Page 148 of King Luna

While Noah and I were absorbed in our bond, almost all top Alphas and Lunas shifted into their wolves. They form a barrieraround us, their tails facing us as they keep their eyes locked on something else. On the barrier's innermost section, smaller and less experienced wolves huddle in, hiding behind our Alpha allies.

What could make even the strongest Alphas and Lunas so afraid?

Noah separates his body from me quicker than intended, making me wince.

“Fuck, sorry.” Noah stumbles to his feet, still dazed and bleeding from his fresh mark as he assesses the wolves around us. He doesn’t even look at me as he helps me to my feet, calling to the wolves. “Let me through. I’ll need room to shift.”

Wolves shuffle to create space for Noah, but only on one side. The front half remains tight, keeping something out.

I grip his arm.Noah, what are they defending us from?

I don’t know. But with how serious they are, I have a sinking feeling that you were right, and it’s my worst nightmare come true.

Regardless of his fears, Noah pushes through the crowd of wolves, and my heart pinches. Ineedto follow him.

I scurry after Noah in his footsteps, using his broad form to slip through the gap he creates in the crowd of wolves. When we reach the perimeter, we’re face to face with a horde of uninvited wolves. Noah’s shoulders rigidify.

How did they get here? Annika said we were safe.

Were our allies in on this?

Whipping my head around until I spot familiar faces, I’m horrified, but not because we’ve been betrayed; there’s no mistaking the raw, petrified fear in Annika’s eyes as she meets mine, screaming for help.

Waimarie and Tane emerge from the brush, dashing straight to us with wide-eyed horror. As I clutch Waimarie’s hand, Reidpads to Noah’s side in his massive wolf form, as well as Viktor in his human form, the previous King panting in near-panic.

It’s dead silent. Why is no one saying or doing anything?

Luna, please stay near me. I need to be with you before this happens,Noah mindlinks.

Why is he making it sound like it’s the last time we’ll see each other?

As I huddle up to Noah’s side, he hugs me even closer, his Alpha musk exploding.

But it’s not just Noah’s musk. I have to cover my nose, my eyes watering on impact of an offensive, gut-twisting scent blowing across the field.

These aren’t just random wolves facing off with us.

They’re a massive pack ofonlyAlphas.

And with one look at their snarling teeth and agitated tails, I can guess why they’re here. Especially when I recognize who's leading them.

Stepping to the front of the invading horde is Mason Hart.

You were right, Noah mindlinks.

My stomach plummets to the floor.I didn’t want to be.

Chapter 31

I’m supposed to be the Queen Luna, but as we stare at the horde of wolves with unknown plans, I don’t know what to do. Nothing I can possibly think of could protect the wolves behind us, relying on us. Not even speaking up is safe; a single wrong breath could send the Alpha mob charging before we can defend ourselves.

But someone has to do something. Say something.

Mason is here, but I’m thinking this looks much bigger than what he could’ve gathered alone,Noah mindlinks.It looks like we all were right about the super pack, so we’ll have to treat them as such. But I’m not sure what’s best to start with. What do you think?

I don’t know yet. I need time to strategize, even if it’s thirty extra seconds,I mindlink Noah.

Okay. If I talk to Viktor, they’re not going to like that, so all I can do to stall is talk to them directly,Noah says.I want to say something first, or else they’ll think we’re backing down. But do you think that’s too risky?

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