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Bianca's POV

The acrid smell of smoke hung heavy in the air as I crouched behind a charred wall, the flames casting flickering shadows around me. The chaos in the prison yard provided the perfect cover as I silently observed Dean emerging from the building, carrying an unconscious Lia over his shoulder.

I couldn’t deny the small flicker of satisfaction I felt as I discreetly raised my phone, recording every step he took. The camera lens followed his every move—the way he moved quickly yet cautiously, his sharp eyes scanning the area for anyone who might witness his actions.

“Perfect,” I muttered under my breath. My phone’s screen glowed faintly in the darkness, capturing every incriminating second.

Jenny was stationed elsewhere, tailing Alina. We had planned this carefully. Jenny would ensure Alina’s actions were documented, while I focused on Dean. Every step of the way, we were one step closer to exposing the truth.

As I watched Dean haul Lia out of the crumbling building, I felt a pang of guilt twist in my chest. Lia’s limp form reminded me of just how far this had gone. She didn’t deserve this—not all of it, at least. My past actions weighed heavily on me now.

For weeks, I’d reveled in the idea of Lia's suffering. I’d convinced myself that she was the enemy, the woman who had ruined everything for everyone. But now, seeing her like this—broken, unconscious, and framed for something she clearly hadn’t done—I couldn’t ignore the gnawing sense of regret.

“Stay focused, Bianca,” I whispered to myself. I couldn’t afford to lose sight of the goal now.

Dean reached a black car parked just outside the gates. He opened the trunk and, without a second thought, dumped Lia’s body inside like she was nothing more than a sack of grain.

I bit my lip to stifle the gasp that threatened to escape. My hands shook slightly as I zoomed in on the screen, capturing the moment Lia’s motionless form disappeared into the trunk.

Dean paused, his head snapping up as he scanned his surroundings again. I held my breath, my heart pounding in my chest. If he saw me now, I’d be done for.

After a tense moment, he seemed satisfied that no one was around. He slammed the trunk shut and walked around to the driver’s side. I stayed low, my body pressed tightly against the wall, as I recorded him getting into the car.

The engine roared to life, and the car sped off into the night, leaving a trail of dust and smoke in its wake. I exhaled slowly, relief washing over me as I realized he hadn’t spotted me.

I lowered my phone, my thoughts racing.

This wasn’t just about helping Alina anymore. Watching Lia being treated like that—like a disposable pawn in their twisted game—had shifted something in me.

I’d been so consumed by my loyalty to Alina and my own grievances against Lia that I’d ignored the bigger picture. Dean and Alina weren’t just trying to punish Lia; they were orchestrating something far darker and more sinister. And I’d been complicit in it.

I stood up slowly, brushing ash and soot off my clothes. I glanced at my phone screen, replaying the footage I’d just taken. Dean’s actions were clear as day, undeniable evidence of his involvement in Lia’s abduction.

I couldn’t confront them now—Dean and Alina were too dangerous, too powerful. But I could play along, pretending to remain on their side while secretly gathering more evidence.

Jenny would understand. She’d seen enough tonight to know where this was heading.

Pulling my hood over my head, I slipped away from my hiding spot, blending into the shadows. My mind raced as I made my way back to the rendezvous point where Jenny would be waiting.

When I arrived, Jenny was already there, her face illuminated by the soft glow of her phone screen. She looked up as I approached, a knowing look in her eyes.

“Did you get it?” she asked.

I nodded, holding up my phone. “Every second. Dean took Lia, put her in the trunk, and drove off. What about you?”

Jenny’s lips curled into a smirk. “Got Alina acting all high and mighty, giving orders like she owns the world. She’s practically incriminating herself.”

“Good,” I said, though my voice lacked the enthusiasm I usually had for our schemes.

Jenny noticed, her brow furrowing. “What’s wrong?”

I hesitated, unsure of how to put my feelings into words. “I just… I think we’ve been going about this the wrong way. Lia isn’t the real enemy here.”

Jenny blinked, surprised by my sudden change of heart. “What are you saying?”

“I’m saying we need to be careful,” I said firmly. “We’ll keep pretending to side with Alina and Dean, but when the time comes, we strike. We’ll expose them for what they’ve done—to Finn, to Lia, to everyone.”

Jenny studied me for a moment before nodding. “Alright. Let’s do it.”

As we walked away from the smoldering prison, I couldn’t help but feel a renewed sense of purpose. Lia might not know it yet, but she had allies in this fight. And I was determined to make things right, no matter what it took.

