"Nessa!" Ezra appeared, also in human form now, and pulled me into a fierce embrace. "Thank the goddess. When I felt you break from the defensive line, I thought"
"The shelter was under attack," I explained. "I had to protect them."
"I know. I would have done the same." He pulled back to look at me, his hands framing my face. "You were incredible. I saw you fighting, saw your power. You saved lives today."
"We all did." I looked around at the carnage. "But at what cost?"
Drake approached, limping slightly, his face grim. "Casualty report, Alpha. We lost seven wolves. Four warriors, two omegas who were defending the shelter, and one elder who had a heart attack from the stress. Eighteen more are seriously wounded but should survive with treatment. Dozens of minor injuries."
Seven dead. Seven members of my pack who would never see another sunrise. My chest tightened with grief and guilt.
"The enemy?" Ezra asked quietly.
