Who’s the Rat?
Williams POV
“How about putting everyone involved on trial?” One of the council members suggested.
I gathered them to deliberate on how to capture the rat that sold us out. Taking measures on my own will be very drastic and could affect innocent members.
“Are you trying to say that it’s from our circle? That one of us here did this?” Marcus argued, getting up from his chair angrily.
“Sit down Marcus,” I growled from where I stood. The murmurings and side talks erupted with members discussing amongst themselves what they think would be best.
I slammed my fist on the table and it broke into two. The meeting room fell into silence as all eyes turned to me in anticipation.
“I don’t care if it was someone in this very circle or someone elsewhere. But what I do know is that, I will get them, no matter how long it takes,” I swore and they nodded in unison.
“What’s the plan, Alpha?” Marcus asked, causing the other members to turn towards me. Their eyes bore glints of hope, silent prayers that I already have a solution.
But I don’t have one.
“The plan is for everything to resume as usual,” I replied and their faces fell with confusion and disappointment. I could feel the tension in the room building as they processed my words.
They were expecting something bold, a clear cut decision that would put an end to this chain of spies and betrayals. But I needed time.
“Resume as usual?” Another council member echoed, disbelief thick in his voice. “Alpha, with all due respect, how can we pretend everything is fine when someone in our midst could be feeding information to our enemies? We lost our men today!”
I locked eyes with him, my expression hard. “You think I don’t know that?” My voice was low, but the weight of my Alpha voice filled the room. “I understand the risks, better than anyone. But we can’t afford to act recklessly. If we start throwing accusations or pointing fingers without evidence, we’ll tear ourselves apart from the inside. We would be vulnerable. Don’t you think that’s what they want?”
The room fell silent again, the gravity of my words sinking in. Some shifted in their seats, still restless but quieter now.
“We’ll stay vigilant,” I continued. “Increase security, double-check all perimeters and make sure that the CCTV cameras are functioning properly. Also we have to make sure that they are installed in hidden places that could capture secret transactions. We’re going to watch and wait. Whoever it is will definitely slip up and I’ll be ready.”
“How do we know we’re not already too late, Alpha?” Marcus asked, his voice a little softer now, but the question hung heavy in the air.
I clenched my jaw, feeling the weight of the decision. “We aren’t. Not yet. But we will be if we lose control now. Trust me if that was the case, they would have attacked the pack as soon as they were done with the ambush.”
The council members nodded in approval. Although some of them didn’t entertain the idea, they knew there was no other option but to follow my lead.
If there is one thing I care about more than my life, it’s the Stone Heart Pack. My pack.
“We’ll find the rat,” I said, my voice steady, “and when we do, they’ll regret what happened today.”
We finished the meeting and I dismissed them. I thought about freeing my wolf and running out wild to ease tension but decided against it. I should go and check in on Renee.
I approached her room and knocked softly on the door. I stood still, waiting for her to answer before I entered. I heard her saying “coming in,” from the room and peered the door open quietly.
She was sitting at the edge of her bed. Her hair was wet and she had this defeated look in her eyes.
I reached the foot of the bed and crouched down to meet her gaze. She looked away, not wanting to meet my eyes. “I’m sorry Williams. I should have fought better,” she whispered in a voice that broke my heart.
I gently took her hand, feeling its coldness against my palm. “Renee,” I said softly, “what happened out there wasn’t your fault. You weren’t even supposed to be there.”
She shook her head, still refusing to look at me. “I let them down. I let you down.”
Her words pierced through me, and for a moment, I felt a twinge of guilt. “No, Renee. You did everything you could. We could have captured them if not for the rat that sold us out.”
She lifted her head slightly, her eyes meeting mine for the first time. There was pain there, but also something else. Shame. “I wasn’t strong enough, Williams. I was trained for surprise attacks like this, remember? Maybe if I…”
I squeezed her hand, cutting her off. “Stop. You’re one of the strongest fighters I have. I’ve come this far because of you by my side and I don’t want you breaking down because of this,” I said, a knot forming in my chest.
She let out a shaky breath, eyes brimming with unshed tears. I’ve never seen her break like this. “We lost too many of our men today, Williams. I’ll make them pay, no matter what.”
“Yes we will,” I said grimly, emphasizing the we. But until then, I need you to focus. I can’t afford to lose you, Renee.” The last part slipped out before I could stop myself, and I saw the way her eyes softened at my words.
And I meant it. I can’t lose Renee.
“You won’t,” she whispered, her voice steadier now.
I nodded, standing back up. “Get some rest. You’ll need it.”
As I turned to leave, I felt her hand brush against mine. “Williams,” she called softly.
I paused, glancing over my shoulder. When she didn’t say anything, I turned to look at her and found her standing next to the bed.
“What is it?” I asked. Her expression was hesitant, as if she was considering whether to tell me or not. “Renee,” I called and she looked up at me.
She released a deep breath and said firmly, “I think I know who sold us out.”
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