The Alpha's Secret

Chapter 8

The forest blurred around them as Selena and Darian sprinted toward the pack grounds. Selena’s heart pounded in rhythm with her footsteps, the rogue encounter and the ominous howl merging into a single, overwhelming sense of urgency.

Darian, running beside her, growled, “This could be an ambush. You need to be prepared for anything.”

Selena didn’t glance at him, her focus sharp. “I’m always prepared.”

But what if I’m not? And the pack is already under attack, and I wasn’t there to protect them?

As they got closer to the edge of the forest, they saw the pack's territory. The gates were open, and a small crowd had gathered near the main square.

Selena and Darian slowed as they approached the square, their eyes scanning the crowd. Caleb stood at the center, his expression grim, while Brynn and two other patrol members flanked him, their clothes torn and faces bruised.

Selena strode forward, her voice commanding. “What happened?”

Caleb turned to her, his gaze flickering to Darian before focusing on her. “A rogue attack at the northern border. Small group, but they were organized—like they knew our patrol routes.”

Brynn, still catching his breath, added, “We barely fought them off. It was like they were testing us.”

Testing us… or sending a message?

Darian folded his arms, his tone cold. “Did they leave anything behind?”

Caleb hesitated before holding up a bloodstained piece of cloth. “This was tied to one of their arrows. It’s from our pack.”

The crowd murmured uneasily, and Selena felt a wave of anger rise in her chest.

“Someone’s feeding them information and resources,” she said, her voice cutting through the noise. “We have a traitor.”

Selena marched toward the council chamber, with Darian, Caleb, and Brynn close behind. The elders were already gathered, their expressions wary as Selena entered the room.

Elder Ruth raised an eyebrow. “Another attack? And you bring a rogue to discuss it?”

Selena ignored the jab. “This isn’t just another attack. The rogues have information about our patrols, and they’re using our resources. Someone in the pack is helping them.”

Elder Marcus frowned. “You’re accusing one of us?”

Darian’s voice was precise. “If the shoe fits.”

The tension in the room was different. Selena looked over the elders, noting their shifting expressions.

“This isn’t about accusations—it’s about protecting the pack. We need to conduct a thorough investigation and track down the traitor before they do more damage.”

Ruth’s gaze narrowed. “And who’s going to lead this investigation? You? You’re barely holding the pack together as it is.”

She’s testing me again. Always looking for a way to undermine me.

Selena met Ruth’s glare head-on. “Yes, me. This is my responsibility, and I won’t let the pack suffer because of a coward hiding among us.”

Later that evening, Selena and Darian examined the bloodstained cloth in her father’s office. The fabric was coarse, unlike the standard materials used in the pack’s gear, but it bore the unmistakable scent of one of their own.

Darian sniffed the cloth, his brow furrowing. “This scent… it’s familiar.”

Selena’s stomach tightened. “Who does it belong to?”

Darian hesitated. “It’s faint, but I’d bet my life it’s Brynn’s.”

Selena’s mind reeled. Brynn, who had been so loyal, who had just fought to protect the pack—could he really be the traitor?

“No. That doesn’t make sense. He’s been nothing but loyal.”

Darian’s tone was firm. “Loyalty can be bought, especially if someone’s desperate enough.”

Could Brynn really be working with the rogues? Or is this another layer of the trap they’re setting for us?

Selena found Brynn near the training yard, sharpening his sword. He looked up as she approached, his expression weary but calm.

“Selena,” he said, rising to his feet. “Did you find anything else?”

Selena held up the cloth. “We found this. It has your scent on it.”

Brynn’s eyes widened, and he took a step back.

“That’s impossible. I’ve never seen that before.”

Selena’s voice was steady but sharp. “Then explain why it smells like you.”

Brynn opened his mouth to respond, but Caleb appeared behind him, his face dark with suspicion.

“I’ve noticed you’ve been acting strange lately, Brynn. Always volunteering for patrols near the rogues’ territory, always the first to report back.”

Brynn’s expression shifted, his confusion giving way to anger.

“You think I’m the traitor? After everything I’ve done for this pack?”

Is he lying? Or is this exactly what the real traitor wants us to think?

The confrontation spilled into the open, drawing a crowd of pack members. Accusations flew, and tension mounted as Brynn continued to deny any involvement.

“We need proof before we can act on anything. But until we find the truth, no one is above suspicion.”

The crowd murmured in agreement, but the unease was different. Brynn’s reputation was tarnished, and the pack’s unity was beginning to break.

As the pack dispersed, Darian pulled Selena aside.

“Brynn might not be the traitor, but someone’s trying to frame him. And if they’re willing to do that, they won’t stop until the pack tears itself apart.”

Selena’s resolve hardened as she looked out over the pack grounds. The real traitor was still out there, and their game was far from over.