The Human In The Wolf Pack
Chapter 38

“Queen Vera!” Dax’s anxious tone cut through the Warrior’s voices.

I turned to look at him, breathing heavily and flushed. His usual calm, and playful expression was gone as he swallowed heavily, meeting my eyes. Everyone in the meeting room instantly quieted, and his next words sent a chill down my spine.

“Reviera is making her move.”

I stood instantly, my chair squeaking painfully across the floor. Rider was quick to follow my lead, and I turned to look at him.

“Go to the wolves. Make sure everything is ready. Everyone will need to be in their proper positions, ok?”

He nodded, and with that I took off out of the room, and Dax followed me.

“Where are the rest of the Five?” I asked him, hurrying down the stairs of the pack house.

“I already sent Adele to gather them. They’ll meet us at the training grounds. Do you want to call everyone?” He asked. I nodded at his suggestion, and quickly sent the message out telepathically.

“Isn’t she early?” I asked Dax, knowing we should of had another day or two.

If he had said anything, I didn’t notice, because once we stepped outside, I saw it. The leaves had turned red. I shook my head, and grabbed Dax’s hand. This was no time to be freaking out. I needed to remain calm. I teleported Dax and I to the training grounds and immediately saw the Eliza, Adele, Tristan and Ariel huddled together in a circle.

Tristan noticed us first and we quickly made our way over to him. I could see the anxiety on their faces. We had been preparing for so long, but now the moment was here. I took in a deep breath, I was their Queen. I couldn’t show them anything but confidence.

“I have already summoned the rest of the Gifted. They should be here soon. Dax, how long until Reviera arrives?” I asked him, centering my thoughts.

“She’ll be here at sunset. The Demons don’t do well in sunlight, and she hopes that the darkness will hinder our forces,” The boy said, his eyes wide as he spoke.

“It’s too bad things won’t go the way she hoped then,” I smiled.

Soon, the Gifted began to pour into the training ground, and soon, hundreds of them filled the field. I scanned the pack grounds to make sure everyone was here before I spoke.

“Our battle will begin tonight,” I announced.

Immediately, worried murmurs and outcries went out amongst the crowd. I floated up so that my voice would be heard better, and so that they could all see my calm expression. I wanted to instill confidence in my comrades.

“We have been preparing for this moment for years. We trained until we collapsed. We all sacrificed to be here, so that we could protect something important to us. I know you must be worried, you’re probably full of doubts, but look at those around you. You are not alone. I know that each and everyone of you is a strong, and powerful ally, and to Reviera’s forces, you are a foe they fear. Remember all that was taught to you, and your training. The Gifted will not be defeated by the likes of them.”

At my words, the crowd of people below me seemed to become more sure, and even cheered at the end. That’s right, these people were all extremely powerful, unbelievably so. If I had to face them, even I would be scared.

“With our new intel, I would like to assign some new positions, and to remind everyone of the plan,” I said once I was sure everyone had regained their convictions.

“Step forward if your name is called. Theo,” At my word, a tall man with flaming red locks moved forward.

“You choose ten other Gifted who have powers of light, or fire. You all will light up the night, so to speak. We plan on bringing the battle in the field at the northernmost part of the forest. You have all been given the coordinates, and have been taking hikes there as part of your training, so replaceing it shouldn’t be a problem. Theo, I want your team to take Lilly. She can conceal your location, so that you won’t be distracted. If the lights go out, the Gifted will be vulnerable.”

Theo nodded, then bowed his head in respect as he stepped back into the crowd.

“May and Will,” I called.

A pair stepped forward, a girl with dyed blue hair and a young man with sharp eyes.

“I’ve heard you both have had great success practicing what I requested. I will let you know where their forces enter. May will create the illusion. While they are confused and hesitate, I want you to take out as many of their forces as you can, Will.”

Both nodded, and I continued like this, once I was sure everyone knew their part, I sighed.

“And I’m sure I don’t need to remind anyone, but no one under the age of eighteen will be physically participating in the battle. Though, after an appeal made by the fifteen Gifted under eighteen, their role has been decided. Since Fana can use a power similar to my ability to scan a large expanse of land to see people or landmarks, she will be leading the underage Gifted. Fana will be able to watch the battle from the safe room we discussed, and Adele will create doors. Adrian will use his ‘Invisible hand’ ability to pull enemies through these doors. Has anything else changed from this plan?” I asked, looking at the group of fifteen kids and teenagers that stepped forward.

“Kimmy has had great success creating her ‘puppets’. She can only make three at a time, but I think they will be a great help on the battlefield. I can send them to you with a door,” Adele stepped forward, determination set on her young face.

After a moment, I nodded, then turned to the crowds.

“Any questions for our juvenile group?”

A woman stepped forward named Ali. She had a shape shifting power. She could turn into anything she wanted, her imagination was the limit.

“Where will you be sending the enemies you pull through the doors?” She asked the kids, a bemused look on her face.

“W-we decided on an active volcano in Hawaii. They’ll fall into the lava so it’ll be a quick death…” Adele murmured, a bit embarrassed.

Ali laughed heartily at that, and even I looked at Adele was surprise. I didn’t know that our little angel had it in her. I nodded, and they fell back into the crowd.

“Stay on your guard, and keep your cool. Try to fight in groups, whether it be with the werewolves or with another Gifted. Be aware of the difference between Ally and Foe. Make sure you don’t cut down one of your friends in the heat of the moment. Those who were assigned roles, do not deviate from them unless absolutely necessary. Look out for one another, and at the end of this, you better come back to me in one piece,” I told them all, looking over each of their faces for a moment.

I knew all of their names. I had at least one fond memory with each of the Gifted. I didn’t want to part with any of them, so they had to survive. No matter what. They bowed deeply, and I steeled myself.

“You have six hours to prepare. They will be handing out food in an hour, so make sure to grab something. I don’t want growling stomachs to be giving us away. Be in your positions on time, and if anything happens before that, please let me or one of the Five know.”

After that, they dispersed and I let out a sigh, glad I was able to rally them. I drifted back down, where Tristan was waiting for me.

“You did well,” He told me, patting my back.

“I know how strong they all are, how competent they are, but I can’t help but worry,” I admitted, wrapping my arms around myself.

“It’s ok, that’s what makes you such a great Queen,” Tristan reassured me with a soft smile.

I smiled back at him, a bit relieved.

“I honestly don’t know what I would do without you, Tristan,” I told him sincerely.

“Ah, you would be alright. You’re strong, even if you are a bit too forgiving. You’ve grown though, and you have your mate,” He brushed my words away with a carefree grin.

“Yes, but I know you’ll always have my back. There’s definitely no one like you,” I assured him.

He looked a bit sad when I said that, but I was never able to ask him why. We had to go our separate ways to finish preparing for the battle. Sometimes I wish I would have stopped, and just had taken the extra moment to let the question slip past my lips.