The Alpha's Secret

Chapter 4

The training yard filled with activity as pack members sparred and harness their skills. Selena watching from the sidelines, her arms crossed round, her mind still remembering the rogue's cryptic words. The sun shine so high in the sky, casting long shadows on the dusty ground.

Brynn, the younger wolf from the patrol, approached her hesitantly, his usual bravado absent.

“Alpha-to-be,” Brynn began, his voice uncertain, “about what that rogue said… do you think it means something? Something bigger?”

Selena tilted her head, her sharp eyes narrowing. “It could. But we can’t jump to conclusions without evidence. Rogues thrive on fear. Don’t let their words rattle you.”

Brynn shuffled his feet. “It’s just... they seemed organized, like they weren’t acting alone.”

Selena’s jaw tightened, but she kept her voice steady. “That’s exactly why we need to be vigilant. Tell no one else about this until we know more. Understood?”

Brynn nodded, retreating to join his sparring group. Selena’s gaze shifted across the yard, landing on Darian, who was leaning casually against a tree, his eyes fixed on her.

Why is he always watching me?

Selena strode across the yard, her steps purposeful as she approached Darian. His relaxed posture and faint smirk only fueled her irritation.

“You’ve been hanging around a lot for someone who claims to be a worker,” Selena said, crossing her arms. “Care to explain why you were near the southern patrol yesterday?”

Darian chuckled, his gray eyes glinting with amusement. “I didn’t realize the future alpha kept tabs on everyone in the pack. Impressive.”

“Don’t dodge the question,” Selena snapped.

Darian stepped closer, his expression softening into something unreadable. His voice lowered, forcing Selena to lean in slightly to catch his words.

“Maybe I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be,” he said. “Or maybe I know something you don’t.”

He’s playing games, but there’s something he’s not telling me. Why won’t he just answer me directly?

“If you know something, then say it,” Selena demanded. “Don’t waste my time with riddles.”

Darian’s smirk returned. “Trust me, Selena. You don’t want the answers I have.”

Before Selena could respond, Darian turned and walked away, leaving her standing in the middle of the yard, fuming but more curious than ever.

That evening, the main hall was packed with wolves, the air humming with tension. Gregory stood at the head of the room, addressing the pack about the increasing rogue activity. His voice was steady, but his sharp eyes scanned the room, daring anyone to challenge him.

Selena sat beside Caleb, the beta, who leaned in close to whisper.

“Your father’s good at commanding respect, but I can see the cracks forming. Some of the pack is starting to doubt his leadership.”

Selena stiffened. “The pack is loyal. They’ll stand by him.”

Caleb’s smile was sly. “Loyalty only goes so far when fear takes root. You’d do well to keep an eye on those closest to him.”

Gregory’s booming voice interrupted their conversation.

“We will strengthen patrols and prepare for the possibility of an attack,” Gregory declared. “No one is to go beyond our borders without my express permission.”

Selena’s gaze swept the room, noting the unease among the gathered wolves. Whispers rippled through the crowd as they dispersed, their anxiety palpable.

The pack is on edge, and Caleb’s words aren’t helping. But who would dare betray us?

Later that night, Selena walked alone through the forest, needing space to clear her thoughts. The moonlight bathed the path in silver, and the soft rustle of leaves filled the air.

She froze when she heard a voice—low, rough, and urgent.

“Selena.”

She turned to see Darian stepping out from the shadows, his usual smirk replaced by a serious expression.

“You shouldn’t be out here alone,” Darian said, his tone uncharacteristically grave.

Selena crossed her arms. “I can take care of myself. What are you doing out here?”

Darian hesitated, his gaze flicking toward the trees as if checking for unseen eyes. “Things are worse than you think. The rogues aren’t acting alone. Someone in your pack is feeding them information.”

Selena’s heart skipped a beat, but she masked her shock with a glare.

“That’s a serious accusation,” she said. “Do you have proof?”

Darian stepped closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. “Not yet. But I will. You need to be careful, Selena. Not everyone in your pack wants you to succeed.”

Who could it be? And why would Darian care about warning me?

“I don’t trust you,” Selena said bluntly. “For all I know, you could be the one working with them.”

Darian smirked, but there was no humor in it. “Fair enough. But remember this—I didn’t have to warn you.”

With that, he disappeared into the forest, leaving Selena with more questions than answers.

Selena returned to the pack grounds, her mind racing. Could Darian be telling the truth? And if he was, who among her packmates could betray them? As she entered her room, she found an envelope on her desk—inside was a crude map marking the southern border with the words: Be ready.