Chapter 7: Threads of Deception
The tension in the air was suffocating as the strangers settled into temporary quarters within the packhouse. Callum made it clear that their stay would be brief, but the knowledge they carried was too valuable to dismiss outright. I spent the evening poring over patrol reports, desperate for something to focus on other than the storm brewing within me.
By the next morning, Callum had summoned me to the council room. The strangers were already there, their presence commanding attention despite the air of unease they brought. The man with dark hair, who seemed to be their leader, introduced himself as Elias.
“We need to act quickly,” Elias said, his voice firm but calm. “The Crescent Moon Alpha’s enemies are mobilizing. They know about his connection to you, Evelyn, and they see it as a vulnerability.”
“There is no connection,” I replied, my voice cold. “Whatever bond Alec thinks exists between us ended a long time ago.”
Elias’s sharp gaze met mine. “You may feel that way, but they don’t. And whether you like it or not, that perception puts your pack at risk.”
Callum leaned forward, his expression unreadable. “What do they want?”
“Leverage,” Elias answered simply. “Control over one of the most powerful Alphas in the region. If they can’t kill him outright, they’ll weaken him by targeting those he cares about.”
A bitter laugh escaped my lips. “And I’m supposed to believe that Alec cares about me now?”
“Believe it or not,” Elias said, “what he feels doesn’t matter as much as what they believe. And right now, they believe you’re his greatest weakness.”
Callum’s jaw tightened, his gaze flicking to me. “What do you suggest we do?”
Elias hesitated, glancing at his companions. “We need to draw them out. Find out who’s pulling the strings and eliminate the threat before they can strike.”
“And you think we should involve Alec?” I asked, suspicion lacing my tone.
“Involving him is unavoidable,” Elias replied. “He’s at the center of this, whether you like it or not.”
The room fell silent, the weight of his words settling over us like a heavy fog. Finally, Callum spoke. “If we’re going to act, we need a plan. And we need to ensure the safety of the pack above all else.”
The plan was set in motion by nightfall. Patrols were doubled, and the packhouse was fortified to prepare for any unexpected attacks. Elias and his team were given access to our territory, though they were closely monitored at all times. Despite my reservations, I couldn’t deny that they seemed to know what they were doing.
As I prepared for the night’s patrol, I felt Callum’s presence before I saw him. He leaned against the doorway, his arms crossed and his expression carefully neutral.
“You’re unusually quiet,” he said, his tone light but probing.
I shrugged, not meeting his gaze. “Just trying to focus.”
He stepped closer, his voice softening. “Evelyn, I know this is complicated. But you’ve always been the one to face things head-on. Don’t let him… don’t let this situation take that away from you.”
His words stirred something in me, a mixture of gratitude and guilt. Callum had always been steadfast, his loyalty unwavering even when I didn’t deserve it. I nodded, forcing a small smile. “Thanks, Callum.”
The patrol that night was uneventful, but the forest felt alive with unspoken threats. Every rustle of leaves and snap of a twig set my nerves on edge. By the time I returned to the packhouse, exhaustion weighed heavily on my shoulders.
As I made my way to my quarters, I caught sight of Elias standing in the dimly lit hallway. He inclined his head in acknowledgment, but his expression was unreadable.
“Can I help you?” I asked, my tone sharper than intended.
“I wanted to speak with you,” he said. “Privately.”
I hesitated, my instincts flaring. But curiosity won out, and I gestured for him to follow me to an empty meeting room. Once inside, I crossed my arms and fixed him with a pointed stare. “What is it?”
Elias leaned against the table, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp. “I know you don’t trust me. And I don’t blame you. But you need to understand that this isn’t just about Alec. It’s about survival.”
“Survival of who?” I shot back. “Your pack? Mine? Or Alec?”
“All of us,” he replied evenly. “The enemy we’re dealing with doesn’t care about alliances or boundaries. They care about power. And if they succeed, none of us will be safe.”
His words sent a chill down my spine, but I refused to let it show. “Why are you telling me this?”
“Because you’re the key to stopping them,” he said simply. “Whether you like it or not.”
Before I could respond, a knock at the door interrupted us. One of the scouts stepped inside, his expression grim.
“There’s movement near the northern border,” he reported. “We think it’s them.”
Elias straightened, his expression hardening. “Then it’s time to act.”
I nodded, my resolve sharpening. Whatever was coming, I wouldn’t face it alone. The safety of the pack depended on it—and on me.