Reluctant Bonds - Dante and Alicia

[Dante Morales]

Months had passed since Dante Morales reclaimed his freedom, but the weight of confinement still clung to him like a shadow that refused to fade. The cold stone walls of Dreadspire Keep were far removed from the prison that had held him, but the scars ran deep. Freedom didn’t come with peace... it brought more battles to fight, more rivals to crush, and more enemies eager to exploit his absence. Dante wasn’t the kind of Alpha to ease back into power. He seized it with ruthless force, reclaiming his pack, his territory, and his dominance over Obsidian Ridge with an iron will forged in blood and fury.

Twilight bled across the jagged peaks surrounding Lycanthro Vale, the sky a deep bruise of purples and blues. Dante stood atop the ancient balcony of Dreadspire Keep, overlooking the vast wilderness that belonged to him. Below, the dark forest stretched endlessly, thick with mist and secrets older than any wolf in Valtheris could remember. His mind was restless, weighed down by the endless demands of leadership... protecting the pack’s borders, securing their dominance, and keeping the fragile balance of power in check. No one crossed into Dreadspire territory without answering to him.

His phone vibrated in his pocket, shattering the silence. Dante pulled it free, irritation already tightening his jaw when he saw the name flashing across the screen... Viktor, his Gamma.

“What is it?” Dante’s voice was low and sharp, carrying the authority of an Alpha who didn’t waste time.

“We’ve got something—or someone,” Viktor’s gravelly voice responded. There was hesitation there, a beat too long for Dante’s liking.

“Someone?”

“Caught her near the western ridge. Rogue. She’s… different. Stronger than most. Not some exiled mutt scraping for survival... she fought back hard.”

Dante’s grip tightened around the phone as his wolf, Umbra, stirred beneath the surface—a low, unsettling growl rippling through his chest. Rogues were common enough, especially near the Vale’s outer borders, but this felt different. His instincts didn’t whisper danger... they screamed it.

“Bring her to the Keep,” Dante ordered, his voice like stone grinding against stone. “I’ll deal with her myself.”

An hour later, the great hall of Dreadspire Keep echoed with the heavy tread of approaching footsteps. Viktor entered first, two enforcers flanking him, dragging a figure between them. Dante’s gaze locked on her immediately, and the second her scent hit him... wild earth, rain-soaked pine, and something unfamiliar yet devastatingly magnetic... everything inside him shifted.

Umbra roared beneath his skin, claws raking at the walls of Dante’s control with savage need. A possessive, primal instinct surged through him—a recognition he didn’t want but couldn’t deny. "Mate..." he growled out inside Dante's head. 

The rogue’s appearance told a story of survival: dirt-smudged skin, tangled hair, and clothes torn by days... maybe weeks... on the run. But what caught him wasn’t her disheveled state. It was the fire burning in her eyes, fierce and unbroken. No submission. No fear. Only defiance and exhaustion carved into every sharp line of her face.

Dante’s jaw tightened, but the unsettling pull in his chest grew stronger, coiling around him like a noose. He couldn't believe this was happening... He didn't want a mate. It was the last thing he needed. Another fucking distraction. 

“Who the hell are you?” His voice cut through the tension, cold and commanding. Yet even as the words left his mouth, his pulse thundered with a realization he refused to name.

Umbra surged again... restless, insistent, hungry.

He took a step closer, the weight of his authority pressing into the space between them. “You crossed into my territory, rogue. You’ll answer for that... by my rules.”

For the first time since returning, something beyond power clawed at Dante’s focus. This wasn’t just another trespasser, another challenge to crush beneath his boot. No... this was something far more dangerous.

And deep down, some part of him knew that no amount of strength would protect him from what came next.

[Alicia Blake]

Alicia looked at Sybil calmly as the woman yelled at her, she hadn’t expected the woman to confront her. 

“She thinks she can claim our mate” Diadora growled

“We aren’t allowed to tell anyone about the bond” Alicia seemed tempted to mention it but she didn’t want to cause problems just yet. 

“He can’t hide it forever” Diadora was clear with what she wanted, but Alicia knew better. 

