Nathan’s POV
The forest grew quiet as dusk settled around us. Five days of constant travel had taken
its
toll, even on the strongest antong us.
My muscles ached with a dull persistence, a reminder that even Alpha werewolves needed rest.
Tyler approached. ‘I think this woodland area would make a good spot to rest for the night, he suggested, gesturing toward a natural rock formation that created a sloped wall on one side.
I nodded after a brief assessment. The stone outcropping would provide decent protection on one side, leaving only three directions to guard. “It’ll do. We’ll set up here.”
We’d already hunted in wolf form earlier in the day, bringing down enough game to satisfy everyone.
Building a fire would only draw unwanted attention, so we agreed to go without.
Even the strongest Alpha warrior needs recovery time, especially during a tracking mission like this.
ission line for the
Victoria had remained in wolf form most of the journey, and Tyler suggested she stay that way for the night. “It might be safer for you to keep your wolf form, Vic.”
She nodded her furry head in agreement. Despite clearly being uncomfortable with the rugged conditions, she hadn’t complained once.
“We’ll need rotating watches,” I announced, scanning our group. “Three people minimum per shift.”
Julian immediately stepped forward. “I’ll take first watch, Alpha. Matthew and Arthur can join me.”
I nodded my approval as everyone else found spots on the ground to rest. Victoria curled up close to her brother, her silver–gray fur gleaming faintly in the moonlight.
Something felt off, though. A nagging sensation at the back of my mind. “I’m going to check the perimeter before I rest,” I told the group, needing to satisfy my instincts.
The forest was eerily still as I moved through the shadows. I acknowledged Julian with a nod as I passed his position. When I reached Orlando’s section, he identified me by scent, giving a quiet signal of recognition.
But when I approached Arthur’s designated area, I found it empty.
My senses immediately heightened, muscles tensing as I scanned the darkness. Where the hell was Arthur?
Had Jason’s men already found us and taken him out? I caught Arthur’s scent trail, but there was something else mixed with it – another wolf.
followed the trail cautiously, every nerve ending on alert. The unfamiliar scent grew stronger, and suddenly, a massive shape hurled itself at me from the shadows.
Clearly one of Jason’s royal guards, sent to kill me. My cousin has finally made his decision.
I pivoted quickly, bracing for impact. The attacking werewolf slammed into me, and I used his momentum to throw him against a nearby tree.
He recovered with impressive speed, lunging again and sinking his teeth into my forearm.
Pain shot through me as I wrenched my arm free. Damn it, where the hell is Arthur?
The attacker circled, preparing for another strike. But suddenly, he leapt past me, tackling something behind me. I spun around to see what had caught his
attention.
Arthur lay motionless, his head cracked against a large rock, blood pooling beneath him.
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Chapter 210
Rage surged through me as I let out a warning howl. He dates kill one of my men on my watch!
I launched myself at the attacker again. This time, he shifted back to human form, and I followed suit, wanting answers before 1 Filled him
You’re from Emerald City, I growled, pinning him by the throat. “How did you find me?!
“Through Victoria, the man gasped. ‘I found you through Victoria.”
Victoria? She betrayed me to Jason? Impossible… she wouldn’t.
1 tightened my grip on his throat. “Watch what you say… You killed my man, and now you dare accuse Victoria of betrayal?!”
Alpha! Alpha, please stop!” Victoria’s panicked voice filled my mind through our pack link.
She came running with Tyler close behind, now in human form and hastily dressed.
‘Apollo!” Victoria cried out when she saw the man I was strangling. “What are you doing here?!”
I looked between them, confusion momentarily replacing my anger. “You know this bastard?*
Victoria nodded fearfully. “Alpha, he’s my mate! Please spare him!”
I loosened my grip, allowing the man to breathe.
‘Alpha Nathan! Please believe me, I meant no harm!” Apollo gasped, rubbing his throat.
“You killed my man!” I snarled.
Apollo shook his head frantically. “No, Alpha Nathan. If I hadn’t stopped him, he would have hurt you!”
I glanced at Arthur’s body, noticing for the first time a specialized hunting knife lying beside his hand.
A chill ran through me as I realized what had happened. Arthur had been planning to assassinate me, and Apollo had actually saved my life.
“They sent me to track you,‘ Apollo explained, still catching his breath. “They knew I could find Victoria. In case Arthur’s assassination failed, they wanted me to tell you that Dylan has retreated because of your counterattack. King Jason asked me to tell you he regrets everything that happened and wants you to return to Emerald City.”
He paused, looking me directly in the eyes. “But that was all lies. The truth is, I was supposed to trick you into coming back with me so they could execute you. The King and Queen want you dead, Alpha. I’m sorry.”
I helped Apollo to his feet, processing this information. Victoria immediately threw herself into his arms, tears streaming down her face.
“Thank you for coming to warn us…” she whispered.
My own cousin wanted me dead. It wasn’t entirely surprising, but the lengths he was willing to go to were still shocking.
Having me imprisoned or trying to trade me to enemies was one thing, but actively seeking my death?
By now, the rest of my pack had gathered around us, expressions of shock on their faces as they took in the scene.
“Is there anyone here who agrees with my cousin?” I asked, looking at each of them in turn. “Anyone who came to do Jason’s bidding? Anyone who wants me dead?”
Silence greeted my questions, their faces showing only horror at what had transpired.
It was clear now. Jason and his queen feared I might threaten the throne.
They should have known that until this moment, I had never considered claiming the crown.
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Chapter 210
I could have been content to leave Emerald City, find Rachel and my child, and start a new life… but now… they had ignited a fire of vengeance in me that I couldn’t guarantee wouldn’t bring me back to settle this betrayal.
Apollo dropped to one knee before me. “Alpha Nathan, I ask to join your pack and follow your leadership! I swear to protect Victoria with my life, and I will be loyal to whoever she is loyal to!”
I shook my head. ‘Apollo, I appreciate it. But I’m no longer the Alpha of the Ironjaw pack. thank you for your warning.”
Victoria approached me cautiously. “You should rest, Alpha… I know you’ll ahead. We’ll keep you safe.” She gestured for Apollo to rest as well.
The adrenaline was beginning to fade, leaving exhaustion in its wake.
You’re welcome to stay, and you’re welcome to go. Either way, I
you’re not tired right now, but you really need to rest. We have a long journey
Chapter Comments

Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
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