Chapter 42: The Alpha’s Ultimatum Lucas POV

The Alpha's call felt like a stone pressing down on my chest. Every muscle in my body clenched, but I kept a neutral expression as the guards led me out of the prison, their footsteps resounding menacingly. I couldn't afford to make a mistake. Not right now. Not with Lia—Anna—relying on me.

When we reached the council chamber, the Alpha was sitting at the head of the room, and the big oak doors creaked open. His penetrating amber eyes gleamed with an unnerving intensity as the flickering firelight formed long shadows.

"Caleb," he stated in a soft yet commanding voice. "Enter now."

I forced myself to take steady steps as I moved forward. "Alpha," I said, keeping a polite but forceful tone.

He pointed to a chair on the other side. "Take a seat."

After a short moment of hesitation, I complied and lowered myself onto the chair. The presence of the soldiers at the door acted as a silent reminder of the danger.

With his arms resting on the table and his fingers steepled, the Alpha leaned forward. "Caleb, you've put me in a challenging situation. My Beta has voiced worries regarding your sister and you. Your arrival coincides with... unsettling situations, and your stories don't line up."

I looked him in the eye evenly. "Respectfully, my sister, I, and the Alpha are just trying to make it through. If our tales don't match exactly, it's because we've experienced terrible things. We have no plan of causing trouble."

A faint smirk that didn't stretch to the Alpha's eyes flickered across his lips. "A convincing answer. However, it isn't convincing enough."

He got up and walked carefully around the table, taking his time. "Caleb, I've been in charge of this pack for years. I have observed deceit in all of its manifestations—lone wolves, spies, traitors. You and your sister don't seem like normal vagrants. I will learn the truth about your narrative, because there is more to it."

Despite my racing heart, I kept a neutral expression. "With all due respect, Alpha, I have shared all of my knowledge with you. Everything has been lost, including our family and pack. Our only goal is to live."

His voice dropped off to almost a whisper as he paused behind my chair. "Desperation is often bred by surviving. Lies are the result of despair. Tell me what you're hiding, Caleb."

I forced myself to keep my cool and tightened my hands beneath the table. "Nothing. I promise."

The Alpha laughed softly and without humor. "I'll give you that you're loyal. However, friendship can have two sides."

His eyes locked on mine as he made his way back to his seat. "Perhaps you need some motivation to tell the truth."

His tone got colder as he leaned forward, and I tensed. "I will tell every pack in the area that I have two rogue wolves in my hands if you refuse to cooperate. I'll go into great depth about you, including your looks and purported skills. Let them make the final decision about you."

My face drained of color. We would die, or worse, if we were exposed to the other packs. Anna would be followed mercilessly if anyone—no, if Oliver—found out who she really was.

The Alpha kept a careful eye on me, clearly pleased with the response he had elicited. "Caleb, think carefully. Is it worth it for you to stay silent?"

Despite the chaos erupting inside of me, I pushed myself to look him in the eye and speak calmly. "There is nothing we are hiding. However, I can't stop you if you feel compelled to spread the news."

His eyes narrowed, and I briefly feared that he would hit me. Instead, a slow, calculated grin grew across his lips as he sat back in his chair. "Excellent. Go back to your cell. Maybe after some introspection, you'll rethink."

As they led me out, the guards moved forward, holding onto my arms. Refusing to show the Alpha how much his threat had shaken me, I kept my composure.

The return trip to the basement seemed to go on forever. With every step I took, the weight of the Alpha's words seemed to grow as the chilly stone walls closed in around me. I was gasping for air by the time the cell door clanged shut behind me.

When I walked in, Anna—Lia—was pacing the tiny room, her eyes darting to mine. Her voice was harsh with worry as she screamed, "What happened?"

I ran a hand through my hair as I rested against the wall. "He is dubious. He is aware of our lies."

Her face went white. "What did he say?"

I was hesitant since I didn't want to scare her any more, but there was no use in lying. "He promised to tell the other packs. Explain who we are. Make running impossible for us."

Her face flashed with fear as her eyes widened. "If they discover who I am, Lucas... if Oliver is aware of my location—"

"They won't," I cut in, my tone serious. "We will not allow it to progress that far."

Her breathing was shallow as she gazed at me. "How do you know for sure?"

I dropped my voice and took a step closer. "Because I refuse to allow you to suffer any hurt. I'll figure something out to get us out of here. I promise."

Her hands shaking, she shook her head. "You're not getting it. It's over if they inform the other packs—if they find who I am. For us both."

I extended my arm and took a strong but gentle hold on her shoulders. "Listen to me, Anna. We have experienced worse. We'll beat it. Together."

Doubt and fear fought in her eyes as they searched mine. She nodded at last, although her body continued to tense.

I stepped back and let her go. "We'll keep to the story for the time being. We don't break under any situation. Do you agree?"

She tightened her jaw and nodded once more. "I agree."

Between us, silence fell, oppressive and thick. The chill of the dungeon crept into my bones, but I decided to ignore it and concentrate on the work at hand. We had to outmaneuver the Alpha now that he had made his move.

I felt a gloomy resolve descend upon me as I sat against the wall and watched Anna's pace. The Alpha may have thought he was in control, but he misjudged us. He misread her.

And that would be the end of him.