Chapter 79: Chapter 79 Gambit of Blood
Victoria
The convoy of black SUVs moved silently through the dense forest as twilight settled around us. I sat beside Leo in the lead vehicle, my mind racing through every possible scenario that might unfold when we reached the River Valley Pack border. The weight of my silver dagger pressed against my thigh beneath my clothes—a comforting presence despite my racing heart.
"You’re thinking too loudly," Leo murmured, his deep voice cutting through my thoughts. His warm hand covered mine where it rested between us, his thumb tracing circles on my skin that sent tingles up my arm despite the gravity of our situation.
I met his amber gaze, those eyes that seemed to see straight through me. "I can’t stop thinking about Enzo," I admitted quietly. "After everything he’s done, everything he put me through... he’s still my brother."
Leo’s expression remained steady, but I could sense Ronan’s restlessness beneath his carefully controlled exterior. "Blood ties are complicated," he said finally. "But remember, Victoria—Marcus isn’t just holding your brother. He’s using him to get to you."
Tiny cleared his throat from the driver’s seat, his massive shoulders filling the space. "Five minutes to the drop point, Alpha."
Leo’s voice tight with restraint. "We’ll be positioned in the trees within striking distance. At the first sign of danger—"
"You’ll come charging in like the overprotective Alpha you are," I finished for him, a small smile touching my lips despite the situation.
His hand moved to my face, cupping my cheek with a gentleness that belied his strength. "You have no idea what you do to me," he murmured, his voice husky. "The thought of you in danger..."
"I know," I said softly, turning my face into his palm. "I feel the same way about you."
The SUV slowed to a stop in a small clearing half a mile from our destination. As I prepared to step out, Leo caught my wrist, pulling me back for a kiss that was both tender and fierce—a promise and a warning wrapped into one.
"Two minutes," he repeated against my lips.
I nodded, then slipped out into the gathering darkness, feeling the weight of his gaze follow me as I disappeared among the trees.
---
The border of River Valley Pack territory was marked by a small stream that glinted silver in the moonlight. As I approached alone, I could feel Ava stirring inside me, more alert than I’d ever sensed her before. The forest seemed to whisper around me—a new sensation I was still getting accustomed to since discovering my Fae heritage.
*Be careful,* the rustling leaves seemed to caution. *Death waits beneath.*
I paused, scanning the ground carefully before continuing forward. My mixed blood—once a source of shame—now gave me advantages pure wolves like Marcus would never understand.
"Right on time," a deep voice echoed across the clearing. "And alone. How... trusting."
A shimmering blue light appeared before me, coalescing into the holographic image of Marcus Grimwood. Even as a projection, he cut an imposing figure—tall and broad-shouldered, with silver streaking his dark hair and a black patch covering his right eye. His remaining eye assessed me with clinical detachment.
"Where’s my brother?" I demanded, keeping my voice steady despite the fear churning in my stomach.
Marcus’s lip curled in amusement. "Straight to business. No wonder Moretti finds you fascinating." He gestured, and the hologram expanded to show another scene—Enzo suspended over what appeared to be a pool of dark liquid, chains binding his wrists and ankles. His face was bruised, one eye swollen shut.
"Enzo!" I couldn’t stop the cry that escaped me.
"Vic..." My brother’s voice was weak, barely audible. "Don’t... trust..."
"Enough," Marcus cut him off, the image shifting to show another figure huddled in a corner—a woman with matted blonde hair and bloodstained clothes.
"Aurora," I whispered, recognizing my stepmother despite her condition.
Marcus’s chuckle was cold. "The esteemed Luna Howlthorne, not looking quite so regal now." He turned his attention back to me, his single eye narrowing. "Tell me, Victoria, what exactly is your plan here? A half-blood with no real training—do you truly believe you can challenge me?"
I lifted my chin. "I’m not here to challenge you, Marcus. I’m here to negotiate."
"Negotiate?" He threw his head back in laughter. "What could you possibly offer me that I can’t simply take?"
"Information," I said firmly. "About the Howlthorne Pack’s defenses, about Leo’s operations. Things only I would know."
As I spoke, I subtly reached out with my newly discovered abilities, feeling the vegetation beneath my feet, sensing the subtle shifts in the earth. The plants responded to me, whispers of warning becoming clearer—*metal beneath dirt, triggers set, death waiting*.
"Interesting," Marcus mused. "And what do you want in return? Your precious brother who sold you like a piece of meat? Or perhaps the stepmother who treated you like a servant?"
"Both," I said simply. "Plus safe passage back to neutral territory."
Marcus’s expression turned calculating. "Come closer to the border, Victoria. Let’s discuss this... fairy and wolf."
As I took a step forward, a vine curled around my ankle—not restricting, but warning. I paused, pretending to adjust my boot while processing what the plants were telling me. Land mines. Buried just beneath the surface of the crossing.
"Is something wrong?" Marcus asked, his tone falsely concerned.
"Just making sure I don’t trip," I replied, meeting his gaze evenly. "It would be embarrassing to face the great Marcus Grimwood only to fall flat on my face."
His mouth twitched. "Indeed. Though I wonder if your Alpha would catch you. Where is Alpha Moretti hiding, I wonder? Surely he didn’t let his precious mate come all alone?"
"Leo respects my decisions," I said, carefully sidestepping where I sensed danger beneath the earth. "Unlike some Alphas who need to control everything and everyone around them."
Marcus’s eye flashed with anger. "Bold words from someone in your position. Tell me, Victoria, do you know what happens to half-breeds who forget their place in our world?"
Before I could respond, I felt Ava surge within me, a warning growl building in my chest. At the same instant, the vegetation around me trembled with alarm—not at the mines now, but at movement in the trees beyond Marcus’s projection.
"They rise above it," I answered, my voice stronger than I expected. "They rewrite the rules."
Marcus’s smile turned cruel. "Rules are written in blood, little wolf. And I’ve spilled more than my share." He gestured broadly. "Including, perhaps, the blood of your warriors hiding in the eastern ridge?"
My heart stuttered. That was exactly where Leo had positioned his advance team.
"I’ve been Alpha for longer than you’ve been alive," Marcus continued, satisfaction evident in his tone. "Did you really think I wouldn’t anticipate Moretti’s tactics?"
A distant shout confirmed my worst fears—Marcus had known all along. This wasn’t just a meeting; it was an ambush.
"Now," Marcus said, his projection stepping closer, "let’s discuss what happens next. You will walk across this border—alone—and surrender yourself to me. In exchange, I might consider letting your brother live. Though I make no promises about your stepmother."
I stood my ground, mind racing. "And if I refuse?"
"Then you can watch as my men eliminate Moretti’s warriors one by one, starting with his Beta."