Chapter 65: SECOND STRIDE

{"Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet."}

It took five hours to round up everyone and extract the vampire bloodstone bugs from the compromised members of the Bay Shifter Pack. Spark, Wave, General Tiger, and Commander Flora worked tirelessly, ensuring no one was left behind. By the time we were done, dusk had settled, and we departed from the training ground, each heading home for a much-needed shower before regrouping at the Royal Garden later in the evening.

Exhaustion weighed on me, my beast restless and fatigued. After two hours, I left my home and went to the Royal Garden, where I found Commander Flora pacing by the barrier. A small smile tugged at my lips; her commitment was admirable. As I approached, she sensed my presence and turned, baring her neck in greeting.

"Alpha, you are finally here," she said, her voice steady.

I stepped closer, pressing three fingers to her temple, before placing my hand on the magic barrier. The energy shifted as I synchronized her female wolf with the enchantment, granting her access. She stiffened in surprise, then quickly recovered, bowing her head slightly.

"Thank you, Alpha, for your trust."

I nodded in acknowledgment and stepped through the barrier, hearing her gasp softly behind me.

"The magic of the Royal Garden merges with your wolf, allowing you entry," I explained.

"Yes, Alpha," she murmured in awe.

As we reached the center of the garden, Spark, Wave, and General Tiger were already seated at a table set with food, fruits, and drinks. They stood as I approached.

"Good evening, Alpha," they greeted in unison.

"Forego the formalities. Let’s sit, I’m starving," I said, taking my seat. They exchanged pleasantries with Flora before we all settled in. The dinner was quiet, each of us lost in our thoughts, unwinding after the long and grueling day. As the meal concluded, the atmosphere shifted to a more relaxed state, a slow lull settling over us as we enjoyed a nightcap.

I leaned back, breaking the silence. "Frery, my mate from the Paradise Coven, will arrive in three hours. We need a strategy in place for his arrival. His identity must remain hidden, and his safety is our priority. He will, of course, have a disguise to conceal his true form and nature, but we must also be prepared on our end."

Spark nodded. "We can have him enter under the guise of an emissary from a neutral faction. That will divert suspicion."

Wave leaned forward. "We should also arrange for a temporary residence away from the pack’s main grounds. Somewhere secure but not isolated enough to raise questions."

General Tiger crossed his arms. "Agreed. I suggest we station trusted guards in plain sight, watchful but not obvious. If anyone asks, we can say they’re reinforcing security due to recent vampire attacks."

Commander Flora, thoughtful, added, "I can prepare a patrol rotation to subtly keep an eye on him. If anyone gets too curious, we’ll steer them away."

I tapped my fingers on the table, considering their words. "Good. We need to ensure he isn’t forced into unnecessary interactions. The fewer eyes on him, the better. Flora, coordinate the patrols. Tiger, assign the guards and brief them on the cover story. Wave handles his accommodations, and Spar oversees the overall security."

They all nodded in unison.

"We only have a few hours. Let’s make this work." The air shifted, a silent understanding passing between us. The plan was in motion, and we would protect Frery for as long as she was on the Bay shifter pack.

The final hour had come. We moved deeper into the dense forest of the Bay Shifter land, our footsteps muffled by damp earth and scattered leaves. The caves that led to Hanka Island loomed ahead, dark and foreboding. My pulse quickened. I paced restlessly, every nerve alert, and then, there it was. A presence. Familiar yet... different.

Freyr.

He stepped out of the cave, and my breath caught in my throat. My jaw slackened in disbelief. Gasps erupted behind me, confirming that my team was just as stunned.

The person before me was Freyr, but he was disguised, as a woman. How the hell had he done it? His features were strikingly beautiful, impossibly so. Smooth, high cheekbones, delicate lips, and piercing eyes framed by long lashes. He stood a few inches taller than me, his stance fluid yet commanding. But what unsettled me most was his attire; he was dressed as our female general, and the resemblance was uncanny.

Freyr stepped closer, a teasing smirk playing on his lips. He leaned down, his voice a soft murmur against my ear.

"Tor, it’s been a while. It seems I’ve shocked you speechless."

A low chuckle escaped him.

I blinked, my mind struggling to process the illusion before me. Even his voice, smooth, lilting, was different. How the hell had he pulled this off?

