Taken by the Outcast Alpha (Whispers of Fate)

20. Sage

Chapter twenty

Sage

W e’re winning.

The sound of crunching leaves and cracking branches signals a shift in the battle. Damien's allies are retreating, their confident faces now etched with fear as they realize their mistake in engaging Finn. I feel a rush of relief as their numbers diminish, but my heart still hammers in my chest, the echo of the fight pulsing through my veins. I catch my breath, my hands tightening around a small pouch containing the precious Moonflower Nectar we just collected. It's a rare find, and I know it holds untold power. Damien must never get his hands on it.

I steal a glance at Finn, my protector, my partner in this fight. His eyes burn with determination, a fierce light that matches the glow of his wolf form. We stand back to back, prepared to face any remaining threats. The air crackles with residual magic, our combined efforts creating a protective shield around us. I sense the remaining attackers falter, their resolve wavering in the face of our united front.

Finn is a force to be reckoned with, a whirlwind of controlled power as he takes down each opponent.

I watch, heart pounding, as he fights with a precision that's both calculated and instinctual. His eyes, glowing with fierce determination, fixate on each enemy with unwavering focus. The moonlight reflects off his teeth in a fierce glisten, adding to the intensity of his wolfish demeanor. Every move he makes is purposeful, his body moving with lethal grace. It's clear to me, and to our adversaries, that Finn is the superior fighter. His strength and skill are undeniable. As I witness his prowess, a mix of awe and fear courses through me. I know that together, we are unstoppable, but it's also clear that Finn is a force of nature unto himself.

As the last of Damien's allies flees into the night, a tense silence descends. I let out a slow breath, my body relaxing slightly, but my mind remains alert. Damien is still out there, a lingering threat, and we're not out of danger yet. I glance around, searching for any sign of movement in the shadows. The moonlight filters through the trees, casting an ethereal glow on the forest floor, and I feel a momentary sense of peace amid the chaos.

Then, with a rustle of leaves, Damien emerges from the darkness. It's just Damien left, facing off against Finn. The Alpha stands tall, his fur bristling, a challenge in his stance. Damien, despite his arrogance, looks fearful, but he doesn't back down.

"You should have known your pack would turn on you, Silverclaw," Damien taunts, circling Finn. "They were so easily manipulated. Did you really think they had your back?"

I clench my fists at Damien's words, feeling a rush of anger. He knows exactly how to strike at Finn's vulnerabilities, twisting the knife of betrayal.

"And you, little witch," Damien continues, his icy gaze settling on me. "How na?ve you were to think I loved you. You're nothing more than a means to an end, just like Finn here."

My blood runs cold at his words. My gaze meets Finn's for a moment, and I see the hurt and anger reflected in his amber eyes.

"I'll take what I want from both of you," Damien snarls. "And there's nothing you can do to stop me."

In a blur of motion, Finn lunges. His jaws clamp around Damien's neck, a clear warning. The Alpha could end it all with a single snap, but he holds back.

Damien freezes, his eyes wide with fear.

Finn shifts back to his human form, still holding Damien in a position of submission. "Do not ever mention her name again," he growls. "Ever. I show you mercy now because she would feel guilty if I killed you. But make no mistake, by the laws of the pack, I'd be justified."

Damien struggles, but Finn's grip is unyielding. "Mercy?" Damien scoffs. "Mercy is for the weak."

"Mercy takes more strength than vengeance," Finn says, his voice intense and unwavering. "Don't expect it again. Ever." His hold tightens even more. “If I ever see you again, you’re done. Hell, if Sage closes her eyes and turns around right now, you’re fucking done. So walk the fuck away and don’t ever think about turning around.”

With a final shove, Finn releases Damien, who stumbles backward. The message is clear. This is a warning, a moment of restraint, but it won't happen again.