The Werewolf King’s Mate
Chapter 77

Cory's POV:

The journey to the hideout felt never-ending, and every step seemed to take forever. The tunnel was narrow, dark, with only a few torches around and hot. As soon as I stepped inside the tunnel, I was hit by a wave of heat that seemed to defy the cold weather outside. It was like walking into a furnace - intense, almost overwhelming. Despite the heat, we continued to walk. We were led by a fearless duo of female soldiers at the front, with another one at the back, ensuring we were safe and sound. There are others among the crowds to assist those with children, older people, and pregnant ones. Looking around, there were many of us - an estimated 3,000 women, elderly, and children. "Cory, are you alright?"

"Uh, yes. I was only looking around and checking if everyone was safe."

After a few more minutes of walking, I noticed an older woman swaying. My heart skipped a beat as I saw her losing balance. Without a second thought, I rushed towards her and caught her just in time, preventing her from taking a painful fall to the ground. She's pale and breathing hard.

Is she having a stroke? A seizure? I called an emergency, and the soldiers quickly responded to our cry for help.

"What's happening to her?"

"She is having a stroke, Your Majesty, It could be because of the heat."

They informed me as they quickly pulled out water, a towel, and a fan. Two soldiers attended to her as the woman appeared to suffer from the heat. One was fanning her while the other used a wet towel to cool her face and body parts. The other guards advised everyone from crowding the area, giving the old woman space for breathing

"Keep marching, soldiers. It is imperative that we reach the hideout immediately! And attend to those with medical problems immediately." I shouted amongst the crowd. "Yes, Your Majesty!"

The crowd soon thinned out. Only a couple of them stayed behind to catch their breath quickly. The woman's breathing steadied, giving a sense of relief and hope. We breathed a sigh of relief when we saw that she seemed to be out of danger. However, we knew that our job wasn't over yet - we had to keep a close eye on her once we reached the safety of our hideout. We continued to walk forward - the guards carrying the woman. As we pushed forward, the end of the tunnel was just a few minutes away. Anticipation bubbled up inside me as the light at the end of the tunnel slowly grew brighter and brighter.

After traversing through the tunnel, a large wooden door awaited at the end of the path. Upon opening the door, it revealed the hideout's common area. As we arrived at the hideout, we noticed that those who had arrived before us had already chosen and settled into their rooms. The guards put the woman down on a bed and gave her medical assistance to help her fully recover. As we made our way to the final room, the other guards were busy preparing the space and gathering all the necessary supplies. "Your Majesty, your room is ready. You may take your rest now."

"I will go later. I must see to it that everything is for everyone."

"But, Your Majesty..."

"Don't worry. I will rest once I am done here."

I made sure to check in with everyone and inquire about their well-being. Everyone had a different reaction - some grumbled about being hungry, some rubbed their eyes and yawned, and others slouched in their seats, clearly fighting off sleep. Lola and I were busy preparing the scrumptious food for our guests while, at the same time, we made sure that everyone had their own cozy blankets, soft pillows, and essential toiletries.

After making sure that everyone was snug and comfy, Lola and I retreated to our room for some much-needed rest. As I was making my way up the stairs, I suddenly felt a sharp pain in my shoulders that took me by surprise. Lola and the guards were immediately on high alert.

"Your Majesty, are you OK?"

"Uh, yeah. I am fine. Ahhhhh!" Another sharp pain. This time on my side.

"Cory!"

"Your Majesty, we have to get you checked."

But I know it was not my body that was in pain. The realization came in - Lucas was hurt! Oh, goddess. I hoped he was OK. I couldn't help but feel a sense of nervousness creeping up as I tried to make sense of what was happening around the kingdom. Is he alright? Did the rogues get a hold of Lucas? I tried to get a hold of Lucas through the mind-link.

"Lucas! I felt your pain."

No answer.

"Lucas! Please. Let me know you're OK."

It was still quiet.

"Lucas..."

"Do-don't worry, babe. Everything is good."

"Oh! Thank, goddess!"

"Just stay there. I'll be with you soon."

Our connection broke. As we spoke, he assured me he was alright, yet the sound of his breath was a clear indication that something wasn't quite right. He might feel defeated and overwhelmed, but I trust-Lucas. He will overcome this, and we will greet our pup together. I pushed myself up, took a deep breath, and centered my thoughts.

"I'm OK now. I just need to rest for a couple of minutes."

"Are you sure, Cory?"

"Yes, Lola. Thank you for worrying, but I am fine."

As soon as I stepped into our room, I flopped down on my bed, still worried. I wondered how everyone was doing - Silas, Iris, Elias, and the twins. As I lay in bed, my thoughts lingered on them, refusing to let go even as sleep began to take over. My eyes jolted open to the sound of a piercing scream and chaos erupting around me.

"What is happening?!"

I let out a fierce cry as I stormed towards the staircase. A pool of blood in the common area unfolded before me, bodies sprawled, and two scary rogues at the center. They were big, heads almost touching the ceiling, and their mouths dripped with their victims' blood.

