The Alpha Weredragon's Favorite
CHAPTER 89

Ryan

I stood at the edge of the Night Moon territory, the dense forest and its promise of a good run, beckoning me.

It was a great day. Not only did I get what I feel would be additional loyal pack members, my backpack was heavy with the weight of the three large adumbra stones. More than enough for Wista to enchant.

I was about to shift when suddenly, a group of wolves emerged from the shadows. I immediately assumed a defensive stance, my muscles tensing as I prepared for a confrontation.

The leader of the group, a tall, burly man with a scar across his left eye, stepped forward. His scarred face held a cunning intelligence that I couldn't ignore. "Are you the one they call Alpha Thornton?" he asked, his voice gruff but tinged with a hint of respect.

I narrowed my eyes, assessing the situation. "Who wants to know?" I replied with more than a little smart-ass in my tone.

What I assumed to be the leader held up his hands in a gesture of peace. "We mean you no harm. I am Darian and we have come seeking an audience with you."

I raised an eyebrow, surprised by their unexpected request. "An audience? What for?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

The leader glanced at his companions before speaking again. "We're from Wolfsong," Darian replied. "We don't agree with how Viola and Blake are running things. "We had thought Night Moon was an alternative... "he spat on the ground. "Gideon got what he deserved."

I shrugged. "That's all well and good, but why should I let you into my pack?"

"Word is, you took in Lyra. We're hoping for the same chance - a fair shot to prove ourselves."

I nodded slowly, considering his words. "And what makes you think I should trust you?" I asked, my eyes narrowing slightly. Lyra never bad-mouthed her pack per-se, but she'd never said anything good about any of them either. Darian met my gaze, unflinching. "Because we have something you need. Information about Wolfsong's defenses. Their weak points, their guard rotations, everything."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "And you're willing to share this information with me? Why?"

Darian's lips curled into a small smile. "Like I said, we want a chance. A chance to belong, to be part of something bigger. Something good."

I studied Darian and his companions. Could I really trust these rogues from Wolfsong? The vengeful side of me wanted to reject them outright, to make them pay for Lyra's past. But the rational part of me knew their information could be invaluable.

"How do I know you're not just trying to infiltrate my pack?" I asked, my voice stern. "For all I know, this could be a trap."

Darian met my gaze, his eyes sincere. "I understand your hesitation, Alpha Thornton. But we're here because we believe in you. We've seen how you protect your own, how you fight for what's right."

I crossed my arms, still uncertain. After a moment, I relented. Half-way. "I need time to think about this. I can't make a decision like this lightly."

Darian nodded, understanding. "Of course, Alpha Thornton. We'll be waiting for your answer."

As they turned to leave, I called out, "Wait." They paused, looking back at me expectantly. "If I do accept your offer, know that any betrayal will be met with swift and severe consequences."

Darian bowed his head. "We understand, Alpha Thornton. We will not let you down."

I watched as they disappeared into the forest, my mind turning over every scenario. Could I really trust these rogues? Or was I setting myself up for another betrayal?

Those thoughts kept me company as I shifted, running all the way home.

***

With the stones delivered to Wista, a shower, shave and... other things done, I mind-linked with Conner.

"Conner, I need you to handle something for me," I began, my mental voice steady and firm.

"Sure thing, Alpha. What do you need?" Conner replied. "Hold on a second, sorry Alpha." A few seconds later, he was back. "I'm back, sorry about that."

I wasn't going to sweat what he was doing behind the scenes, but I did want this conversation over. "I've just taken over the Night Moon pack. They're in a sorry state. I need you to go over there and see what they need to get themselves up and running," I explained.

"Understood, Alpha. I'll head over there right away," Conner promised.

"Good. Report back in a day or two. Let me know what you find." "Will do, Alpha..."

I paused for a moment, gathering my thoughts before continuing. "There's one more thing. I need you to seek out the Wolfsong rogues in the woods. Tell them I'll respond to their request to join our pack by the beginning of next week," I added, recalling my encounter with Darian and his companions.

"Not surprised, Alpha. When I infiltrated Wolfsong, there were a lot of rumblings and grumblings among the pack members. Especially from one of their best fighters. Darian, I think his name was," Conner revealed, his mental voice thoughtful. "Darian," I repeated, nodding to myself. "That's the one. Thanks, Conner. I appreciate your help with this."

"No problem, Alpha. I'll... wait, stop. No, don't stop." The sudden change in Conner's mental voice caught me off guard.

"Conner?" I asked, confusion creeping into my tone.

There was a pause, then an awkward apology trickled through the mind-link. "Uh, Alpha, I had a date tonight. She and I... well, we got a little carried away."

I could almost see him squirming on the other end of the link, and I couldn't help but smirk. I was tempted to leave him hanging, but I decided to cut him some slack. "No worries, Conner. Just make sure you leave after you're done, alright?" "I will, Alpha. Thanks for understanding... Uh! Alpha, I've got to go." His mental voice was a mix of embarrassment and urgency. I chuckled to myself, shaking my head as I severed the mind-link, leaving Conner to his date. It seemed even the most disciplined wolves could get distracted by matters of the heart.