitha, take the boys and hide," I said quickly, low and urgent.

But she shook her head, breath sharp. "No. I won't leave you.."

Before I could argue, her face twisted with pain and she gripped the edge of the table, gasping.

Then she screamed.

My heart stopped.

No. Not now.

"Tabitha?" I rushed to her side.

She was trembling, sweat beading across her forehead, her breathing quick and shallow. "The baby... It's time..."

I cursed under my breath. "This isn't supposed to happen today."

But fate didn't care.

The front door shuddered beneath a heavy blow. Then another. The wood cracked. The rogues were seconds from breaking in.

Ethan and Liam huddled close to Tabitha, their eyes wide, tears streaming down their faces.

I turned toward the door, muscles tight, fury burning through me like wildfire.

"I'll stop them," I growled, looking back one last time. "Keep the boys close. Lock the back door. Don't open it for anyone but me."

"Dave..." Tabitha whispered, voice strained from pain. "Come back to us."

I nodded once and stormed out, shifting mid-stride, bones snapping, fur tearing through my skin.

My wolf was ready. Savage. Vengeful.

I burst through the front door just as it gave way, slamming into the first rogue with enough force to snap his spine. Blood splattered the porch. More rogues rushed forward, snarling and snapping.

And at the center of them stood Sirius, his eyes gleaming with hatred and triumph.

"Let's finish this," he said, shifting into his monstrous form.

More rogues poured in, claws bared and eyes wild. I fought like a beast, but deep down, I knew the truth

I couldn't win this alone.

Every bone in my body screamed to go back to reach Tabitha. Her cries echoed through the bond, ripping into my focus. Then, through the chaos...

A new sound.

A baby's cry.

Hope cracked through my rage like sunlight splitting a storm. She was here. Our daughter was alive.

I pushed back two rogues with a brutal swipe and immediately opened the mindlink.

Tabitha. Take Ethan, Liam, and the baby. Go through the secret door. Get to safety,now.

I waited, barely dodging a rogue's snapping jaws, expecting her to listen.

But then I saw her.

Bloodied. Fierce. Glowing with power.

Tabitha, my mate,my warrior had shifted.

She leapt into the fray beside me, fangs bared, eyes blazing.

The shock almost shattered my focus. What are you doing?! I mindlinked her, parrying a rogue's attack.

I'm not leaving you, she snapped back. You're my other half. Why would I run and let you die fighting alone?

Tabitha, you just gave birth.. You should be here fighting.

Have you forgotten already,I have a strong wolf and I'm okay my love.

I gave Ethan our daughter. He and Liam are already running with her. I made sure. She's safe.

Her voice wavered slightly through the link before steadying. She's perfect, Dave. A girl. I'm sorry you didn't get to meet her first... but once we finish this battle, she growled as she took down another rogue ,you'll hold her yourself.

My heart surged.

Rage. Love. Pride.

And something else,renewed strength.

We fought side by side, the bond between us crackling with power. Her presence gave me fire. Her courage reminded me of who we were.

We were wolves, a tracer with the strongest power.

We kept fighting, clawing and tearing through every rogue that dared step into our home. Blood stained the grass. The air reeked of war.

Then it happened.

A blinding, gut-wrenching pain ripped through my chest,not mine, but hers.

Tabitha.

I turned, time slowing around me.

Sirius stood behind her, a wicked smile on his face, his hand buried deep in her chest,his blade piercing her heart.

"No..." I whispered, stumbling as her pain echoed through the mate bond like a thousand shattered stars.

She looked at me, eyes wide, lips trembling. Then she collapsed.

I let out a roar that shook the skies, dropping to my knees before rising with vengeance pulsing through my veins. I tore through the remaining rogues like paper, my fury a storm too powerful to contain.

And then I found Sirius again.

He was grinning, soaked in blood. Her blood.

I launched at him, sinking my fangs deep into his side. He howled, slashing at me with his claws. We clashed, a blur of rage and pain.

Then I felt the sting of something cold,metal. He stabbed me with a syringe, the contents burning through my veins like acid.

Wolfsbane.

I stumbled, my limbs heavy, vision blurring.

But I didn't stop.

With every ounce of strength left in me, I lunged, clamping my jaws around his throat.

One brutal bite.

His body dropped lifelessly to the ground.

I swayed on my feet, the world spinning. My wolf whimpered inside me, the bond to Tabitha flickering like a dying flame.

I staggered toward her, collapsing beside her body. My hands trembled as I pulled her into my arms, cradling her as if love could pull her back.

Her eyes were open but fading.

"I'm here," I whispered, voice breaking. "I'm sorry... I couldn't protect you."

My tears fell onto her bloodied cheek. My heart, already broken, began to give out.

Then,pain.

A sharp pierce in my side.

I gasped and looked down to see a silver blade buried in my ribs.

I turned.

A boy stood before me, no older than ten, his face blank, his eyes cruelly familiar.

Sirius's eyes.

"Father said you'd try to kill him," the boy said coldly.

Blood spilled from my mouth. My body crumpled over Tabitha's.