Page 36 of Ruthless Reign

"She's a saint and you're a sinner," I mutter, surprising myself when I realize there's only a small fraction of hostility in my tone.

He nods. "I guess so. Are you ready?"

I glance at the trees, not spotting anything yet. "Yes. But if they attack, I'm on their side."

Cade smiles, flashing me his dimples. "I'm not worried about that," he answers, placing his arm loosely around my shoulders as he guides me over to the group.

I spot Annabelle heading toward the house, leaving us alone with the rest of the males. James gives me his usual sneer, but Sawyer lowers his head with a nod, acknowledging me.

Ezra is also behind them, panting softly as well, while chatting to the other two men about…the weather. I hear them mutter something about it being a perfect, cloudless day after the full moon, and how they can't wait to bask in the warmth later.

I'm puzzled by their chilled demeanors. I expected them to be discussing an impending attack, but none of them appear worried. They look confident, composed, and when the two new faces give me a small wave, I find myself returning it. Ezra also gives me a nod, and from here, it almost looks like he mouths,"Sorry"before returning to his conversation.

Shaking my head in disbelief, I look at Cade. He's standing beside me, eyes scanning the trees as we wait. "My father met Lex's father once," he says quietly, so only I can hear.

"Really?" I ask, floored by the new information. "Good experience or bad experience?"

"Good," he answers. "Dad spoke highly of the Blood Moon Pack."

"And the Night Pack?" I question curiously.

His lips twitch as he fights back a smile. "A little lessgood. Maverick has never been overly welcoming. He's a known asshole among the alphas."

I snort, amused. "He's a known asshole to others too. But also, there's a side to him that people don't get to see."

He turns to face me, his blue eyes looking like crystal-clear water in the sunlight. "I believe it," he says genuinely. "If anyone was going to bring down those heavy walls, it would be you. Oh, but I bet you clashedhard."

I'm not sure if it's because I know I'll see him soon, or if Annabelle had a huge effect on me, but I laugh quietly. "You have no idea."

Cade grins, looking like he wants to say something, but he straightens up, whipping his head toward the trees.

Instinctively, I step forward, an invisible force tugging me. It's as if my body can sense them, yearning to touch them.

Then there, through the trees I spot them—a fucking army of wolves, slowing down their sprint as they growl simultaneously, locking eyes on the members of the New Moon Pack, like they want to rip them apart, piece by piece.

Chapter Fifteen

Nyx

Air quickly exhales out of my body as I catch sight of Lex. He charges forward first, paws kicking up the ground as he skids to a sudden stop.

One by one, the wolves behind him slow, and my eyes are wide as I take in the number of them. I didn't expect so many, and judging by Cade's reaction, neither did he.

It feels like the surrounding atmosphere is thick, making it harder to breathe, but staring into the heated eyes of Lex, I wouldn't want it any other way.

I can see him searching—looking for evidence of any harm. There's a moment of relief as his wolf's eyes soften, but they are still murderous. Giving him a small nod to indicate that I'm fine, I slowly pull away from our exchange, finding Maverick beside him.

Taking in my form, there's no change in his facial expression—the sharp, hard glare moving from me to the tall man on my left side.

My feet move forward, and Cade makes no attempt to stop me. Bringing myself within touching distance of the wolves, I brushmy hand over Lex's taut fur before doing the same to Maverick. Instantly, they both relax, Lex's muzzle rubbing against my arm.

Turning around, I face Cade, assessing his reaction. But even though he seems surprised, nothing could prepare me for the words that come from his mouth.

It feels like I've been slapped in the face, my body jerking as he steps forward, arms outstretched to the side. "Hello, friends!" he greets warmly. "We've been expecting you. If you would like to shift and change, we have some facilities just over there." He points, my eyes following as I spot a small block of outdoor change rooms.

The wolves don't move, and I suddenly realize that Alpha Daxton has walked over, his large black wolf casting a shadow over me.

To my surprise, his voice pops into my head, loud and clear.

---