Chapter 19

Zane’s POV

I linked with Tyler’s mind, confirming their position. Tyler and Vivian were on the sidelines, their eyes following the warriors as they struggled with heavy logs, lifting them high over their heads before sprinting through a grueling obstacle course.

If anyone dropped the log or tripped, they had to do pushups—more punishment than training, really.

I scanned the area, wondering where Tristan had gone. It didn’t take long to spot him, standing with the warriors, blending in like he belonged there.

“That was fast,” Tyler’s voice cut through my thoughts as I joined them.

“Shut up,” I growled, irritation bubbling. “What's the situation here?”

Tyler waved a hand toward the warriors. “A couple of generals overseeing the training. They’ll finish in ten minutes, then we can meet with them before the next round starts.”

I nodded, satisfied, and shoved my phone into Tyler’s hand. “Here. Don’t let it make a sound.”

Tyler connected my phone to his Bluetooth device, and Vivian sidled up next to him. Her sharp werewolf hearing kicked in, and she smirked as the sounds filled the air.

It didn’t take long before Lydia’s voice filled the space—her words as crude as they were explicit, describing what she wanted me to do to her.

Vivian shot Tyler a sharp look and pinched his arm.

“Hey!” Tyler protested, face flushed. “I was just listening to the material Alpha gave me!”

Vivian rolled her eyes but sent a message through the mind link. 'And getting turned on.'

I faked a gag. “Please, keep your mind link private. I don’t need to hear this.”

Tyler grimaced. “You made me watch a naked woman begging for it on your phone. What’s the difference if I hear how my girl gets me going?”

Vivian laughed, her smile bright as ever. "You’re always like this, aren’t you?" She responded in the link, 'And I’m the one making him lose control.'

“Enough!” I growled through the link. “Both of you, focus. Let's stick to the mission.”

Tyler raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. “So, what’s the real deal, Zane? You had a perfect shot to take Lydia up on her offer, but you didn’t?”

I swallowed hard. What the hell was I supposed to say? It wasn’t about her. It wasn’t about the temptation. There was something wrong, something I couldn’t shake.

“I don’t want to talk about it,” I said flatly, rubbing my temple. "Let’s keep our focus on Lydia. We need proof that she’s been messing around with someone else. Otherwise, she’ll spin this into some twisted version of 'just for me'."

Tyler and Vivian exchanged a glance, both nodding in understanding.

Tyler spoke up again, “What’s our progress? Anything?”

I sighed, frustration seeping into my voice. “You’re telling me we’ve got nothing?”

Tyler hesitated, then shook his head. “Lydia’s careful. There’s talk that she’s getting too close to several guys, but no solid evidence. No photos, no videos.”

I exhaled sharply. “Find those guys. Someone has to have something on her.”

“I’m on it,” Tyler replied, but I could hear the doubt in his voice. “It’ll take some time.”

Vivian took her turn. “The staff's been gossiping, but it’s mostly small stuff. Alpha Gregory and Luna keep things tight. No scandals. No dirt we can use.”

I furrowed my brow. Something didn’t add up. “What about the punishments? What’s Lydia’s role in all of this?”

Vivian frowned. “She’s not really involved in the punishments. They just do a few drills in the training yard. Sore muscles, nothing more.”

I shook my head. “I saw a girl last night. She was bruised, a purple handprint on her neck. I’m convinced Lydia did that.”

“Then we need to talk to her,” Vivian said, determination in her voice.

But Tyler wasn’t buying it. “That girl’s probably hidden by now. If we try to find her, we risk drawing attention to ourselves. And even if we do find her, she won’t talk. Not if she’s scared of getting punished again.”

Vivian pursed her lips. “We can offer her a way out. We’ve got plenty of space in our pack. One more isn’t going to hurt.”

I didn’t want to admit it, but Vivian was right. This was our best shot. “Let me talk to her,” I said. “But I don’t know where she is.”

“Noted,” Vivian said, glancing at Tyler. “Maybe we should try finding someone who knows.”

Before we could decide, Tyler spoke up again. “You’re the one who scared her off, Zane.”

I shot him a look. “Shut it.”

Vivian giggled softly. “Is this version of Zane worse than the usual grumpy Zane?” she teased, her voice light. “Are you really letting Lydia get under your skin?”

I rubbed my face, the irritation mounting. “I’ve had enough of this. I want to finish it and move on. Let’s wrap this up.”

Standing, I gave them one last look before walking away.

“Where are you going?” Tyler called after me.

“We’re meeting the generals in ten minutes,” I replied, not turning back. “I’ll be back by then.”

“Is he always like this?” Vivian asked Tyler as soon as she thought I couldn’t hear them.

“Who knows?” Tyler shrugged.

They were both right to be concerned. Something was gnawing at me, something I couldn’t shake. Lydia was just a part of the bigger picture, and the more I dug, the more I realized it wasn’t just about her. It was something much deeper.