LUCAS

    "You''re positive?"

    My still-smoldering cigarette is crushed into oblivion within the crystal ash tray, along with twenty of its kin. Smoke is an intrusive guest within the cramped room, swirling around the heads of both deltas standing before me.

    Cheap motel rooms aren''t meant to house three large wolf shifter males, but it is what it is.

    "Positive," Ryder reports, cool as a fucking cucumber despite how much is riding on tonight.

    The decision to invade Blackwood wasn''t made lightly. Most of the pack fought against the decision, until two more scouts were found dead at the border.

    And, most importantly, a witness.

    That one was alive, though.

    "Council won''t move until we bring the official petition," Ryder continues, flipping through the notes in front of him. "Even so, Silvermoon forces near the border are confirmed and ready if we call for aid."

    The chair creaks beneath my weight as I lean back, but surprisingly manages to stay together. "With this act of war, Council will have lost its authority, anyway."

    My deltas say nothing. There isn''t much to say—the fact that an alpha is willing to say as much is far beyond their pay grade. Silvermoon has allied with Westwood, and Aspen as well, though Clayton seems to be busy hunting down his own missing mate. It''s an epidemic, and I''m positive it''s all been orchestrated by the Blackwoods to weaken the packs.

    Swaying the chair from side to side, I glance at the ceiling, thinking in between rhythmic creaks. "Ryder, head to Silvermoon. I''ll contact you if we need the reinforcements. Vester, stay with us. You''ll head off any runners from the south. Our goal is to cut off Blackwood''s head today.

    I don''t want this war going on for years."

    "Understood."

    Lighting another cigarette, I inhale deeply, letting the harsh smoke fill my lungs before exhaling a plume into the stale air. My deltas are on edge, too, but they wait for my dismissal.

    Their last report weighs on my mind. My elusive mate has been sighted at her family home, under guard at all times. Further, that idiot alpha brought in an Unregistered into his territory.

    An Unregistered... I''d have never believed one of our own could be that level of stupid. We know better than to consort with those unwilling to abide by the standards we''ve set forth in order to live in peace with humans.

    And yet, Blackwood is truly that much of a dumbass. He has little connection with the humans in his territory. Consorting with an Unregistered is nothing to someone who doesn''t care about the humans in their lands.

    "Once she''s safe, we can proceed to wipe them from this world."

    Ryder exchanges a glance with Vester, but both nod in reluctant agreement. They know the lengths I''ll go to for her—have seen firsthand the fire that burns within me whenever her name is uttered.

    "As you wish," Vester says at last. "I''ll gather the team and we''ll be ready to move at your command."

    I give a curt nod, already formulating strategies in my mind. Getting into Blackwood territory undetected will be the greatest challenge, but I have faith in my delta''s skills. Once we''re inside, finding Ava will be my sole focus.

    The image of her face flashes before my eyes—those piercing blue irises, the delicate curve of her jaw, the softness of her lips that I''ve yearned to taste for far too long. She haunts my dreams.

    And now, finally, I have a chance to bring her home where she belongs.

    At my side.

    In my arms.

    In my bed.

    A feral growl rumbles deep in my chest as possessive instincts flare hot and bright. My wolf howls in my head, rage shimmering within us both.

    She is ours, and we will tear apart anyone who dares stand in our way.

    With a deep breath, I force the wolf back into its cage, steadying the storm of emotions that threatens to overwhelm me. Calm focus, that''s what I need now. I can let the beast off its leash once Ava is safe.

    "Get moving," I tell my deltas, already rising from my seat. "I want to be in position before nightfall."

    They move to obey, but I catch Vester''s arm before he can leave, pulling him close enough to taste the wariness rolling off him in waves.

    "One more thing," I rumble, holding his gaze with steely resolve. "If it comes down to it? If she''s harmed in any way, leave no one alive. Burn that fucking pack to the ground. I don''t care if they''re women or children, weak or strong."

    For a beat, he says nothing. Then a grim nod. "Understood, alpha."

    With that, he''s gone, the door slamming shut behind him. I''m alone now, surrounded by the oppressive silence and the lingering scent of smoke, my cigarette having burned itself out after only one puff from me.

    My mind is a whirlwind, churning with the promise of violence and the tantalizing possibility of finally claiming what''s mine.