Alicia looked at the woman in front of her calmly “I was invited into his war room, I gave them important intel so that your pack isn’t slaughtered on sight” she stepped closer to the woman calmly “I don’t cause problems here out of respect for the hospitality your Alpha has shown me, but if you are going to threaten me I won’t resist tearing you apart” her voice was the same cold menacing tone she had perfected over years of having to fend for herself in unclaimed lands. 

She watched the woman leave before continuing down the hall to her room. Locking the door once she was there. She laughed softly and ran a hand through her hair shaking her head slightly. 

“That she-wolf thinks she can keep us from him” Diadora growled her tone menacing 

“We promised Dante not to cause problems, I could already get in enough trouble for threatening her” Alicia was frustrated as she laid back. 

“She needs to be put in her place” the wolf was furious. 

“We aren’t fighting anyone unless we have to” Alicia was stern silencing her wolf. 

She relaxed on her bed, closing her eyes as she tried to calm herself from the confrontation. She couldn’t help but feel a sense of possessiveness even if she didn’t want the bond, she didn’t like the idea of someone else trying to stake their claim on him.

Alicia laid in her room silently going over what Sybil had said “You are not one of us. You never will be” the words stung but she knew they were the truth. She didn’t belong to this pack, she didn’t belong to any pack. She was just a rogue, nothing more.

She sat up looking at her bag in the corner debating if she should leave or not. Part of her wondered if she should wait until they left for battle, that way no one could stop her from leaving. 

She pulled her bag over onto the bed looking through it making sure everything was there. She packed some of the new clothes that had been given to her before closing up the bag.

As she heard someone in the hallway she quickly stashed the bag, she couldn’t risk anyone finding out what she was planning. If someone told Dante she was going to leave he would be able to stop her. 

She got to her feet and walked out of her room looking around the hall before she walked towards the kitchen calmly. She made herself some food though took a little extra to take with her when she left, careful to be sure no one noticed. Though what she didn’t expect was someone keeping an eye on her. 

After making her food she walked back to her room holding her plate of food. She frowned slightly, noticing her door was open. She knew she had closed it when she left.

She growled lowly putting the plate on her dresser as she searched the room. She swore under her breath as she saw her bag was missing. Someone had figured out her plan and now her supplies were gone. 

She couldn’t go to Dante about it, how could she explain to him why she needed her bag. She paced quietly trying to decide what she was going to do. Maybe she could track down whoever had taken her belongings, or maybe once the others leave for the battle she could locate it and run before they come back. 

She didn’t know what her best option was, but she knew Dante couldn’t find out what she was planning. He had already made it clear that although she wasn’t a prisoner here, she wasn’t free to leave. 

She sat on the edge of her bed sighing softly as she ran her hand through her hair. She needed a plan and she needed one fast. She didn’t belong here and the sooner she got out the easier it will become to free herself from this place. She just had to hope whoever took her things hadn’t figured out her plan and reported it back to Dante, if he found out she was done for.

[Dante Morales]

Dante closed the door behind his Gamma, the soft click of the latch oddly loud in the heavy silence that followed. His jaw ticked as he stared at the scout who had brought him the news. The man stood rigid, knowing better than to speak again.

“You’re dismissed,” Dante said coldly.

The scout gave a quick bow of respect and retreated without another word.

“She crossed a line,” Umbra growled. “You told them she was under protection.”

"And she knew it", Dante answered, voice low in his mind. "Sybil isn’t stupid. But she’s jealous. And reckless."

“That excuse won't save her next time.” Umbra was furious at this point. 

Dante moved like a storm down the corridor, the click of his boots echoing through the halls of stone and timber. His presence parted wolves like a blade through water. No one dared speak to him. The fury on his face made sure of that.

He found Sybil in the eastern wing, pacing outside the training hall like a caged animal. She turned when she sensed him, her arms crossing, chin lifting in defiance.

“You sent for me?” she asked, but her tone said you owe me.

Dante didn't speak at first. He simply stared at her... through her... his dark eyes lit with a quiet, contained rage.

“You confronted her.” His voice was calm. Too calm.

“She doesn’t belong here.” Sybil spat. “And you know it. The pack’s on edge, they don’t trust her... hell, she doesn’t even trust herself. And yet she’s always near you. Always in your space.”

