Chapter 0423

My breath catches as Alpha Dominic drives the blade into Isolde's abdomen. Even with her strength, a knife wound is no small matter. The madness in his eyes confirms what we already knew—he's lost all control. This rabid wolf would need to be put down regardless of the challenge.

When Isolde tears his heart from his chest, I rush forward, yanking the knife free. I brace to catch her, but she turns to face the pack instead. Though every instinct screams to tend to my mate, I know she must claim her victory. I step back, remaining close enough to intervene.

"Does anyone dare challenge my right as your Alpha?" Her voice rings with undeniable authority, pride swelling in my chest. No one would guess she's bleeding from a stomach wound as she crushes the heart in her fist and flings it to the dirt.

Not a single voice rises in protest. The entire Silverbrook Pack kneels, baring their throats in submission. "Those unwilling to follow me and my mate may leave. But these lands now belong to Sanctuary. The council has traded this territory to expand our existing pack. Anyone joining Sanctuary will receive transport, shelter, and food until you're self-sufficient."

Thank the Moon Goddess we brought Donovan and Seraphina, leaving Leopold and Lillian to manage the pack. The moment Isolde finishes speaking, I sweep her into my arms, carrying her to Seraphina for treatment.

"You were magnificent, love." I press my lips to her temple.

"These people are starving and poorly clothed." Isolde winces as Seraphina probes the wound. "Another project for us, Alpha."

Seraphina nods approvingly. "Your healing has already begun, Luna. That immunity of yours just saved your life."

"We'll speak with everyone today." Isolde meets my gaze. "How many can we transport?"

I assess our vehicles. "Forty-five at most. Priority goes to the injured, elderly, and pups."

The day passes in triage. Malnutrition runs rampant, especially among omegas. We load the critical cases first, sending them back with Seraphina. Subsequent trips carry the frail elders and starving pups. I dispatch Donovan and Alistair with the convoys—the latter came for the challenge, but his own duties await.

+15 RONDS

Isolde and I remain overnight to process more transfers, expecting fresh vehicles tomorrow. After settling the remaining pack members, we survey the ruined packhouse.

The kitchen is demolished, spoiled food rotting in broken appliances. I send warriors to hunt—they return with three deer. We build a fire, and with the pack's help, prepare a meager dinner. Isolde insists everyone eats before us. Tomorrow's convoy will bring proper supplies.

That night, we comb through the Alpha's quarters. Hidden stashes reveal over $100,000 in cash, hoarded food stores, and member files—all destined for Sanctuary.

"He could've used this to help his people." Isolde shakes her head. "It's incomprehensible."

"Your father wasn't in his right mind, love." I pull her close. "Now we can make things right."

Near dawn, I fashion a makeshift bed from salvaged linens. "Rest, my Luna. Tomorrow will be long."

She curls against me, head on my chest. "Is there anything here you want to keep?" I massage her shoulders.

"Nothing." Her sigh carries generations of pain. "No traces of my mother. No pieces of myself."

She trembles slightly. "Will it always be like this? One mountain after another?"

I tilt her chin up. "Look how far we've come. We built a thriving pack from nothing. Homes. Businesses. Found mates for our people. Did I expect sprites in our ranks? Or acquiring a second pack so soon? Never." My thumb brushes her cheekbone. "But together, we're rewriting destinies—for our pack, our future pups. The struggle now will birth a legacy."

When she smiles, I kiss her nose. "How are you so wise?"

I smirk. "According to my brilliant mate, I'm ancient. Wisdom comes with wrinkles."

Her laughter rings through the ruins, the sweetest victory of all.