Marcus’ demeanor seemed different. Connor could feel it; there was something stronger than mere bravery in Marcus’ gaze. The confidence that radiated from Marcus seemed to confirm that he had thought his plan through thoroughly and meticulously.
“What is your plan?”
Marcus said, “First, I must tell you, Alpha, that this plan will take time and patience, but I dare to guarantee that the results will be worth the sacrifices we make.”
Connor’s curiosity was aroused. He became more and more impatient to know the details of Marcus’ plan. “Tell me.”
“I suggest we switch to a more subtle strategy, Alpha. In my opinion, a direct and open attack is unwise given the formidable strength of the Frostholm Pack.”
Connor remained silent. He continued to listen to Marcus.
“The strategy I suggest is an internal attack, Alpha.”
Connor remained unmoved. “What do you mean?”
Marcus took a moment to breathe before explaining his position. “I’ve been thinking about our spy in Frostholm Palace. Originally, we assigned her to gather useful information for us. However, her presence might be more useful.”
Marcus’ determination seemed unshakable, perfectly reflected in every detail of the plan he explained to Connor. All his thoughts were not just spontaneous ideas, but a strategy that he had carefully and deeply considered. In his mind, he had worked out every step, the possible outcomes, and weighed all the risks.
Marcus understood that the Frostholm Pack would not be an easy opponent to defeat with brute force alone. Ivan’s death might give them a slight advantage, but it wouldn’t be enough to shift the balance of power. Moreover, he was certain that the Frostholm Pack would soon use every method at their disposal to build a new force as formidable as Ivan’s.
This perspective led Marcus to devise a different plan than before. He believed that this plan had to be more subtle, much smarter, and able to exploit weaknesses within the Frostholm Pack’s internal structure.
“If the Frostholm Pack has no weaknesses we can exploit, then we can create those weaknesses, Alpha,” Marcus continued with great confidence. He did not want to be arrogant, but he was very sure of this plan. “We can use Willow, Alpha.”
Connor looked a bit skeptical. “Willow? That old witch?” He seemed doubtful. “What can she do? She’s useless, only good for making potions.”
“That’s exactly what we need from her, Alpha. We need her potions to carry out this plan, to create a fatal weakness within the Frostholm Pack.”
Marcus continued to explain the details of his plan. He outlined each purpose and goal of the meticulously arranged movements.
Connor’s eyes widened in shock. “What?” He looked at Marcus with a stunned expression. “Do you think we need how many years to carry out this plan? It would take years.” He shook his head once. “Damn it! We need decades just to defeat the Frostholm Pack?”
“We have no choice, Alpha. I guarantee this is our only chance. The Frostholm Pack is not a small pack that we can easily defeat. On the contrary, they are extremely powerful, and we have already tasted the bitterness of defeat by underestimating them.”
Connor growled and reflexively punched the table, smashing it to pieces.
“Most importantly, Alpha, we will eventually defeat the Frostholm Pack. Besides,” Marcus went on, taking a breath. He hoped that Connor would be swayed. “I believe your son, Torin, will gladly complete this plan and dedicate his victory to you.”
Connor’s frustration was momentarily interrupted when Marcus mentioned his only son, Torin Arbuckle. He paused for a moment and Marcus took the opportunity.
“Torin will surely avenge your grievances, Alpha. He will surely avenge the Nimbria Pack. He will lead us to the victory we have long desired.”
Connor fell silent, affected by the mention of his son’s name. To him, Torin was a source of pride, the future of the Nimbria Pack, and he hoped to continue his legacy as a strong leader.
“You may be right, Marcus.”
Marcus sighed. It seemed that he had managed to convince Connor.
“Torin is certainly a future great leader,” Connor said with bright eyes. He smiled broadly. “So, tell me. When will you assign her to carry out this plan?”
“As soon as possible, Alpha. Actually, I am waiting for a call from her. Once she informs me of the current situation at the Frostholm Pack, I will determine the right time to start the terror there.”
