Page 85 of Broken Forced Mate
“Then we prioritize. Focus on weapons targeting our main positions.”
Thornridge forces advance across the valley floor, moving toward our bait position with professional competence. Their magical weapons provide devastating cover fire that forces several allied units to abandon prepared positions.
Elder Nettle’s voice carries across the battlefield as she coordinates witch covens. “Barrier networks activating. Civilian shelters are now protected.”
Captain Morwen appears beside me. “My units are in position for the counter-assault. Waiting for your signal.”
“Not yet,” I tell her. “We need them fully committed to the trap first.”
Jay monitors enemy communications from his concealed position. “Thornridge command believes our eastern defenses are broken. They’re accelerating the assault timeline.”
“Perfect,” Raegan says as Sage steps away to give her space, then she staggers, making herself appear weak and still drained.
“Target is compromised,” a Thornridge scout reports over their communications. “Omega appears to be suffering from psychic collapse.”
“Excellent,” Mordaunt’s voice responds. “Begin capture immediately.”
The assault teams accelerate their advance, convinced they’re about to complete their primary objective with minimal resistance. Behind them, Mordaunt himself appears on the battlefield, a massive figure directing magical weapon fire.
Dorian’s voice cuts through pack communications from his hidden position. “Enemy forces are bunching up exactly as planned. Ready for coordinated strike.”
“All units stand by,” I announce. “Wait for the signal.”
Thornridge fighters close to within sixty yards of our position. Fifty yards. Forty.
My wolf snarls beneath my skin, every protective instinct screaming to get Raegan away from the approaching danger. But I force myself to hold a position. She's not some fragile thing that needs sheltering; she's the reason this trap will work. The reason we have any chance at all.
I watch her adjust her rifle, see the steady focus in her eyes despite the blood on her face, and something fundamental shifts inside me. Not her husband trying to protect his wife. Her partner trusts her to do what needs to be done.
“Now,” I whisper to Raegan.
The signal unleashes chaos across the valley. Pack fighters emerge from concealed positions, attacking Thornridge's flanks with coordinated strikes. Llewelyn forces follow their matriarch’s orders as they execute flanking maneuvers that cut off retreat routes. Elder Nettle’s witches drop concealment spells and begin offensive magical operations.
“Shift,” I tell Raegan, then drop my human form to join the assault.
My wolf carries me across the battlefield faster than any human could run. Around me, other pack fighters do the same, and our coordination through pack bonds allows for seamless cooperation.
Eastern flank secure,Dorian sends through our connection. His massive brown wolf tears through Thornridge defenders with brutal competence.
Weapons teams neutralized on the north approach,Theodore’s mental voice adds as his wolf eliminates a magical weapon crew.
Emin’s voice joins the pack communication from his position with Veva.Caster teams ready to amplify psychic disruption on your command.
Jay provides tactical updates from his observation post. “Enemy reserves committing to support the main assault. They’re taking the bait completely.”
A Thornridge wolf tries to flank my position, but I sense his approach through pack awareness before he’s visible. My counterattack drops him before he can raise his weapon.
Captain Morwen’s Llewelyn forces execute their planned assault with devastating effectiveness. Their training in magical weapon countermeasures allows them to disable the Thornridge artillery faster than we ever could’ve hoped for.
“Witch covens, begin offensive operations,” Elder Nettle commands. Around the battlefield, robed figures emerge from concealment to attack enemy positions with concentrated magical force.
Mordaunt moving toward the omega position,comes a new voice through pack communication. I recognize Oren’s mental signature even though he’s supposed to be maintaining concealment.
Stay hidden until the optimal moment,I send back.We need you in reserve.
Negative. He’s too close. I’m tracking his movement.
I wheel around to see the massive enemy commander rushing straight toward Raegan’s position. His wolf is enormous, easily the largest I’ve seen, with battle scars covering its dark coat.
