145

Dean’s POV

I lingered just outside the grand hall, my ears perked and tuned to every word exchanged inside. Alina’s voice was sharp, cutting through the air like a blade. Her anger was palpable, her defiance strong against the elders’ authority. As I listened to their futile attempts to calm her, I smirked to myself. Alina’s rage was a weapon, one I intended to wield.

When she stormed out of the hall, I waited until she was far enough down the corridor before following her, careful to keep my steps silent. Her pace was hurried, her movements frantic, and I could feel the tension radiating off her like heat from a flame.

“Alina,” I called, stepping out from the shadows.

She spun around, her eyes wild and bloodshot. "Dean," she hissed. "What do you want?"

I stepped closer, lowering my voice. "I heard everything. The elders are against you, and I know how much that stings."

She crossed her arms tightly over her chest, her lips pressed into a thin line. "They're fools. Lia killed Finn. I know she did. But now they're sending a team to drag her back here as if she's some innocent lamb. It’s infuriating."

I nodded, feigning sympathy. "I can see how much this has hurt you, Alina. But you’re not alone. I’ll stand by you. Just tell me—what do you want to do?"

Her eyes narrowed, glinting with a dangerous light. "I want her to suffer. I want her to feel what Finn felt. And when she’s broken and begging for mercy, then maybe I’ll feel fine."

"Good," I said with a slow smile. "That’s a clear goal. Revenge. It’s simpler than justice and far more satisfying."

Her brow furrowed as she looked at me, and for a moment, I thought she’d question my intentions. Instead, she said, "Do you have a plan?"

I stepped closer, lowering my voice even more. "The moonlight party is coming up. You know about the auction, don’t you?"

She tilted her head, curiosity flickering across her face. "What about it?"

"Every year, women in masks are auctioned off to the highest bidder, and the werewolf who wins gets to take the most beautiful one home. It's tradition. This year, I’ll make sure Lia is one of those women."

Her lips curled into a cruel smile. "Go on."

I continued, my voice filled with a sinister edge. "I’ll rig the auction. I'll make sure she ends up with someone ruthless, a werewolf who has no mercy. Once the auction is over, I'll strike a deal with him. He’ll make sure Lia is gone—forever. Within two days, she’ll be nothing but a memory."

Alina’s smile widened, her eyes gleaming with approval. "And how do you plan to pull this off?"

"It’s simple," I said. "We’ll need the elders’ approval to bring Lia back first. They’ll think you’ve given in to their demands, but in reality, you’re just setting the stage for her downfall. Once she’s back, I’ll handle the rest. You’ll just need to sit back and watch."

She laughed, a sound filled with bitterness and satisfaction. "Dean, you’re a genius. This is exactly what I need."

I nodded, pleased with her response. "Good. But I’ll need your full support. This plan requires precision, and I can’t do it alone."

"You have my support," she said without hesitation. "Do whatever you need to do."

I leaned closer, my voice a low whisper. "Trust me, Alina. Lia won’t live to see another moon."

She placed a hand on my shoulder, her grip firm. "Make it happen. Whatever it takes."

With that, she turned on her heel and strode down the corridor, her anger now tempered by purpose. I watched her go, a sense of satisfaction settling over me.

Now, all the pieces were in place. Lia’s fate was sealed. The only thing left to do was wait. But first, I had another task to attend to—a loose end that needed tying up before the moonlight party.


---

The moon hung low in the sky as I made my way through the woods, the shadows thick and oppressive. My destination was a secluded cabin hidden deep within the forest, a place where deals were made, and secrets were buried.

Inside, a lone figure awaited me—a hulking werewolf with scars etched across his face. He rose as I entered, his golden eyes gleaming with curiosity.

"Dean," he said, his voice a gravelly growl. "What brings you here?"

I didn’t bother with pleasantries. "I have a proposition for you."

He raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Go on."

"There’s a woman. She’ll be at the moonlight auction. I want you to win the bid for her. Name your price, and I’ll make it worth your while."

His eyes narrowed. "What’s the catch?"

"The catch is that she doesn’t leave your side alive," I said bluntly. "Two days, that’s all I need. After that, you can do whatever you want with her."

He let out a low chuckle, his teeth glinting in the dim light. "You always were a ruthless one, Dean. Fine. Consider it done."

I smiled, satisfied. "Good. I’ll be in touch with the details. For now, just prepare yourself. This needs to go off without a hitch."

