Trust me, you’ll know

CHAPTER 8

Theo – POV

It’s not easy being king. Every decision I make carries the weight of the entire pack. One wrong call, and people get hurt—or worse. If it weren’t for Parker and the elders, I don’t think I’d have managed since my parents died. The loneliness still creeps in at night. I miss them… especially my mom’s warm smile and those bear-hug embraces. I used to dodge them, acting too grown-up, but now? I’d give anything for just one more.

Parker clears his throat and stands, grabbing the empty food tray.

“So… shall we make the call?” he asks, pushing the tray into the hallway for the staff to collect.

“You nervous?” I raise a brow. His twitchy fingers rubbing at his hips say it all.

“Not really,” he lies.

I take the white card from my desk and sit down. Parker drops into the seat across from me. Okay… maybe I’m a little nervous too. I dial the number, put it on speaker, and set the phone on the desk. We exchange a glance as it begins to ring.

On the third beep, a distorted, robotic voice answers:

“State your name and your business.”

“Uh… well, hello to you too,” Parker says, already half-laughing. “My name is Parker, and I have a contract for you.”

“It will cost one million upfront, and another upon completion.”

“You’re joking, right?” Parker barks a laugh.

“Goodbye, then.” The voice is cold. “I don’t have time to joke.”

“Wait,” I interrupt quickly, shooting Parker a glare. “Where and when do we wire the payment?”

There’s a pause—long enough to make me wonder if the line disconnected—then the voice returns.

“You’ll be informed. For now, access the site. You’ll be contacted.”

The line clicks dead.

“…What site?” I mutter.

“Let’s try inputting the phone number,” Parker suggests, curiosity lighting his face.

I open my laptop. To my surprise, the browser’s already open—with a link in the search bar I’ve never seen before. A chill prickles my spine.

I click it. Nothing happens. Just a blank screen.

Parker leans over my shoulder. “Sooo…”

“Let’s wait a minute. Think it through,” I say, though I’m just stalling. I have no idea what we’re dealing with.

Two excruciating minutes crawl by. I finally reach to close the lid—but just as my fingers touch the edge, the screen goes black. Lines of white code race across the display.

“Dude… are we being hacked?” Parker whispers.

Panic claws at my chest. “Is there any sensitive data on here?” I ask, scanning my brain for files, plans, anything dangerous.

Before he can answer, the screen goes black again—then reboots, like nothing happened.

I gape.

Parker bursts out laughing. “What the actual fuck was that? And what’s so funny, Theo? I wanna laugh too!”

I can’t help it—I laugh like a maniac. But then, just as I’m catching my breath, something slams into my mind like a wave. Pressure—foreign and sharp. Someone’s trying to mind link with me.

That’s impossible. I’m the Alpha King. No one gets in unless I let them.

“Hello, boys. Please act natural,” a female voice says directly into both our minds. “I had to take drastic measures. Your laptop is being monitored. And I’ve seen at least three hidden cameras through your webcam. You’re being watched.”

“Who are you, and how did you even link with us?” Parker demands. “Do you know who we are?”

“I’m Shadow. You contacted me, Parker. I also know why. And I never pass up a chance to add to my perfect record. So… tomorrow, during guard recruitment, make sure I’m selected. That way, I can investigate your killer… let’s say, a little more legally.”

“And how will I know which one is you?” Parker frowns, genuinely confused.

“Oh, Parker… trust me. You’ll know.”

Her voice fades into a melodic laugh. Then—silence.

Parker jumps up, throwing his arms in the air. “What a waste of time! We need another plan. I’ll prep the Ena for tomorrow’s recruitment. Link me if you need anything.”

He storms out. As expected, the moment he’s out of sight, the link opens again.

“We’re in deep shit, Theo. But honestly? First time in six months I’ve had a good feeling about this.”

“Same here. And something else…” I hesitate. “There’s something familiar about her voice. I just can’t place it yet.”

The link fades. I lean back in my chair, replaying the moment in my head. That voice—it rang some buried bell. Not one of my people. But I’ve definitely heard it before…

The rest of the evening passes in a blur. I work until the last shred of daylight disappears. My head pounds. My stomach growls.

“Theo?” Parker’s voice cuts into my thoughts again. “Remember that young pup who keeps impersonating you to get laid? He’s at the border club right now, trying to charm some omega girls. Wanna go clubbing?”