Alpha Eric's Promise, Protecting those he loves
Chapter 51

Chapter 51: Chapter 51

The Rogues’ Purpose

Eric could sense it—danger was lurking. The rogues were coming again, and this time, their intentions were deadlier.

This wasn’t just another attack to test the pack’s defenses or sow chaos. This was an execution. A calculated move by his father, Richard, to finally rid himself of the son who had taken his place as Alpha.

The Omen

As Eric turned to head back to the pack house, a sharp howl pierced the silence. It wasn’t one of their own. His head snapped toward the sound, his instincts going into overdrive. Moments later, Lucas, his Beta, sprinted toward him, his wolf form shifting back to human as he approached.

"They’re here," Lucas said, his voice grave. "Our scouts spotted a group of at least seventy rogues moving toward the eastern border. They’re carrying heavy weapons this time."

Eric nodded, his face hardening. "And their goal?"

Lucas hesitated, his eyes meeting Eric’s. "It’s you, Alpha. They’re here to kill you."

Eric clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. He had expected this day to come. Richard had made no secret of his disdain for Eric’s leadership and his burning desire to reclaim his position as Alpha. But to send such a massive force solely to eliminate him? It was a bold and desperate move.

"Gather the warriors," Eric commanded. "We’ll meet them head-on. I want every able fighter on the front lines. No one goes down without a fight."

Preparations for Battle

Back at the pack house, Aria and Alex, Eric’s siblings, were already organizing the women, children, and elderly into the underground safehouse. Aria’s expression was fierce as she handed out supplies and gave instructions.

"You’ve trained for this," she told the younger wolves. "Protect each other. Stay together. No one goes off on their own."

Alex approached Eric as he entered. "This is different, isn’t it?" he asked quietly.

Eric nodded. "They’re not here to raid or intimidate. They’re here to kill me and dismantle the pack."

"We won’t let that happen," Alex said, his voice firm. "You’re not alone in this."

Eric placed a hand on his brother’s shoulder, gratitude flickering in his eyes. "I know. And that’s why we’ll win."

The First Wave

The pack’s warriors gathered at the eastern border, their numbers smaller than the rogues but their resolve unshakable. The rogues emerged from the shadows of the forest, their growls and snarls filling the air. At their head stood Garrick, the massive rogue who had become Richard’s enforcer. His eyes gleamed with malice as he stepped forward.

"Eric," Garrick called out, his voice dripping with mockery. "Your father sends his regards. He says you’ve held his throne long enough."

Eric stepped forward, his Alpha aura radiating strength and authority. "If Richard wants his throne back, he should come and take it himself. Hiding behind you cowards is all he’s good for."

Garrick’s lips curled into a snarl. "Oh, he’ll come soon enough. But first, we’ll make you bleed."

With a wave of Garrick’s hand, the rogues charged.

The clash was immediate and brutal. Wolves collided, their snarls and growls blending into a deafening roar. Eric shifted into his massive black wolf, his golden eyes blazing as he tore through the rogues. His warriors fought valiantly, their loyalty and training evident in every strike.

Aria, wielding her twin blades, moved like a shadow, cutting down rogues with precision. Alex fought alongside her, his wolf form a blur of silver as he protected their flanks.

But the rogues were relentless. They fought with a desperation born of Richard’s promise of power and reward. Their single-minded focus was clear—they were determined to reach Eric.

The Second Wave

Just as the pack began to gain the upper hand, a second wave of rogues emerged from the forest. These were larger, stronger, and better equipped. They carried silver-tipped weapons, designed to wound and weaken even the strongest wolves.

Eric realized their strategy immediately. The first wave was a distraction, a means to exhaust his pack’s warriors. The second wave was the killing force.

"Fall back!" Eric commanded through the pack’s mind link. "Regroup at the inner perimeter. Don’t let them divide us."

The warriors obeyed, retreating in an organized manner. Lucas covered their retreat, his powerful wolf form holding the line as the others fell back.

As Eric reached the pack house, he shifted back to his human form. His chest heaved with exertion, but his mind was sharp. He could feel Richard’s presence in every move the rogues made. This was his father’s handiwork—calculated and cruel.

A Desperate Stand

The battle raged on, moving closer to the pack house. Eric and his warriors held the line, refusing to let the rogues breach their defenses. But the cost was high. Many of his warriors were wounded, their strength waning under the relentless assault.

Garrick broke through the line, charging straight for Eric. The two clashed in a flurry of claws and teeth, their growls echoing through the clearing. Garrick was a formidable opponent, his size and brute strength giving him an edge. But Eric fought with the determination of an Alpha protecting his pack.