"What the hell—" I managed, but before I could demand an explanation, he embraced me.

"Don’t worry," he whispered, amusement thick in his tone. "My manhood is still intact."

"What the hell is wrong with you?" I growled at him, my frustration boiling over.

Freyr only smirked. Before I could react, he sealed his lips against mine, forcing my mouth open in a kiss that was both desperate and passionate. A sharp gasp left me, but soon, all reason melted away. His hands gripped me tightly, pulling me into him, and I responded just as fiercely, my fingers tangling in his disguised form.

Behind us, whistles and teasing cheers echoed through the forest. I ignored them. Right now, there was only him, only us. We moaned into the kiss, lost in the heat of it, lost in the way his lips moved against mine with urgent need.

When we finally broke apart, my breath was ragged. I pressed my forehead against him, whispering, "You’re testing my patience. How the hell am I supposed to survive with you looking so beautiful and seductive?"

Freyr’s eyes glinted with amusement. "This is the best disguise."

I scowled. He was enjoying this far too much.

Then, as if nothing had just happened, he straightened and nudged me toward my team. "Introduce yourself," he urged, his voice carrying a playful command.

With a reluctant huff, I turned around, clenching my jaw. "You’re insane," I gritted out.

He merely shrugged and, with an infuriating grin, pulled me toward Spark, Wave, Flora, and Tiger.

They stood frozen, their eyes flickering between Freyr and me, their expressions a mix of shock, disbelief, and even appreciation.

A sudden wave of possessiveness surged through me. A low growl rumbled from my chest, primal and warning.

Before I could even think, Freyr’s fingers slipped into mine, entwining them with a firm squeeze, his voice pushed through our mind link, a private whisper only for me.

"Calm down," he murmured. "I belong only to you."

His words sent a shiver down my spine. I exhaled slowly, gripping his hand tighter, but I knew that this was only the beginning and his disguise was going to drive me up the wall.

Spark was the first to step forward, his expression calm but assessing. "I am Spark, Beta of the Bay Shifter Pack and Tor’s younger brother," he introduced himself. Then, he gestured toward Wave. "This is Wave, the pack enforcer, and my mate."

Wave gave a short nod in Freyr’s direction, his sharp gaze lingering just a second too long, still trying to process what he was seeing.

"This is General Tiger," Spark continued, motioning toward the towering figure beside him. "And Commander Flora, my sister."

Freyr smiled, unfazed by their scrutiny. "I am Freyr Kayne, from Paradise Coven."

A brief silence followed as they all studied him. Then, Flora tilted her head and murmured, "Your disguise is damn good. No one would ever guess you’re a man."

Freyr chuckled, the sound smooth and confident. "That was the only way to enter the Bay Shifter Pack unnoticed. From now on, you can call me Freya."

He thanked them for their hospitality, his gaze flicking to mine with a mischievous glint before winking. I exhaled sharply, fighting the urge to drag him away from the staring eyes.

"Are all vampires this friendly?" General Tiger asked, folding his arms.

Freyr shook his head. "No. But having a lifetime partner tends to take away the rigid nature of a vampire."

Wave hummed in understanding. "It’s the same for shifter wolves."

I decided that was enough small talk. "Enough chit-chat. Let’s go home and stick to the plan," I said, rubbing my temples. "I never expected you to be disguised as a woman. The living arrangement will have to change."

Freyr smirked, clearly entertained by my frustration. "How about she moves in with us?" He pointed at Flora.

Flora raised a brow while General Tiger nodded thoughtfully. "That could work. We’ve discussed it and agreed that Fhe would be a distant relative of the Gale family. She’s come for a quiet visit and will be keeping a low profile. She’ll stay at the Alpha’s house, with Flora guarding her."

Flora chuckled, her gaze flicking between me and Freyr with knowing amusement. "With how Freya looks, the pack wolves are going to be restless in your presence, Tor." She smirked. "I know you won’t tolerate that, but for the sake of this mission, you’ll have to hold back and keep your distance."

My jaw clenched. I already hated this plan. Freyr, still holding my hand, squeezed it gently through our mind link. "Patience, love". Patience. Right. Fucking easier said than done.

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