Fight for Me

One month later

For the first week since their decision, the wolf council has been prepping for war, against any who do not stand with them.

So far, they know they have majority of witch covens on their side, willing to share their magic in annihilating the hunters, and especially other pesky shifters who get in their way.

Even the humans have now decided to take up arms, either for violence, or for their own safety.

Attacks among humans, hunters, shifters and other supernaturals have become more frequent and alarmingly more brutal. Most towns known to accommodate mixed groups have already been left empty and burned to the ground, bodies covering the streets and leaving the stench of blood in the air. Everyone is killing everyone. No one knows who to trust.

And none of the brutality of this violence includes the berserk attacks plaguing these peoples’ nightmares and their daily lives, each spent to survive for the next day.

Nicholas is standing in front of his childhood home, looking out into the darkened woods, as if waiting for something. Though, this large rocky castle was never really a home to him. It was more the memories of the people he shared this place with, that makes him reminisce.

He hates being back, but he knows what he needs to do. If anyone is to stand a chance to not be driven to extinction, he has to take this risk.

He has already sent most of his pack members into hiding, -those who do not wish to fight. He would never force it upon any of them. Not like it was always forced upon him. And so, he came here, to the very place that is right at the centre of the Blood Hill Forest. The forest housing most of the packs in the country.

Father knew very well, the day he built this place, he would want to expand on it. What better way for a king to be at the centre of his own empire.

And of course, the council came running, eager to hear Nick’s choice on the war. But he was long gone before they came knocking.

And now that the council is constantly at war and eagerly searching and forcing allies into their frontlines, they have become too occupied to bother looking for him. He knows his punishment might wait for him, or it might never come.

And yet he still looks into that dark forest every night, hoping to see one person. The first person to make him feel longing. A feeling he despises. He hasn’t seen Layla since that night in the cave. He hasn’t heard from her since a few weeks ago. All she said over the phone was to not wait for her. But that statement alone still confuses him.

I know she might always have her secrets. But there is something she's purposely keeping from me. Even after our night in the caves, when she declared her trust to me and finally started opening up.

But he promised her, that he will keep her safe. He has a plan. And she trusts him. He will do what he needs to do.

“Nicholas.”

“Yes, Tyler.” Nick responds, yet still looking at the trees.

“Wouldn’t it be better for her to stay out there, if we’re bringing the fighting here?”

Nick turns to his Beta, and only now notices the rest of his closest pack members, his friends, standing there in support. Tyler, Ben and Micah. His Beta, Gamma and Delta.

“She’s stronger than she looks.” Nicks says with a slight smirk tugging up one side of his lips.

“Ohh?” Tyler says with an exaggerated tone, getting Nick’s full attention as he quickly withdraws his almost-smile.

“Was he smiling?” Ben chuckles.

“Alpha only smiles when it comes to his mate.” Micah intervenes with his own grin.

Though, Nick doesn’t understand why Micah still insists on calling him Alpha even after he told his senior pack-members they can call him by his name. Especially when Micah has alpha blood in him too.

“She’s not even here, and she makes him smile-“ But Ben quickly nudges Tyler, but not fast enough to stop him from finishing his sentence.

They all look at Nick’s face, aware of the cold, stern look he has worn for decades returning to his face.

“I didn’t mean-“ Tyler looks between Ben and Micah to help finish his sentence, should he say something he shouldn’t again.

“It’s fine, Tyler.” Nicholas says. “I can only trust that she is safe. Maybe when all this is over,…..-“

The silence grows as they wait for him to finish his sentence. But he doesn’t.

“Have your brothers responded? Will they be coming?” Tyler asks with more seriousness in his tone.

Nick gently shakes his head, before Ben intervenes.

“We can only hope they will come. We will need all the help we can get.”

Nick sighs out loudly as he looks at Micah. “What have you found?”

Micah straightens as he gives his report. “The attacks are still ongoing. The hunters have been relentless in targeting anyone, even their own humans, ever since news came that one of their captains was murdered. Berserk attacks are still occurring, but not as frequent or random. Almost as if strategic.” He pauses briefly as they look at him and among each other, letting that information sink in. “Though, the council and their allied armies are attacking towns which have been plagued by berserkers. They have made strive with the witches’ help and have currently taken over four fallen towns. Many have begun to fear the wolves and gone into hiding. Especially other shifters.”

Nick sighs deeply as he turns and stares back at the dark forest. “Do you regret choosing to fight alongside me?”

But they all respond in unison.

“No, Alpha.”

“Of course not.”

“Never.”

Nick sighs again, as if disappointed in their answers. “You might not see the freedom you will be fighting for.”

“We know what we signed up for. We do not regret it, -none of us, or any of our warriors who came here with you.” Tyler speaks up for their men.

“You should get some rest. While you can.”

Taking the hint that their alpha wishes to be alone, they hesitantly leave him at the top of the castle’s watchtower.