Chapter 62: The Traitor Among Us
Melissa’s POV
The camp was calm, but my mind wasn’t. The warning from the mystery figure echoed in my mind, keeping me restless. One of our traitors? The very concept made my stomach churn.
Kane’s voice brought me out of my thoughts. “Melissa, we need a plan.”
I nodded, turning to face him. His countenance was as hard as stone, yet I could see the spark of fear in his eyes.
“We can’t let anyone else know about this,” I stated firmly. “If the pack finds out, it’ll cause chaos. No one will trust each other.”
Kane’s jaw tightened as he folded his arms. After that, it’s just us. We conduct a covert investigation to identify the culprit before they have a chance to cause more harm.
Even though the work was weighing heavy on my shoulders, I said, “Agreed.” However, we must exercise caution. Whoever it is has already shown themselves to be dangerous.
I couldn’t help but notice how the shadows were encroaching on us as we stood in the campfire’s flickering glow. Anyone could be the traitor-someone I trusted, someone I battled with.
Kane and I began our inquiry the following day. Under the pretence of routine checks, we subtly interrogated pack members. It was like treading on thin ice with every talk.
“Remember anything odd that happened last night? I questioned one of the older wolves, Maria.
Her brow furrowed, she shook her head. Nothing out of the ordinary. After the incident, everyone was on edge, but that’s to be expected.
Kane added in a lighthearted yet inquisitive manner. “How about the recent arrivals? Were any of them suspect in any way?”
After a moment of hesitation, Maria responded, “No more than usual.” Given what they have experienced, it is not surprising that they are all cautious.
“This isn’t getting us anywhere,” I groaned as she left, irritation rising within me.
Kane’s hand was firmly but reassuringly put on my shoulder. Melissa, we’ll track them down. All we have to do is keep digging.
We had a meeting with the pack leaders later that night. The tension in the room was evident even if we didn’t reveal our suspicions.
One of the senior alphas, Gregor, stated, “I have been going over our defences.” Patrols must be tightened, particularly at night. Too many weaknesses were revealed by one attack.
“Agreed,” I answered, maintaining a steady tone. However, we must exercise caution as well. We must remain vigilant because the enemy is cunning.
I couldn’t get rid of the impression that someone in the room was concealing something as the discussion went on. I looked from face to face, looking for any sign of dishonesty.
I drew Kane aside as the conference came to an end. “What are your thoughts? My voice was low as I asked.
He scowled. Regarding the patrols, Gregor was extremely defensive. It might not be anything, but it’s worth investigating.
I gave a nod. “We’ll watch him closely. However, we cannot yet rule out anyone else.
I put my plan into action that evening. The traitor would eventually make a mistake if they were among us. All I had to do was give them a chance.
I assembled a few trusted wolves and gave them the rundown on the strategy. I said, “We’ll set up a phoney mission.” Make it appear as though we have discovered a crucial piece of information. The traitor will attempt to act on it if they are observing.
With solemn expressions, the group nodded. As we got ready to implement the strategy, Kane drew me aside.
“Are you certain of this? His voice was troubled with worry as he asked.
“No,” I admitted. “But we don’t have much choice. If we don’t act now, they’ll strike again, and we’ll be caught off guard.”
He moaned, then squeezed my hand. “Just promise me you’ll be careful.”
“I will,” I answered, but my heart hammered in my chest.
We had no choice but to wait now that the trap had been set. I set my shop among the trees close to the camp’s perimeter. Every sound of the leaves rustling made me tense, and the atmosphere was heavy with anxiety.
Hours passed, and I began to wonder if the strategy had failed. Then I heard it, a slight rustle in the underbrush. My heart leapt into my throat as I fought to see through the darkness.
A shadowy figure emerged, heading briskly toward the decoy stockpile we’d put. I motioned to Kane and the others, and we moved in to surround them.
“Stop right there!” I shouted, stepping out of the shadows.
The figure froze, then turned to run. But before they could flee, Kane tackled them to the ground.
“For whom are you employed? With a deep growl, he commanded.
The figure thrashed furiously in his grasp without responding. They were able to escape in the confusion and threw a bottle of explosives at the ground. They were gone by the time the smoke cleared from the air.
“Fuck it! Kane growled and slammed his fist to the floor.
With shaking hands, I picked up a ripped piece of cloth they had left behind. It was clear that the content was from one of our own.
My mind racing, I looked over the evidence when we got back to camp. The truth was right in front of me, even though I didn’t want to believe it.
“It’s Gregor,” I said in a hollow voice.
Kane’s gaze expanded. “Are you certain?”
I held up the piece of cloth and nodded. His uniform is the source of this. The traitor is him.
I was struck with the realization. Gregor was someone I had counted on and trusted. He was working against us now.
One idea dominated my thoughts as I stood there, the weight of betrayal bearing down on me: If Gregor could betray us, then who else might?
The next move seemed obvious, but I was afraid of it. I had to face Gregor, and I didn’t know what I would discover.