“You crossed a line,” Dante snapped, stepping closer. His aura pressed down like a storm front, but Sybil held her ground.

“I warned her,” she said. “I just reminded her that you aren’t hers.”

“I’m not yours either, Sybil.” Dante growled.

She flinched at that... just for a second... but quickly masked it with a smirk.

“You promised my father...”

“I promised to protect you,” Dante cut in, voice sharp. “To make sure you had a place here. That doesn’t mean I’m yours to claim. We are not mates. We never have been. And we never will be.”

Her expression cracked then, fury and heartbreak flashing behind her eyes. “You don’t know what she is! She could be lying. Manipulating you. Rogues always have their own game.”

“She has given us more in a week than some of you have in years,” he growled. “And if you think I can’t smell the difference between a threat and someone surviving... you insult me.”

Sybil took a step forward, her voice trembling, furious. “Why her, Dante? Why do you protect her like she’s...”

“Because I chose to.” His words were final, slicing through the air like a blade. “And if you ever go near her again, if you touch her, the next conversation we have won’t end with words.”

The silence between them buzzed with tension.

Sybil’s voice was low. “She’ll be the end of you.”

Dante didn’t flinch. “Then so be it.”

He turned and walked away, Umbra rumbling deep within his mind. “She still believes you belong to her.”

"Let her believe what she wants," Dante replied. "She won’t act on it again."

“And the little wolf?”  Umbra asked.

Dante’s silence stretched between them for a moment. "She's planning something," he admitted. "I can feel it. And whatever it is, she thinks she’s alone in it."

“We should have told her about the scout.” his wolf muttered. 

"We will now." As Dante stepped back into the main hallway, his eyes scanned the flow of wolves moving through the keep. Just ahead... there she was. Alicia, a plate in her hand, moving quietly down the hall. Her body was stiff, too composed. She glanced down each corridor like she was expecting someone.

“She’s nervous,” Umbra noted. “And hiding something. I don't think she knows about we know what happened between here and Sybil.”

"We’ll find out what." Dante followed at a distance until she stepped into her room. The door creaked open and he was in the frame before she even noticed.

Her shoulders stiffened. She turned halfway, already on guard... until she saw him.

“You alright?” His voice was lower than usual, the growl softened, concern bleeding through. He could see her hesitation.

He stepped forward slowly, eyes studying her. “You don’t look alright. Talk to me.”

When she said nothing, he took one more step and gently lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. Her eyes were guarded. Hurt. Angry. He hated seeing that look on her face.

“What is it, little wolf?” His voice was a quiet murmur now, all sharp edges blunted. “Don’t lie to me. I can feel it... something’s wrong.”

She opened her mouth, maybe to deny it. He didn’t let her. “Is it Sybil?” he asked then paused “I know what happened,” he said. “All of it. She’s been dealt with.”

“You don’t need to look over your shoulder for her again,” he continued, thumb brushing just briefly along her jaw. “She won’t come near you.”

He saw her gaze drop and her jaw clenched. “I said nothing would happen to you here,” Dante said softly. “And I keep my word.”

“She still doesn’t believe she’s safe,” Umbra murmured.

"She doesn’t believe she belongs," Dante thought, the weight of it sinking like stone in his gut. He lowered his hand slowly but didn’t step back. “Whatever you’re planning… don’t.”

“I’ve had someone watching. Not to spy on you,” he added quickly, “but to keep you safe. That’s how I knew about the fight.”

He held her gaze. “You’re not a prisoner. But you’re not alone either. Stop acting like you’re one step from running.”

His voice wasn’t angry now... it was something closer to pain. “Just… don’t shut me out.”

[Alicia Blake]

Alicia had been lost in thought trying to figure out her plan, she didn’t hear anyone behind her. It wasn’t until she caught his scent behind her that she began to turn around, hoping she was mistaking.

She jumped slightly when she saw Dante standing in the doorway, her posture relaxing slightly when she noticed it was him standing there. She wondered what she was doing here, had he been told about her plan to escape, but she didn’t dare ask in case it gave her away.

