Page 9 of Greedy Gods

I lift the bowl reverently, warmth tingling through my palms. After endless obstacles and sacrifices, we've finally gotten what I need to sever my bond to Fern. I'm one step closer to being free.

As I hug the precious bundle close, exhilaration surges through me. We did it.

I turn to my mates, joy lighting up their tired faces. Lucian grasps my shoulder, pride shining in his icy eyes.

"Well done, my wild one. Let's get you safely back home."

As we descend the mountain with our prize, new energy propels my aching legs. We're halfway down the shadowy trail when Lucian pauses, tilting his head.

"Listen."

I strain my ears. Through the whispering wind, a faint sound carries. A mournful, haunting howl, quickly cut off.

My skin prickles. Every werewolf knows that sound—the howl of a lone wolf, calling out for others of its kind.

Lucian's eyes narrow, glowing faintly with magic as he scans the darkened forest. "Something is very wrong."

We creep silently through the trees toward the origin of the lone wolf's cry. My nerves thrum with tension.

Lucian motions for us to hang back. He prowls ahead alone, a barely visible shadow.

After long, tense minutes, he returns to us. His expression sends a chill through me.

"A cave where lone wolves were known to shelter is just around the corner. But now it reeks of blood and death." His lip curls with disgust. "And Teller's stench lingers there too.”

Rage kindles in his icy gaze. "They've taken the lone wolves. Slaughtered any who resisted. The others will become his unwilling soldiers."

Sickness twists my gut. Stealing and killing lone wolves, trying to build an army...Teller's depravity knows no limits. And we played right into his hands, leading him to fresh victims.

Lucian grips my shoulder, reading the guilt on my face. "This is not your fault, Rina. The blame lies with Teller alone."

I blink back helpless tears and nod. "We have to stop him. Before he can hurt anyone else."

Grim purpose settles over my mates' faces. Our quest is far from over.

ChapterFive

The bones are heavier than I expect as I carefully place the ancient bundle into the iron safe in Lucian's cabin. It took immense effort and sacrifice to retrieve them from the Sky Pack mountain peak, but now Fern's remains are finally secure.

Lucian spins the combination lock and the safe clicks shut, sealing away the precious cargo. He straightens, icy blue eyes meeting mine.

"The bones will be safe here until we need them again, darling. For now, we have more pressing matters." His angular face is grim.

I nod, the familiar anger coiling in my gut as I think of General Teller. That deranged soldier is still out there, seeking to destroy all packs. And his monstrous experiments with the stolen lone wolves weigh heavy on my conscience. We have to stop him before he can hurt anyone else.

"Let's go take down that bastard once and for all," I say fiercely.

Lucian's eyes glitter with satisfaction. He enjoys seeing my rebellious spark.

"Too right, my wild one."

The others are waiting outside, features etched with similar determination. Thale's broad shoulders are tense, his powers on edge, making the plants and animals around us vibrate with tension.

"The bones secure?" rumbles Thale. At my nod, he relaxes minutely.

"All that's left is to find the bastard's nest," Adar growls, cracking his knuckles. His blazing eyes promise violence.

Lucian lifts his head, scenting the wind. After a moment, he points south. "Teller's stench leads that way. He's set up camp at the base of the mountains."

---