“They’ve got to get experience. Plus, me, you, and Chasen will be there.” Hunter shrugged, thinking the three of them were a force to be reckoned with anyway, with or without the others.
“And me,” Jin chimed in as she bit into her toast.
Chasen growled lowly and looked at her with a frown. “No.”
Jin raised her eyes to Chasen, straightening her shoulders. “I wasn’t asking for permission. I’m coming. I’m Hunter’s guardian too, now.”
“Jiiinnnnn, I don’t want you leaving the pack borders,” Chasen whined, going for the cute approach.
Jin leaned forward and kissed his cheek. “You’re adorable, but I’m still coming. And if you keep insisting that I’m not, then I guess I’ll be moving back into my room for a while.”
Chasen’s eyes flickered at that. He studied her, wondering if she was really serious—and by the look in her eyes, he knew she was.Damn.That wasn’t something he could go without either.
He snorted and furrowed his brows. He’d lost. He couldn’t tell her he was worried about the demon huntress being out there. He would still rather have her in the pack territory, though, even without the huntress.
“Stay close to me Jin. I mean it,” Chasen growled, then grumpily took a bite of his bacon.
Jin winked over at Hunter, who was smirking into his coffee cup. His brother had just been worked down so effortlessly. Having Jin around was like having a Chasen beast tamer.
“I want to leave within the hour, so hurry it up, Chasen, or I’m leaving you behind.” Hunter stood up, followed by Sam and Renee.
Renee leaned over and kissed Sam on the cheek. “I’m heading over to your parents’. I’m meeting Susan there and we’re teaching the young pups today. Be safe out there.”
Sam smiled and nodded. “Have fun.”
Hunter shifted into his wolf and walked in front of the third patrol. A lot of the wolves were young, and some were just inexperienced. He could see the different levels of energy between them. Some were excited and bouncing around while others seemed a bit nervous, their tails tucked. Sam’s black and white wolf walked up behind the enormous gray wolf. Since Hunter became the Alpha King, his wolf was even larger than before, which they didn’t even know was possible. And when he shifted, a powerful aura radiated around him and those close to him. They were guessing it was like an extra power buff that extended to his allies. Sam could also feel the extra strength when he was near Hunter.
Chasen’s bear stomped up to Hunter, with Jin perched on his back looking down at all the other wolves. She was running her hands through his luscious brown fur, excited for the patrol detail.
Hunter looked back over their patrol. They were finally ready.Everyone, this is just a patrol. Just be alert and payattention. This is not practice. There is no goofing off. Let’s have a safe run.
Yes, Alpha,the patrol answered in unison.
Hunter trotted ahead of the patrol, with Sam and Chasen right on his flanks. They left the pack territory and headed deeper into neutral grounds. The sun was shining brightly, the rays playing with them through the trees. A light breeze followed them and swirled through their fur coats, keeping them cool.
Jin stayed perched on Chasen’s back, enjoying the ride. Looking out at the horizon, she took in the beauty around them. She noticed the pace slowing down a bit and refocused on what was going on around them. Hunter’s wolf was looking forward with his ears perked up, and Sam and Chasen were both sniffing the air, testing it for a scent.
Demons.Hunter’s voice came through the mindlink.Demon wolves are close.
Hunter turned his head and looked back at his patrol. He nodded his head, looking directly at each of them.Remember your training should we get attacked. Stay together as a group.
A couple of the wolves whimpered, their ears laid back and their tails tucked, though most of them had their tails upright and wagging. They were excited about the possibility of getting to see some action. The more confident wolves took to the front while the few timid wolves moved to the back of the small group.
Jin… Chasen linked through their mate mindlink.
Chasen, I can help. Don’t worry about me.Jin hugged his back and kissed his furry head.
Hunter brought the patrol forward at a slower pace. As they came upon a small dip, he froze. The hair on his back stood up and a low growl reverberated in his chest. Several demon wolves were walking out to face them. Blaze began to throw his nose up in the air sporadically. A new scent rose from the demon wolvesin front of him. As he studied the wolves, he made a small, unusual sound.
Our mate. Our mate is down there,Blaze whimpered, looking at the demon wolves that were starting to snarl at them.
WHAT?! Our second-chance mate is a demon wolf? What the hell, Moon Goddess?! Shit. Now what? I have to kill my second-chance mate?!Hunter snarled back at Blaze.
Blaze shifted a bit in confusion. He had a duty to protect his pack, even if it meant killing his second-chance mate. The Moon Goddess had to hate him. This was the cruelest thing he could have ever imagined.
Suddenly, the demon wolves led the charge. They clashed with the third patrol, snarling and snapping teeth at them. Jin pushed a surge of wind at the unsuspecting demons, stopping them briefly, and the Black Ice patrol lunged into them. Fur was soon flying, and the scent of iron began to float into the air. Jin hopped backward off Chasen, knowing he wouldn’t engage with her on his back. She would help the less-confident wolves in their battles at the back. Chasen and Sam charged forward, knocking the demon wolves around.
Hunter was frantically smelling the wolves as he fought with them, effortlessly taking them down. They were no match for him as an alpha, let alone as the Alpha King. Mini battles ensued around him. The ground was stained crimson, and the sickening smell wafted around them.
