-Tavyra's POV- 

The sun was beaming into my eyes. I groaned as I realized we've overslept from our usual  wake-up time, but maybe it was okay to sleep in for a bit. I had Zannic under me, my head against his bare chest. The memories from last night came back to me as I realized that was the best night of my life. I examined Zannic's chest and saw four claw marks on each bicep. They were scabbing over and welting. I looked back at my nails and saw the very skin that was scrapped from his chest. I didn't think I was scratching that hard with him. Did I hurt him? 

I traced over the wounds and that seemed to wake him up. I was worried. I whispered to him, "G'morning." He reacted to my voice and smiled, rubbing my back with his hand. He looked around, having the realization that we'd overslept. 

"Good morning, beautiful." We shared a morning kiss and sat up. The camp around us sounded like it was up and about except us. No one had come and woke us up, probably relieved to have a break now and again. I realized that the marks were not just on the front of his chest, but also his shoulders. I grazed over him and he slightly flinched. 

I felt so bad, "I'm so sorry. I..I didn't know I did..." I looked at my damage. "That" I knew I was rough in bed, but never thought I'd gotten that rough.

Zannic chuckled and grabbed my wrists gently, pulling me closer and comforting me, "Sweetie, I don't mind the love marks and bites," He chuckled again, looking at the damage on my skin. He pointed out a hickey on my neck, proud of his own work, "They look especially great on you, though." I blushed and playfully pushed him. "Did you know what happened last night?" 

I tried to take a guess, "The best sex ever?" I joked, but it was kind of true. 

"You, little missy, grew claws." He poked my nose like it was nothing new. 

I looked at him baffled, "Like...Wolf claws?" He nodded, "T-that's impossible." I told him. My wolf died years ago. 

He delicately took both my hands in his, looking me in the eye, "Tavyra, your wolf isn't dead. She came out last night. I saw her with my own eyes." I couldn't tell if I should be excited or scared because I haven't even felt her for 10 years now. I knew something felt different. "A mate's connection is undeniable, Ty. I felt her. I saw her. My wolf keeps screaming she's there. I've never been happier, Tavyra."

I hugged him. I didn't know what to do with this type of information. I needed time to mull this over. Was I even happy to have her back? "Come on, we need to get the militia ready." Zannic nodded and started pulling out new clothes for today. 

I couldn't help, but watch as Zannic slipped on his white t-shirt, covering his markings for others to see and buckle up a pair of jeans. Even with the jeans on, his ass looked delicious. I got caught staring as Zannic threw me my shirt. I stuck my tongue out at him as I pulled on my own white t-shirt and cargo shorts.  I looked at the back of our canteen to check out my reflection and make sure I looked presentable. Zannic kissed my cheek and rubbed my back, "Head on out, I'll be behind you in a minute. I have to make sure our plan is finalized." 

"Alright, babe. Don't take too long." I stepped out of the tent, trying to not be noticed by militia members walking around. I tried to act calm as possible, make sure the words "I just had sex" weren't written all over my forehead. The smell of morning coffee started to make my legs function again. It placed in the center of the camp, next to the burnt out fireplace. I tried to not act like all eyes were on me, but I heard sly murmuring and looks of knowing. 

Alice came over to me and handed me a cup, a thanked her with a smile and took a sip. It was kinda tart, but I don't think we had any cream or sugar around. She gave me sly smile and gently nudged my arm, "Sooooo," I blushed and tried to ignore the obvious, "Sum you wanna tell me, hun?"' 

I shrugged, acting like it wasn't a big deal, "I don't know what you're talking about." I took another sip, burning my tongue in the process. 

"I've been around longer than you've been alive. I can hear a pair mating anywhere. Especially how loud you two got last night." She gave me another smug look and rose her eyebrows. 

I spit out my coffee out, "What do you mean loud?" 

She put her hands on my shoulders and quietly spoke in my ear, "It felt amazing, didn't it?" 

I couldn't help, but blush. I couldn't deny it now, so I decided to be blunt, "It was the best ever." She squeaked like a little school girl.  Zannic came out of the Alpha's tent and most of the guys went over to pat him on the back, giving him props. I caught eyes with him and he couldn't help but embarrassingly smile at me. 

I could die of embarrassment. The whole camp knew, but I wasn't exactly ashamed about it either. 

Zannic pushed the boys off of him and gave his orders, "Alright, everyone. Let's start heading out." 

-Zannic's POV- 

We were about a mile out from the Rouge camp.The light conversation soon stopped as everyone began to get their heads straight for this mission. It was warned that not everyone was gonna come back alive. I let the group walk another half mile before I circled them up, making sure everyone was close so I wouldn't have to talk so loud. We had about another hour before we had to decent. 

I spoke to everyone in a soft, yet commanding voice, "From this point on, talking doesn't happen unless it's necessary. Understood?" There were multiple nods and heads up. I pulled out a map from my bag of the Rouge camp. I grabbed a nearby stick to use as a pointer. "Team A consists of a team of 13. Team A will be the ones sneaking in first and turning off the alarm systems, taking down defenses and giving the go for the other three teams. Team B consists of 15. They will be the blunt force, the footsoldiers to lead the way for the other foot team. Behind Team B, will be Team C, consisting of 9 people. Team C's main mission will be to kill the target. The King of the Rouge's.

 He's located at the back of the camp, so it's going to take some chopping through their defenses to get to him. Team D will follow Team A up to their defense pillars, able to get height advantages. They will be carrying snipers. Beta Tyson." Tyson went around to those picked out to group D, handing out snipers to those skilled and trained for them. I watched them check the scopes and the guns, balancing them in their hands and getting used to the weight. Tavyra and I are in Team C. Not only will I be going for the target, my main mission is making sure she's alright. 

I looked at our amsemble of people up and down. We had a range of talents that were being used for the greater good. We had to go through with this mission. There was no backing out now. I went over my plan one more time in my head, making sure I didn't miss anything important to them. There was nothing more I could do to prepare them at this point. I looked at the sun, looking at how much time we had left, "Be prepared to fight. The plan commenses at nightfall." I dismissed the group and turned to look at the camp, mostly hidden by trees protected by a stone wall. It was nothing special, we had the offense to get through it. It looked intimidating at first, but I had to remember what I was here for. 

For Mom. For Dad. I felt a presence by my side and saw it was Tavyra, looking at the fortress. She looked more nervous than I was. 

For her. 

I grabbed her hand and held it tight enough where I knew it wouldn't slip away. I kissed it once more for good luck. I found a trick that our wolves can communicate. I don't know all about it, but I know I could talk to her in the most intimate way a mate could. 

I love you. We're gonna be alright. I promise. 

I love you too. 

We stood together, hand in hand as we looked at fortress that could be our very burial place for us.