An Unexpected Turn.

Dante’s POV

"It's been a while since we took over Moonclaw Pack, and I think it's time to claim another on the list." I said, leaning back in the leather chair of my private study, with ancient maps sprawled on the oak desk, as Gideon and I plotted the reclamation of what was rightfully mine, pack by pack, until the eight Packs my father had lost were under my claw once more.

Gideon stood across from me, his lean frame silhouetted against the narrow window overlooking the misty forest, his sandy hair tousled as if he'd just come from training the warriors.

He nodded, tracing a finger along the sketch of our target, Silverridge Pack that was nestled in the northern hills.  "Although we've rebuilt our forces, we can't afford another bloodbath like what happened when we were taking over Moonclaw."

I grunted, memories of that chaotic night flashing across my mind. 

“We need their map.” I hissed. “ We need detailed layouts of patrols, hidden entrances, and the Alpha's quarters. I've got a contact in the rogue underground, a smuggler who owes me a favor. He'll infiltrate as a trader, lift the map from their archives during the next market fair."

Gideon's brown eyes narrowed thoughtfully, leaning on the desk. "If we time it right, we should strike two weeks after the full moon for our advantage. We will flank from the east, where the river weakens their…”

A knock interrupted us, the wooden door creaking open before I could bark a response and Silas entered, his red eyes glowing faintly in the dim light, and his black uniform was streaked with dirt from the borders.

"Alpha Dante.” He rumbled, his voice like grinding stones. "I have been interrogating the woman I found at the border since she woke up, but she insists that she's not a spy.”

I felt a surge of irritation, my wolf Kairo stirring restlessly within me. "Apply more pressure, Silas and break her if you have to."

Silas nodded curtly, his massive fists clenching. "Understood, Alpha." He turned and lumbered out, the door thudding shut behind him.

Gideon crossed his arms, a skeptical frown creasing his face. "Maybe she's not a spy, Dante. Could be a genuine rogue, fleeing something. Not every stray is a threat."

I shot him a glare, leaning forward. 

“Have you already forgotten that just recently, a woman was found injured at our border so the guards rescued her without my consent, and let it slide. But in two months, I uncovered that she was a spy, sent by rivals to map our weaknesses. And now?”

Gideon's expression softened, but he held his ground. "Fair point. So let's forget about that for now and go back to how we can ensure that the smuggler gets out with the map undetected?"

I opened my mouth to respond, diving back into the strategy, my mind calculating routes and contingencies. But before I could elaborate further, less than an hour later, there was another knock and it was Silas again, his red eyes wary as he stepped in.

"Alpha, she's still holding out." He reported, his deep voice filled with frustration. 

My patience snapped, Kairo snarling inwardly, 

urging dominance. "Torture her if that's what it takes, Silas. Break her bones, and draw her blood if you must, just do whatever brings the truth. I won't have another infiltrator poisoning my pack."

But Gideon stepped forward, his hand raised in caution. "Hold on, Dante. There's no way a spy would try to infiltrate Moonclaw using the very same method as the one we just wiped out when word of that execution spread like wildfire so any half-decent operative would know better."

I paused, his logic piercing my rage because Gideon had always been the voice of reason still I didn't see any harm in torturing her.

“Maybe the both of us should go and interrogate her.” Gideon suggested, his words dragged me back to reality. “If our auras and presence don't scare the truth out of her, nothing will.”

 "Fine." I growled, standing abruptly, my chair scraping against the stone floor.

Gideon nodded, falling in step as we strode through the dimly lit corridors of the Packhouse, down winding stairs to the underground cells. Guards saluted as we passed, their eyes averted from my glowing blue gaze. Kairo paced within me, eager for confrontation, his instincts sharpening my senses. 

When we reached the cell block, Silas unlocked the heavy door, and we stepped into the cramped space, and there she was, chained to the wall. The moment our eyes met, a lightning bolt struck my core, the mate bond igniting like wildfire, searing through every vein, and every nerve as an overwhelming pull surged toward her. 

Kairo howled triumphantly inside me, urging me to rush forward, to wrap her in my arms and shield her. 

The Goddess knew about everything I had endured, and everything I had lost after my father’s ruinous choice to bind himself to another woman once my mother was gone and yet she decided to force a bond upon me.

“Tch!” I scoffed aloud and something inside me went cold as I turned to Silas and said. “Have her executed.”