Page 150 of King Luna

But Matthew grimaces at us, his incisors flashing. “Your way isn’t working, Greenfield. Without our power, promised to us by birth, Alphas are facing severe neglect. We’re banding together in the name of the domination we’re owed. We’ll show everyone how the world is supposed to work.”

Noah’s fists tighten. I can hardly breathe, OCD and hypervigilance tag-teaming as my eyes zip from Alpha to Alpha, searching for a clue, tell, or any other warning of what’s to come.

“No matter how strong you are, we can't allow a single pack to dominate the whole world,” Noah says. “We’ll never let you. There’s a reason why super packs go against the instincts the Moon Goddess granted us. It only ends in death. You’ll kill one another for power and break into hundreds of packs, soon enough.”

Logan glowers. “You really think Alphas can’t rule together? That we’re all violent, thoughtless beasts? How do you know Alphas who have been violent in the past weren’t just acting out of suffering? Our true, natural order is ignored unless Alphas are shown the respect we’re owed.”

Viktor lets out a sharp, sardonic laugh—more like a deep and menacing snarl. “So we’re all just supposed to roll over and submit to you while you abuse wolves you think are weaker?”

“We’re restoringorder, allowing naturally weak wolves to be protected. They can’t protect themselves,” Matthew says.

Tane crosses his arms. “They can’t protect themselves? Think for themselves? Decide for themselves on what happens to their bodies and loved ones? Sure sounds ‘safe,’ bro.”

“I’m sure you'd never understand with a weak-ass Omega as your ‘King,’” Logan hisses.

With how intensely Noah’s emotions waver in our bond, I wrap my hand around his, squeezing tight.

Their bullshit is expected, but it doesn’t change the fact that theydidband together. And with how violent they sound, I don’t think they’ll be taking prisoners. I think they came to kill more than just a few leaders. I think they came to killus.

But how will they achieve that? Especially if they’ve also given Viktor extra time to gather wolves from neighboring packs?

I look to Noah, whose eyes haven’t left the Alpha-domination Super Pack. Dozens of global leaders stand at our side, but a third are cowering Lunas, hiding behind us for protection.

Even if Viktor's wolves come, they're not all beefed-out, volatile Alphas. And with how remote Kiruna is, Viktor's neighboring allies will take at least an hour to run here.

But there’s one stark difference between us that gives us a fighting chance.

Noah, your true strength is your ability to rule with compassion. Your heart is in everything you do, which I know is a major reason why you detest Alpha domination. Besides it feeling totally unjustified, it goes against your core values—the ones that make Greenfield a unified front. All these Alphas share is a hunger for power, no matter the destruction necessary. You’re right; they’ll destroy one another soon. But that also means our unity is how we can win.

You’re right, Luna. I know you’re right. Which means I physically, mentally, emotionally can't let this happen. You know what that means, right?

My heart drops.

I can feel it in our bond, but I can't bear to mindlink the words.

This is a cause Noah is willing to die for. If he doesn't fight, the guilt could kill him just as well.

And I'd never forgive myself if I didn't fight by his side, no matter what he says to keep me safe.

Noah's panic rises with mine the longer I take to respond, so I tell him the truth.

Yes, I do know what it means. And I understand why you feel this way, even though it terrifies me more than anything.

I'm so fucking sorry, Luna. But I can't let you or our pups live in a world like theirs. I love you with all my heart.

I love you with all of me too.

Noah lets out a low growl, a deep-seated anger boiling in our bond as tears slip down my cheeks.

That felt like a goodbye. It can't be. Please, Goddess, no.

“So, your shitty plan is to wipe out the leaders of the strongest packs in the world so you can swoop in with yours?” Noah’s voice deepens into a shiver-inducing growl, sweeping down my skin.

When the Alphas don't say anything, continuing to stand their ground, I can only assume Noah guessed right.

Noah shakes his head, his fangs extending with every breath. “If you go through with this, then you’re a bunch of fucking fascists. And we won’t surrender first. You’ll either surrender or rot in our confinement dens, Hart.”

With Mason’s growl, Noah’s chest puffs.

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