His words only made her more nervous, there was a softness to them that made it impossible for her to lie to him. Looking into his eyes she opened her mouth in order to speak until he continued, mentioning her confrontation with Sybil. She looked down nervously “I didn’t mean the threats, I just don’t take kindly to intimidation” her voice was defensive as if expecting him to be upset with how she handled things. 

As his hand touched her face she leant into it gently, his touch calming her racing mind. She couldn’t tell him the truth of what she was planning.

She sighed softly looking down “someone took my things, my bag, it was here, when I left for food now it’s gone” she didn’t want to admit why she wanted her bag though his words suggested he knew.

“Whatever you’re planning… don’t.” his words were clear, he could tell what she was planning even if she didn’t say anything. He could tell she was planning to run. 

Running was her instinct, when she was in danger or scared she would run, it’s been her life for the last thirteen years always running. The idea that she didn’t have to run was foreign to her, she had never been completely safe. Even with his promises that no one would harm her she still felt like she needed to be prepared, just in case things went wrong.

She frowned, raising her head as he mentioned someone had been watching her “you had someone watching me?” She was shocked by his words. Of course she hadn’t expected free reign of his territory, but the thought of him having someone watch her was concerning to say the least, especially with how little his men trusted her. 

“He doesn’t want you to leave” Diadora spoke softly 

“He doesn’t want us” Alicia was scared to admit it, part of her felt like he did want her around. 

“He does, he is scared to admit it, just as you are” Diadora sounded so sure of herself. 

Alicia looked at him, she could hear the pain in his voice, he truly wanted her to be open with him. But she couldn’t understand it, she wasn’t his, and yet there was a part of her that wished she was. 

“Why does it matter if I shut you out? I’m just a rogue” she wondered how an alpha could ever consider her a worthy mate. 

She looked away from him nervously wrapping her arms around herself. She was finally letting him see the fear inside her, letting the confident mask slip to show the scared girl beneath. She didn’t know why she trusted him, why she was so willing to be vulnerable around him. She was used to keeping her guard up with everyone, but something about him made her feel safe. 

She sighed softly keeping her head down “what if you can’t stop them, what if the fight with Darkfrost goes wrong and they blame me” she bite her lip her mind racing through all the things that could go wrong “I run to survive, I have been for the last thirteen years, it’s instinct a this point, when things are hard I leave because people will always blame the rogue when things go wrong” 

She didn’t know why she was telling him this, admitting to having planned to run if things got hard. She knew he wasn’t going to just let her leave. But when he said she wasn’t alone she couldn’t help believing him, for the first time she felt like she had someone she could truly trust, and honestly that scared her more than any threat. It was why she felt the need to run, the idea of being able to rely on someone else was foreign to her and their bond made it all more complicated. Did she truly trust him or was it just their mate bond telling her that she should.

t she should.

[Dante Morales]

The soft click of the door locking behind him felt heavier than it should’ve. A quiet barrier between them and the rest of the world.

No one had ever seen him like this... certainly not his pack. And now here she was, finally letting him in, even if only just enough to peek past the walls she'd built so carefully.

He watched her closely. Her posture, the guarded set of her shoulders, the way her voice shifted when she admitted her things were gone.

"She’s planning to run. Again," Umbra growled, frustrated. "She was going to leave us."

"I know," Dante responded inwardly, jaw tightening. "But something’s not right."

He took a slow breath to steady himself. The part of him that wanted to growl, how dare you try to leave, was there... burning. But something else clawed louder. Fear. Not hers. His.

He turned, stepping further into the room, and that’s when he caught it. A scent that didn’t belong. Faint, but fresh. Not Alicia’s. Not Sybil’s. Someone had been in here.

"Not familiar," Umbra snarled, pacing inside his mind. "One of ours, maybe.... but not authorized. Not for this."

Dante’s face darkened. He stepped toward the corner of the room near the dresser, where the scent lingered strongest, his nostrils flaring as he tracked the trail. A low growl threatened to rise in his throat, but he pushed it down.

“Reyes,” he snapped across the mind-link to the scout he had assigned to shadow Alicia. “To her room. Now.”

There was no delay in the response. “On my way, Alpha.”

Dante turned back to her, the rage still simmering under the surface. Someone had dared enter this room... his room now, in a sense... and take something from her. From his mate. He would find them. And they would regret it. But for now, she needed something else from him. She needed to know she wasn’t alone.

