Caleb’s POV
The morning sun filtered through the blinds, casting long shadows across the room as I leaned back in my chair, fingers drumming lightly on the table.
My mind raced with everything that had transpired the night before, but one detail lingered like a dark cloud: the marks on Camila’s neck. The deep bruises, the way her eyes darted around, filled with something close to fear.
If she thought she could hide it from me, she was wrong. I pulled myself together and headed to Rolan’s place. We had things to discuss, things that couldn’t wait.
The walk there gave me time to clear my thoughts, to organize what I needed to say. I’d been a step ahead of everyone for too long to let my guard slip now.
When I arrived, Rolan was already waiting, pacing around his study like a predator in a cage. He always had that controlled energy about him, like he could explode at any second if provoked. As I entered, he paused, eyes sharp and focused.
“You look troubled,” he said, his tone casual but his gaze told me he was reading every expression I had.
“I am,” I replied, sitting across from him. “It’s Camila. Something’s off.”
Rolan raised an eyebrow, gesturing for me to continue. I told him about last night, the meeting, the deserted place, and the strangulation marks on her neck. His reaction was immediate.
“Strangulation marks?” he asked, leaning forward slightly. “Are you sure they weren’t… you know, from you two having some rough fun?”
I shook my head. “No. These were different. Deep, purple-red. Not something that happens by accident or in the heat of passion. He did it with intent. Either to hurt her or kill her.”
Rolan stood up, pacing again. “That means she’s been compromised. She’s either playing both sides or Griffin’s onto her.” His voice was calm, but I could hear the edge in it. The stakes were higher now.
“I don’t think she’s betraying us,” I said, though part of me couldn’t shake the nagging doubt. “But she’s scared. And if she’s scared, Griffin might already know more than we think.”
Rolan turned to me, arms crossed. “So, you’re saying he could know we’ve been watching him? Do you think Griffin suspects you?”
I nodded. “I wouldn’t put anything past him. He’s smart, and calculated. And if he’s aware that we’ve got eyes on him, it’s only a matter of time before he makes his move.”
Rolan was silent for a moment, weighing the information. “Then we need to act fast. Send extra security to Wilson’s house. If Griffin’s planning anything, that’s where he’ll strike first. And make sure your own home is secure. Ashley can’t get caught up in this.”
I gave him a firm nod. “I’ve already put people in place. But there’s something else.” I hesitated, but I had to tell him. “I think Griffin’s going to make his move during the full moon celebrations. It’s the perfect time, with everyone distracted.”
Rolan didn’t seem surprised. “That would be his style, public and violent. But don’t worry about me. I can handle myself. I don’t want anyone else getting hurt because of Griffin’s ambitions.”
His words struck me, but there was something else I needed to bring up. Something that had been gnawing at me since the rumors began circulating.
“I’ve also started investigating something else, about Griffin being your half-brother.”
Rolan’s eyes narrowed. “We did a DNA test. It came back clean. What are you saying?”
“I’m saying that the woman you thought was his mother, she exists, but she’s not dead. And she never had a son. She took care of a boy she found on the streets, starving. But that boy wasn’t hers.”
Rolan went still, his expression unreadable. “So you’re suggesting that Griffin isn’t who he says he is?”
“I’m suggesting we rerun the tests, secretly this time. No one can know, not Griffin, not anyone in the pack. If he’s not your brother, then he’s been playing us from the start. And if he is… well, we need to know for sure.”
Rolan stayed silent for a long moment, his mind working through the implications. Finally, he spoke, his voice low but decisive. “Do it. Rerun the tests. But don’t let anyone around here handle it. I want it done far away from the pack, under the radar.”
“I’ll get right to it,” I said, standing up. “We’ll have the results as soon as possible.”
Rolan gave me a sharp nod, and I turned to leave. But as I walked out of his study, I couldn’t shake the feeling that everything was unraveling faster than we could control.
Griffin was out there, pulling strings, making moves that we couldn’t yet see. And if we didn’t get ahead of him soon, the entire pack would be at risk.
The drive home felt longer than usual, each mile filled with thoughts of what was to come. The full moon celebration was tonight, and if I was right, Griffin would strike. I had no doubt he was planning something big, something bold. But I wasn’t about to let him blindside us.
As soon as I got home, I checked the security I’d put in place. Every guard, every camera, every possible breach had been covered. Ashley was safe, for now. The tension in the air was thick, I could feel the storm coming.
I pulled out my phone and made a call to a contact I trusted outside the pack. If I was going to get those DNA results without Griffin knowing, I needed someone far removed from our world to handle it.
After a brief conversation, the arrangements were set. The tests would be rerun, and I’d have the truth about Griffin soon enough.
Truth or no truth, it wouldn’t stop what was coming tonight. As I sat in the quiet of my living room, I could almost hear the gears turning in Griffin’s head. He was playing a game, and he was playing to win.
But so was I.
The moon was already starting to rise, casting its eerie light over the pack. Tonight would be the test, the test of loyalty, the test of power, and the test of survival. And when it was over, we’d see who was left standing.