Chapter 323: Chapter 323

WARRICK

Aurora’s voice was smooth as she addressed us in her quarters, through her eyes turned between Piper and me.

“This mission is of utmost importance. I need both of you to put aside your personal differences and focus. The pack depends on it.” Piper crossed her arms over her chest.

Her jaw was tight. “I’ve never let my personal feelings get in the way of my duties.

Aurora’s lips turned into a knowing smile. “Good. Because this requires your sharp instincts, Piper, and Warrick’s adaptability. Orion’s army has crossed our borders. I want to know why and how far they have gotten.”

Orion, he was the man that had met me in the woods that day, I am sure he was trying to use my weakness against me. It would have worked. But not anymore… I have changed.

I looked at Piper, her face unreadable. “We will do our best,” I said with certainty.

Aurora walked forward, softening.

“I trust you both, but remember, this isn’t about gathering intelligence; this is about showing the pack that in unity lies our

Chapter 300

2/7

strength. No slip ups, no risks.”

Piper nodded sharply. “Understood.”

We moved silently through the dense forest, the only sounds the occasional rustle of leaves and our measured breaths.

The tension between us was palpable, but the mission kept us focused.

“You think they’re going to attack soon?” Piper asked, barely above a whisper.

“From the way they’re moving, they’re looking for a weak point in our defense,” I said, my eyes circling.

Piper stopped dead, bending low. She moved a thumb toward a small clearing up ahead; the light from a fire danced within it. “There,” she whispered.

We moved closer, behind the trees, for cover. The two wolves sat by the fire, and their voices, though low, were clear enough.

“They are scattered,” he said. “Their focus is torn between defending the borders and attending to their ailing leader.” The other snorted. “The timing couldn’t get any better. Divide them further, and they fall.

Pivoting at her hips, Piper’s fists were clenched at her sides and I laid a hand on her arm.

“Distant,” I whispered.

“They’re planning on using us,” she spat the word barely contained. “We can’t just stand here.”

“We’re here for information, not to fight,” I reminded her. “Let’s do our job.”

She nodded, but her gaze stayed fierce on the wolves.

As we drew back from the clearing, Piper finally spoke, her voice tight. “They think we’re weak. They’re wrong.”

I turned to her, a small smile pulling at my lips. “You always did have a way of turning anger into determination.”

She shot me a look. “Don’t start.”

“I mean it,” I said, softer. “Your instincts are sharp. And I know I haven’t always appreciated that. But I do now.

Piper’s steps faltered for a moment. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. “I’ve made mistakes. Big ones. I’ve let my ego get in the way, and it’s hurt you. I’m sorry for that.”

For a moment, she was silent, her expression unreadable. Then, her shoulders relaxed slightly.

“Apologies are easy. Change is harder.”

“I know,” I said, turning to her. “And I’m trying. You deserve