Ethan exhaled slowly, his fingers drumming against the armrest of his chair as yet another scout stepped into the war room to deliver news. He already knew what they would say, but the sheer number of warriors showing up continued to take him by surprise.
"Alpha," the scout reported, bowing his head in respect. "More warriors have arrived- another pack from the northern territories. They heard the call and came to stand with us. There are also fae warriors among them, ready to fight."
Ethan glanced at Garrett and Lily, the two responsible for spreading the word that this wasn't just about retaliation but also a rescue mission. He clenched his jaw, his expression unreadable. "I suppose I should thank you both, though I would have preferred some restraint when it came to sharing information."
Lily crossed her arms, her eyes flashing with determination. "We needed all the support we could get. I was not about to allow you to walk yourself and my mate into danger without an army. You might be strong, Ethan, but you are not invincible."
Ethan couldn't argue with that. He stood, pacing to the window, looking out at the warriors gathering outside. Packs from all over, standing together. Even some rogue groups that had defected from Kenneth had offered their aid. He had expected warriors to join for vengeance. He had not expected solidarity. A lump formed in his throat, but he forced it down.
Garrett stepped closer, his voice quieter. "How are you holding up?"
Ethan let out a breath, shaking his head. "This is... overwhelming. I found out my cousin was partly to blame for this. Now, she's human and banished. She would be helping me through this right now."
Garrett sighed, his expression softening. "You've handled battles before without her help. You can do this, Ethan. You don't have to do it alone."
"I've fought battles before. Battles I knew I would win. I have not started a full-blown war. This is personal. I never imagined I'd be leading something like this," Ethan admitted, his voice dropping lower.
Garrett smirked, clapping a hand on Ethan's shoulder. "You don't have to handle this all on your own. You've got the backing of more people than you ever expected. That should tell you something. They believe in you. We believe in you."
Ethan nodded, still watching the warriors outside. "I should be grateful. I am. It's just a lot to process."
Garrett chuckled. "If your father were here, he'd tell you he's proud of the man you've become."
Ethan turned his gaze toward him, something unspoken passing between them. He had spent years trying to live up to the expectations of his father's legacy. Now, for the first time, he felt like he might actually be doing it.
A knock on the door interrupted the moment. Before Ethan could answer, the door creaked open, and Amdis stepped inside. He offered a small bow before smirking. "I assume you won't insist I kneel, Your Highness?"
Ethan rolled his eyes, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "I think we are beyond those types of formalities, Amdis."
Amdis chuckled but quickly grew serious. "We're ready. The priority remains minimizing casualties, rescuing the prisoners, and ensuring Kasia's safety."
"And what if we stumble across Kenneth?" Ethan asked, his tone measured.
Amdis's gaze darkened. "Revenge can wait. Once we annihilate his backer, there will be nowhere for him to hide."
"Agreed," Ethan said with a nod.
Amdis smiled, sharp as ever. "Then let's give them a speech."
As they exited Ethan's office, Lana stopped them. Her expression was serious, her posture stiff with resolve.
"Did something happen?" Ethan asked, reading the tension in her face.
"No, nothing happened. She is no longer on pack territory," Lana replied, her voice firm. Then, without hesitation, she continued, "I want to swear my allegiance to you."
Ethan blinked, caught off guard. "What?"
"Well, this is interesting. Never heard of a human wanting to be part of a pack," Amdis commented.
"I need to be able to communicate with everyone through the pack link," Lana explained. "The battle will be chaotic, and I need to be connected to you all. This is the only way."
Ethan hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. This had never happened before. Pack bonds were not taken lightly, and Lana was a human. Would it even work?
"Lana, this isn't a simple request, and you're not coming with us," Ethan said firmly.
"You're not going to leave me behind," Lana stated, her tone brooking no argument.
"You are needed here," Ethan countered, his voice steady. "My deltas will need your guidance to maintain safety here. If the Hunters expect us, they may strike here."
Lana opened her mouth to argue but then exhaled sharply. She knew he had a point. "Fine," she conceded, "but that makes it even more necessary for me to be part of the pack."
Ethan studied her, his mind turning over the risks. "Once you take the oath, you are bound to us. I do not know what the pack bond will do to a human," he warned. "Are you sure?"
She nodded without hesitation. "Yes. It needs to be done."
After a long pause, Ethan relented, nodding. "Then I, Alpha King Ethan, formally invite you into my pack."
Lana knelt before him, bowing her head. "I, Lana Thorne, sister of the future Alpha Queen, swear my allegiance to Alpha King Ethan, his pack, and his people- lycan and were alike. My strength is yours. My loyalty is yours."
Ethan unsheathed a claw, cutting into his hand before doing the same to Lana's palm. Without hesitation, she grasped his hand firmly, sealing the bond. A surge of energy passed between them as the pack link accepted her, an unspoken welcome resounding through the connection. Lana gasped, her body shuddering as the new awareness settled within her.
Lily wrapped her arms around Lana, hugging her tightly. "Welcome," she whispered.
Lana smiled, though her expression remained determined. "Thank you."
Amdis sighed dramatically, cutting through the emotion. "This has been a touching moment, truly. But we have more pressing matters. Let's not keep our warriors waiting."
Lily shot him a glare, but Ethan merely nodded. "Let's end this."