CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY ONE – OURMANEUVERED AND BEATEN

The battle turned into a rout. The rival pack, outmaneuvered and overwhelmed, began to retreat. Laura fought her way through the chaos, eventually finding herself back-to-back with Logan as they drove the last of the attackers from the compound. As the dust settled and the pack began to assess the damage, Laura felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned to see Logan, his eyes filled with a mix of exhaustion and respect. "You saved us today," he said simply. "Your plan, your quick thinking... we owe you a debt of gratitude." Laura felt a warmth spread through her chest at his words, but she knew this wasn't the time to bask in the victory. "Logan, we need to talk about Carter. This attack... it proves everything I've been trying to tell you." Logan's expression hardened, but he nodded. "You're right. Once we've tended to the wounded and secured the compound, we'll discuss everything you've uncovered. No more dismissals, I promise." As Logan moved off to help with the cleanup, Laura ca