Wolves of Betrayal

Chapter : 27. The gathering of alphas..

Amara felt a wave of relief wash over her at his words. She knew he meant it, that he wasn’t just saying it to make her feel better. Darius had always been patient with her, always letting her take the lead, and it made her love him even more.

She took a deep breath, her gaze dropping to her lap. “There’s something else,” she murmured, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. “I… I’m a bit sore… down there.”

Darius’s eyebrows lifted slightly in surprise, and then his expression softened further, a hint of amusement playing at the corners of his mouth. “Ah,” he said, nodding in understanding. “I’m sorry, Amara. I should have been more careful.”

Amara’s face turned an even deeper shade of red, and she quickly shook her head. “No, no, it’s not your fault,” she insisted, her voice hurried. “It’s just… it’s been a long time since I’ve… and I wasn’t used to it.”

Darius chuckled softly, his eyes warm with affection. “I see,” he said, his tone gentle. “Well, it’s normal to feel a bit sore after what we did. But if there’s anything I can do to help, just let me know.”

Amara bit her lip, feeling both mortified and strangely comforted by his casual response. She had worried that he might be embarrassed or awkward about it, but he seemed perfectly at ease. She appreciated that more than she could say.

“I’ll be okay,” she said softly, her lips curving into a small, shy smile. “I just… I thought you should know.”

Darius nodded, his smile widening. “Thank you for telling me,” he said. “And thank you for trusting me.”

He leaned in, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to her forehead, and she felt herself relax, her heart swelling with love. She hadn’t realized how much she needed to hear his reassurances, to feel his tenderness and care. She felt safe with him, and that made all the difference.

They sat there for a moment, their foreheads resting together, sharing the quiet intimacy of the moment. Amara could feel the steady rhythm of his breath, the warmth of his skin, and she knew that she was exactly where she wanted to be.

“Darius,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “Thank you… for everything. For being so patient, for understanding. I’m so lucky to have you.”

Darius smiled, his eyes filled with love. “I’m the lucky one, Amara,” he replied softly. “You’ve brought so much light into my life. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

Amara felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes, her heart overflowing with emotion. She leaned in, capturing his lips in a gentle, loving kiss. It was soft and tender, filled with all the feelings she couldn’t quite put into words. When they pulled back, she rested her head on his shoulder, sighing contentedly.

“I think I’d like it if you stay with me tonight,” she said quietly, her voice filled with a warmth that matched the fluttering in her chest. “Just the two of us cuddling.”

Darius chuckled softly, his hand moving to stroke her hair. “That sounds perfect to me,” he said. “I’ll stay as long as you want me to.”

They settled back against the pillows, Amara curling up against Darius’s side, her head resting on his chest. She could hear the steady beat of his heart beneath her ear, and it soothed her, made her feel grounded and safe. She knew she had made the right choice in letting him in, in trusting him with her heart.

They spent the rest of the night in quiet conversation, sharing stories, dreams, and hopes for the future. They talked about the pack, about their plans to strengthen their bond as a united front against Killian and any threats that might come their way. Darius listened intently, his hand never leaving hers, his gaze filled with unwavering support and love.

As the night wore on, Amara felt the last of her nervousness slip away, replaced by a deep sense of contentment. She knew that there would still be challenges ahead, that her past would not simply vanish, but with Darius by her side, she felt stronger, more capable of facing whatever came next.

“Thank you for always being there for me,” she said softly, her voice filled with sincerity. “I don’t know where I’d be without you.”

Darius smiled, his eyes filled with warmth. “You’d still be the strong, incredible woman you are,” he replied. “But I’m glad I get to be here with you, to support you, to love you.”

Amara’s heart swelled with love, and she leaned in to press a soft kiss to his lips. “I love you, Darius,” she whispered, her voice filled with all the emotion she felt in that moment. “More than I ever thought I could love someone.”

Darius’s eyes softened, and he cupped her face in his hands, his touch gentle and reassuring. “And I love you, Amara,” he said, his voice steady and filled with conviction. “Always.”

They fell silent, their gazes locked, and Amara felt a sense of peace settle over her, a sense that she was exactly where she was meant to be. She knew that there would still be moments of doubt, moments where she might feel vulnerable or uncertain, but with Darius, she felt like she could face anything.

As they drifted off to sleep, wrapped in each other’s arms, Amara knew that this was just the beginning of their journey together—a journey filled with love, trust, and a promise to always stand by each other, no matter what.

The night had been serene, with Amara and Darius wrapped in each other's arms, sleeping soundly after a day filled with love and tenderness. The room was still, save for the soft rustle of the curtains as a gentle breeze blew through the open window. But the peace was abruptly broken by the sharp, urgent ring of the emergency note—a signal used only when something required immediate attention.

Darius awoke instantly, his body snapping to alertness. He reached for the note on the bedside table, his brow furrowing as he read the urgent message. Amara, sensing his tension, stirred beside him, her eyes fluttering open.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, her voice heavy with sleep, her heart already beginning to race at the sight of Darius’s serious expression.

“We’ve been summoned to the border,” Darius said, his voice steady but tense. “Several Alphas are there, and they’ve requested an immediate meeting. They specifically want you to be present.”

Amara’s eyes widened, a sense of unease settling in her chest. “They want me there? Why?”

Darius shook his head, his jaw clenched. “I don’t know. But it sounds serious.”

Amara’s stomach twisted with anxiety. She could feel a dark cloud of dread forming over her. The sudden arrival of multiple Alphas could only mean one thing—trouble. She sat up, pulling the blanket around her, her mind racing with possibilities. Was it about Killian? Had he returned with another plan to take her back to the Blood Moon Pack?

“We should go,” she said, trying to keep her voice steady despite the fear gnawing at her insides. “Whatever it is, we need to face it.”

Darius nodded, his expression resolute. He quickly dressed and helped Amara to her feet. She dressed hurriedly, her hands trembling slightly as she tied her hair back. She could feel Darius’s gaze on her, his eyes filled with concern. He reached out, squeezing her hand in silent reassurance.

“Whatever happens, I’m with you,” he said softly, his voice a comforting balm to her frayed nerves.

Amara nodded, grateful for his support, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that something terrible was about to happen.

As they made their way to the pack border, the tension was palpable. The cool morning air did little to ease Amara’s nerves as they walked, flanked by a small group of Nightshade warriors. She could see the silhouettes of several Alphas and their warriors gathered near the border, their figures illuminated by the faint glow of dawn.

As they approached, she recognized the imposing figure of Killian, standing at the head of the group. He looked every bit the formidable Alpha he was known to be—tall, broad-shouldered, his dark eyes fixed on her with an intensity that sent a chill down her spine. His presence alone was enough to make her heart pound, but seeing him flanked by other Alphas—powerful leaders of their own packs—made the situation even more ominous.

Darius’s posture was tense, his eyes scanning the faces of the gathered Alphas. He recognized several of them—Alphas from neighboring packs, some of whom had neutral relations with the Nightshade Pack, while others were closer allies. But the sight of them all standing alongside Killian was troubling.

“What is this about?” Darius demanded as they reached the gathered group, his voice steady but commanding. “Why have you all come here unannounced? And why did you request Amara’s presence?”

Alpha Terrence, a respected leader of the Silver Fang Pack, stepped forward. His expression was grave, his eyes flicking to Amara with a hint of judgment. “We’ve come to discuss a matter that concerns all of us,” he said, his voice carrying a weight that made Amara’s heart sink. “A matter of justice.”