Chapter 79
Ethan's POV
The war room at Storm Haven was a flurry of activity as I spread the latest reports across the large table. Pack security updates, Rogue movements, and intel on Chloe’s alliances were stacked high.
Kerrick and Marlus stood across from me, their faces mirroring the seriousness of the situation.
I tapped a finger against a highlighted section of the report. “We know Chloe’s reaching out to outside Alphas. What we don’t know is how many of them are willing to align with her. If she convinces even one with significant power, it could tip the scales in her favor.”
Kerrick folded his arms. “We’ve got stronger numbers, but if they come at us with the element of surprise, it won’t matter. The Rogues are unpredictable, and unaligned Alphas don’t follow the same rules.”
My wolf stirred uneasily, his instincts sharp. The idea of any threat creeping into our territory, jeopardizing Olivia or the Pack, only fueled my anger.
I exhaled slowly, forcing the tension to settle. “We need to reinforce patrols on all Pack borders, especially near the eastern perimeter. That’s where they’ll come through if Aiden tries something bold.”
Marlus leaned forward, his sharp eyes scanning the map. “I agree. But we can’t just play defense. Chloe’s playing with Alphas like she’s in a chess match. If we want to win, we need to be three moves ahead.”
I nodded. “Then we target her resources. If she’s gathering support, she’s using something to entice them.; money, land, promises of power. Find out what it is, and cut it off.”
Kerrick grunted in agreement, already jotting notes. “I’ll double the scouts and have them sweep the borderlines. Anything suspicious gets taken out immediately.”
Marlus hesitated, his sharp gaze flicking toward me. “Alpha, this is all solid, but there’s one thing we’re not addressing.”
I arched a brow. “What’s that?”
“The vote,” Marlus said bluntly, leaning against the edge of the table. “We’re so focused on Chloe and her allies that we’re neglecting what’s right in front of us. The Council needs to see unity from you and Olivia, now more than ever.”
My jaw clenched at the mention of the vote. It was always there, looming like a storm cloud on the horizon. “The Pack comes first, Marlus. If we don’t secure our defenses, there won’t be anything left to vote on.”
“And if you don’t secure the Council, Chloe wins the political war without lifting a finger,” Marlus countered, his voice firm but not unkind. “You’ve got Olivia on your side, but you both need to show the Council you’re a united front. One with the power to act.”
His words hit their mark, and I felt my wolf growl in agreement. I knew he was right. Chloe wasn’t just attacking us from the outside with Aiden and Rogues, she was using the Council’s scrutiny to weaken us from within.
If I didn’t give them a reason to vote for us, she’d win without spilling a drop of blood.
Kerrick glanced between us, breaking the tension. “We’ll handle the patrols and dig into Chloe’s resources. It’ll leave you to focus on the Alpha Council and Luna Olivia.”
I exhaled slowly, my gaze dropping to the map. Marlus was right. This was about showing strength where, and when, it mattered most. “Fine. Keep me updated on any movement. I’ll work on solidifying our position with Olivia.”
Marlus clapped a hand on my shoulder. “Good. Now go show the Council and Chloe why Storm Haven’s Alpha is someone they don’t want to fuck with.”
As the two of them left the room, my wolf paced restlessly, urging me to take action—to secure Olivia, the Pack, and the future we’d both been fighting for.
I scanned the latest reports Marlus had placed on the table. The scent of ink and parchment mixed with the faint aroma of coffee someone had abandoned hours ago. It was a war room in every sense.
“Aiden’s release might have emboldened Chloe,” Marlus said, his tone sharp as he leaned over the table, pointing to a highlighted section of the report. “Our scouts confirm increased Rogue activity near the neutral territories. It’s not random. Chloe’s recruiting, building for something bigger.”
Kerrick nodded, his expression grim. “She’s not just posturing, Ethan. This has the markings of a coordinated strike. If she’s planning to use the Council vote as a distraction, she could hit Thorne Ridge or Storm Haven while our focus is split.”
The idea of Chloe orchestrating an attack while we were exposed made me. A growl rumbled deep within me, a warning that we were running out of time. “What’s the scale of this? How many Rogues are we talking?”
Marlus folded his arms, his jaw tight. “The numbers aren’t clear, but it’s significant enough to warrant concern. These aren’t just stragglers, Ethan. She’s got organization behind her; probably promising them power or resources in exchange for their loyalty.”
I gritted my teeth, pacing the length of the room.
Chloe was cunning, I’d give her that. But her desperation was pushing her into dangerous territory, and the risk she posed to Olivia and our Packs was unacceptable.
“Lock down all borders,” I said, my voice cold and deliberate. “Double the patrols and increase rotations. No one gets close without us knowing about it.”
Kerrick nodded, already scribbling notes. “I’ll coordinate with the senior warriors. But Alpha, if Aiden and Chloe come in with a move this bold, we need allies.”
Marlus chimed in, his voice steady. “He’s right. Reinforcements aren’t just for numbers, it’ll show the Council that you and Olivia have the support of other Alphas. It’s a statement.”
My wolf paced restlessly, a mix of frustration and protectiveness coursing through me. The idea of reaching out to allies wasn’t foreign, but it felt like a reminder of how much was at stake. “Who can we call on?”
“Kell from the Southern Highlands owes you a favor,” Marlus said thoughtfully. “And Alpha Reina has been on the fence, but she’s no fan of Chloe. If we play it right, we could secure their support.”
I nodded, the plan forming in my mind. “Do it. Reach out and make it clear this isn’t just for Storm Haven or Thorne Ridge. Chloe’s ambitions put everyone at risk.”
Kerrick paused, his eyes narrowing slightly. “And Luna Olivia? She knows about this, right?”
“She will,” I said firmly. I respected that Kerrik’s loyalty was first and foremost to my Luna. Olivia was sharp and capable, and after everything, I owed her honesty. “I’ll fill her in. She deserves to know what we’re up against.”
As Kerrick left to handle the reinforcements, Marlus lingered, his gaze fixed on me. “Ethan, your wolf’s been agitated for days. This isn’t just about Chloe, is it?”
I met his eyes, the truth heavy in my chest. “No, it’s not. My wolf’s pushing me toward Olivia. To complete our bond.”
Marlus nodded slowly, his expression understanding but firm. “Marking her would strengthen your position, Ethan. The Council would see unity, and Chloe would lose leverage. But rushing it could backfire.”
The room fell silent except for the ticking of a clock in the corner. My wolf growled low, his impatience clear. The instinct to protect Olivia, to solidify what we had, burned inside me.
But Marlus was right. Timing was everything.
I exhaled, clenching my fists at my sides. “We’ll handle Chloe first. Then I’ll make things right with Olivia. No more hesitation.”
Marlus clapped a hand on my shoulder. “Good. Let’s end this.”
As he left, I stared down at the map, my wolf simmering with restless energy. Chloe had started this war, but I would finish it.
And no one, not even Chloe, would come between me and Olivia.
