I Am His Wolfless Luna Chapter 182

Ethan's POV

"Reports from the northern patrol. The rogues have launched a major assault on our border defenses." David's words cut through the celebratory atmosphere like a blade, instantly transforming the moment.

My body tensed, hand instinctively tightening around Aria's waist as I processed the implications. Victor was making his move—not randomly, but deliberately on the day of my formal succession ceremony. The timing was a calculated insult, a challenge that couldn't be ignored.

"Casualties?" I asked, already releasing Aria and shifting into battle mode, my mind racing through tactical options.

David's expression remained professionally neutral, but I detected the subtle tightening around his eyes. "Two warriors down, five injured. The rogues struck in three coordinated groups—larger numbers than previous attacks. They've established positions just within our territory."

A cold fury settled in my chest, crystallizing into resolve. "Assemble our elite fighters—I want two strike teams ready in twenty minutes. Alert the northern safe houses to activate evacuation protocols for any civilians in the area."

David nodded sharply, already backing away to execute my orders. I turned to Aria, finding her amber eyes blazing with the same determination I felt.

"I need to handle this," I said, cupping her face briefly. "Can you oversee things here? Keep everyone calm while I—"

"I'm coming with you," she interrupted, her tone leaving no room for argument.

I blinked, momentarily thrown by her response. "Aria, the twins—"

"Are with your mother and a dozen guards," she cut in again, her jaw set in that stubborn angle I'd come to recognize. "Lucas can stay with them too. This isn't just your fight anymore, Ethan."

I shook my head, a protective instinct surging through me. "It's too dangerous. These aren't just random rogues—this is Victor making his move. I can't risk losing you."

"And I can't risk losing you," she countered, her voice lowering with intensity rather than volume. "I've trained for this my entire life. Cassandra is back at full strength. I'm not just your mate or the mother of your children, Ethan. I'm an Alpha too."

Our gazes locked in silent battle, neither willing to yield. Around us, the celebration continued, though I noticed concerned glances being cast our way as word of the attack slowly spread.

"Aria, be reasonable—"

"No, you be reasonable," she interrupted, eyes flashing. Her finger poked my chest emphatically. "I'm not fighting just for you, but for my pack and our children. Why should you get to battle as an Alpha while I stay behind? I am Silver Moon's Alpha, Shadow Fang's Luna, and I deserve to stand beside you in this fight."

The passion in her voice struck me deeply. She wasn't being reckless or emotional—she was asserting her rightful place as my equal. The realization both humbled and inspired me.

"You're right," I admitted, nodding slowly as I took her hands in mine. "We fight together. As equals."

The tension in her shoulders eased slightly, though the fire in her eyes remained. "Good. Now, let's get ready. I'll need my combat gear."

We moved swiftly through the crowd, the celebration continuing around us though with a subdued undercurrent as rumors spread. I spotted Lucas showing a group of children some elaborate hand game, blissfully unaware of the danger threatening our borders.

"We need to talk to him," Aria murmured, following my gaze. "He needs to understand what's happening."

I nodded, veering toward our son. As we approached, Lucas looked up, his intuitive nature immediately sensing something was wrong. His little hands dropped to his sides as he excused himself from his playmates.

"Dad? Mom? What's happening?" His voice was small but steady.

I crouched down to his level, placing my hands on his shoulders. "Lucas, there's been an attack at our northern border. Mom and I need to go handle it."

His eyes widened, darting between us. "The bad wolves? Like the ones who tried to hurt Mom before?"

"Yes," I confirmed, seeing no point in sheltering him from this reality. "The same group. They're led by my uncle Victor—the one I told you about."

Lucas's face scrunched in concentration, processing this information with remarkable composure for a six-year-old. "Are you going to fight them?"

Aria knelt beside me, her hand finding Lucas's cheek. "We are. Both of us. You'll stay here with Grandma and your sisters where it's safe."

I expected tears, protests, maybe even the same stubborn insistence on coming along that he'd shown in the forest when Aria was kidnapped. Instead, he straightened his small shoulders, nodding with surprising gravity.

"I understand. I'll protect Liv and Cassie while you're gone," he declared, his voice steadying with purpose. "I promise."

Pride surged through me at his response. In this moment, despite his small stature and young age, I caught a glimpse of the Alpha he would someday become—brave, selfless, understanding the balance between action and responsibility.

"That's exactly what we need you to do, buddy," I affirmed, pulling him into a tight hug. "You're the man of the house until we return."

He hugged me fiercely, then Aria, before stepping back with remarkable composure. "Be careful. Come back soon."

"We will," Aria promised, pressing a kiss to his forehead before rising.

We made our way quickly to our quarters, changing into battle gear with practiced efficiency. I donned reinforced tactical pants and a fitted compression shirt that would allow for quick transformation if needed. Aria emerged from the closet in similar attire, her hair pulled back in a tight braid that emphasized the warrior-like angles of her face.

"It's been a while since I've worn this," she remarked, flexing her fingers in fingerless combat gloves. "Feels good."

I paused in strapping a tactical knife to my ankle, struck by her transformation. Not physically—she'd always been beautiful—but in her bearing. This was Aria the warrior, the fighter who had dominated underground matches during her years away from werewolf society. With Cassandra fully restored, she radiated a deadly confidence that was breathtaking to behold.

She caught me staring and raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"Just appreciating the view," I replied, unable to suppress a small smile despite the gravity of our situation. "Remind me never to get on your bad side."

A hint of amusement flickered across her face before her expression returned to one of focused determination. "Let's save the flirting for after we deal with your uncle."