The Fighter

Chapter 71

The Black Shadow bunker is practically full with bodies as women and children take up the bunk beds eagerly, bustling along with their arms full of the things they need: bedding, clothes, pillows and bottles of water. The bunker is actually pretty big; bigger than the width of the pack house as it stretches to beneath the Manor and in some sort of deformed circle. Five hundred and fifty people can fit in it- which isn't big enough for the whole of Silverstone and Black Shadow along with other warriors from my family- something I didn't think of.

"Take fifty of each to New Moon and another fifty to Red Moon; Michael and Danton say they have enough room for more," I instruct some warriors, a mixture of Black Shadow and other Turner packs, watching as they round up the rest of the members and split them in half before moving to the neighbouring two packs. "Omegas need to be in here too," I tell them when I spot the omegas huddling in the corner and manage a smile when I see them integrating between the pack members: comforting children and helping women and men with making comfortable beds.

"We've got warriors on the borders now, patrolling and keeping an eye out on any wolves," Luke informs me as I join them back up on the bottom floor of the pack house. "We've got everyone in bunkers now, Cecily."

"Not exactly everyone," Dad points out and we look to see Alice standing with our three youngest at the bottom of the stairs, laughing quietly together. Alice is doing her best to distract them from the rushing of adults and pack members- an excellent job at that but what they don't realise is that there is no room for them here and I find I don't want them here.

"I'm sending them to Danton's and Michael's packs- they can't stay here," I tell Luke and Dad, seeing their faces go ashen. "It'll be safer for the four of them. Isaac will come here, where I am and won't expect me to move them."

"Alright but we'll send them over tomorrow so we can have one more night," Luke suggests and I nod, taking a deep breath before moving to the pack house office. The Betas and other Alphas that are staying at Black Shadow are there, talking to each other frantically yet quieten when I step inside.

"We're almost ready, C. The last people are getting into their positions around the borders of the packs. It's now a waiting game," Marshal tells me and I nod as I throw myself heavily into the Alpha chair. Dad scoffs when he sees me sitting.

"I always knew you'd be sitting in a chair like that." He points out with something close to a smug expression that makes me chuckle at him.

"I always knew I'd find it stressful," I reply smartly, causing them all to laugh at me. "Okay, there's enough food and supplies in the bunkers, right?" Nods are given to me confidently and I feel a small weight lift off my shoulders. "Keep in contact with Danton and Michael so we know what's going on; they might get hit before we do."

"They're currently finishing putting supplies and food in the bunkers and ordering the omegas for different roles. Everyone is in the bunkers apart from the warriors- men and women," Carl tells me and I smile at him. Women should get the choice to fight and in this fight especially due to it being so important for the werewolf kind in America. I understand that mates will be worried and reluctant but it's only fair that they get the chance.

"Good. What else do I need to check?" I ask but no one offers anything for me as I spin in my chair like a child, bringing my knees up slightly so my feet aren't touching the floor. Luke rolls his eyes at me but the childish act helps me escape the seriousness of everything around me for even a couple of seconds. "Alright, I'm going to check on Austin."

"How is he?" Amy jumps onto the opportunity to ask me and I pause as I walk around the desk but my eyelid twitches as I try to keep from tearing up. It's been a day since he lost control and Dwayne says he's gone into a coma but he also only has a week to live unless we can find a cure.