Cory, this isn't good. They found the hideout. Hotah said.

But how did they...? That does not matter now. Whatever it is, we need to stop them, or else everyone will be in danger.

They had already killed two of the soldiers and four civilians. We can't let them go on a killing spree. We have to fight back!

Hold that thought, Cory! I agree that we can't let that happen, but you must also consider your situation. Hotah was right. I can't just charge forward

The people were scared. Most of those with children and older people tried to hide in their rooms, hoping it would protect them from what was about to come. The guards were surrounding the two rogues, waiting for them to attack. Quietly, I shifted to my wolf, joining the guards. With my white fur, I was easily spotted by the rogues.

"Oh! The queen has arrived."

snarled at them in response.

"What a scary queen! We should get out of here!" They said mockingly.

"How did you find us?"

"Well, the witch has plenty of ways. We just followed her instructions, and now we are here."

"Then, feel free to get back where you came from."

"Not yet, Your Majesty. We haven't finished what we came here for."

"And what is that?"

"To take your head. You being dead would be easy for us to kill the king. Then, we will take over the kingdom!"

"All of you will be dead before that can even happen! As if Lucas will lose to the likes of you."

"Are you sure about that? The last time I heard it, he was all bloody. He was bitten on his shoulders and got kicked in his ribs. Oh, wait! Of course, you would know that! You're mates, after all."

"We will see about that! By the time you get your hands on me, he will be here, snapping your necks!"

They released a ferocious growl that scared the children.

Our adrenaline kicked in as we sprang to our feet, poised to strike back immediately. Both sides were gauging and watching each other. The rogues were the first ones to strike. Both of them jumped towards their target - me. But before they could get to me, a brown wolf jumped on their left and pushed them away. The rogues were quick to stand back and smacked the wolf down.

"LOLA!"

We lunged forward against the rogues, the soldiers following behind me. The soldiers landed punch after punch on the rogues, but it didn't affect them much.

"Is that all you've got?"

Again, we charged forward for an attack. I'm shifting my focus to one of them this time. I will let the others handle the other one. I have poured everything I learned over the past few months. The combo attacks that Elias taught me - jab, hook, knee, and kick - I fired them. However, the rogue was fast. He was able to dodge my attacks. D*mn it! After a moment of distraction, the rogue swiftly lunged a punch in my face. That hurt! Hotah exclaimed.

I could taste the iron in my mouth. D*mn, I might have lost a tooth back there. I pushed back and was in defense mode when Lola joined me by my side. "Are you OK, Cory?"

"Yeah, just a little scratch. You?"

"All good. So, what are we going to do with this one? He is strong."

The only strategy I could think of is for us to attack simultaneously - one on each side. We have to hold him while the other snaps his neck. I told Lola about this.

"If we make the wrong move, we might not have a second chance. So, this is now or never, Lola."

"I got you, Cory. If I find an opening, I will let you know." And so, we proceeded as planned. We slowly walked towards the rogue and circled him. When we approached, I could see the smirk on his face. He might think this was all a child's game, and he was confident he could block our attack. On my signal, Lola and I charged forward. I was able to bite him on his shoulder, but I heard a loud whimper.

My blood ran cold when I saw his hands wrapped around

Lola's neck. I released my bit on his shoulder.

"Let her go! Now!" I use every power I have to shout the words at him, hoping it will do something

"This woman has been bothering us. So, I will get rid of her first." He tightened his grip on her. Lola released another whimper, and her face became pale.

"Stop it! Release her this instant! I command you, rogue!

Release her or face death!" I turned to the other soldiers and ordered them to retrieve Lola from the enemy, "Get Lola!"

"Nah-ah! If I were you, Your Majesty, I would tell them to put their tails down. Or else, your friend would meet the moon goddess in a second."

"F*ck you! Let go of her!!"

"Oh, I didn't know a queen could curse. Ha! Ha ha!"

We are struggling here! Lola was in the hands of the enemy, and we haven't apprehended either of them. I must think of another way. My priority is to get Lola back while protecting everyone else. "What now, Your Majesty?"

But an unexpected thing happened. The other bystanders, who were scared to fight, found the strength to help us.

Everyone started shifting into their wolves, releasing a loud growl. At that moment, I could see the fear in the rogues' eyes. They didn't expect everyone to be fighting to protect one another. They made a wrong calculation. "Tell them to back away, Your Majesty! I have your friend's life!"

"C-Cory. H f-f-found it. It's..OK." Lola was struggling to speak. But I felt and understood what she was trying to say. She found an opening. One that could cost her life.

"No! I wouldn't let you sacrifice yourself, Lola!"

"T-there's...no...o-other way."

"No!"

"Shut up, wolf! You still have the strength to speak, huh?" The rogue again tightened his hold of her. I could see Lola struggling to breathe.

"N-now!!" Lola shouted, and at the same time, I screamed,

"NO!!"

Afterward, everything was blurred. Three bodies were on the floor.

"No... No..." Then I looked up at the sky and howled.