We stayed up late into the night, piecing together what little information we had. By dawn, we'd established enhanced security protocols and arranged for additional protection for Betty. I'd also reached out to several allied packs, seeking information about the Council of Nine and any rumors of its resurgence.
What I carefully avoided discussing was Luca. The possibility of a temporary alliance with my former mate felt like a betrayal of everything I'd built since leaving his pack, yet the threat we faced might demand exactly that kind of compromise.
***
Three days passed in relative calm. The shareholders were temporarily pacified, our security upgrades seemed to be holding, and Betty remained safely ensconced in our home, with private tutors brought in until I was confident the threa
