Alpha's Regret, Queen's Revenge

SHADOWS IN THE DARK

MARISSA

With its light barely powerful enough to cut through the darkness, the lone candle on the wooden table created lengthy shadows in the deserted cabin. My fingers drummed frantically against the rough wood as I leaned back in my chair. Around me, the outlaws stirred uneasily, shifting in their chairs and flitting their gaze at each other. It was a risk. However, I was prepared to accept one. For me, things aren't looking good. I yelled, "Enough," my voice cutting like a lash through the hum. "To hear your doubts, I didn't bring you out here to hear your excuses. You're either in or you're out. Garret, a large outlaw, hissed and flashed his yellowed teeth. " Marissa, it's not fear. It's delicate. Hailey isn't some she-wolf. We don't understand the powers she possesses. Moreover, she is currently expecting the Alpha King's pups. Do you have any clue how hot this might get for us? I yelled back, "She's weak," in a firm, icy tone. "Pregnancy weakens even the most resilient wolves. We can kill her before she gains invincibility if we attack now." Can you imagine how terrible it will be once she realises her full potential? Uncertain looks were exchanged amongst the rogues. Although I was annoyed by their hesitation, I couldn't afford to lose them. Not yet. "Consider what I'm offering," I said, continuing to soften my voice. "A world where we are no longer forced to live in the shadows. In a world where the Alpha King has no control over any of us.

AN UNLIKELY ALLY

Hours later, I slipped out of the cabin and into the forest, the night air cold against my skin, the moon high in the sky, casting its pale glow over the trees, pacing quickly and silently as I made my way to the empty clearing where Lucy was waiting. "I can help you make sure he and his precious Luna are nothing but a memory. I tell her, and she responds. If you help me take her out, I'll make sure that you all have a place at the table of the new rule." There was a pause, followed by Garret's hesitant, slow nod. One by one, the others followed him. "Good," I replied, opening my mouth into a hungry grin.

Her eyes were wild, her normally composed demeanour shattered by frustration and rage. Lucy blurted out, "She didn't die," as soon as I got close. "Marissa, Hailey did not die. She survived even after I poisoned her. How is that even possible? I responded, "She's harder to kill than we anticipated," but the words stung my mouth. "But that does not make her invincible." Lucy balled her fists at her sides and walked back and forth. "The plan did not include this. She ought to be dead. Ryan ought to be in mourning. They're partying instead! Celebrating a good time! I stopped her by putting a hand on her shoulder. "We improvise," I said sternly. "We change the strategy to ensure she doesn't make it through the subsequent assault. Together, we can murder her forever. Lucy's gaze sparkled maliciously. "What do you suggest?" I took a step forward, whispering. "The ship contains the rogues. They'll help us prepare an ambush. But we have to make sure it's final. No more mistakes. Before Lucy could respond, I turned around and saw Thomas come out of the shadows, his amused black eyes glimmering. "Thomas," hesitated Lucy. "What are you doing here?" "Following up on my investment," he smiled comfortably in response. "Imagine my surprise when I learn that the two of you are plotting in the middle of the woods." I snarled. "This does not concern you," Thomas said. "Oh, but it does," in a now-icy tone. "You're squandering money on trivial plans when there's a much larger reward to be obtained. What are you saying?" Lucy enquired in a cautious tone. With his intimidating presence, Thomas took a step closer. "Hailey diverts your attention too often. Ryan is the danger. Attacking the Luna is not the first step towards altering the supernatural world's hierarchy. You begin by removing the Alpha's head. Tension grew in the air between us. "What are you saying?" My eyes narrowed as I asked. Thomas gave me a chilly smile. "I'm telling you that right now, Ryan comes first. And you two will assist me in defeating him." "And why would we do that?" Lucy crossed her arms and enquired. "Because", Thomas said in a low, menacing voice, "I'm no longer your friend." I am now your king. The cursed words lingered there. "What?" I breathed, my thoughts reeling. With a smug smile on his lips, Thomas c****d his head. "The bandits have sworn allegiance to me. Now I am the Rogue King, their king. And you'll follow my instructions if you wish to survive."

Lucy and I stared in horrified silence as the trees themselves seemed to hold their breath. I snapped, "You can't be serious." "Oh, I am dead serious," Thomas acknowledged. "The secret is Ryan. Hailey will be at the most vulnerable point when the pack devolves into chaos without him. Only then will we be able to defeat her?

Lucy's mouth fell open. But there was no sound. For the first time, she was truly trembling. "And if we don't?" Trying to speak steadily, I asked. Thomas grinned broadly. "Then I'll make certain that both of you are joining Ryan in the grave." The danger was as clear-cut as it was terrifying. "Plan?" Lucy reluctantly asked, barely raising her voice above a breath. Thomas began to whirl away, spinning on his heel and flapping his cloak behind him. Throw it back over his shoulder. "Be here at dawn," he said. Additionally, avoid being late. The game is only getting started. The decision's weight was pressing down on me like a tangible force as Thomas vanished into the night. Lucy's face was white as she stood rigidly by my side, her eyes bulging. Whispering, "We're in too deep," she said. I said, "We don't have a choice," but my voice faltered. "If we don't do this, he'll kill us." Lucy slowly shook her head, but her gaze remained focused on the spot where Thomas had vanished. "He's your mate; you must know him best. Can't you talk some sense into him?" She asked, "What if he's lying?" "What if he's not?" I answered. Lucy has to deal with this awful reality; I feel sorry for her because all she needs is Ryan's love and care, but I understand. Thomas cheats and has affairs without hesitation despite everything I've done to keep him around, and now that he's so domineering, it would be wiser not to cross him. He's trying to get Hailey back, but he doesn't understand; if I don't understand him, she won't either. Once again, the woods encircled us, the shadows more dense and confining than before. And I kept thinking the same thing as we got closer to the pack: the battle was only getting started.