At the right moment, Marcus felt a subtle vibration in his pocket. He took out his cell phone and saw an incoming call.
Connor narrowed his eyes. “Is that her?”
“Yes, Alpha,” Marcus replied, nodding once. He quickly answered the call. “Hello.”
“Hello, Marcus. Sorry to contact you now. The situation at Frostholm Palace is very tense due to Ivan’s death.”
Marcus could understand and did not bring it up at all. Instead, he got right to the point. “So, what’s the update? Do you think it’s possible for us to start the plan now?”
“I think it’s no problem if we start now. Besides, they won’t suspect anything.”
“Good,” Marcus said, his mind immediately imagining the future plan. Therefore, he also kept in mind other possibilities that might affect their plan. “Is there any other information?”
“There is one thing I have to tell you, Marcus. It turns out that someone informed the palace about your attack on Ivan in the Amerotha Forest. That’s why Graham and the others came there, even though their arrival was delayed.”
Marcus’ eyes widened. His reaction made Connor tense. He asked, “What is it, Marcus?”
Marcus looked at Connor for a moment. “It turns out that someone has leaked information about our attack on Ivan, Alpha,” he said before confirming the fact. “Do you know who it is?”
“Yes, Marcus. I know who it is. It’s Rowena. The witch respected by the Frostholm Pack. Rumor has it that she lives in the Amerotha Forest, but no one knows exactly where.”
Marcus fell silent. The conversation paused for a moment. Then he relayed the information to Connor.
“Rowena?” Connor frowned and tried to remember. “That name sounds familiar.”
Marcus nodded and looked at Connor. “Yes, Alpha. She seems to be the woman who met Ivan that night in the Amerotha Forest.”
Connor stared for a moment and then nodded several times. “You’re right. She is Rowena. Ivan mentioned her name,” he said with conviction. Then something seemed to spark in his mind, changing his expression to one of curiosity. “It seems that Ivan and Rowena had an unusual relationship. Do you think so, Marcus?”
“It seems so, Alpha, and if I remember correctly, Rowena exhibited unusual behavior that night.”
Connor asked, “What do you mean?”
Marcus paused for a moment, as if reassuring himself that his memory was correct. “I think Rowena is pregnant.”
The possibility immediately made Marcus think. He couldn’t risk something bad happening in the future, especially since Connor was obviously worried about the same thing.
“A marriage between a werewolf and a witch has never been a good thing.” Connor’s face hardened and his jaw clenched. He didn’t hesitate to give Marcus an important task. “Make sure this child is not born. I don’t want to face a hybrid who might seek revenge for his father’s death. He could be a hindrance to our plans.”
Marcus understood. Then he went back to the phone. “You must find out about Rowena’s pregnancy. Make sure this child is not born. Do you understand?”
“Of course. I’ll do my best.”
Connor’s anticipation didn’t stop there. The discussion about Rowena’s pregnancy triggered another important thought.
“Marcus,” Connor called as he raised his hand and pointed at Marcus to emphasize his next command. “Tell her to make sure our spy line in the Frostholm Pack continues.”
“Understood, Alpha,” Marcus nodded and quickly relayed the order to the spy. Then he made sure the order was clearly understood. “Do you understand, Mariah?”
“Of course. I understand, and soon I’ll see to it that I’m mated with one of the Omegas in the palace. Don’t worry, and give my regards to Alpha Kendrick.”
The call ended. Marcus and Connor could breathe a little easier, knowing that they had plenty of time to start acting.
Meanwhile, elsewhere, at the Frostholm Pack Palace, Mariah had just put Usher to sleep. She left Usher’s room, walked down the long corridor, and greeted an Omega who had just finished checking the palace’s food supply.
“Hey, Weldon.”
Weldon Burton stopped. He looked at Mariah and greeted her with a smile. “Are you free tonight?”
*