DOMINIC
A DAY AGO
The crackling of the fireplace is the only sound in my study as I sit behind my desk, fingers drumming against the polished wood.
The flickering flames cast long shadows across the room, but they do little to dispel the cold that has settled into my bones.
It is taking too fucking long.
How hard is it to get such simple Intel.
This is what I get when I work with incompetents.
My phone buzzes against the desk, bringing me out from my thoughts and I glance at the screen.
It is Martin.
It is about time.
I bring the phone to my ear, answering in a curt manner
“Speak,” I say, my voice calm but laced with the authority that makes sure nobody disobeys me.
“Alpha,” Martin’s voice is quiet, like he is whispering, and there is an urgency behind it. “There has been a development.”
“What is it?”
“Alpha- Viktor Thorn is here. He arrived today. And then Ro- Louisa annoyed that there will be a bonfire party. They are holding it tomorrow night. Everyone’s going to be there.”
I lean back in my chair, my eyes narrowing as I stare into the fire. “Everyone?” I ask, already piecing the puzzle together in my mind.
“Everyone Martin confirms. “Rowan, Viktor and he brought his own wolves for added security. But it doesn’t matter. It’s going to be a celebration, so security will be relaxed.”
“What are they celebrating?”
“I have no idea.”
I can’t help but scoff.
Their word is about to be shared and they are celebrating.
Oh well.
It works in my favor.
“Good,” I say, leaning forward, my elbows resting on the desk. “We need them to be careless.”
“There is one more thing,” Martin adds. “Viktor brought a decent-sized group with him. They are here to help Rowan with security, but I think they will be too focused on the bonfire to notice anything out of the ordinary.”
“That is exactly what we need,” I say, my voice sharp with satisfaction. “Let them focus on their little party. Meanwhile, we will be moving in the shadows.”
Martin hesitates, then lowers his voice as if afraid of being overheard, even through the phone. “Are you sure this is the right move? Taking Jhenelle… It is a big risk.”
I lean back in my chair, closing my eyes for a moment. “It is not your business what I do. But yes, it is the only move,” I say.
Martin falls silent again, then finally speaks. “Understood. I will continue as planned.”
“Good,” I say.
“Be ready. And Martin-make sure no one suspects a thing. We need this to be flawless.”
Martin’s voice trembles when he responds. “I won’t let you down, alpha.”
I end the call and set the phone down on the desk, staring into the flames as a plan solidifies in my mind.
A bonfire party, huh?
I can work with that
Loud, raccous people, drunk and exurbant…
Yeah, it will do nicely.
I pick up the phone again and dial a number from memory. It rings twice before the line is picked up, a familiar voice answering on the other end.
“It’s time,” I say without preamble. “Gather the wolves I told you about.”
There’s a brief pause before the voice responds, calm and steady. “We are ready. What is the plan?”
I smile darkly, rising from my chair to pace the room. “We’ll move during the bonfire. The entire settlement will be distracted. They’ll be celebrating, letting their guard down. That’s when we strike.”
“And Victor?” the voice asks. “He’s no ordinary wolf.”
“I’ll deal with Victor,” I say coldly. “You and your wolves will focus on getting Jhenelle. She’s small, and she’ll be tired from all the excitement. You won’t have much time, so be quick.”
I can hear the rustle of movement on the other end of the line as my wolves prepare themselves for the task ahead. “What about Rowan?” the voice asks.
“Rowan will be occupied,” I say. “Victor will make sure of that. They’ll both be so busy playing happy couple that they won’t even notice Jhenelle is gone until it’s too late.”
I pause, turning toward the window to stare out into the night. “Once you have her, bring her to the safe house. Make sure no one sees you.”
“And if anyone gets in the way?”
“Take care of them,” I say, my voice cold and final. “No witnesses. No mistakes.”
There’s a brief silence, then the voice responds with a simple, “Understood.”
I end the call and stand there for a moment, staring into the darkness beyond the window.
My father had once employed rogues to get him a way into the Vale pack, it makes sense that I too followed his path, even if they are lowlives.
At least they will be able to do what my pathetic pack can’t.
The forest is quiet, still, but I can feel the tension building beneath the surface. Everything is falling into place.
The wolves are in position.
The plan is set.
I turn away from the window, my heart racing with anticipation.
Soon, Rowan and Viktor will realize that they are not untouchable.
Soon, they will understand the price of defiance.
Of disrespecting me
Tomorrow, everything changes.
Tomorrow, Rowan and Viktor will know what it means to cross me.
And I will have my child by my side.