Chapter 82
Nathan’s POV
I lay on my bed, trying to get my emotions under control. After a few minutes, I rose and headed to the living area where Tyler was waiting, ready to discuss the current war situation.
“Not only are the cities on the west coast under attack,” Tyler reported, his voice thick with exhaustion, “but the eastern and northern borders are requesting reinforcements as well.”
“What’s the scale?” I asked, my eyes gleaming dangerously in the dim light.
“Scattered. It doesn’t appear to be an organized military operation–more like guerrilla warfare, Tyler answered, fatigue evident in his voice.
“Any information about which pack is orchestrating this?” My voice was low and filled with authority.
“None, Alpha. It could be multiple packs working together. These guerrilla fighters know most of our warriors are
currently on the west coast countering Alpha Raymond’s invasion. They wouldn’t miss this opportunity.”
“Fine. Give me the maps and reports. I’ll review them tonight.” My command left no room for argument. “You can
notify King Jason first thing tomorrow morning. You’re dismissed.”
Tyler stood his ground, his eyes betraying his concern.
*Is there something else?” I asked, my strong fingers leafing through frontline reports and photos of recently attacked villages, my brow furrowed.
“Alpha, it’s already two in the morning. We have another meeting with King Jason at six, and-”
“Good night, then I’ll see you in the morning.” I dismissed Tyler’s night shift, impatience creeping into my voice as
I closed the door.
“Nathan, it’s not me!” Tyler said urgently. “It’s you! You’ve barely slept! Since Rachel… since that incident, you haven’t properly rested.”
I got up and walked toward the bedroom. “I’m good.” I opened the door and shut it again before Tyler could protest further.
Over the past few days, I’d managed to focus my attention on war and pack matters.
There was plenty to do, especially with escalating border conflicts. War was something familiar, something I understood. It was a good distraction from letting other emotions surface.
I had just lain down when someone knocked on my door.
I considered ignoring it, but the door opened and my sister Gina walked in, her hair disheveled and her eyes flashing with anger.
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Chapter 82
Suppressing a sigh, I asked, “Gina? It’s two in the morning. What do you want?”
She stared at me for a moment before announcing, “I’m leaving.”
I put down the documents, my eyes fixed on her. “Where are you going? Why?”
Tyler followed her into my room, his brow creased with worry and regret.
“Gina,” he said softly but urgently, “you need to calm down.” He grabbed Gina’s hand.
I didn’t understand why this was affecting Tyler so deeply. Gina was my sister, and I knew Tyler cared for her, but his reaction to her leaving was more emotional than I’d expected.
Interesting!
“I don’t need to calm down.” Gina stepped away from Tyler and turned to me. “I can’t stand being here another
minute!”
I stated, “Gina, considering everything that’s happened, we’re all on edge. But the situation outside the capital is uncertain right now. If you’re here, I know you’re safe.”
“I’ll be perfectly safe in our pack,” she said, hands on her hips. “I can’t stay here another minute, Nathan! Every time I see that woman’s face… at dinner, in the hallways. I want to slap that smug smile off her face! That arrogant bitch…”
“Enough,” I said, my voice low and dangerous. I didn’t have time for this right now.
“Enough?” my sister screeched. “Trust me, Nathan, I’ve had enough! When Rachel first… when this first happened, I should have gone back to Ironjaw territory days ago!”
She’d said Rachel’s name, and I felt a sharp pain in my chest.
I’d forbidden almost everyone from saying that name out loud, but Gina wouldn’t heed my commands anyway.
She always did what she wanted.
Maybe her leaving was for the best.
“Gina, come with me,” Tyler said, his arm threading through hers and guiding her.
Gina tried to yank herself free from him but couldn’t break his grip. He guided her out of the room.
I absently wondered if I would see my sister again later, or if she would leave during the night without a word.
