My Fated Alpha's Cruel Game

Elena’s POV

Damien’s fury was palpable as we discovered Thorne lurking in the packhouse. We headed toward the living room while Brock slipped away, unwilling to risk Damien discovering his identity. Though that revelation would come eventually. I sent Skye to accompany him, knowing we needed some time with the children before I’d require her assistance again.

"Tell me why Thorne earns such hatred from you. I’ve heard whispers but never encountered the man myself," I said.

"That snake would drive a blade between your shoulder blades the moment opportunity presented itself. He’s built his empire on betrayal, climbing over the corpses of those foolish enough to trust him. That’s how he seized control over so much of the werewolf hierarchy. I stayed out of his reach, which is precisely why he despises me. He approached my pack months ago seeking an alliance, but I refused to entertain his proposals," Damien explained.

"Understood. We’ll watch that bastard carefully," I replied.

"Good. I contacted Ryder earlier. He’s gathering whatever warriors he can recruit. For now, he’s only seeking volunteers," Damien said.

"Smart approach. We shouldn’t force anyone into mortal danger unless absolutely necessary," I agreed.

"Precisely. This battle isn’t technically ours yet. Though I suppose since these creatures are hunting you, that makes it our concern by default," Damien mused.

"Even if we departed for home immediately, those things wouldn’t realize it. They’d continue terrorizing this pack," I pointed out.

"They’d track you down eventually," he countered.

"We need a strategy. Marcus managed to capture one already. We should learn their methods and location," I said.

"Returning to the identical spot would be suicide. They’d smell the trap immediately," Damien warned.

"Obviously. But the general area could work. We’ll make it appear like I’m hunting alone. Send warriors out during daylight hours to establish positions while those creatures shelter from the sun. They’ll never detect the ambush," I outlined.

"You’ve been planning this," he observed.

"To some degree," I admitted.

"Will you interrogate the captive downstairs?" he asked.

"Not immediately. I want the others in custody first. Let them witness what awaits them," I said.

"Psychological warfare through demonstration. That could prove effective," he agreed.

"Fear has always been an excellent motivator," I said.

"You’ve never actually tortured anyone though," he reminded me.

"Doesn’t mean I haven’t studied the techniques extensively," I replied.

Later, the office door swung open as Thorne emerged, heading for the exit. He paused to scrutinize us in the living room before departing the packhouse. Marcus and Viviana remained in the foyer.

"We have wonderful news to share," Viviana announced.

"Which would be?" I inquired.

"I’m expecting," she declared.

"Really? And who’s the father?" I asked. Her radiant smile twisted into fury.

"How dare you suggest..." she began.

"The truth will surface soon enough. That child won’t exhibit Alpha bloodline traits, making Marcus’s lack of paternity obvious. Though I’m certain you’ve already considered that complication," I stated. She looked desperately toward Marcus, expecting his defense.

"Your uncle isn’t here to protect you now. I’m not saying anything. Everyone knows you’ve been sleeping with half the pack members," Marcus said, walking away.

Her face flushed crimson with rage as she shrieked and stormed upstairs, slamming a door behind her.

"She genuinely despises you," Damien observed.

"The sentiment is entirely mutual," I assured him.

"She holds the Luna position. Perhaps show some caution," he suggested.

"I couldn’t care less about her title. Besides, her own pack doesn’t take her seriously as Luna anyway," I said.

"True. She seems completely disinterested in the responsibilities," Damien agreed.

I glanced through the front window, spotting Marcus pacing outside. Then I returned my attention to the children.

When Skye finally returned to the packhouse, she took over childcare duties while Damien and I joined Marcus in the conference room.

Marcus indicated locations on the map where they’d successfully captured their creature, explaining their methods. He mentioned using a child as bait but carefully avoided sitting beside me during that particular explanation.

"When will our warriors arrive?" I asked.

"This afternoon," Damien replied.

"Perfect. We’ll execute this plan tomorrow evening," I decided.

"Are you certain this is wise?" Marcus questioned.

"Why wouldn’t it be? You succeeded in capturing one. Now it’s our turn," I said.

"What if you fail?" he pressed.

"Are you actually concerned for my safety? I assumed you’d celebrate," I said.

"Why would you think that?" he asked.

"Because my death would eliminate all your problems," I replied.

After the meeting concluded, I prepared coffee in the kitchen and settled outside, gazing toward the woods.

Someone approached the back door, and I knew it wasn’t Damien.

"What do you want, Marcus?" I asked.

"You realize my pack will never accept Viviana’s child as their future Alpha. He won’t possess Alpha strength or abilities," Marcus said.

"I’m aware," I replied.

"Unfortunately, I lack a legitimate heir," he stated.

I remained silent momentarily, understanding his implications. He was still calculating possibilities regarding Caleb.

"Yes. What a tragedy for you," I said.

"Everything alright out here?" Damien asked, appearing behind Marcus.

"Everything’s fine," I confirmed. Marcus retreated inside while Damien joined me.

"What was that conversation about?" Damien inquired.

"He suspects the truth about Caleb. He’s trying to force a confession from me," I explained.

"Will you tell him?" Damien asked. I hesitated briefly.

"No. Caleb already has a father. You’re the best father he could possibly have," I said. He leaned down to kiss me.

"Hopefully we’ll escape this place soon and return home," Damien said.

"Yes. Hopefully," I agreed.