____

Alina's POV

The air in the secret hideout was damp and cool, the dim light of a single bulb hanging overhead casting flickering shadows on the concrete walls. I tapped my fingers impatiently against the old wooden table, the rhythm steady yet filled with tension. My mind churned over every detail of the plan Dean and I had concocted. This was the final step. Everything had to go perfectly.

A faint rumble broke through the silence, and my lips curled into a smile as Dean’s car headlights pierced through the darkness outside. I stood, smoothing my jacket and bracing myself for his arrival.

Moments later, the door creaked open, and Dean stepped inside, his movements sharp and confident. He carried the faint scent of smoke and sweat, likely from the chaos he’d orchestrated.

“It’s done,” he said, his voice low but tinged with satisfaction. “Lia’s in the trunk. Unconscious but alive.”

“Good,” I said, nodding in approval. “You didn’t run into any trouble?”

He chuckled darkly. “None worth mentioning. The fire created enough distraction to keep the wardens busy, and Bianca was nowhere to be seen. Everything went as planned.”

“Excellent.” I gestured to the chair opposite me, and he sat down, leaning back with a smug expression.

“So, what’s next?” he asked, folding his arms.

“We sneak her into the pack house tonight,” I said, my voice firm. “The cellar is the safest place to keep her. It’s isolated, and no one will think to look there, especially if we spread the right rumors.”

Dean raised an eyebrow. “What rumors?”

I smirked. “We’ll tell the elders that Lia tried to escape. We’ll say she started the fire to create a distraction and that the wardens quickly informed us of her plans. Naturally, being the dutiful pack leaders we are, we intervened and brought her back here before she could fully get away.”

Dean’s grin widened. “And the elders will believe it. They’ve already labeled her guilty in their minds. This will only solidify their resolve to punish her.”

“Exactly,” I said, satisfaction swelling in my chest. “The timing is perfect. By the time the elders hear of her so-called escape attempt, we’ll already have her secured in the cellar. They’ll trust us to keep her under lock and key until her trial.”

Dean leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table. “What about Bianca and Jenny? They’ve been poking around too much lately. Do you think they suspect anything?”

I frowned, the thought of those two irritating women souring my mood. “Bianca is loyal to me—or at least, she’s smart enough to pretend she is. As for Jenny, she’s been a thorn in my side for years. But I don’t think they have anything solid on us. Even if they’re suspicious, they won’t be able to act without proof.”

Dean nodded, though a flicker of doubt crossed his face. “We’ll need to keep an eye on them, just in case. If they become a problem…”

“Then we’ll deal with them,” I finished coldly. “Right now, our focus is on Lia. She’s the key to everything. Once she’s out of the way, we’ll finally have control of the pack without anyone standing in our way.”

Dean smirked, his confidence returning. “You’ve always been good at this, Alina. Manipulating people, bending them to your will. It’s impressive.”

I allowed myself a small smile. “It’s not manipulation, Dean. It’s strategy. The pack needs strong leaders, and I’m the only one who can provide that. Lia was a threat to our stability and to our future. Removing her is a necessity, not a choice.”

Dean raised his hands in mock surrender. “Whatever you say, Alpha. Just tell me what you need me to do.”

“For now, follow the plan,” I said firmly. “Get her to the cellar without anyone noticing. Once she’s secure, we’ll inform the elders of her ‘escape attempt.’ After that, we let the pack’s justice system do the rest. Lia will be convicted, and her punishment will ensure she’s no longer a problem—for good.”

Dean stood, adjusting his jacket. “Consider it done. Anything else?”

“Just don’t get careless,” I warned, my tone sharp. “One misstep and everything we’ve worked for could come crashing down.”

He nodded, a flicker of seriousness crossing his face. “Understood. I’ll make sure everything goes smoothly.”

With that, he turned and headed for the door. I followed him outside, the cool night air brushing against my skin as we stepped into the open.

Dean walked to his car and opened the trunk, glancing back at me with a grin. “Still asleep,” he said, motioning to Lia’s unconscious form inside.

“Good,” I said, my voice steady despite the surge of triumph I felt. “Let’s move.”

Dean closed the trunk and got into his car, the engine rumbling to life. I climbed into my own vehicle, trailing behind him as we made our way back to the pack house.

As we drove through the dark, deserted roads, my mind raced with thoughts of what was to come. Lia’s fate was sealed, and with her out of the way, nothing would stand between me and the power I deserved.

I gripped the steering wheel tightly, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips.

This was only the beginning.