Chapter 88
I could still feel the tension in the air from the night before. The pack was like a forest before a storm, charged and ready to break. Fatima had just brought me tea when Jake burst through the door, his expression fierce, his eyes wild.
“we have a problem,” he said, his voice a low growl.
My heart skipped a beat. “What happened?”
He ran a hand through his hair, the frustration evident on his face. “Someone attacked me while I was in the woods this morning. It wasn’t a random strike. Whoever it was, they knew what they were doing.”
Fatima shot up from her seat. “What? Are you hurt?”
“No,” Jake said sharply. “But I almost didn’t make it out. He was fast, and he knew exactly where to strike. I think it was a message. He wasn’t trying to kill me outright—just to scare me.”
I felt a cold shiver run down my spine. “This isn’t good, Jake,” I said, rubbing my temples.
Jake’s eyes softened for a brief moment as he looked at me. “I know,” he said quietly. “But whoever this man is, he’s like a ghost. We can’t seem to get a clear lead on him.”
Just then, Chris, our Beta, burst into the room, his face flushed with urgency. “Jake, we’ve detained Andrew,” he announced.
“Andrew?” I repeated, my eyes narrowing. “You mean the same Andrew who’s been stirring trouble among the pack?”
Chris nodded. “We caught him snooping around the edge of the territory right after the attack. I thought it was too much of a coincidence.”
Jake’s expression darkened. “Bring him in,” he commanded.
Fatima and I exchanged a glance. I could tell she was thinking the same thing as me—this could either be our chance to get some answers, or it could blow up in our faces.
* * *
Andrew entered the room with his usual smirk, his hands bound in front of him. He looked around casually, as if he were here for a casual chat instead of an interrogation.
“Well, isn’t this cozy?” he drawled, leaning back in his chair. “Alpha Jake, Luna Priscilla, what an honor.”
Jake’s jaw clenched, and I could see the muscles in his neck tightening. “Cut the crap, Andrew,” he snapped. “What were you doing near the border this morning?”
Andrew’s grin widened. “Taking a stroll, of course. The forest is beautiful this time of year.”
“Right after someone tried to attack me?” Jake growled. “You expect us to believe that’s a coincidence?”
Andrew feigned a look of shock, pressing a hand to his chest. “Attack? You mean our mighty Alpha was almost bested? Oh, the scandal!” He laughed, the sound grating on my nerves.
I stepped forward, my voice cold. “This isn’t a joke, Andrew. You’ve been stirring up trouble for weeks now, and you’re not even trying to hide it. We know you’re connected to whoever is behind this.”
Andrew leaned forward, his expression turning serious for the first time. “You think I’m behind this?” he asked, a mocking edge to his voice. “You’re giving me far too much credit, Luna. I’m just a concerned member of this pack, watching as our beloved Alpha loses his way.”
Fatima couldn’t hold back any longer. “Loses his way?” she snapped. “Jake is trying to protect this pack from the likes of you!”
Andrew turned his sharp gaze to her, his smile returning. “Ah, the human speaks,” he said with a sneer. “Tell me, Fatima, how does it feel to be a Beta’s mate in a pack that barely tolerates you?”
Fatima’s eyes flashed with anger, but she didn’t rise to the bait. Instead, she crossed her arms and gave him a look of pure disdain. “I’m here because I love Chris, and because unlike you, I’m actually trying to help this pack instead of tearing it apart.”
Andrew rolled his eyes. “Help the pack? By cozying up to witches and abominations? Oh yes, what a wonderful plan.”
Jake slammed his fist down on the table, the sound echoing through the room. “Enough!” he roared. “You will respect my mate and my Beta’s mate, or so help me, I’ll tear you apart myself.”
Andrew raised his eyebrows, his smirk never faltering. “Oh, is that a threat, Alpha? You know what happens if you kill me, right? The pack will see it as tyranny. They already think you’re a dictator, and killing me will only confirm their suspicions.”
I felt a pang of unease. He wasn’t wrong. If Jake acted out of anger, it would only make things worse. I stepped closer to Jake, placing a hand on his arm. “We can’t play into his hands,” I whispered. “He wants you to react.”
Jake’s nostrils flared, but he nodded, stepping back. “Then tell me, Andrew,” he said, his voice icy. “Who is he? The man you’re working with. Who’s behind all of this?”
Andrew leaned back in his chair, looking almost bored. “If I told you that, it would ruin the fun, wouldn’t it?”
Fatima’s hands balled into fists. “You think this is a game?” she snapped. “People are dead, Andrew! Maya is dead! And now her little brother is alone because of your twisted games!”
Andrew’s smile faltered for a split second, but then it was back, colder than ever. “Collateral damage,” he said lightly. “You know, the price of progress.”
I could feel my blood boiling. “You’re a monster,” I said, my voice shaking with fury. “You’re willing to tear apart innocent families just to satisfy your own hatred.”
Andrew’s eyes flashed, and for the first time, I saw a flicker of something beneath his smug exterior—was it regret? No, it was something darker. Bitterness. “You don’t know anything, Luna,” he hissed. “You’re just a witch who’s bewitched her way into power.”
Before I could respond, the door swung open, and Chris stepped inside, his expression grim. “We have a problem,” he said.
“What now?” Jake demanded.
Chris glanced at Andrew, then back at us. “The pack is outside,” he said. “They heard we brought in Andrew, and they’re not happy. They think we’re using him as a scapegoat. They’re demanding we let him go.”
I felt like the ground had been pulled out from under me. “But they can’t seriously believe that,” I said, stunned. “He’s been the one spreading lies, sowing division!”
Andrew’s smirk returned, broader than ever. “Looks like I have more supporters than you thought,” he said. “I told you, Alpha, killing me or even detaining me would make things worse for you.”
Jake’s face was a mask of fury, but I could see the defeat in his eyes. He knew as well as I did that keeping Andrew here could ignite a full-blown rebellion.
“Fine,” Jake said through gritted teeth. “Let him go.”
Andrew stood, stretching as if he’d just had a pleasant conversation instead of an interrogation. “Pleasure as always,” he said, tipping an imaginary hat to us. “Oh, and do give my regards to your precious abominations, won’t you?”
I lunged at him, my vision going red, but Fatima grabbed my arm, holding me back. “He’s not worth it, Priscilla,” she whispered.
Andrew sauntered out, leaving us standing there in stunned silence. I could still hear the murmur of the pack outside, voices filled with uncertainty and fear.
“He’s winning,” I whispered, sinking into a chair. “They’re turning against us, Jake.”
Jake sat beside me, burying his face in his hands. “I know,” he said, his voice hollow. “And I don’t know how to stop it.”
Fatima placed a hand on my shoulder. “We need to keep fighting,” she said fiercely. “He’s not going to win. We won’t let him.”
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