Chapter 200 Volunteers 2

Chapter 200: Chapter 200 Volunteers 2

Talia’s POV

"Besides," Silas said, "someone needs to make sure you do not get yourself killed before we even reach the Ashen Lands."

Jax glared at him. "I am perfectly capable of keeping myself alive."

"Your track record says otherwise," Silas said.

Jax sputtered, and I saw the indignation on his face. "That is not fair. I have never almost died."

"Three times," Silas countered.

"That is not the point," Jax pushed him slightly.

Kaelen rubbed his temples. "Fine. Both of you can come."

Jax grinned. "See? He knows a good team when he sees one."

"I am questioning my decision already," Kaelen said.

The tension in the air seemed to lift, just a little. It felt good to laugh, and it felt good to forget, even for a moment, of the danger that lay ahead.

Talia could not help but smile. Even in the middle of all this tension, Jax and Silas could still make her laugh.

Then Cain appeared from the shadows.

He was always like that, quiet and steady, moving like a ghost. I had learned to expect his sudden appearances, but it still surprised me every time.

He did not say anything, and he did not ask permission or try to argue like Jax and Silas. He just walked to stand beside the others and nodded once.

"My bags will be packed," he said.

His voice was low and measured, and I knew he meant every word. He was not one for grand speeches, he just let his actions speak for themselves.

I looked at the wolves standing around me.

I counted them one by one, with each face a reminder that I was not alone. Each one of them had chosen to stand beside me, and I would do everything in my power to protect them.

They were four very different wolves; Kaelen with his unwavering devotion, Jax with his infectious courage, Silas with his sharp mind and sharper tongue, and Cain with his silent, unshakeable loyalty, but they had all made the same choice. And that choice had woven them into the fabric of my heart in ways I had never expected when I first arrived at Blackmoor Valley as a stranger.

Kaelen, Jax, Silas, and Cain were willing to follow me into danger, and they believed in me, and I was very grateful to have all of them in my life.

I felt the tears prick at my eyes, but I blinked them back, refusing to let them fall. This was not the time for tears, this was the time for strength.

Kaelen turned to Cain. "You will train Talia starting tomorrow."

His voice was firm, and I could see the seriousness in his eyes. He wanted me to be ready, and he wanted me to survive.

"You will train her in hand-to-hand combat, and anything else she might need. She needs to be ready for anything."

Cain nodded. "I will."

Kaelen looked at Jax and Silas. "Choose able-bodied warriors that will come with us, and let them start extreme training. Make sure that they are wolves who can fight and follow orders, because we will need them to at least, make our mission easy."

Jax nodded. "I will pick the best."

Silas said, "I will help him choose. Someone has to make sure he does not pick warriors based on how well they laugh at his jokes."

I laughed at that one, and I saw Jax’s face turn red. "That is completely unfair. My jokes are the best."

"They are passable at best," Silas said.

"Passable? I will have you know my jokes are legendary."

"Legendarily bad," Silas countered.

Jax glared at him. "That was one time."

"It was three times," Silas replied.

"That is not the point," Jax said.

Kaelen ignored them and turned to me. "I will speak to Stephanie about supplies."

I nodded, grateful that he was taking care of the logistics. There was so much to do, and I did not even know where to start.

"She will make a list of everything we need and arrange it." Kaelen finished.

I nodded. "Thank you."

He reached out and took my hand. "We are going to do this, together."

His palm was warm and rough against mine, and it was the same hand that had held me through nightmares and victories, through battles and quiet nights, and I squeezed it tightly. Because I needed to feel that anchor, and that reminder that no matter how dark the road ahead became, I would never have to walk it alone.

I looked at him, and I felt the love in his eyes. "Together," I repeated.

The word felt heavier than it had before. It was not just a promise anymore, it was a vow.

I looked at the wolves standing around me.

I saw Kaelen’s steady gaze, Jax’s determined grin, Silas’s calm resolve, and Cain’s quiet strength. They were all different, but they were all mine.

They were not just my pack, they were my family. And I would not let them down.