"Did you think that I wouldn't find out your stupid plan? I was discussing with the high members of the council in New Orleans when an assistant informed me about your plan. An assistant!'' He sighed in exasperation. ''I keep receiving calls from the International Werewolf Council. You've gathered an army, and you want to fight a witch and a fallen werewolf, they said. Who do you think you are?" He roared, while his face got a dark shade of red.

"I'm Alpha James Campbell, and this is my pack. These people are my responsibility, and I won't accept anyone to tell me how to manage my pack. Not even you, father," he said, without flinching, as a frozen look took over.

"I order you to annul this nonsense and inform the other Alpha's that their services won't be needed," responded Mr. Campbell as if he hadn't heard his son's words.

James smiled coldly and, refusing to listen to his sister's pleads through their mind-link, got a step closer to his father.

"The only person that is not needed here is you, father,'' he said while the last word sounded bizarre in his mouth. ''You can stay and help us with this battle, or else, I must ask you to leave. My pack needs peace, and I won't tolerate any disturbances."

"You deny your own father because of her? I know that you only participate in this battle because she's involved," he said without looking at Laurel, and at every mention of her, he took a strange expression, as if tasting poison.

Laurel's eyebrows furrowed in anger, and she would say some not-so-nice words, but James's look stopped her. This was his fight, and she had to trust him and let him handle it.

"This battle is for the greater good. These people must be stopped. I understand that many of your friends don't wish for their fall, because they won't have the same advantages as now. But, as long as I am alive, I won't let monsters roam on this earth because the rich want to be richer. We can discuss it in my office, as much as you want, but under no circumstances will you refer to my mate like that. She's your Luna, and if you still want to be part of this pack, and unless you wish to face the consequences, you will refer to her with the utmost respect."

The usually talkative Mr. Campbell seemed to be at a loss of words. His son had dared to speak to him like that, and if that wasn't enough, she was there. Many unknown people, certainly her friends, were there. He couldn't be humiliated in front of outcasts.

"Let's go to the office, then," he offered and started walking without even glimpsing at his daughter.

Alex's arm was already around Liz, comforting and protecting her, and she leaned a little bit more into his hug, denying to let her tears fall.

Laurel and James exchanged a glance, and that was enough to say everything they wanted.

She turned around and saw Tyler, Thomas, and Lena watching the scene.

"I think our dinner is over. Will you drive Asher and Sara to the campus? Let's not create more tension," she suggested, looking at Thomas, and went to say goodnight to the pack members that had heard everything.

"Yes, mother. You made it very clear that you don't want to be involved in this subject. Are you even interested in our lives?" Liz shouted, frustrated while she made gestures in the air, even though her mother couldn't see her.

Alex and Tyler exchanged glances, and they silently decided that, for their good, they shouldn't talk to Liz at that moment.

"Is there something we can do?" Laurel asked, with lowered eyebrows.

Alex, Tyler, Chloe, and Laurel were sitting in the living room and were looking at Liz through the library door, who was speaking on the phone.

Everyone had left half an hour ago, and James was still in the office with his father. They couldn't listen to them because the room was soundproof. Liz had called her mother, who was on vacation on an island of the Pacific Ocean. Her mother didn't know about her husband's intentions, and she wasn't interested in being involved with his business.

"Right now, we are on code 3. If she starts screaming more and throws something on the floor, we will officially call it code 4. That's where we interrupt her," explained Alex.

He had seen his mate in that state many times in the past. Her mother had always been absent from their lives, and her father was a cold, calculative bastard. It wasn't surprising that Alex's parents didn't spend time with the former Alpha when he was home. Alex was relieved when his best friend became the Alpha of the pack, and so did most of their people.

Mr. Campbell was known for his barbaric methods. He had tried many times in the past to order his son around but never for a subject that important.

"You don't have the right to say that! For once, do something for your children. Stop hiding from him. I don't care what your problems are. Right now, we are dealing with something greater than ourselves. I warn you, mother. This is your last chance. If you do nothing, you won't hear from me again. Do you want me to do the same thing as James did? Because I can, mother. Don't test me," Liz finished her speech and hit her phone with a bang on the table.

Alex was already walking towards her. The last thing that Laurel saw before he closed the door, was Liz sobbing and caressing her belly.

"Come on, Chloe. Let's go upstairs. We can't help them now," explained Tyler and took his mate's hand.

"If you need us, knock on our door." Chloe gave a tight squeeze on Laurel's arm.

Laurel nodded and smiled weakly as she saw the couple climbing the stairs. She heard her phone buzzing in the kitchen and picked it up when Lucy's name showed up on the screen.

"Hey, sweetheart. How are you?" she asked and put on a happy face.

Lucy had video-called her.

"I'm getting ready for my classes. I count the days till I see you again. Is James there?"

"He's busy at the moment. I'll let him know that you called."

"Okay. I have to go. Laurel, remember that I love you. You may think that I am young, but I understand a lot. Take care and, please, don't do anything reckless."

"I love you too," she said and turned off the phone.

What did Lucy know? Had she heard Max's conversations? Another reason for her to feel sorry. For the lost innocence and the fear that her sister felt.

She went upstairs and was ready to go to her bedroom when the office's door opened, and Mr. Campbell got out. He walked towards her, one hand in his pocket and the other in a fist.

"You will destroy my pack. My son is a fool to trust you, but I'll be here to see your doom. You have no idea how much I'll enjoy it, Huntress. You are an abomination, and when everything is over, I'll make sure that everyone treats you as they should."

She arched her right eyebrow, and an ironic smile formed on her face.

"I pity you, for you have never loved someone. I can see why your children refuse to speak about you and why your wife wants to forget your name. Don't worry about this pack. James is a great Alpha, and the only abomination I see is the rotten heart inside your body," she responded and walked to the office.

James was sitting behind his desk, holding his head in sadness, and the dim light of the room made him look more miserable. He heard her footsteps closing in and lifted his head. A weak smile brightened his face, but the closer she got to him, the bigger the smile became.

"He's gone. He can't come in this pack again unless I give my permission. Maybe I should have done it years ago," he said while Laurel was holding his hand and made him look at her. "My love, I want you to know that I won't let anyone speak to you like that ever again." He motioned Laurel to sit on his lap.

"I don't care what they believe." She put her hand on his cheek and traced her thumb along his skin. "You are my world, and no one can change that. I'm very proud of you. What you did today was very brave. I'm sorry you had to do it, but I want you to be happy."

"I am," he said, oblivious to the fact that not very far from them, the enemy was attacking.

For someone to be immortal, a sacrifice was needed. Four to be exact.

The first person to be sacrificed was already abducted, and soon, the last three would follow.

The clock was ticking backward, and when the time was over, not all of them would survive.