Chapter 76: Chapter 76 Final Hours
Victoria
The chaotic energy at Devil’s Lair gradually gave way to focused purpose as Leo and Carson finalized our assault plan. I should have been there with them, but Leo had insisted I take these final hours to put my affairs in order. "Just in case," he’d said, though neither of us wanted to acknowledge what that meant.
I drove back to Howlthorne estate with Tiny as my silent companion, my mind racing through contingency plans. If tonight went wrong—if I didn’t return—the pack needed leadership stability.
"You’re overthinking," Tiny rumbled from the driver’s seat, his eyes never leaving the road.
I glanced at him. "Is it that obvious?"
"Your scent changes when you worry. Gets sharper, like pine needles." He shrugged his massive shoulders. "Leo does the same thing."
The comparison made me smile despite everything. "How long have you served him?"
"Served?" Tiny’s laugh was a deep rumble. "I don’t serve Leo. I follow him. Big difference."
"Tell me," I said, genuinely curious.
Tiny was quiet for a moment. "Most Alphas demand loyalty. Leo earns it. When I was sixteen, my family was killed by a rival pack. I was the only survivor—a half-grown wolf with anger issues and nowhere to go. Other Alphas would’ve seen a liability. Leo saw potential."
I wasn’t surprised. Beneath Leo’s cold exterior beat the heart of a man who valued strength of character above all else.
"He’ll get your brother back," Tiny said confidently. "And he’ll keep you safe doing it."
"I don’t need protection," I replied automatically.
Tiny’s dark eyes flickered to me briefly. "Everyone needs protection sometimes, little Luna. Even Alphas."
We pulled through the gates of Howlthorne estate, where unusual activity caught my attention immediately. Cars lined the circular drive, and people moved purposefully between the main house and outbuildings.
"What’s going on?" I asked as Tiny parked.
"Pack business," he replied cryptically. "Rosa’s expecting you in the kitchen."
Curious and slightly alarmed, I made my way to the house. The moment I stepped through the door, delicious aromas enveloped me—roasting meat, baking bread, herbal undertones of rosemary and thyme. The kitchen was a hive of activity with Rosa at its center, directing a team of helpers with the precision of a battlefield commander.
She spotted me hovering in the doorway and waved me over. "Don’t just stand there, child. Come taste this sauce."
I navigated through the bustling kitchen. "Rosa, what is all this? We’re launching a rescue mission tonight, not hosting a dinner party."
She thrust a spoon toward my mouth. "Taste."
I obeyed, closing my eyes as rich flavor exploded across my taste buds—tomato, garlic, and herbs blended with something deeper I couldn’t identify. "It’s amazing, but—"
"Warriors need fuel," she interrupted firmly. "Your pack and Shadow Pack will fight better with proper food in their bellies."
My heart squeezed with sudden understanding. Rosa was doing the only thing she could to support our mission—providing nourishment and comfort before battle.
"Can I help?" I asked softly.
Rosa’s stern expression softened. "You could chop those herbs. Your mother always said you had a gift with plants."
I froze, knife poised above a bundle of fresh basil. "My mother?"
Rosa continued stirring her sauce. "Luna Elisabeth used to bring you to the kitchen when you were tiny. You’d sit right there," she nodded to a corner of the counter, "playing with herb bundles while we talked. Even then, whatever you touched would stay fresher longer."
My throat tightened. I had so few memories of my mother, each new revelation feeling like a precious gift. "Did she cook with you often?"
"Not often enough." Rosa’s expression grew distant. "She was different from the others—never quite fit in with pack life. "
I blinked back tears, focusing on the herbs before me. Together, Rosa and I worked in companionable silence, preparing food for warriors who might not all return. The rhythm of the knife on the cutting board became meditative, allowing my thoughts to settle.
An hour passed this way—a strange pocket of normalcy amid impending danger. As I worked, pack members came and went, some offering quiet words of encouragement, others simply squeezing my shoulder in silent support. Each interaction strengthened my resolve. These were my people now, looking to me for leadership.
"Victoria?" A familiar voice called from the doorway.
I turned to find Uncle Alessio standing there, accompanied by a small group of Omegas from his shelter. My heart lifted at the sight of them.
"Uncle Alessio!" I quickly wiped my hands on a towel and hurried to embrace him.
"Look at you," he said gruffly, holding me at arm’s length. "Standing tall as an Alpha should."
"Trying to," I admitted. "What brings you here?"
He gestured to the small group behind him. "We heard about tonight’s mission." His eyes crinkled with concern. "You’re going after your brother."
It wasn’t a question. I nodded.
A young woman stepped forward shyly from Alessio’s group. I recognized Mia, who had arrived at Omega House just days before I left—another victim of an abusive pack situation.
"We made something for you, Alpha," she said softly, holding out a small drawstring pouch made of deep green velvet. "For protection."
I accepted it carefully. "Thank you, Mia. What is it?"
"A charm," she explained, gaining confidence as she spoke. "Herbs from our garden, blessed under the waxing moon. There’s lavender for peace, rosemary for memory, oak leaves for strength, and..." she hesitated, glancing at Alessio, who nodded encouragement. "And forest soil from the sacred grove. For connection to your heritage."
I stared at her, then at Alessio. "You know?"
"Omegas remember the old ways," he said quietly. "When Forest Folk and wolves lived in harmony. Before power and politics corrupted the alliance."
I opened the pouch carefully, inhaling the complex, earthy scent. Something stirred inside me—a recognition that went beyond smell, a vibration that seemed to connect directly to my core. My wolf, Ava, rumbled with pleasure.
"It’s perfect," I whispered. "Thank you. All of you."
"There’s something else," Alessio said, his expression turning serious. "My contacts report unusual movement among the River Valley wolves. They’re mobilizing, but not toward Grimwood territory."
Alarm shot through me. "Where?"
"South. Toward Shadow Pack borders."
The kitchen suddenly felt too warm. If River Valley was making moves against Shadow territory while Leo focused on rescuing Enzo, we were facing a coordinated attack on two fronts.
"I need to call Leo," I said urgently.
Alessio nodded. "I thought you might. That’s why I came personally."
I gripped his arm gratefully. "You’re risking a lot, bringing this information."
"Some things are worth the risk," he replied simply. "You’re worth the risk, Victoria. You always saw the Omegas as people, not servants or throwaways. We don’t forget that."
Tears pricked my eyes as I hugged him again. "Thank you."
As I stepped back, Rosa approached. "The food is nearly ready. Will your friends stay to eat?"
Alessio smiled warmly at her. "We’d be honored, Mrs. Rosa."