Unfortunately, not only Benjamin and his pack were there, and he wasn't the only one who noticed. Hidden in the shadows was Olivier, a dangerous enemy who had been keeping an eye on him and had also caught the scent.
And his luck had changed-thought the enemy with a smirk-because the Alpha's mate was none other than Claire, the young woman who was studying at the university with his son, Christian.
Since the day Olivier left Benjamin's pack, he patiently awaited an opportunity, and that morning marked the end of months of waiting. His son, Christian, had his eyes on Claire, but she kept her distance. It was time for Christian to learn that if he wanted something, he had to simply take it. Christian was a fool-though it might be hard to accept-a thug who targeted women.
Olivier's heart had hardened after the death of Christian's mother during childbirth. Perhaps that's why he hadn't paid enough attention to his son. By the time he realized how troubled Christian was, it was too late.
Although Olivier tried to guide him down the right path, hoping that someday he would challenge Benjamin for the Alpha position, his son wanted nothing to do with the pack.
A year before, they were expelled because Christian had brutally attacked the son of the Alpha of the Alaska pack. This was considered a terrible act of betrayal as the young wolf had not provoked Christian. Concerned for his son's fate, Olivier took responsibility, challenged Benjamin, and lost.
So, for that year, he had been trying to figure out how to exact revenge, and he finally had the tool he would use to bring down his former Alpha. Yes, his son had committed an unforgivable act, but Olivier believed it wasn't grave enough to cost him his place in the pack. In a hurry to execute his plan efficiently, he ordered one of his men to enter Claire's house, attack her, and leave evidence for Benjamin to understand what had happened. He also instructed them to destroy everything and ensure that the scent of human blood filled the entire room.
However, the wolf, instead of following the man's orders, went in search of the Alpha. Benjamin, upon seeing him, detected the scent of his former pack member in the wolf.
'He wants you to attack my mate,' Benjamin said with anger.
'That's correct, Alpha. Time is running out, and if I don't return with her in my possession, he'll send someone else.'
Without wasting a moment, Benjamin arrived at his mate's house. When Claire opened the door, she looked surprised. He wasn't just any man; he was handsome and tall, very tall, and one of the strongest wolves in the country. Would she believe that she was involved in a plot against him?
"Hello, I know you probably won't believe this, but I'm a wolf," Benjamin said.
"The Alpha, Benjamin, I know. One of my college classmates has been sharing pictures of you because he's recruiting people to attack your pack."
"What has been the reaction?"
"I thought they would refuse because, in general, wolves don't inspire fear among us as they coexist without causing trouble. But I was surprised to see how many started joining his cause. They warned me to stay away if I didn't intend to join. But I can't do that, so I was about to go out and look for him."
"You're not afraid of me?"
"They told me that you're a dangerous creature and that I'd die if I spoke to you. But I know there are women and children among your pack, an attack like that would kill innocents."
"There are things about me that you'll understand soon, but I will never harm you."
"I don't know why, but I don't feel afraid."
"That has an explanation, which you'll receive when I get you to safety. I'd like to take you with us because a dangerous man has ordered that you be attacked. It's not just the warning at the university; they've already decided to get rid of you," Benjamin explained.
"Has he come to protect me?" Claire asked.
"Yes, I have because you are connected to me in ways you don't yet understand. Come on, there's no time to waste."
Once they stepped outside, they were surrounded by over thirty heavily armed men. Although Benjamin had more than twelve wolves with him, they couldn't do much against firearms. Plus, his mate was human, and she would die during the attack.
He carefully positioned her behind him to shield her. They would have to go through his lifeless body to reach her. His wolves formed a barrier between him and the humans, growling to show how wild and dangerous they were when it came to defending their alpha.
His mate instinctively trusted him, holding onto him tightly, which infuriated him. He didn't want her to feel that way. Her breathing was labored, and she trembled. He would kill all those who had managed to make her so scared.
"It's simple, Alpha. The human comes with us," one of the men declared.
"No," Benjamin replied firmly.
"We'll start killing your wolves."
Benjamin's companions remained on high alert, awaiting their alpha's command.
"I'll go," Claire said, looking at the weapons with panic in her eyes. For her, to protect her, Alpha Benjamin would lose his pack.
"No," Benjamin insisted.
"Alpha, really, the numbers aren't in our favor, but I trust that you'll rescue me. I believe you will."
"I will, just wait for me."
"Okay."