"The Elder Council," Jackson interrupted, his voice dropping to barely above a whisper. "At least one member may have been supporting Viktor and Thomas from the shadows."The implications were staggering. The Elder Council was the highest authority in the supernatural world, comprised of the oldest and most powerful beings from various species, including werewolves, vampires, fae, and others whose existence remained largely hidden from humans."That's... that's impossible," Maison breathed, shock evident in his voice. "The Elders are sworn to neutrality in pack matters."Jackson's expression remained grim. "Tell that to the rogue who's singing like a canary in the holding cells. He claims Thomas received ancient texts and magical artifacts and whispers of other high-ranking pack members who may have survived that night, that your family was killed. It appears your father may have had more than one traitor in his pack, just as we did.”I felt my blood run cold. "What do you mean? Who e
Council Meeting"Sorry to interrupt this touching moment," Jackson called, not sounding sorry at all, "but the Council of Alphas has arrived early. Father's looking for both of you."Maison growled in frustration, his forehead still pressed to mine. "Your timing is impeccable as always, brother."I couldn't help the small laugh that escaped me, though disappointment coursed through me as well. "We should go.""They can wait," Maison murmured, his eyes never leaving mine."No, they can't," Jackson insisted, his tone suddenly serious. "Viktor's rogues are regrouping. The Council needs to make decisions now."That got our attention. Maison pulled back, though his hand remained firmly clasped with mine. "How many?""Reports suggest at least thirty, possibly more. They're not accepting that their leader has been neutralised." Jackson's usual playfulness was entirely absent. "And there's something else. A rumour that Viktor had a contingency plan—some blood ritual involving Graystone land r
Maison moved to my side, his warm presence steadying me as the pendant's magic continued to flow through me. "What's happening to him?" he asked quietly."Justice," I replied, watching dispassionately as Viktor's transformations became more erratic. "The pendant is severing his false claim."Dean tried to edge toward the door, taking advantage of the distraction. Luna Mara intercepted him with deadly grace, her claws at his throat before he could take three steps."Where do you think you're going, traitor?" she asked sweetly, though her eyes promised violence.Viktor collapsed to the floor, his body finally settling into human form—but changed. The vitality and power that had made him so dangerous was gone, leaving him looking withered and decades older than his true age."What have you done to me?" he gasped, his voice barely more than a rasp.I approached him, the pendant's light dimming now that its work was complete. "The price of a false claim is steep, Viktor. You tried to steal
Beta Dean's gaze slid past Maison and locked onto me. "We were ambushed. Not just by Viktor's rogues—there were others. Wolves I didn't recognise."Luna Mara rushed to his side with a medical kit. "Sit down before you collapse."Dean ignored her, his good eye still fixed on me. "Jackson ordered me to report back. He and Mateo were holding the east exit when I left."Something about his story didn't feel right. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up, and I instinctively moved closer to Maison."How did you get past Viktor's forces?" Alpha Logan demanded, clearly sharing my suspicion. "The tunnels should have been compromised."Dean's lips curved into a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "I'm very good at what I do, Alpha."Before anyone could react, Dean lunged—not at me as I expected, but at Maison. The attack was so sudden, so unexpected from a trusted Beta, that Maison barely had time to block. They crashed into the tactical table, sending maps and markers flying."Traitor!" Luna
"I would have been vulnerable," I finished, feeling sick. "An orphaned she-wolf with a claim to Alpha bloodlines.""A prize," Maison said, his voice hardening. "And a way to legitimise his power grab."I stood up suddenly, anger replacing shock. "I'm not a prize. I'm not a pawn. And I'm done hiding."Uncle Mateo moved to block my path to the stairs. "Daisy—Marabelle—please. We need to be strategic about this.""Strategic?" I laughed bitterly. "I've spent ten years living a lie, jumping at shadows, all because some psychopath thinks he has a claim on me? While someone else died wearing my face?""Your parents gave their lives to keep you safe," Maison said quietly. "Don't dishonour that sacrifice with recklessness."Something in his tone made me pause. "Why do you suddenly care? You've clarified what you think of me since day one."A muscle twitched in his jaw. "My feelings about you are... complicated.""Complicated," I repeated flatly."We don't have time for this," Uncle Mateo inter
Daisy Louise Harmony Thompson POV (Name given as part of Witness Protection program)"Hi, welcome to Sneakz Burger Emporium. I'm Daisy. How can I help you today?" I spoke through the mic of the drive-through headset."Ah yeah, can I please have one of your Sneakz Classic Sizzle Steak Burgers?" A woman's voice came back through the headset's earpiece."Sure can. Which sauce would you like on your Sneakz Classic Steak Burger?" I replied."Ah, now that's tough, as I've never been here before. What would you recommend?" The woman spoke again."Although it does depend on your personal preferences, if it were for myself, I would most likely go for Uncle Mateo's Secret Sauce. However, this sauce has three versions: light and tangy, mild, and hot. Any of these can make the burger taste different. Since it's your first time here, I recommend you try the light and tangy." I reply.That's when a male voice chimes in through the mic, "What's the Volcanic Sauce like?"I had groaned internally, kno