He nodded, and I turned to leave, the weight of the night pressing against my back.

As I made my way back to the pack grounds, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of anticipation. Lia’s days were numbered, and soon, Alina would have her revenge.

The moonlight party would be her undoing—and my greatest triumph.

____

Luca's POV


The warm sun bathed the park in golden light, casting long shadows as children ran and played. Merlin’s laughter was infectious, his little legs sprinting to the swings as he waved at me to follow. I couldn’t help but smile, even as the weight of my thoughts pressed heavily on my chest. This wasn’t just a father-son outing; it was a calculated move, one I had to carefully execute knowing that Dean’s eyes were likely on me.

I settled on a bench near the swings, my gaze scanning the park’s perimeter. Every rustling bush, every idle figure loitering in the distance, made my instincts flare. I knew Dean wouldn’t sit still. He’d either be here, watching or have someone else doing it for him.

Merlin’s giggles pulled my attention back. “Dad! Look at me! I’m flying!” he shouted, pumping his legs to go higher on the swing.

“You’re doing great, champ!” I called back, forcing a grin.

My phone vibrated in my pocket, and I knew before looking who it would be. Sliding it out, the name Dean flashed across the screen. My jaw clenched as I answered.

“What do you want?” I asked curtly, keeping my voice low but steady.

“Relax, Luca,” Dean’s voice came through, smug and self-assured. “I just thought we should talk. Man to man.”

I leaned back, my eyes narrowing. “Talk? About what exactly?”

Dean chuckled softly, the sound grating. “You know what this is about. Meet me, and I’ll explain everything.”

I glanced at Merlin, his small figure illuminated in the sunlight, his innocence a stark contrast to the shadows Dean cast over our lives. My patience snapped.

“I know you’re watching me, Dean,” I said, keeping my tone sharp. “You think you’re clever, following me around, trying to corner me. But let me make one thing clear—you’ll never outmaneuver me. I’m already a step ahead of whatever you’re planning. So, if you want to play games, watch your back. Because the next time you call me, I won’t just be polite.”

There was a pause on the other end, and then a soft chuckle. “Touchy, aren’t we? Fine, Luca. Have it your way. But remember—you’re not the only one playing this game.”

I ended the call before he could say more, shoving my phone back into my pocket. My heart was racing, but I forced myself to stay calm for Merlin’s sake.

“Dad!” Merlin called again, jumping off the swing and running toward me. “Can we go get ice cream?”

I smiled and ruffled his hair. “Sure, buddy. Let’s go.”


---

The ride home was quiet. Merlin happily munched on his ice cream in the back seat, oblivious to the storm brewing around him. My mind raced with possibilities. Dean’s call confirmed what I’d already suspected—he was watching us, waiting for the right moment to strike.

When we arrived home, Benedicta greeted us at the door, her face lighting up at the sight of Merlin. “Did you have fun at the park?” she asked, crouching to hug him.

“Yes!” Merlin exclaimed. “Dad bought me ice cream too!”

Benedicta smiled and looked up at me. “Thank you, Luca. It means a lot to him.”

I nodded, my expression serious. “Can we talk?”

She stood, immediately sensing the tension. “Of course. Merlin, go wash up, okay?”

Merlin ran off, leaving us alone in the living room. I sat down, rubbing a hand over my face.

“Dean called me,” I said without preamble.

Her eyes widened. “What did he say?”

“He wants to meet,” I replied. “But it’s not just that. He’s been watching us, Benedicta. Following me. Probably keeping tabs on Merlin too.”

She gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. “What does he want?”

I shook my head. “I don’t know yet. But he’s playing a dangerous game, and I’m not going to let him win. I told him I was ahead of him, but the truth is, we need to be careful. He’s unpredictable.”

Her brows furrowed, worry etched into her features. “Do you think he’d hurt Merlin?”

I hesitated, the thought sending a chill down my spine. “I don’t know. But I won’t take any chances. For now, I want you to keep an eye on Merlin at all times. Don’t let him out of your sight, even for a second.”

She nodded, her resolve firm. “What about you? What are you going to do?”

“I’m going to figure out Dean’s next move,” I said. “And I’ll make sure he pays for everything he’s done.”

Benedicta placed a hand on my shoulder. “Be careful, Luca. We can’t lose you too.”

I nodded, determination burning in my chest. Dean had underestimated me, but that would be his downfall. He thought he could play with my family, but he was about to learn just how wrong he was.