Mated To An Enemy

After the feral wolves had followed the refugees and forced the gates of Winter to be sealed, Axel and Corrine spent the precious hours that followed organizing their available forces. Radios were passed out, and they were divided into small groups. Spread out at varying distances inside the border.

They did not have enough of their warriors left within Winter to properly defend against an all-out assault by the hybrids and feral wolves.

Axel knew that it was only a matter of time before the wall they had built would fall. The reports from the guards at the gate told of several monstrous creatures that stood on two legs and looked almost human.

Their hands and feet were elongated, ending in clawed fingers and toes. Their backs were stretched and hunched, and their nose and mouth jutted forward into a snout of sharp, overgrown teeth.

It wasn't hard to figure out that these creatures were pack members that had fallen to the infection before receiving an inoculation. Their twisted forms appeared to be a strange midway between their human and wolf. But the guards noticed an intelligence in them that they had not expected.

They searched the walls, found points where the electric field was weakening, and they focused their attention there. They took turns clawing at the border, each receiving a shock until they could not stand it, and then moved back for another to take its turn. They did this repeatedly while the main force focused on attacking the center of the gate.

Rather than keeping his main force at the border, Axel spread them out. He kept most of the warriors at the midpoint between the wall and the Safe Zone. The smaller groups spread out as an early warning to let him know how far the enemy had made it. Once the enemy was spotted, the team would fall back to Axel.

It was a risk, but one that he felt he needed to take.

Along the southern territory, Galen had installed one or two security features from Summer. Of course, they would not stop the invading force, but with any luck, they might help to make the numbers more manageable.

Those that made it past the security features would then find blocks in their path, forcing them to split off into smaller groups.

Axel divided his main force into three defensive units. He could only hope it was the best option.

Even with the Summer, Frostbite, and nomad fighters, Axel knew it wasn't enough. The wolves at the gate were only the first wave. The scouts had reported even more hybrids and bears headed north.

Axel kept his head; he spoke with confidence and determination as he gave orders and divided his men.

He meant every word. He would defend Winter and the people within her borders. He would be their shield for as long as his body would hold out. But underneath the confidence, there was fear.

He knew the risk and that it would be a hard, if not impossible, fight.

There was a real chance that Winter could fall this night, and with her, his family.

"We will find a way," Corrine said, touching his shoulder. "Winter has never fallen before; we will not let that change tonight."

Axel looked back at his mother. She was dressed in her Valkyrie armor, ready and waiting to lead her team. The only unit he had not given any assignment to.

"We will all do what we must," Axel replied.

"The Valkyrie are ready, my Alpha," Corrine said with a bow of her head. Behind her, two other women stood at attention. They also lowered their heads to Axel. "Give us your orders."

Axel nodded.

"I want you to–"

"Alpha Axel! The gate has been taken!" One of his men shouted, holding the radio to his ear. "They are coming!"

"Tell the men to report what they see as they see it!" Axel shouted back. "But make sure they know to retreat to our position immediately! I do not want anyone to die out there. So come back to their designated defensive unit and hold the line!"

"Yes, Alpha!"

Axel turned back to Corrine. He took a deep breath, knowing she would not like what he had to say.

"The Valkyrie will need to go north," Axel began, already seeing the confusion in Corrine's eyes. "I want you all to surround the Safe Zone."

Corrine's eyes widened, and her jaw clenched. Behind her, the two other Valkyrie glanced at each other with only their eyes. It was clear that none of them agreed with the assignment.

"I don't understand," Corrine said, a soft growl in her voice. "You do not want us to participate in the oncoming battle?"

"I want you where I believe you are most needed," Axel replied.

Corrine narrowed her eyes and clenched her jaw. She looked over her shoulder, giving a silent command for the others to give them privacy.

"What the hell is this?" she asked when they were alone. "The Valkyrie are an elite fighting unit, and with so many of our Cold Warriors gone, including all the remaining berserkers, we are arguably the strongest fighters in Winter!"

"Yes," Axel replied calmly. "And that is why I want you to protect the Safe Zone."

"Axel, we are better used on the battlefield!"

"I am not doubting the unit's skill," Axel said.

"Then we agree that we should be put into battle."

"No," Axel stated firmly. "The Valkyrie will defend the Safe Zone."

"Axel, I understand what you are trying to do, but–"

"No matter what happens today, any wolf of Winter's most important job is to protect the innocent lives behind those walls," Axel interrupted.

Corrine stood up straight.

"I know that," she replied.

"I am sending the Valkyrie because you are the best," Axel continued. "Your unit is the only one that has a chance of stopping these monsters should they make it past the rest of us."

Corrine clenched her jaw and looked away. She took a deep breath through her nose before speaking.

"I will send the others to do as you say," she said quietly. "But I will stay with you and fight the enemy head-on."

"No," Axel replied immediately.