Chapter 254
RAMON’S POV
The dawn of war brought
with it
an eerie calm, the kind that felt unnatural, like the world holding its breath. The estate was alive with quiet urgency, wolves moving with purpose, their faces grim and resolute. The air was thick with the scent of leather, iron, and earth, and the faint hum of sharpening blades echoed in the distance.
I stood on the balcony of our chamber, overlooking the courtyard where warriors were sparring in preparation. Their movements were sharp, precise, but there was a weight in the air that no amount of training could shake. Fear, Determination. The knowledge that some of us wouldn’t see
Tomorrow’s dawn.
Behind me.
Sonia
was resting on the bed, her hands gently cradling her swollen belly. Her armor, sleek and battle–ready, had been placed beside mine in the comer of the room, a stark reminder of the fight ahead.
Sonia’s brother, The triplets, Castiel, Craig, and Caleb, were working in the blacksmith’s forge, their hands moving in rhythm as they shaped and sharpened silver–lidded swords. Sparks flew with every strike of their hammers, illuminating their sweat–drenched faces. Despite the tension, they worked with quiet focus, their bond as brothers evident in the way they moved together.
I watched from the balcony as Ivy stood near the edge of the courtyard, her hand resting lightly on Blanc’s arm. They were talking in hushed tones. their faces close, their emotions raw, Blane had always been steady, but now there was a vulnerability in his expression that I’d rarely seen.
I sighed, stepping back into the room. Sonia was awake now, her amber eyes following me as I crossed the room.
“They’re ready,” she said softly, though her voice was tinged with worry-
“They have to be.” I replied, sitting on the edge of the bed. My hand reached out, resting gently on her belly. “How are they?”
“Restless,” she said with a faint smile. “Like their father.”
I chuckled softly, though the weight in my chest didn’t lift. “They’ll be strong. Like their mother
The room fell into a heavy silence, broken only by the faint sounds of the preparations outside. I looked down at my hands, the calloused skin marked by years of battle. For a moment, I hesitated, unsure how to begin.
“Sonia” I said finally, my voice low.
She looked at me, her brow furrowing slightly. “What is it?”
“I need to say something.” I said, my throat tightening “Something I should have said a long time ago.”
Her gaze softened, but she said nothing, waiting for me to continue.
“I’m sorry,” I said, the words tumbling out before I could stop them. “For everything. For how I treated you when you first came here. For the way 1 handled everything. I was wrong. Sonia. I was so blinded by duty, by the need to prove myself, that I didn’t see what I was doing to you.”
Her lips parted, but I pressed on, needing to get the words out,
“And it’s not just that,” I continued, my voice trembling. “It’s because of me, because of my past stronger, if I’d handled things differently back then, maybe we wouldn’t be here now. Maybe
Kamon
th Lorena, that we’re in this mess. If I’d been you wouldn’t have to carry this burden.”
“No, let me finish,” I said, my voice breaking. “And your father. Sonia, I never wanted to kill him. But he wouldn’t yield. He wouldn’t give up the fight. And in that moment, I thought I was doing what I had to do. But it doesn’t change the fact that I took him from you. And for that, I am so, so nutry-
The room fell silent again, any words hanging heavy in the air. I couldn’t bring myself to look at her, too ashamed to meet her gaze.
Her hand readied out, covering mine. “Ramon,” she said softly, her voice steady despite the tears glistening in her eyes “We can’t change the past. What happened, happened. And yes, it hurt. It still does. But you’ve more than proven the kind of man you are now. The kind of mate, the kind of Alphia, the kind of father you’ll be.
Flooked up at
ather, my chest tightening at the sight of her tears. “You’re too lo
100 forgiving.” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
“No,” she said firmly. “I’m just realistic. We don’t have time for grudges, Ramon. Not w
when tomorrow could be our last chance to fight for the future
we want. For the future these babies deserve”
Her words struck a chord deep within me, and I leaned forward, pressing my forehead against hers. “I’ll protect you,” I whispered. “I’ll protect all of you. No matter what it takes.”
“And I’ll protect you” she replied, her hand tightening over mine.
As the day wore on, the tension in the air grew thicker, Warriors hugged their mates and pups, whispered promises of returning safely, and exchanged quiet goodbyes. I stood in the courtyard, watching as Ivy and Blane shared a private moment near the edge of the training grounds. Blane’s hand rested on Ivy’s shoulder, his expression a mix of worry and determination. Ivy, for all her usual strength, looked vulnerable in that moment, her hand brushing against his as she spoke.
I approached them, my footsteps quiet on the stone. They both turned as I neared, their expressions shifting to something more guarded. “Ivy,” I said, my voice gentle. “Blanc.”
“Ramon,” Ivy said, her tone steady despite the emotion in her eyes.
I looked between them, my gaze settling on Blanc. “Take care of her,” I said simply.
Blane nodded, his jaw tightening. “I will.”
“And you.” I said, turning to Ivy. “Be careful out there. Don’t take unnecessary risks.”
She smiled faintly, her green eyes glinting with determination Ill be fine, big brother. I always am
That evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, I stood on the balcony of the war room, watching the estate settle into a restless calm. The warriors were ready, the Alphas united, and the battle plans set.
Sonia joined me, her hand slipping into mine as we looked our over the courtyard. The quiet strength in her presence steadied me, even as the force of what was to come pressed down on my shoulders.
“Tomorrow,” she said softly.
“Tomorrow.” I echoed.
We stood there in silence, the cool night air wrapping around us like a fragile cocoon. And as the stars began to dot the sky, I made a silent vow: no matter what happened, I would protect my family. I would protect this pack.
The sound of the hom sh
shattered the stillness, its sharp blast signaling the approach of Lorena’s forces. The time had come.
