Chapter 187 – My Hounds
–LIA’S POV–
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We ran, Zane clutching onto my wrist as we made our way down the
stairs.
The growls were louder now, echoing off the walls like thunder.
We skidded around a corner, bare feet slapping against cool wood, and burst into the main hall of the packhouse.
It was chaos.
Warner had Blake by the collar, slamming him into the wall hard enough to rattle it. Aaron was inches away from another wolf—tall, broad–shouldered, dark hair and amber eyes—with his claws out. Two more unfamiliar wolves stood near the entrance, tense but not attacking.
“Back off!” Zane’s voice cracked through the tension like a whip.
Everyone froze.
Warner didn’t move. Neither did Aaron.
Zane stepped between them, shoving Warner back. “I said back off!”
“He came here!” Warner snarled. “He brought his damned pack
Chapter 187–My Hounds
to our door!”
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“I invited him!” Zane snapped, making Warner and Aaron’s faces fall.
Sheila and Ajax rushed into the hall too, a gasp leaving Sheila’s lips when she saw Blake. Her eyes turned black, a low growl escaping her,
“Calm down.” Zane said just as Ajax stepped forward, his face hard. “He came here with my permission.”
I took a deep breath, although it didn’t do anything to relieve the tension in my chest.
My gaze set on Blake. Ilis lip was bleeding. His shirt was torn. But he didn’t look mad like the Hounds.
Just… apologetic.
“Why is he here?” Aaron growled, walking up to Zane. “Tell me. What was so important that you brought this piece of shit into our home? Where my mate is.”
Zane’s eyes turned black, his aura shifting as he met Aaron’s eye. “She might be your mate, but she is a member of my pack and one of my closest confidants. She’s my Hound. I have a duty to protect Sheila too, and I would never endanger her.” His voice was thick with command, steady and precise.
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Aaron’s shoulders heaved up and down, but he fell silent, waiting for Zane to go on.
“Why is he here, then?” Ajax asked, his jaw clenched.
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It was odd seeing him this way. Ajax was barely seen without a grin on his face, or amusement glinting in his eyes.
But right now, as he stared at Blake, it looked like he might kill him.
He stood protectively in front of Sheila, who looked like the last person in need of it. Her claws were out. Eyes dark. Radiating an air of danger.
Zane stepped back, facing all of them. “He’s here because he made a deal.”
“What kind of deal?” Aaron asked..
“In exchange for Caitlyn’s life,” Zane said firmly, “he offered the help of his pack. For the battle. No strings after. One fight. That’s it.”
“Who the hell is Caitlyn?” Sheila asked.
I pursed my lips.
“His new mate. His second chance. If the Goddess—who is also Lia’s mother—can give that to him, maybe we can too.”
Chapter 187–My Hounds
Warner growled, turning away from Zane, looking like he wanted to punch something. “And you believe him?”
Zane nodded once. “I do.”
Aaron let out a harsh laugh. “You can’t be serious, Zane.”
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“He saved our lives once.” Zane said. “I don’t forget things like that.”
“And then he tried to take Lia against her will,” Sheila cut in, arms crossed tight, but claws gone. “You shouldn’t forget things. like that either.
“What does this Caitlyn girl have to do with the war?” Aaron asked.
“Yeah, why is her life hanging in the balance?” Ajax added.
I glanced at Zane, curious to see how he’d answer that.
“She’s with The Order.”
Each and every Hound swore under their breaths.
I released a breath, completely relating to their reaction.
“You can’t be serious, Zane,” Aaron said. “With all due respect, Alpha, you’re making a mistake. And I will not allow someone I
Chapter 187 – My Hounds
love to pay for it.”
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“Good.” Zane said calmly. “Don’t. I hope your Alpha and Luna are in the list of those people too.”
“You think dragging in the enemy helps us? You think it makes Lia safer?” Ajax said.
Warner took a step forward. “You’re putting all of us at risk. For what? Because Blake has a new mate now? You expect us to just trust him after everything?”
“You’re forgetting what he did.” Sheila said. “He didn’t just make a mistake. He forced a mark. He tried to own Lia. He tried to kill Warner. Me. We still have the scars, Zane. And now you want us to protect his little girlfriend?”
“She’s not just his girlfriend. She’s with The Order. She could be valuable,” Zane said.
“She’s dangerous,” Ajax shot back. “And she’s a distraction. You think Blake’s going to help us? He’s going to fight for her. That’s it. He’s not loyal to us. He’s not loyal to you.”
Zane’s expression didn’t change. “I’m not asking for your trust. I’m telling you my decision.”
Warner scoffed. “And we’re telling you it’s the wrong one.”
Zane’s voice dropped. “You’re my Hounds. I expect you to stand
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Chapter 187 – My Hounds
with me.”
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“And we will,” Aaron said through gritted teeth. “But not beside him.”
The silence that followed was thick with fury.
Blake hadn’t said a word.
And none of them looked ready to forgive.
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