Chapter 325

Chapter 325

11 – Elara

I might regret even entertaining this thought if anyone ever found out, but honestly, I’m relieved my dad brought in the Silver Crescent team. These guys are incredibly sharp, and the way they collaborate is impressive. My main issue is that the beta never had children. Jeff once had a family, but something happened something no one talks about. Even my dad either won’t or can’t tell me what it was. Sebastian and his mate just welcomed a pup, but he’s only a year old. I’ve never experienced the kind of tight-knit friendships these men share as leaders. The closest I have is with Jaxon and Devon. Even Rayna has been a huge help. As an alpha-born female and soon-to-be luna of the Crescent Moon pack, she’s been training to lead her entire life, much like me. However, her training has been broader since she didn’t know who her mate would be or what her role as a mate might entail.

“So,” Jeremiah broke the silence, glancing up from the map spread out before us, showing my pack’s territory and the borders around it. “I think the real issue lies here,” he said, pointing to a spot along our eastern border. “The Alpha over at Red Fang is really young-like sixteen or so. I haven’t worked with him much, but I know his father passed away last year, and he had to step up early, kind of like Ryker.” Jeremiah’s eyes flicked toward his mate, as if that detail held some deeper meaning.

“Who’s Ryker?” Dev asked, and I was grateful for the question. I’m familiar with most of the alphas in nearby packs and even some beyond them, but there are so many it’s hard to keep track. Our pack is relatively small and self-sufficient, so we don’t engage much in trade or dealings with packs farther away. Ryker isn’t a common name, so it’s easy to forget.

“My brother,” Rayna answered quietly, and the room instantly felt colder, as if a shadow had passed over us. “He’s the Alpha of Dark Moon p>

“Oh wow p>

“No way p>

My warriors couldn’t hide their shock, and neither could I. Dark Moon is one of those packs parents warn their children about to keep them in line-more legend than reality. But I managed to keep my composure, suppressing any fan-girl excitement. Across from me, I noticed Ben shiver, then blink rapidly as a dark expression crossed his face. It was clear he and his wolf were struggling with something after hearing that. I needed to steer us back on track.

“Why do you think the problem is on the eastern border near Red Fang and not where we found Austin? Aside from the fact that the Alpha there is younger and just took over p>

Jeremiah pointed to the map again. “Because Red Fang and your pack have this huge body of water to the south,” he explained, “and to their east lies neutral territory. If I were trying to smuggle something, hide someone, or escape someone, that’s the route I’d take. If your dad’s right and you’re being targeted because you’re in transition, then it’s likely Malcom Jr. is facing the same issues. Your dad reached out to mine only because of your fallen warrior. Attacks happen all the time, but none of us usually ask for help. I think they’re trying to strengthen the unity along our borders since we’re all still relatively new. We haven’t even figured out if the attack on Austin was caused by rogues or something else p>

I rubbed my temples, trying to absorb it all. It made sense, but I still had questions. “Then why are there listening devices in my house and personal spaces? What does that have to do with border attacks p>

Jeremiah shrugged. “Maybe they’re trying to figure out if you, as a female,” I growled at Jason, but he raised his hands to indicate he was just explaining, “or Junior, at sixteen, is more vulnerable. From what we’ve seen, you’re well trained, and so are your warriors. It’s just that your numbers are small, and you don’t have your full leadership team yet, which leaves you exposed. I’m not sure about Junior’s situation. We should probably send someone to check on that, Jer. But the attacks and the listening devices might be two separate issues.” Their Alpha nodded in agreement.

I love Jax and Dev, but this kind of support system is addictive. So many ideas and perspectives brought to the table. Each of these men is so different, and I appreciate how comfortable they are letting Rayna share her thoughts without hesitation. What would it be like to have my own full team one day?

“We should check the western border,” Jax said, sitting up straighter. “We’ve been focusing on the east side, and if they’re trying to distract us, their plan is working perfectly p>

I nodded, feeling the weight of the situation settle over us all. The battle was far from over.