The realization hit hard, leaving him standing there for a beat before he crossed the room in a few long strides. He said nothing as he pulled her into his arms. It was instinct more than intention... something primal, something fierce and protective. She was stiff at first, uncertain, and for a split second, he wondered if he’d misjudged.

But then he felt her sink into him. It wasn’t full trust. It wasn’t surrender. But it was something. A crack in the armor.

"No one touches her again," Umbra growled.  "No one threatens her and walks away."

"They’ll pay," Dante agreed, tightening his arms around her just a little more. "For what they did. For what they tried to do. For every year she had to survive alone."

Eventually, he eased back just enough to look down at her. “I’ll get your bag back,” he said, voice firm. “And I’ll find out who took it.” His eyes narrowed slightly, the weight of his words like steel. “Whoever it was will pay. I promise you that.”

He reached up, brushing a loose strand of hair away from her cheek, and his voice softened... but only just. “Our plans will work. The Darkfrost will fall. And I won’t stop until that pack is brought to its knees.”

He didn’t promise victory without blood. That wasn’t the truth. There would be casualties... there always were. But he could promise one thing. “I said nothing would happen to you here,” he said quietly, eyes locked to hers. “And I meant it. You are not alone in this. Not anymore.”

Umbra stirred again, low and steady. "She’s not just some rogue. She’s ours."

Dante didn’t respond. He didn’t have to. He already knew.

A soft knock echoed against the door, quick and precise... pack signal. Dante didn’t take his eyes off her as he answered. “Enter.”

The door opened just wide enough for the scout to step inside. Reyes... quiet, lean, dangerous when necessary... shut the door behind him without a sound. His sharp eyes took in the scene instantly, though his face remained neutral. If he was surprised to see his Alpha with the rogue pressed to his side, he didn’t show it. He respected his alpha enough to know this was none of this business. 

Dante motioned him forward. “This is Reyes,” he said, his voice returning to the deeper, more commanding timbre Alicia had grown used to hearing from him. “He’s one of my personal scouts. Trusted. Lethal.”

Reyes gave a respectful nod toward her, eyes sharp but not unkind. “Ma’am.”

Dante’s hand remained on the small of her back, grounding her as much as it reminded the scout exactly where the Alpha stood.

“He’s yours now,” Dante continued. “Your eyes, your shadow. From this point forward, he’s assigned to you. If you go somewhere, he goes. If something happens... he’s the first to know.”

There was no room for argument. It was a statement, not a suggestion.

Reyes dipped his head in silent acknowledgment, though his eyes flicked subtly to Dante’s, waiting.

Dante turned toward the corner again, where the scent still lingered. The scent of the one who had been here. “Someone was in this room. Uninvited. They took her bag. I want them found. Quietly. Swiftly.”

His tone dropped lower. “And I want it dealt with. No mercy. Bring that motherfucker to me.”

Reyes didn’t hesitate. “Understood.”

Dante gave a final nod and looked back at her. “You don’t have to watch your back anymore,” he said, his voice quieter now, but no less sure. “That’s my job now. His too.”

And with that, the Alpha turned back toward the door, knowing Reyes would follow his command to the letter.

Whoever had crossed that line wouldn’t live to cross another.

[Alicia Blake]

Alicia was lost in her own thoughts, her body shaking slightly not even looking at him and her mind raced with all the things that could possibly go wrong. The danger everyone would face if the Darkfrost pack got the upper hand again.

She stood there shocked as he suddenly wrapped his arms around her, her body freezing at the unfamiliar feeling. She slowly sunk into his embrace, closing her eyes tightly as she buried her face into his chest. 

She looked up at him as spoke, she nodded at him trusting his words. She knew he would help her even if he didn’t want her to leave. She listened to him discuss his place with confidence, she wished she could be so sure of their success, but she couldn’t shake the feeling in her mind that something would go wrong. 

“You are not alone anymore” his words repeated in her mind, was she really no longer alone? Could she finally stop running?

“He’s safe” Diadora spoke softly, calmed by his presence.

