The Unexpected Alliance

**Alpha Dimitri**

The anger still burned inside me as we gathered the wolves for what would be the most dangerous operation our pack had ever faced. Lucian had crossed the line by taking Angel, and now it wasn’t just a matter of honor or territory. It was about rescuing the woman I loved and protecting everything we had built together.

"We’re ready, Dimitri," Leonardo said, approaching me as I checked my gear. "The wolves are prepared. We know Lucian has Angel, but the exact location is still unknown."

I nodded, my gaze fixed on the horizon. "We’ll start with her pack. They might have information or at least help us track Lucian. We can’t waste any more time."

The thought of Angel in Lucian’s hands felt like a knife in my chest. Every minute she spent in captivity was a blow to me, but I couldn’t let the anger consume me. I had to keep a cool head, think like a leader, like the alpha my pack needed me to be.

We set off quickly, a group formed by my best wolves, those I trusted to face whatever we encountered along the way. The forest, which had once seemed dark and full of threats, now became the battlefield where I intended to rescue Angel and put an end to Lucian’s threat once and for all.

The journey to Angel’s pack was silent and swift. No one among us dared to break the tense silence that hung in the air. Every wolf knew the gravity of the situation, and the focus was entirely on finding Angel before it was too late.

When we reached the boundaries of Angel’s pack territory, we were met by some of their guards. I recognized the faces, but there was no time for formalities. "I need to speak with the Alpha now," I said, my voice laced with urgency.

The guards didn’t hesitate, quickly guiding us to the center of the pack. My heart raced as we approached the cabin where I knew Angel had been just a short time ago. And when I saw her brother emerge to meet us, his face hardened by exhaustion and worry, I knew something was wrong.

"Dimitri," he said in a grave tone, "I don’t know how to say this, but... it seems Lucian was waiting for her. We knew he was nearby, but we didn’t imagine he would act so quickly."

"I know he took her," I responded, trying to keep calm. "But I need to know everything you know. Anything that might help us find her."

He nodded, his gaze somber. "Lucian has been hiding in a fortress in the mountains, a nearly impregnable place. Our patrols tracked him there, but we’ve never been able to get close enough to confirm his exact position. He’s always one step ahead."

Frustration grew inside me, but I knew losing my temper wouldn’t help. We needed a plan, something that would give us a chance to breach that fortress and rescue Angel.

"We can’t attack head-on," Angel’s brother said, as if reading my thoughts. "He expects us to do that. But maybe, if we work together, we can find a way in."

Leonardo, who was beside me, intervened. "What do you suggest?"

"Lucian has allies within my pack," Angel’s brother confessed, his voice filled with bitterness. "But I also have loyal wolves who can help us infiltrate the fortress. If we move quietly, we might catch him by surprise."

"It’s risky," Leonardo pondered, "but if we can get in without alerting them, we’ll have the advantage."

I nodded, knowing this was our best chance. "We’ll form two groups," I suggested. "One will draw the attention of Lucian’s guards, creating a distraction. Meanwhile, the other group, led by me, will enter and rescue Angel."

The plan quickly began to take shape. We knew Lucian would be expecting us, but we had something on our side: the determination to save Angel and the surprise of a coordinated attack.

When everything was ready, we prepared to depart. Angel’s brother insisted on coming with us, and I had no reason to refuse. He wanted to save his sister as much as I did, and I knew that together, we would have a better chance of success.

Before we left, he pulled me aside. "Dimitri," he said, looking me in the eyes. "I know Angel means a lot to you. And she’s my sister. We’ll bring her back, no matter what."

I shook his hand, sharing the same sentiment. "She’s coming back. Lucian doesn’t know who he’s dealing with."

And with that, we set off for Lucian’s fortress, determined to face whatever came our way. The cold mountain wind whipped our faces as we advanced, but the flame of determination burned strong in our hearts.