The Alpha's Secret

Chapter 6

The council chamber was lit, with a heavy wooden table positioned at the center of the room. The elders sat round it, their faces looking aged and with authority. Selena stood at the head of the table, her arms crossed round her as her father addressed the group.

Gregory’s voice was strong, but there was an undertone of tension. “The recent rogue activity has called for concern, but we must remain united. Our patrols are strong, and our borders are secure.”

Elder Ruth, a stern woman with piercing blue eyes, leaned forward. “With all due respect, Alpha, the pack needs more than patrols. We need leadership that inspires confidence. The pack is worried, and rumors are spreading.”

Selena’s jaw tightened, but she kept her voice steady. “The pack is loyal. They trust in our strength and strategy.”

Elder Marcus, the oldest of the group, sighed. “Loyalty is fragile, Selena. Especially when fear takes hold. Perhaps the council should consider stepping in more directly.”

Gregory’s gaze changed. “You mean undermining my authority?”

Ruth responded coolly, “We mean ensuring the survival of the pack.”

They don’t trust me. They’re already looking for excuses to question my ability to lead.

The discussion continued, growing more heat. Selena felt the weight of every skeptical glance and veiled comment. Her father’s defense of her was unwavering, but it was clear the council was testing their patience.

After the meeting, Selena stormed out of the chamber, her anger simmering beneath the surface. Caleb, the beta, followed her into the hallway, his usual easygoing demeanor replaced by concern.

“Selena,” Caleb called, his voice low, “you need to tread carefully with them.”

Selena turned to face him, her eyes blazing. “They’re questioning everything— my leadership, my loyalty to this pack. How can I tread carefully when they’re undermining me at every turn?”

Caleb sighed. “They’re not your enemies, but they’re not your allies either. Ruth, especially. She’s been angling for more control for years. Don’t give her a reason to turn the pack against you.”

Ruth’s always been critical, but could she be working against us? Or is this just another power play?

“I won’t let them push me aside,” Selena said firmly. “This is my pack, and I’ll prove to them that I’m ready.”

Caleb nodded, but his expression was wary. “Then be careful who you trust.”

Selena went to the training yard, wanting to clear her mind. The sharp clanging of weapons and the thuding of fists against training dummies filled the air. She sparred with Brynn, her movements sharp and focused, but her thoughts were elsewhere.

After the session, Brynn approached her hesitantly.

“Selena,” he said, glancing around to make sure no one was listening, “I heard something strange on patrol last night.”

Selena frowned. “What do you mean?”

Brynn lowered his voice. “We found tracks near the eastern border— human tracks, not wolves. And there was a scent... familiar, but I couldn’t place it.”

Human tracks? That doesn’t make sense. Rogues wouldn’t move on foot like that unless they had a reason to.

“Why didn’t you report this to the council?” Selena asked sharply.

Brynn hesitated. “I didn’t want to cause a stir without proof. But I thought you should know.”

Selena’s mind raced as she considered the implications. Someone in the pack could be aiding the rogues— or worse, working directly with them.

As the sun rested below the horizon, Selena returned to her quarters, only to find Darian resting against the doorframe, his usual smirk in place.

“You have a bad habit of showing up uninvited,” Selena said, brushing past him.

Darian followed her inside, his tone light but his words pointed. “And you have a bad habit of ignoring warnings. Found anything interesting lately?”

Selena turned to face him, her expression guarded. “What do you want, Darian?”

Darian shrugged. “Just making sure you’re not biting more than you can chew. Those rogues aren’t playing games, and neither is whoever is helping them.”

How does he know so much? And why does he keep pushing me toward answers without giving any himself?

“If you know something, spit it out,” Selena demanded.

Darian’s smirk ended, and his voice took on a serious edge. “Be careful who you trust, Selena. Not all wolves are loyal, even in your own pack.”

Before Selena could respond, Darian turned and left, leaving her alone with his cryptic warning echoing in her ears.

Late that night, Selena retired to her father’s office to check the patrol reports. The room was quiet, the flickering candlelight casts a shadow on the stacks of papers. As she look through the documents, a small piece of paper fell from one of the reports.

It was a hastily written note: “The eastern border isn’t safe. Trust no one.”

Selena’s heart raced as she read the words. The handwriting matched the map and previous notes.

Someone’s watching. Someone knows more than they’re saying. But why send warnings instead of stepping forward?

Determined to get answers, Selena decided to visit the eastern border herself at first light.

As Selena prepared to leave her father’s office, a faint noise behind her made her freeze. She turned around, but the room was empty. The shadows seemed to move quickly, and a chilled sensation settled over her— someone had been watching her.