John’s POV
The air in the pack feels tense, like everyone is holding their breath, waiting. The news from the note has traveled through the ranks quickly, despite my orders to keep things discreet. Now every sentinel and elder is on high alert, and I can feel their unease even as I make my way toward the meeting hall.
Once inside, I find the elders already seated, each with a wary expression. Jake is there too, pacing the floor with the note in his hand. When he sees me enter, he stops, his face hardened with a mix of anger and determination.
“I’ve been thinking,” Jake begins, holding up the note. “Whoever wrote this clearly knows something about us. But they’re not giving us a name, just a warning. That makes me think they might be trying to stay anonymous to protect themselves.”
I nod, feeling the same suspicion. “If they’re afraid of being exposed, they’re likely close by. Maybe even someone we wouldn’t normally suspect.”
One of the elders, Elder Marcus, leans forward. His gray eyes hold a skeptical glint as he looks between me and Jake. “We can speculate all day, but that won’t bring us any closer to figuring out who wrote this. What we need is action, a way to safeguard the pack before nightfall.”
“Agreed,” I say. “But we also need to consider the captive mentioned in the note. Sarah-if she’s as valuable to our enemy as the note suggests, rescuing her could weaken them.”
“True,” Jake adds, his jaw set. “But first, we have to focus on defending ourselves. We don’t know exactly what time they’ll strike, only that it’s tonight. We’ll need everyone we can get.”
I turn to Elder Marcus. “I want every sentinel doubled at the borders and key entry points. If anyone sees anything unusual, they are to report directly to Jake or me.”
Marcus nods, his face solemn. “Consider it done.”
I take a deep breath, trying to shake the unease that has settled in my chest. “If anyone in the pack acts suspiciously, detain them. We can’t afford any leaks tonight.”
The meeting adjourns, and as the elders file out, I feel the weight of the upcoming hours. Whoever left that note has pushed us all into survival mode, but we can’t let panic control us. The pack needs strength and reassurance now, more than ever.
—
Stephanie’s POV
My heart races as I think of everything that’s about to unfold. Sally’s plan is in motion, and while I know it’s risky, I can’t help the thrill that courses through me. It’s exhilarating, knowing that tonight could change everything.
I’m still pacing in my room when the door creaks open, and I quickly school my expression into one of feigned exhaustion. Reyna steps inside, her face lighting up with that ever-present kindness I’ve come to rely on.
“Stephanie,” she says, closing the door behind her. “You look like you didn’t sleep at all last night. Are you okay?”
I hesitate, as if I’m embarrassed to admit my secret, then sigh. “Honestly, I’ve been feeling… off.” I glance away, pretending to fidget with the hem of my shirt. “Diane has been pressuring me, Reyna. She’s been telling me to do things I don’t want to do.”
Reyna’s face softens with understanding, and she steps closer. “What kind of things?” she asks gently.
I bite my lip, carefully building up my story. “She wants me to get rid of you,” I say, barely above a whisper. “She keeps saying that you’re a threat and that I need to do her dirty work. But I can’t do it, Reyna. I don’t want to betray you.”
Reyna looks stunned, her hand resting on her heart. “She said that? Stephanie, that’s… that’s awful. You’ve been dealing with this all alone?”
I nod, feigning a sad smile. “I didn’t want to worry you.”
Reyna’s expression hardens. “Diane has no right to treat you that way. We need to tell John and Jake about this. If Diane is plotting, they’ll want to know.”
I put on a look of fear. “But what if she finds out? Diane has ways of making life miserable for those who cross her. She’s well-connected and powerful.”
Reyna’s determination doesn’t waver. “That’s exactly why we need to bring this to John. If anyone can stop her, it’s him. Diane’s been a threat to the pack’s peace for too long.”
I give her a small, hesitant nod. “Okay… if you think it’s the right thing to do.”
Reyna squeezes my hand, her smile warm and reassuring. “Trust me, Stephanie. We’ll deal with her together.”
As she leaves, I feel a mix of satisfaction and anticipation. Reyna’s walking right into my trap, and soon enough, everything will fall into place.
—
Jake’s POV
I watch as the sentinels fall into line, each one awaiting instructions as we prepare for tonight. The tension is thick in the air, and I know everyone’s feeling it. Our pack has faced battles before, but never with an unknown enemy hiding within our own walls.
A sentinel jogs up to me, looking concerned. “Alpha, I thought you’d want to know… Diane has been acting strange. She was seen pacing around the pack border late last night.”
I frown, my mind racing. Diane has always had a questionable reputation, but if she’s truly involved in whatever scheme is afoot, then she’s put herself in serious danger.
“Thank you for letting me know,” I tell the sentinel. “Keep an eye on her. If she makes any suspicious moves, bring her to me immediately.”
He nods, and I feel a sense of relief knowing that we’re keeping a close watch on everyone. If Diane is somehow involved in this, I’ll make sure she doesn’t get away with endangering our pack.
—
Reyna’s POV
I can’t shake the feeling that something’s wrong as I make my way back toward John’s office. Stephanie’s confession about Diane has left me rattled, but I know it’s important we address it.
As I near the door, I see Diane approaching from the opposite hallway. She stops in front of me, her expression sharp and calculating.
“Where are you off to, Reyna?” she asks, her tone cold. “Didn’t you hear? The alpha’s busy. Besides, I’m not sure outsiders should be interfering in pack matters.”
I stand my ground, crossing my arms. “If John doesn’t want me here, he’ll tell me himself. But since he hasn’t, I’ll be on my way to speak with him.”
Diane scoffs, looking me up and down with a smirk. “Always so self-righteous, aren’t you? Be careful, Reyna. Not everyone is as forgiving as you think.”
I narrow my eyes at her. “Are you threatening me, Diane?”
She raises her hands, feigning innocence. “Of course not. Just a friendly warning.” With a mocking smile, she brushes past me, disappearing down the corridor.
I shake off the encounter, anger simmering in my chest. Diane’s behavior only confirms that Stephanie’s fears are justified, and I’m more determined than ever to bring this to John.
—
John’s POV
Just as I’m finishing the day’s preparations, Reyna enters my office, her face pale but resolute.
“John,” she begins, closing the door behind her. “There’s something you need to know. Diane has been threatening Stephanie, pressuring her to get rid of me. Stephanie told me everything, and she’s afraid of what Diane might do.”
I feel a surge of anger. “Diane has been undermining the pack’s safety for too long. If she’s been making threats, we’ll address it now.”
Reyna nods. “I knew you’d want to handle it. I just hope it’s not too late.”
As she speaks, a distant howl echoes through the night-a signal from the sentinels. My heart pounds as I look toward the window, knowing this might be the beginning of the very attack we were warned about.
“Reyna, gather everyone. Tonight, we defend our home.”
The pack is ready, but I know that before dawn breaks, truths will be revealed, and loyalty will be tested. This is no longer just a raid; it’s a battle for the future of our pack.