Defying the Rogue Alpha
Chapter 74: Peace

Chapter 74: Peace

When Dravon finally spoke, it wasn’t to beg.

It was to ask.

"What’s going to happen to us?"

His voice was hoarse, his throat raw from battle, but his gaze never left the unconscious figure of his daughter, Selene, lying limp on the ground.

Lucas followed his line of sight.

"It’s simple," he said. "You’re all officially rogues."

A ripple of shock passed through the defeated wolves.

Lucas smirked. "The Bloodhound Pack doesn’t belong to you anymore, Dravon. You know the rules. I didn’t make them."

Dravon exhaled sharply, his hands shaking. He looked around at what remained of his people, the ones who had fought for him, bled for him and lost.

He let out a bitter laugh. "You..." His gaze shifted to Leon. "You are a weakling. What did you get in return for betraying me?"

Leon stood tall.

"Peace," he said simply. "And my pack back."

Dravon let out a short, humorless bark of laughter. "Peace?" His lip curled. "You think Raventhorn won’t do the same to you? Take over your pack the moment it suits him?"

"Oh, I will."

Lucas’s voice cut through the air.

Leon didn’t even flinch.

"There’s no doubt about that," Lucas continued, his lips twisting into a smirk. "But I signed a contract to leave them be. For now." He shrugged. "I just didn’t want you taking over."

Dravon’s nostrils flared, but he said nothing.

Lucas turned his attention to Kade, one of his most trusted warriors. "Handle this," he ordered. "And have Nolan set up for the battle celebrations."

Kade gave a sharp nod. "Understood, Alpha."

Satisfied, Lucas turned away, his gaze immediately locking onto Ava.

She was standing a safe distance away, now wearing his own spare shirt and shorts.

The moment he reached her, he didn’t hesitate.

He crushed his lips against hers.

The kiss was hungry, desperate.

"That was beautiful," he murmured, his breath warm against her lips. He cupped her face, his fingers brushing over her cheek like he was trying to convince himself she was real. "You... you are beautiful. How did you get her out?"

Ava let out a dry, breathy laugh. "I guess I was ready."

Lucas tilted his head, his brows drawing together slightly.

She sounded fine.

But something was... off.

"Are you alright?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

Ava nodded quickly. "Yeah, why?"

Lucas studied her.

She wasn’t meeting his gaze.

"You just seem cold," he said, frowning slightly. "Distracted."

Ava forced a smile. "No. It’s just the adrenaline."

Lucas hesitated for a moment, but then he nodded. "We’ll take a break soon," he promised. "Tents will be set up. You can rest."

Ava exhaled slowly, nodding again.

"Alpha Lucas?"

Leon’s voice cut through the moment.

Lucas turned to see him approaching, his expression serious.

"I think Kade may need your help," Leon said. "Situation with Dravon. He isn’t going to go down easy."

Lucas let out a sigh, rolling his shoulders.

Of course he wasn’t.

"Fine," he muttered, turning to leave.

But the moment he was gone, Ava whirled around to face Leon, her eyes desperate.

"Alpha Leon," she whispered, her voice urgent. "Selene said something earlier. I need you to confirm it."

"If I ever meant anything to you," she pleaded. "Please. Don’t lie to me."

Leon forced a smile. "Anything, Ava."

Ava’s throat tightened.

Her hands were shaking.

"Did Lucas..." she hesitated. "Did Lucas have anything to do with my father’s death?"

*****

For a split second, Leon froze.

His mind raced, weighing his options at lightning speed.

Tell the truth? No. She couldn’t know. Not now.

Not ever.

Selene’s words were a poison, a seed planted in the worst possible moment.

Leon’s expression softened, and when he finally spoke, his voice was steady.

"Selene said that?" He let out a small, forced chuckle. "How would she know? That’s not true."

Ava stared at him.

"Leon..."

He sighed.

"Ava... your father died a hero," he said gently. "Forget about Selene. She always wanted to have the last blow."

Ava held his gaze for a long moment.

Then, slowly she nodded.

She believed him.

A deep sigh of relief left her lips, and she murmured, "Thank you, Alpha Leon."

Leon nodded in return, swallowing down the guilt that clawed at his throat.

He turned to leave, his heart hammering in his chest.

And as he walked away, he closed his eyes for just a moment.

She cannot know.

If she does,

Everything will fall apart.

*****

The battlefield had begun its transformation. Where there had been chaos and carnage only hours ago, there was now the slow, determined work of healing. The scent of blood still lingered in the air, but it was now mixed with the sharp tang of medicinal herbs, the damp earth, and the warm, smoky aroma of fires being stoked for the post-battle celebration.

Ava moved through the soldiers, her hands steady as she helped wrap bandages around deep gashes, cleaned wounds, and reassured those groaning in pain. The Silver Pack had been lucky, none of their warriors had died but many bore the painful reminders of battle.

Her fingers moved swiftly, pressing a fresh dressing against a warrior’s shoulder as he winced. "Hold still," she murmured, securing the bandage in place.

He gave her a weak grin. "You’re pretty good at this, Luna."

Her eyes flew to his in shock.

"I... I’m sorry. It just slipped out. Its just... you being with us here sort of gives us a feeling of acceptance." The soldier explained.

"Its okay."

The word made her heart do a funny little flip, but she swallowed it down, offering a small smile before moving to the next wounded soldier.

Despite the exhaustion clinging to her bones, Ava felt at peace.

Selene had been full of it.

The thought made her roll her eyes. That woman was just trying to get under her skin, trying to turn her against Lucas, like that would ever happen.

She could shove her cryptic words and accusations where the sun didn’t shine.

(Please don’t be silent readers. I look forward to your thoughts everyday)