Taken by the Outcast Alpha (Whispers of Fate)

23. Finn

Chapter twenty-three

Finn

I turn to Sage, my heart pounding with adrenaline. "Fights for the honor of a Pack are brutal," I warn her, searching her eyes for any sign of hesitation.

Without missing a beat, Sage meets my gaze. "I stand with you." Her voice is steady and unwavering.

My mother's approval washes over me as she nods. "Fate picked well for you," she says before turning away, her words filling me with a surge of pride.

I pull Sage in for a passionate kiss, pouring all my emotions into it. The taste of her lips, the warmth of her body against mine—it's all I need to fuel my resolve. As we break apart, I feel the familiar rush of my shift, and it’s all I can do to quickly pull my clothes off and toss them in a heap before it overcomes me. My bones crack and reshape, fur sprouting across my body as I transform into my wolf form.

With a low growl, I charge towards Damien. I made the mistake of showing mercy once; I won't make that mistake again. My paws dig into the earth, propelling me forward with unstoppable force.

To my right, Marcus lunges for Victor, his teeth bared in a snarl. Jack goes for Robert Shadowpaw, his muscular form a blur of motion. Behind us, I sense Lydia taking the back flank, her keen eyes scanning for any sign of where she's needed most.

We move as one, a united front of fur and fang, each of us driven by the burning need to defend the honor of the Silverclaw Pack. Damien's manipulation of Victor has left a stain on our reputation, and we're here to wash it clean with blood if necessary.

As I close in on Damien, I see a flicker of fear in his eyes. Good. He should be afraid. This time, there will be no mercy.

I pounce on Damien, my jaws clamping around his arm. I feel his bones snap between my teeth, relishing the sound of his pained howl. Without releasing my hold, I drag him deeper into the forest, away from Sage's watchful eyes.

The fight that follows is savage. Marcus and Jack join me, taking on Victor and Robert with relentless force. We fight as one, our wolf forms moving in perfect unison. I focus all my anger and frustration on Damien, determined to make him pay for threatening Sage and tarnishing our Pack's honor.

The taste of his blood fills my mouth as I rip into his flesh. Damien whimpers, pleading for mercy, but I show none. I don't stop until he lies motionless at my feet, his body battered and broken.

As I finish shifting back, I sense Sage's presence before I see her. Her arms wrap around me, and I embrace her tightly, my heart pounding. The other Pack members turn away, giving us a moment of privacy. She buries her face in my neck, her body shaking.

"It's over," I murmur, my voice hoarse.

"I was so scared I’d lose you," she whispers, her warm breath tickling my skin.

I pull back, cupping her face in my hands. "I'm right here. And I'm not going anywhere." I draw her close again, breathing in her scent, relishing the feel of her in my arms.

The moment is interrupted by Marcus clearing his throat. "We should get back," he says, his voice heavy with unspoken questions. "We've got a lot to discuss, brother."

I nod, knowing he's right. We still have to deal with Victor and Robert, and questions remain about Damien's involvement with my Pack. But for now, I stand with Sage, surrounded by my Pack, feeling a sense of belonging and protection.

I feel Marcus's hand on my shoulder, his words echoing in my ears. "Welcome back to the Pack, Alpha."

A surge of emotions washes over me—pride, relief, but also uncertainty. My gaze finds Sage, and a knot forms in my stomach. We haven't discussed what comes next. What if she doesn't want this life? What if her plans don't align with the Pack's?

As if sensing my unease, Sage squeezes my body. I look down and her eyes lock with mine, a small smile playing on her lips. She leans in close, her breath tickling my ear as she whispers, "I can't wait to celebrate your return properly, Alpha."

Her words spark a thrill within me, momentarily chasing away my doubts. But they rush back just as quickly. I need to talk to her, to understand what she wants.

"Sage," I start, my voice low. "We need to–"

She cuts me off with a finger to my lips. "Later," she murmurs. "Right now, your Pack needs you."

I nod, knowing she's right. But the question still burns in my mind: what does Sage want for her future? And how will it fit with mine?