He looked at Solomon. “I’m done with this whole trial situation. I need to take over as Alpha. I’m the last one standing.”
“Yes,” Solomon said calmly. “I’m aware. There’s one more challenge. The same one every Alpha has to do. It starts tomorrow at dawn and takes all day. I’ll give you the instructions when dawn arrives. Just so you know, Philip completed the task successfully, so I have no doubt you can. Once you do, we’ll have the ceremony.”
“Good,” Helena breathed.
“Yes,” Solomon added. “After you’re named as the Alpha, you can claim your trophy.” He grimaced as he looked at Nadia and then Taryn. “And hopefully change the archaic laws so I never have to use that word again when talking about a female.”
Caidrik nodded. “That sounds like a plan.” His phone buzzed. He lifted it to his ear. “When? Now? You’re sure?” He paused. “Okay. Do an all-call for soldiers and enforcers. Meet at the football bleachers in twenty minutes.”
Nadia blinked as awareness slid down her spine.
He clicked off. “I need you and everybody to take cover. I’ll have four enforcers on the house.” He looked at Taryn, then his mother. “Why don’t you go to the main house as well? I can keep all of you contained in one place.”
Solomon stiffened. “I can fight if necessary.”
“It’s necessary,” Caidrik said.
“What’s going on?” Nadia asked quietly.
His jaw clenched. “The Ravencalls are edging up to our eastern line, and apparently the Ghostwinds just crossed the northern boundary. They’re coming for us.”
Her stomach lurched. “You think they’re working together?”
Caidrik shoved his phone back into his pocket. “I think it’s a distinct possibility. With Luca out of commission and me having killed Merritt, I can see them making an agreement.” He shook his head. “I don’t like separating the pack, but we’re going to need to hit them at both lines.” He glanced at Solomon. “Be ready in fifteen.” His voice lowered again. “Nadia, walk me out.”
Taryn rolled her eyes, Helena smiled, and Nadia’s heart leaped. She hurried forward and took his hand as he led her outside, the enforcers moving across the street to give them space.
“How are you doing?” he asked, gaze probing.
“I’m good. I mean, my molecules feel like they’re popping left and right, and I’m having to work pretty hard not to say anything or smell like you.”
“Ditto,” he said. “Did I hurt you last night?” His thumb traced her cheek gently.
Her knees wobbled. “No. I’m fine. I just want everything settled.”
“So do I.” He leaned in and kissed her hard. “This time, listen to me. You stay at the house with enforcers all around.”
“There’s nothing I’d love more,” she admitted. It would give her plenty of time to go through the grimoire. Solomon couldn’t take it with him to fight, now could he?
Caidrik had never fought so hard or felt so responsible for other people. His pack. He’d kill or die for them. The mating with Nadia had taken root, and he felt her connection to the Slate members. Strong.
Caidrik hit the Ghostwind line already bloody.
The Ravencall wolves had been the first wave, loud and arrogant, pushing hard along the eastern boundary and not expecting a decent fight. They’d miscalculated.
The Slate Pack had met them fast and deep, driving them back with teeth and weight and discipline. Caidrik had torn through the front ranks himself, snapping necks, crushing throats, and sending the rest scattering back into the trees. Ravencall broke easier than he’d hoped.
Probably because they didn’t have a strong leader.
Ghostwind was different.
They came quieter. Leaner. Meaner. Their soldiers moved like they expected to die and planned to take as many with them as possible. That made them dangerous.
Caidrik caught the first Ghostwind scent just inside the forest, sharp and cold, threaded with aggression. He shifted direction instantly, signaling with a sharp bark that cut through the noise of the fight. Two of his soldiers peeled off to flank the others. Three Slate enforcers stayed tight behind him. They were all well trained, and he supposed he had Philip to thank for that.
The forest closed in fast, branches snapping under heavy bodies. Paws tore up the snow. The Ghostwind soldiers waited, ready to attack.
The first one lunged from the left, his jaws snapping for Caidrik’s throat. Shit. He jerked his head back and twisted mid-stride to slam his shoulder into the beast. They both hit the dirt. The impact knocked the breath out of the other wolf, but Caidrik didn’t slow. He bit down hard on the side of its neck and shook once. Once the bone gave, he released the animal and kept moving.
