Chapter 75
Kane’s POV
The steady hum of the engine filled the truck as we rumbled through the snowy Russian terrain.
The vehicle rocked slightly with each bump on the uneven road, the harsh winter landscape rolling out endlessly beyond the frost–covered windows, showing off the dull surroundings.
Thick pine trees lined the horizon, their skeletal branches laden with snow that seemed to glisten in the weak light of the overcast sky. It was like a true hell, compared to my usual warm weather pack at my pack…
Inside the vehicle, the atmosphere was tense but not entirely silent. The Russian wolves seated across from me exchanged occasional words with one another, their deep voices blending into a steady stream of conversation I couldn’t begin to understand or decipher.
From their gestures and faint smiles, it seemed they were cracking jokes to pass the time, their laughter breaking the monotony of the drive.
Purcell, however, remained quiet, his attention fixed on the map spread out across his lap. His brows were furrowed in concentration, his finger tracing over what I assumed were possible routes or weak points in Dimitri’s compound. Occasionally, he’d mutter a word or two in Russian, directing the driver to adjust course as I done my absolute best to leave him alone – for now.
–
I ignored him as best as I could, focusing instead on the rugged landscape outside. The cold seeped through the vehicle despite the heater working overtime,
but it didn’t bother me as much as it should have. My wolf welcomed the bite of the weather it was grounding for him, a reminder of the frosty battle that
lay ahead of us.
Beside me, Seth was equally as quiet, his gaze distant as he stared out the window too. I could feel the weight of his thoughts, mirroring my own. But after a
while, the silence between us grew too heavy to bear.
“Excited to get back home?” I asked, my voice breaking the quiet that had settled over our corner of the vehicle.
Seth turned his head, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “Excited isn’t the word I’d use,” he said, his tone dry. “More like ready to leave this
frozen hellhole behind.”
I chuckled, the sound rough but genuine. “You won’t miss it here, no? The endless snow,
everyone relocate!”
the charming Russian hospitality? I was thinking of having
He snorted, shaking his head. “Not a chance. Though I will say, Kion’s pack isn’t half as bad as the rest of this place. They’ve been… surprisingly accommodating, considering we’re total strangers.”
I nodded in agreement, leaning back against the seat. “Yeah, they’re solid. And Kion… he’s got his head screwed on straight at least. He runs his pack well. Better than most of the Alphas back home actually, if I’m being honest.”
Seth arched a brow. “Including you?”
I smirked. “Never!”
The lighthearted moment hung in the air for a beat before fading, replaced by the more pressing thoughts we couldn’t ignore.
“What do you think we’ll walk into once we’re back home?” Seth asked after a moment, his voice quieter now as I hum in thought.
1/3
1:39 pm P
Chapter 75
I rubbed a hand over my jaw, considering the question carefully for the first time since finding Tessa. ‘Some petty trouble, no doubt, I said with a wry grin. “I told the Alpha Council to shove their rules up their ass before I left, so I’m sure that they’re just itching for me to show my face back there again.”
Seth barked out a laugh, drawing the attention of one of the Russian wolves for a split second before they returned to their conversation. “You really just
had to tell them that didn’t you?”
“Word for word,” I confirmed with a grin. “They tried to lecture me about tradition and laws, about how I was acting outside my authority.”” I scoffed. “As if any of those old bastards understand what it takes to actually lead a pack in the modern world anyway.”
Seth shook his head, his grin widening. “You’ve got balls, Kane, I’ll give you that. But I don’t think you’ll have to worry about the Council or the other Alphas back home once we’re done here now.”
I raised a brow. ‘Oh, yeah? Why’s that?”
He leaned forward slightly, his voice lowering just enough that it felt like we were sharing a private joke. “Because once word gets out that you’ve built connections with Kion’s pack, no one will dare to question you or your rulings. Taking down Dimitri is one thing, but forming an alliance with one of the most formidable packs in Russia? That’s a game–changer back home, Kane. They’ll all know better than to cross you after this if they already didn’t know!”
–
I mulled over his words, the truth of them settling in my mind. He wasn’t wrong. Kion’s pack was strong, disciplined, and loyal. Having them as allies would
– it was about respect. elevate my standing among the Alphas back home. It wasn’t just about power
“You think the other Alphas will really fall in line that easily?” I asked, though the corner of my mouth twitched into a grin.
Seth shrugged. “Maybe not easily, but they’ll think twice before challenging you or our pack. Hell, they’re probably already pissing themselves just knowing you’ve made it this far into Russia and lived to tell the tale.”
I chuckled again, shaking my head. “Well, I guess that’s one thing to look forward to when we’re back, ruffling some old dogs feathers.”
The sound of Purcell clearing his throat drew both our attention. He didn’t look up from the map but pointed toward the driver, muttering something in Russian. The vehicle slowed slightly as we approached a fork in the road, taking the left path as directed.
I forced myself to look away, my jaw tightening.
Still hate his guts too? I don’t blame you, I’m surprised you managed to let him live!” Seth asked, his tone light but knowing.
“Hate’s not a strong enough word,” I muttered. “But Kion’s right. We need him for this. Doesn’t mean I’ll ever forgive him – I still want him punished after
this is all over.”
Seth nodded, understanding. “He’s a means to an end. Nothing more.”
“Exactly,” I said, though my wolf growled low in agreement, the thought of Purcell still rubbing me the wrong way.
The conversation lulled again as we continued our journey, the terrain growing rougher with each passing mile. Snow and ice coated the road, making the drive treacherous, but the driver handled it with ease.
I glanced back out of the window, eyeing the queue of other vehicles following our lead, many of which contained my own trusty pack warriors who I had brought here with me.
It was better to have my own men with me too, knowing that they would protect our own above all else if anything was to turn south….
The weight of what lay ahead settled over me once more, the fleeting humor from our exchange with Seth fading into the background.
2/3
1:40 pm P
Chapter 75
I wanted to get it over with, to get back to Tessa again…
But right now, I had to focus on the sole purpose of this battle. This mission wasn’t just about taking down Dimitri. It was about making a statement just to Kion, not just to my pack back home, but to anyone who thought they could challenge what I stood for.
And I would make damn sure that statement was loud and clear.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
