John’s POV
The silence in my office feels heavy as I watch the elders file out, each carrying the weight of the night’s plans. Our defenses are set, sentinels posted at every vulnerable point, and messages sent to neighboring packs. Every precaution has been taken, yet I can’t shake the feeling that something is missing-a piece of this puzzle that could change everything.
After a few moments alone, I finally call for Jake. He strides in, his expression mirroring my own unease.
“We need to go over this note one more time,” I say, placing the paper on the desk between us. The fresh ink glistens slightly, a stark reminder that whoever wrote it is still close. “If the ink’s still wet, then the person who left this is either one of us or hiding within the pack. It’s almost taunting us.”
Jake nods, his jaw clenched. “I’ve already spoken to the guards. Everyone is alert and ready. But this note… it feels like we’re being lured into something, like they’re trying to pull our attention somewhere specific.”
“Agreed,” I reply. “But we can’t ignore the warning. If they’re truly coming tonight, we have no choice but to prepare.” My gaze hardens as I fold the note and slip it into my jacket. “Let’s make sure everyone is aware and ready for what’s to come.”
—
Stephanie’s POV
The excitement bubbling inside me is almost too much to contain. Finally, things are moving. Sally’s plan is unfolding, and soon, Diane’s influence will crumble. The only thing I need to do is keep up my act.
I’m pacing in my room, unable to keep still, when Reyna walks in. Her warm smile fades slightly as she watches me fidget.
“Stephanie,” she says with a slight frown. “Are you alright? You’ve been restless ever since this morning.”
I force a nervous laugh. “Just… anxious. Diane’s been on my case again, pushing me to do things I don’t want to do.” I glance away, as if I’m afraid to say more.
Reyna’s expression darkens. “What did she say this time?”
Taking a deep breath, I pretend to hesitate, then look at Reyna with feigned vulnerability. “She wants me to work for her. She told me to… get rid of you.”
Reyna’s mouth drops open, and her shock is almost satisfying. “She said that? Stephanie, that’s…” Her voice trembles with anger. “That’s unacceptable. You don’t have to put up with this.”
I nod, trying to look helpless. “I don’t want to betray anyone. Diane just has ways of making people do what she wants. I’m scared, Reyna.”
She reaches out, taking my hands in hers, her grip firm and reassuring. “We’ll handle this. Diane has gone too far, and it’s time John and Jake know exactly what she’s been doing.”
“Are you sure?” I ask, adding a slight tremble to my voice. “What if it makes things worse?”
Reyna gives me a confident smile. “Trust me, Stephanie. It’s the right thing to do. The pack needs to know who she truly is.”
As she leaves, I can hardly contain my satisfaction. Reyna thinks she’s helping me, but she’s only walking further into the web Sally and I have spun. By the time anyone realizes the truth, it will be too late.
—
Jake’s POV
I move through the corridors, ensuring every guard is where they’re supposed to be. With the threat looming, I can’t afford any weak links. But my mind keeps drifting back to the note, and the uneasy feeling it stirs in me.
One of the guards stops me as I pass. “Alpha, I thought you should know-Diane’s been acting suspiciously. She was seen pacing near the pack’s border late last night.”
I frown. Diane’s been known to have her own agenda, but if she’s involved with whoever left that note, she’s just put herself in grave danger.
“Thank you for telling me,” I reply. “Keep an eye on her. Report anything unusual immediately.”
The guard nods, and I feel a small measure of relief knowing we have eyes on Diane. If she’s somehow part of this threat, she won’t be able to hide for long.
—
Reyna’s POV
After speaking with Stephanie, I make my way toward John’s office. The tension in the packhouse is palpable, with every member on edge, their movements hurried as they prepare for whatever might come tonight.
As I round the corner, I see Diane striding toward me. She stops, her gaze hard and unyielding.
“Where are you going, Reyna?” she demands, her voice sharp. “Didn’t you hear that the alpha is busy? He doesn’t need outsiders meddling in the pack’s affairs.”
I cross my arms, refusing to let her intimidate me. “If John doesn’t want me here, he’ll tell me himself. And last I checked, he hasn’t said anything of the sort.”
Diane narrows her eyes, her lips twisting into a sneer. “Always so self-righteous. Be careful, Reyna. Not everyone appreciates your interference.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Is that a threat, Diane?”
She laughs, her voice dripping with disdain. “A warning, Reyna. Nothing more.”
With that, she brushes past me, disappearing down the hall. My hands clench at my sides as I take a moment to calm myself. Diane’s arrogance only confirms that Stephanie’s concerns were valid. I need to tell John everything-before Diane can do more harm.
—
John’s POV
The night stretches on, and the weight of the pack’s safety presses heavily on my shoulders. As I review our defenses, Reyna enters, her face drawn with worry.
“John,” she begins, closing the door behind her. “I need to talk to you about Diane. Stephanie told me that Diane’s been pressuring her, even threatening her to do things… things against the pack.”
My blood runs cold. Diane has always been ambitious, but if she’s crossed the line into threats and manipulation, she’s more of a danger than I realized.
“Did Stephanie say exactly what Diane wanted her to do?” I ask, keeping my voice calm despite the anger simmering within me.
Reyna nods. “Diane wants Stephanie to work for her, to undermine you and the pack. She even told Stephanie to get rid of me, but Stephanie refused. She’s been afraid, but she didn’t want to say anything.”
I grit my teeth, feeling the familiar surge of protectiveness for both Reyna and the pack. Diane’s actions have made her a liability. “I’ll handle this, Reyna. Diane won’t threaten anyone in this pack again.”
Just as I’m about to give further instructions, a distant howl cuts through the night air-a sentinel’s alarm. My body tenses as I look at Reyna. “It’s starting.”
I turn to Reyna, my mind racing. “Gather everyone. It’s time.”
—
Stephanie’s POV
From my window, I see movement at the pack’s edge, shadows slipping through the darkness. It has begun. Sally’s warning wasn’t just empty words; she and her forces are here, and tonight, everything will change.
The excitement in my chest nearly overpowers my fear. I’ve played my role perfectly, and with Diane distracted, she won’t see what’s coming. I just need to keep up the act a little longer, until everyone’s attention is elsewhere.
A knock on my door startles me, and I turn to see Jake standing in the doorway. His face is tense, eyes narrowed. “Stephanie, stay here and keep your doors locked. We’re facing a potential raid.”
I give a small nod, letting my fear show. “Be careful, Jake.”
He gives me a quick nod, disappearing down the hall. I close the door behind him, a sly smile creeping onto my face as I turn back to the window. By the time dawn breaks, nothing will ever be the same for this pack.
—
John’s POV
The pack is on high alert, every member braced for the battle that now seems inevitable. I move through the hallways, giving orders, ensuring everyone is where they need to be.
When I finally reach the front of the packhouse, the sounds of scuffling and snarls reach my ears. Sally’s forces are here, and they’re not wasting time.
My heart pounds as I look around, spotting Jake and our sentinels already engaging with the intruders. I join the fray, feeling the familiar rush of adrenaline as I shift, ready to protect my pack.
Tonight, we fight not only for survival but to expose the traitors among us and protect what we hold dear.