“But what if something happens” Alicia was clearly nervous about letting him in 

“He promises it won’t, and he means it, stop running” Diadora sounded stern and Alicia knew she couldn’t deny it. 

She looked at him about to speak but before she could say anything the door opened. She looked at the man who entered as she stood nervously beside Dante. Looking at the man in front of her. 

She looked at Reyes and nodded slightly to him before looking up at Dante. His hand on her back offered some comfort though she was shocked he was allowing someone else within his pack to see this side of him. 

She listened to Dante mention that Reyes would be following her, she looked up at him “so is he following me for my safety or everyone else’s?” She was mostly joking, but she wanted to know if she was still considered a threat to the pack or not. 

She looked at Reyes realising that if Dante was still willing to show affection towards her, that Reyes must know about their bond. She was shocked that he had shared this with someone, let alone assigned the person to look after her. 

She looked at him biting her lip gently when he said it was his job to watch her back. A small smile in her face knowing that she could believe his words. Watching him leave the room she looked at Reyes nervously.

“How much did he tell you?” her voice seemed unsure, but she needed to know if this guy knew about the bond, or was just told to make sure she didn’t run. She also didn’t want to risk accidentally revealing something she shouldn’t to him. She knew the bond was on a strictly need to know basis, and as far as she knew he didn’t think anyone other than the two of them needed to know. 

The fact that Dante chose to reveal that he had someone watching her filled her with a strange sense of comfort. She was sure part of it was so that she knew he had eyes on her if he tried anything. But he also seemed to suggest it was so that she would know someone was looking out for her when he wasn’t around himself. Considering how much the members of the back despised her for just existing here, it did bring a small comfort.

[Dante Morales]

Dante closed the door behind him with a finality that lingered in the air. Behind it, he left Alicia and Reyes alone for the first time. But not without ears... he’d hear everything later, one way or another.

From the hallway, Dante paused, Umbra stirring inside.

“You trust him.” Umbra asked. 

"With my life," Dante answered.

Inside, Reyes leaned casually against the edge of the dresser, arms folded, watching Alicia with a calm, collected expression that rarely broke into anything more than cool confidence.

“You asked how much I know,” he said after a moment of silence. “The answer? Enough.”

He met her eyes, voice firm but not unkind. “I know you’re not just some rogue. I know my Alpha doesn’t hand out trust like spare bullets. And I know I’ve never seen him like this before.”

He stepped away from the wall and shrugged lightly. “So no... I'm not here to keep you from running. I’m here to make sure you don’t have to.”

Her wary look didn’t go unnoticed. He sighed and added, “Look, I get it. You’re used to being watched for all the wrong reasons. But if he didn’t believe in you, I wouldn’t be here. I’d be hunting you. That’s the truth.”

He offered a crooked grin. “Instead, I get the honor of shadowing a wildcard who might be the only one stubborn enough to survive Dante’s bullshit.”

Reyes’s tone lightened just enough to break the tension. “He didn’t tell me everything. That’s between you and him. But I’ve seen enough to know that whatever this bond is between you two... it matters. Even if he pretends it doesn’t.”

He walked past her toward the window, scanning the perimeter instinctively.

“He’s trusting me with something important. That includes you. So whether you trust me or not, just know I’m not going anywhere. If it comes down to it, I’ll protect you with my life. No questions asked.”

Reyes turned slightly, his gaze serious again.

“He’s the best Alpha I’ve ever known... and I’ve followed him through hell more than once. So if he’s chosen to protect you... then I will too.”

Dante mind-link Reyes telling him to bring her to him. He needed to see her. And he told him exactly where and what time. 

Reyes looked at her "he wants to see you... you should get dress. Wear dark clothing" he instructed her as he turned away to allow her to get changed. 

The forest was quiet under the weight of nightfall, bathed in moonlight as soft shadows danced across the moss and stone. Alicia stepped out of the trees with Reyes beside her, stopping only when she caught sight of the tall figure waiting ahead.

Dante turned the second he felt her presence. She was here. He moved toward her, something inside him easing the moment his eyes met hers. Without a word, he gathered her into his arms, resting his forehead gently against hers, as if grounding himself before the storm he was about to walk into.

“You came,” he whispered.

