Kacie
Clara locked eyes with Viktor and for a second she didn’t move. It looked as if she was contemplating listening to his command. I breathed a sigh of relief as she lifted her foot and stepped away from the rogue. Viktor shifted his attention and his gaze trailed over the rogues on their knees, the witches, and our warriors standing. I made my way over to him and stood by his side.
“You’ve fought long and hard in this battle, and you’ve fought longer and harder for the safety of our people. You’ve endured sacrifices for our home and our people are better off for the service rendered by all of you. Thank you to our new friends who aided us and our Luna when I couldn’t,” Viktor said. The wolves barked and the people standing cheered.
“All of the rogues who have bent a knee will have the option to leave, our Deltas will escort you off the territory. Anyone who wants to stay has the opportunity to do so. You’ll need to swear your loyalty to me and mine but will be welcome to join us,” I said.
Jake stood back watching Viktor and me. His eyes darting back and forth between us and the witches. His mistrust was apparent but he remained silent during Viktor’s speech and me. Despite his personal feelings, I was thankful for his trust in me.
The Deltas immediately started gathering the rogues and questioning them. Viktor wrapped his arm around my waist as we turned towards the witches. Clara’s sisters had gathered around her and they didn’t say anything as we came face to face with them.
“Are you breaking the rules for me, Viktor?” Clara asked in an undertone, her lips lifting at the corners with the idea of that.
“My mate is breaking the rules for you and she’s asked for my support,” Viktor said. “How long will your sisters be staying?”
“Why? Are they not welcome?” Clara asked. Her sister’s started at Viktor. Their expressions conveyed their I-could-care-less attitude.
“The battle has been won, we can talk about the reason for your visit in the meeting hall,” Viktor said.
“I’m familiar with the meeting hall,” Clara said, her eyes darted to Jake. He was huffing and I could tell she was enjoying his distaste for her. She stared at him a moment longer before her gaze returned to Viktor. “Are we friends now, Viktor?” Clara asked.
“The three of you came to our aid, so yes, I consider the three of you friends to the Eclipse pack,” Viktor answered. This should have been awkward but it wasn’t.
“Thank you,” I said as I stepped forward. Clara looked at me and I held her gaze. “You saved my life, more than once. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to make it up to you but I hope my plans for your kind brings me close to it.
“I’m also thankful for what you’ve done for Kacie. I’m in your debt,” Viktor said.
“As am I,” Jake said. Clara’s eyes darted to Jake before she turned back to me.
“I’ll think of what I want but I already have a few ideas,” Clara said, a smile pulled at the corner of her lips.
I reacted without thinking, Athena snarled through me and we snapped at her. The temperature in the air rose in response to my anger. Jake was behind me instantly and his fingers interlocked with mine.
I shuttered and tightened my hold on him as his touch made my heart pound. I clung to the feeling of him and let it lead me away from the anger I was feeling. I was gripped with the desire to feel his body against mine and I clenched my legs together to try and ease the pressure.
“Cool down, Luna,” Jake whispered. “You know I’m not going anywhere.” He shot my mate a look and the way his eyes darkened stole my breath and had the temperature rising for an entirely different reason. It was enough to remind me that I had no reason to feel this way.
“I never thought I’d ever want to say no to you when you’re clearing needing me,” Viktor said as he leaned in, “but I have to hold back right now.”
“I’m sorry for my outburst,” I said to Clara, “My wolf and I are a little touchy when it comes to what’s ours.” Clara’s eyes twinkled as she stared at me.
“No offense taken, I understand. I’ll blame it on your wolfish tendencies,” Clara sang.
“Until what point does your mercy expire?” The tall red-haired witch asked.
“What does that mean?” I asked.
“My mate was right about your kind, we need to pave a way for you,” Viktor said, stepping in.
“Are you saying you’re willing to risk the backlash from other packs?” The red-haired witch asked.
“I don’t care about the backlash or the push we’ll receive from other packs. I’ll get rid of anyone who tries to harm me and mine. This cause would make the world safer for you and for my future pups. To me, it would be more than worth it,” Viktor said.
I couldn’t help the burst of pride I felt. This man was so good to me, I stopped from standing on my toes and kissing him here in front of everyone. It felt amazing knowing my mate was on my side. I didn’t let myself focus on the future pups bit of what he said. It felt like an asshole for being the reason other packs would target us but he was right, this was worth it.
“To answer your question,” I said to the red-head witch, “I hope we can continue to work well together.” She didn’t react to my words and I turned back to Clara. “If you’ll follow us to the meeting hall, I would like to hear your thoughts on the vision that brought you here.”