To protect what's mine (Amalie) novel Chapter 180

**TITLE: Guard 180**

**Chapter 180: Calyx**

The atmosphere was suffocating, thick with the remnants of chaos and sorrow that had enveloped our pack like a heavy shroud. It was a calamity that none of us had foreseen, a nightmare that had materialized with an unforgiving ferocity. The rogue attack had been staggering, an onslaught that left more than forty of our beloved pack members lifeless, their vibrant spirits extinguished in mere moments. Each loss reverberated within me, a sharp ache that pulsed through our pack link, severing the bonds that had once connected us all in a tapestry of shared experiences and love.

The grim task of clearing away the aftermath lay before us, a grim reminder of our vulnerability. I cast my gaze over the scene, nearly two hundred bodies littering the ground, a testament to the brutal violence of the night. The rogues had been disorganized, their reckless fury betraying them, yet they had managed to inflict a toll that we would carry for the rest of our lives. The cost was steep, and I felt the weight of our collective grief pressing down on me, a burden that threatened to crush my spirit.

With a low growl of frustration escaping my lips, I pulled another lifeless rogue toward the designated burn pile. Each step felt like dragging a piece of my soul along with me, heavy and laden with the gravity of our duty. Markus stood beside me, his presence a comfort, yet I could sense the turmoil swirling within him. Our thoughts were scattered, divided between the urgent need to stabilize our pack and the desperate search for Amalie, who had been taken from us in the chaos. We had to hold it together, especially after suffering such devastating losses. The ache in my heart was palpable as I recalled the faces of our fallen comrades, while the injured were too numerous to count. Uncle William and the nurses were swamped, working tirelessly to mend the wounds of those who remained.

“Any news?” I barked, my voice a low rumble as Markus approached, his features taut with frustration.

“No, there’s still no lead on Amalie,” he growled, desperation lacing his tone, a reflection of our shared anxiety.

Another growl slipped from my throat, a warning to him that Zviad, my inner beast, was not pleased with the hopelessness that permeated our conversation. Aziz, standing nearby, echoed my sentiment with a low growl of his own, the tension in the air thickening like a storm about to break. Since Amalie’s abduction, we had been on edge, our tempers fraying like old threads. Two hours had passed, yet it felt like an eternity, and we were spiraling into chaos.

“Daddy!” Rose’s voice cut through the gloom like a ray of sunshine, her small figure darting toward Markus, a beacon of innocence amid the despair.

I fought against the surge of irritation that threatened to boil over as I watched her seek comfort in her father’s embrace.

“Sorry, she keeps wandering off,” Kim panted, her breathless apology trailing behind her as she hurried to catch up.

Markus scooped Rose into his arms, settling her on his hip. He inhaled deeply, drawing in her sweet, innocent scent—a small comfort amidst the tempest of emotions swirling around us. I mirrored his action, letting her scent ground me in the chaos. We needed to remain united, especially for the sake of our pack and Amalie’s rescue.

“It’s alright,” I reassured Kim, forcing calm into my voice after taking a deep breath, determined to keep the peace.

“Mo-mommy?” Rose whimpered, burying her face into Markus’s chest, her tiny frame trembling with fear.

“We’ll find her,” he vowed, his hand soothingly stroking her back, a promise that resonated with both her and himself.

“Come on, sweetie, let’s head back to the pack house,” Kim urged gently, trying to coax Rose away from Markus’s protective hold.

A low growl rumbled from Markus, a warning to Kim to back off.

“Stay with Rose,” I commanded my twin, turning away to head toward the pack house, my mind racing with thoughts of what needed to be done.

“Where are you going?” Markus demanded, his voice sharp, mirroring my own frustration.

“Watch her,” I growled, dismissing any further conversation as I stormed into the pack house. A warrior attempted to catch my attention, but I brushed past him, knowing that if I paused, the anger boiling within me would unleash upon him.

I descended into the basement, irritation flaring as I faced the locked doors.

“Out,” I ordered the two warriors stationed there, my voice sharp and unyielding.

They flinched at my presence, compelled by my Alpha aura, and quickly scurried away. A tempest of rage surged within me as I approached the cell doors. Marie, Melissa, and Natalie recoiled at the sight of me, fear evident in their wide eyes.

“I am done with your mates,” I growled at the two mothers, my voice low and dangerous. “Their reckless actions led to an attack last night that claimed nearly fifty of my pack members, and the injured are in the hundreds. That’s nearly a third of our pack, either dead or grievously wounded.”

Marie’s voice trembled as she attempted to defend herself. “We didn’t have anything to do with that attack.”

“I’m not finished,” I interrupted, my patience fraying. “Not only did they attack and kill former pack members, but they also stole my mate!”

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