He kissed her... slow and certain... one hand resting against the curve of her jaw. It was a kiss that said remember this. A kiss that promised I will come back.

“When I return, it ends,” Dante murmured. “No more waiting. No more running. The Darkfrost will fall. That’s not a hope. That’s a promise.”

Umbra stirred, hunger for vengeance sharpening Dante’s focus.

“They will suffer for what they did. For what they tried to do to her.” Umbra growled ready for war. 

"yes, they most definitely will"  Dante echoed, but didn’t speak the words aloud.

He brushed a strand of hair from Alicia’s face, holding her gaze. “Stay with Reyes. He’s one of the few I trust. If anything happens... he’ll get you out.”

He stepped back reluctantly, glancing toward Reyes as the scout approached.

“Keep your eyes open. Trust no one. And tell no one where I’ve gone.”

Reyes nodded once. “You have my word.”

Dante looked at Alicia one last time, fingers briefly brushing hers.

“I will come home,” he said softly. “No matter what it takes for me to do so.”

And then he turned and disappeared into the darkness, silent as a shadow... leaving his world in the hands of the only two people he trusted most.

[Alicia Blake]

Alicia listened to Reyes nodding slightly but not saying anything as he explained everything Dante had told him. Of course he hadn’t been fully open about the bond, but the fact he let someone know he cared was a step closer to his back knowing there was something deeper between them. 

She smiled when he mentioned Dante asked for her, getting dressed and following Reyes into the forest. She hated the fact that he was going to leave just as things were getting good for them. But she knew what had to be done. 

She smiled as they reached the small clearing, she watched Dante turn to her wrapping her arms around him as she kissed him gently, nodding as she looked up at him “of course I came, I wasn’t going to let you leave without a goodbye” 

She held him tightly and nodded “come back safe, I need you” she placed her hand on his cheek looking up at him. She could see the fury in his eyes and a small smirk spread across her face “don’t let anger consume you, if you come face to face with Austin don’t let him get to you” 

She knew they both had history with Austin, and while he hopefully didn’t know about the bond between them, Austin could still use the fact he had Dante sent to prison against him. The last thing she wanted was Austin managing to push Dante’s buttons to the point he got reckless in the fight. 

Alicia watched as he spoke to Reyes before looking up at him “I’ll be waiting for you” she watched as he left trying to hide her nerves. She couldn’t help but still fear the worst would happen. 

She looked at Reyes and smiled slightly “we should go back” she stuck her hands in her pockets before starting the journey back to the packhouse. It was still dark and silent, no one was away other than a handful of patrols. 

She walked into her room and sat on the bed sighing softly as she looked at Reyes “what if something happens to him?” she finally voiced her concerns. No one in the pack knew who she was to him. If he didn’t make it back she’d likely be thrown out. 

She shook her head slightly trying to clear away those thoughts. She knew worrying about this was pointless not when there was nothing she could do. 

She moved over to her window looking out at the sunrise, a small smile on her face “he should reach Darkfrost by nightfall” she sighed leaning her head against the glass, letting the cool surface ground her. 

“Our mate will return to us” Diadora sounded confident.

“How can you be so sure?” Alicia was less certain about this. 

“He is a warrior, Lunara chose someone strong for us” 

Alicia couldn’t argue with her wolf’s words, Dante was strong, he was a warrior, but was it enough for him and his men to defeat the Darkfrost pack? She couldn’t be sure it was not when there was so much unknown. 

Had their skills improved since she left? It had been 13 years since she had seen the pack fight together, she had no idea how they fought as a team. They could have improved, or it could be the same ‘every man for himself’ style she had been trained in. 

She looked towards Reyes with a nervous smile on her face “so what’s something we can do to pass the time that won’t make people think we are up to something?” Reyes was the only person she could trust, the only one who knew of her connection with Dante. He was the only one that could help keep her mind off the panic of him going to war with her old pack.

Though she knew Reyes probably saw her as nothing more than a chore, he was the closest she had to a friend here. She bit her lip gently looking down “do you think the pack will ever accept me?” She knew once they learnt of the bond they would have little choice but to tolerate her as Luna of the pack, but she couldn’t help but wonder if they would ever see her as one of their own. She didn’t want empty respect because they had no choice, she wanted them to actually believe that she could help them.