"You’re strong," Garrick growled, pinning Eric momentarily. "But strength isn’t enough. Richard is the true Alpha. You’re just a pretender."

Eric snarled, his eyes blazing. "I earned this title. Your loyalty to Richard blinds you to his weakness."

With a burst of strength, Eric broke free and delivered a powerful blow, sending Garrick crashing to the ground.

Richard’s Arrival

As the tide of the battle began to turn, a new scent filled the air. Eric froze, his senses sharpening. It was a scent he hadn’t smelled in years—his father.

Richard stepped into the clearing, his presence commanding and oppressive. He was in his human form, dressed impeccably despite the chaos around him. His cold blue eyes locked onto Eric.

"Son," Richard said, his voice calm and detached. "You’ve fought well. But this ends now."

Eric straightened, his body tense. "You’ve gone too far, Richard. You’ve sacrificed everything—our family, our pack—just to feed your pride."

Richard’s lips curled into a cruel smile. "This pack was mine. You stole it from me. Tonight, I take back what’s rightfully mine."

Before Eric could respond, Richard shifted into his wolf form. His dark gray fur bristled, and his size rivaled Eric’s. The two Alphas circled each other, the tension between them palpable.

The Alpha’s Duel

The battle around them seemed to fade as father and son clashed. Richard’s attacks were calculated and vicious, each strike aimed to wound and weaken. Eric fought with a mix of skill and instinct, his movements fluid and powerful.

The fight was brutal, their growls and snarls echoing through the clearing. Richard’s experience gave him an edge, but Eric’s youth and determination kept him in the fight.

"You’re not strong enough to lead," Richard growled as he slammed Eric to the ground. "You’re weak."

Eric’s eyes burned with defiance. "Strength isn’t just about power. It’s about protecting those who depend on you."

With a surge of energy, Eric broke free and delivered a devastating blow to Richard’s side, sending him sprawling.

Victory and Sacrifice

Richard lay on the ground, struggling to rise. His breathing was labored, and his body was battered. Eric stood over him, his chest heaving.

"This is over," Eric said, his voice firm. "Leave, and never return."

Richard’s eyes burned with hatred, but he knew he was defeated. With a low growl, he shifted back into his human form. "You’ll regret this," he spat before disappearing into the forest.

The remaining rogues, seeing their leader defeated, retreated into the night. The battle was over, but the cost was heavy. Many warriors were injured, and several lives had been lost.

A Pack United

As dawn broke, the pack gathered to mourn their fallen and tend to the wounded. Despite their losses, there was a sense of unity and resilience among them.

Eric stood before his pack, his body bruised but his spirit unbroken.

"We’ve faced the worst, but we’ve emerged stronger. This pack is more than its Alpha—it is every wolf standing here, every bond we share. Together, we will rebuild. Together, we will thrive."

The pack let out a collective howl, their voices rising in unison. It was a sound of mourning, of defiance, and of hope.

Aftermath

As Eric surveyed the scene, Lucas approached, his arm in a makeshift sling. "What now, Alpha?"

Eric’s golden eyes narrowed as he looked toward the horizon. "We prepare. Richard will try again, and next time, he’ll be even more ruthless. But we’ll be ready. This pack will be ready."

Aria and Alex joined them, their faces solemn but determined. "We stand with you," Alex said. Aria nodded, her expression fierce. "Always."

Eric glanced at them, gratitude and pride swelling within him. "We’ll need to strengthen our alliances and train harder than ever. The rogues might return, but this time, we’ll be the ones hunting them."

A New Resolve

In the weeks that followed, the Crescent Moon Pack worked tirelessly to rebuild. Eric personally ensured every injured warrior received care, while also sending scouts to monitor Richard’s movements. Training sessions intensified, and patrols became more frequent.

Aria spearheaded efforts to forge new alliances, reaching out to neighboring packs for support. Alex focused on bolstering defenses, devising strategies to counter the rogues’ tactics.

But amidst the rebuilding, Eric couldn’t shake the feeling that the battle had only been the beginning. Richard’s retreat wasn’t a surrender—it was a delay. The storm wasn’t over; it was merely gathering strength.

Standing at the edge of the forest one evening, Eric allowed himself a moment of reflection. The scars of the battle were still fresh, but so was the resolve of his pack. For every loss, there was a renewed determination to fight for their future.

"This isn’t the end," he murmured to himself. "It’s just the beginning."

As the moon rose high in the sky, Eric shifted into his wolf form and let out a powerful howl—a call to his pack, a promise to his enemies, and a declaration to the world. The Crescent Moon Pack would not only survive—they would rise.