Rian's POV
The second attack comes at dawn.
No warning. Just sudden invasion—dozens of wolves pouring through our borders.
"LUCA!" I roar, shifting immediately.
He's already moving, magic flaring around him. Together, we face the onslaught.
Kaine appears, larger and more vicious than before. His eyes lock onto Luca.
"The magic-user. I'll enjoy breaking you," he projects.
"You'll have to go through me," I snarl, positioning myself between them.
"Gladly."
We clash violently. Kaine is strong—stronger than I remember. He's been training, preparing.
Through our bond, I feel Luca fighting behind me. His magic flares repeatedly, protecting pack members, striking enemies.
"I'm okay," he sends through our connection. "Focus on Kaine."
I do. Teeth and claws, we tear at each other. Blood flies. Pain screams through me, but I don't stop.
Then Kaine does something unexpected. He doesn't go for me.
He fakes left, then charges past me—straight for Luca.
"NO!"
I'm too far. Can't reach him in time.
But Luca's ready. His magic explodes outward, catching Kaine mid-leap. Silver light wraps around the enemy Alpha, binding him, burning him.
Kaine screams—actual pain.
"You're not Marcus," Luca says coldly. "I won't die like he did."
He throws Kaine backward with pure magical force. The enemy Alpha crashes into trees, stunned.
I'm beside Luca instantly. "Are you hurt?"
"I'm fine." But he's trembling, adrenaline crashing. "Did I—did I kill him?"
"No. But you hurt him badly." I pull him close. "You were incredible."
Kaine's pack retreats, dragging their Alpha with them.
Victory. For now.
That night, after securing defenses and tending wounded, we finally collapse in our room.
"I hurt him," Luca whispers. "Really hurt him."
"You defended yourself. Defended the pack."
"I know. But it felt—" He shudders. "Powerful. Scary."
"You are powerful. That's good." I turn him to face me. "That's what keeps you alive."
"What if I become like him? Violent. Cruel."
"You won't. You have something he doesn't." I kiss him softly. "Love. Compassion. Me."
He laughs shakily. "You make everything sound simple."
"It is simple. We love each other. We protect each other. We survive." I pull him onto my lap. "Let me remind you who you are. What we are."
"How?"
"Let me worship you. Show you you're not a monster. You're my mate. My heart. My everything."
I make love to him slowly, tenderly, washing away the violence with gentleness. Every touch reminds him—you're good, you're loved, you're mine.
When he falls apart in my arms, it's beautiful. Vulnerable. Human despite the magic.
"I love you," he breathes.
"I love you more." I hold him close. "And tomorrow, we end this. Together."
"Together," he agrees.
Tomorrow, we finish what Kaine started five years ago.
Tomorrow, we win.