[Dante Morales]

Reyes leaned against the doorframe, arms folded, eyes steady on Alicia as she moved restlessly around the room.

“If something happens to him,” he said finally, voice low but firm, “I’ll make damn sure it wasn’t for nothing. But don’t waste your energy on fear right now. He wouldn’t want that. And trust me… if anyone can survive what’s coming, it’s our Alpha.”

He watched her turn to the window, silent for a long moment as the sunrise bathed her in soft golden light. She looked more vulnerable than he’d ever seen her, but also... somehow... stronger.

When she finally turned and asked about what they could do to pass the time, Reyes cracked a small grin. “Well… I’d say getting out of this room before we both go insane is a good start. Come on. The gardens are quiet, and if anyone gives us grief, I’ll just tell them I’m escorting the Alpha’s guest on his orders.” He gave her a wink. “Which, technically, I am.”

As they stepped into the garden, the morning was crisp, the scent of fresh dew clinging to the roses and tall grass. Birds chirped overhead, but the calm was short-lived.

Sybil stepped out from behind a hedge, arms crossed and eyebrows raised. “Funny seeing you two here. Out for a little stroll. You seeing the rogue now, Reyes?" she asked with a sly smirk on her face as she glance from Reyes to Alicia then back to him. "Do the Alpha know you two are together? Speaking of the Alpha, where is he...., exactly?”

Reyes kept his expression flat. Ignoring her question about him seeing Alicia. He didn't have time to stoop to Sybil's level “I haven’t been informed of his whereabouts. You know how he operates. Need-to-know.”

Sybil narrowed her eyes and then looked to Alicia. “And you? You know where he went?” She tilted her head slightly, nostrils flaring as she drew in Alicia’s scent. “You reek of him. Should I be congratulating you or warning you?”

Reyes stepped forward, instantly placing himself between them. “That’s enough, Sybil. You’ve said your piece.”

“I’ve said nothing yet,” she said, tone sharp as glass. “But it’s interesting… I can practically taste his scent on her skin. The Alpha’s never shown anyone this much trust before.”

“That’s because she’s earned it,” Reyes snapped. “And until the Alpha says otherwise, she’s under my protection. You want to start a problem, Sybil, you’ll have to go through me.”

There was a pause, the tension crackling like electricity between the three of them before Sybil scoffed. “Watch your back, Reyes. You may trust her… but not all of us do.”

She turned sharply and stalked off, leaving behind a trace of venom in the air.

Reyes turned to Alicia, his expression softening. “You okay?”

Then he answered her earlier question. “For what it’s worth… yeah, I think the pack will come around. They’re stubborn, but they’re not blind. They see what Dante sees... they just need time. Besides,” he grinned again, “you’re a bit of a wild card. That makes you a perfect fit for him.”

Meanwhile on the road to Darkfrost Territory

The trees grew thicker as they approached the borderlands. Dante rode ahead of the small scouting unit, his senses sharp, the pull of the bond with Alicia steady in the back of his mind like a tether.

“She’s safe,” Umbra said firmly. “Reyes won’t let anything touch her. And neither will we... when this is over.”

Dante didn’t answer aloud. His jaw tightened as he recalled the way Alicia had looked at him before he left... the way her lips had pressed against his in silent promise, the way she’d said, “I need you.”

He did not intend to disappoint her.

A scout appeared on his left, moving fast and respectfully lowering his head. “Alpha. We’re two hours out from the ridge overlooking Darkfrost territory. The sentries haven’t detected us. We’re still on schedule.”

“Good,” Dante growled. “Keep patrols rotating. I want eyes on every tree. When we strike, I want them blind.”

“Austin will try to bait you,” Umbra warned. “He’ll want to get inside your head. Don’t give him the satisfaction.”

Dante gave a low, humorless laugh. “I’ll give him something, alright. Just not what he expects.”

The air grew colder the farther they rode. Dante could feel the pressure of the coming battle... the reckoning. The betrayal that had rooted itself inside his own pack had only strengthened his resolve.

"They’ll pay for what they did to her. To us," Umbra growled.

Dante’s eyes flickered with that same fury. “Every last one of them.”