Lacey

Alpha Liam wants me to present all my compiled information and potential connections at once. It took several days, but I've developed some solid theories about what's happening outside our pack. I walked around the conference room table, setting out the binders Felix helped me prepare last night. I was, to say the least, nervous. My previous Alpha frequently assigned me similar tasks, but I only briefed him or a few others—never an entire room of pack leadership.

Alpha and Luna arrived first, followed closely by Felix. Within minutes, the room filled: Lily, Damien, Austin, Jacob, Sean, and several others I didn't yet know. Finally, Abe arrived, completing the group. I stood patiently opposite Alpha Liam, awaiting his signal to begin.

"We all know why we're here," he said. "Lacey, please tell us what you've found." All eyes turned to me. I swallowed, trying to clear my dry throat. Felix gave me a subtle, encouraging nod.

With a long exhale, I began: "I've compiled information from misplaced wolves taken in by both the Blood Eclipse pack and Alpha Langston's Serenity Waters pack. I combined this with Beta Damien's regional data on affected packs, mapping all attacks to identify patterns. The only discernible pattern is a concentration of attacks east of the mountains, affecting only remotely located groups of fewer than 200 wolves. We have reliable information on 37 attacks over six months, suggesting a survival rate of approximately 15%."

My nervousness subsided as I spoke. "I also examined human news reports for similar activity. I suspect another 15 attacks using similar methods."

"How confident are you about these additional attacks?" Alpha Liam asked, idly flipping through his binder. Luna intently studied a page.

"On a scale of one to one hundred, I'd say 80% confident," I replied after a moment's thought. Alpha nodded. I continued, "While researching human news for veiled supernatural activity, I found another related trend. It took time to correlate dates and locations, but there's a significant increase in missing persons reports near destroyed packs, within a couple of days of the attacks. Again, this is an estimate due to imprecise attack dates."

"He's creating an army," Alpha muttered. All attention shifted to him, but he remained silent for a moment.

"Lacey, have the disappearances extended beyond the attack region?" Luna asked.

I nodded slowly. "The pattern suggests attacks on packs decreased after the perpetrator crossed the eastern mountains, but the disappearances continued."

"Packs west of the mountains are more dispersed, with larger territories and populations," Beta observed. Alpha nodded in agreement.

"So, he changed his plans after crossing the mountains and simply started kidnapping people?" Gamma asked.

"No," Beta said. "The packs were merely the beginning; he targeted those easily eliminated—packs likely lacking constant patrols or guards."

"Lacey, how close is the latest area of increased disappearances?" Alpha asked, scanning his information.

"A day's drive by car, sir," I replied quietly.

"How many heavily populated areas lie between that area and our pack territory?"

"Six to eight, depending on the route," I answered. Alpha nodded.

"Lacey, how long do you believe he spends in populated areas?" Luna asked, looking up.

"Based on last-seen reports, four to five days at most. Reporting delays—many areas require 24-48 hours before reporting a disappearance—further obscure the pattern."

"What do you think, Felix?" Alpha asked. His direct appeal to Felix highlighted his high regard and respect within the pack leadership.

"The rogues weren't supposed to be peaceful," Felix stated.

"What do you mean?" Alpha asked.

"He allowed them to escape. If he's a vampire, as we suspect, he could have tracked and killed them. If his goal was to harm our population, he could have systematically targeted small packs. He wanted to create rogues; he wanted them to move west and overwhelm packs across the country," Felix explained.

"You think the wolves seeking refuge were unintentional?" Beta asked. Felix nodded.

"Abe, your thoughts?" Alpha inquired.

Abe looked at me, then Alpha. "I agree. He's building an army. However, these vampires would be young and lack the speed and strength to overwhelm werewolves. He likely has more up his sleeve," Abe concluded.

Alpha remained silent for several minutes, his eyes scanning the binder.

"Thank you, Lacey. You did very well," he said, finally looking up. "Everyone is dismissed. Damien, let's talk." He stood, assisting Luna. I bowed my head respectfully. Our eyes met as I rose, and I saw a proud, almost exclusively for me, grin on Felix's face.

Missy

I wish my birthday was here already. Maddox and Vlad are keeping me on my toes. Vlad's been visiting the packhouse almost daily, trying to make amends for his previous remarks. He's brought flowers, lunch, and even offered to help watch the kids. I'm unsure how to feel; my usual methods offer no clarity. I miss Lemon and wish I could visit her at the Inn, but I doubt Liam and Lea would allow it after the attack.

Maddox has been sleeping in my room every night. We often hang out after dinner or his training sessions with Felix. One night, he was asleep on my bed when I got out of the shower. It wasn't awkward or strange; it just was. I worried Liam would find out and freak out, but Maddox thinks we're okay. I felt a pang of guilt seeing Vlad, unsure where we stand. But Maddox's presence makes me feel safe, and I don't want to be alone.

I sat on the packhouse porch with Allie, waiting for Sol and Julie. We're going to the movies. Liam's sending an escort and driver. Aside from my constant escort, it's nice to engage in normal teenage activities outside the packhouse. Before the new pack members, Vlad and I hung out, or I spent time with my siblings. After a while, no one else really tried to befriend me.

The front door opened, and Sol and Julie emerged, chatting. Maddox followed, sporting a wide grin. "What's with the smile?" I asked, rising.

The front door opened, and Sol and Julie emerged, chatting. Maddox followed, sporting a wide grin. "What's with the smile?" I asked, rising. (This line is repeated, removed one instance).

"I got a new assignment," he announced proudly. I raised an eyebrow. "Apparently, all the extra training with Felix is paying off."

"What do you mean?" Sol asked.

"Alpha put me in charge of Missy's detail!" he exclaimed.

"Wait, what?" I asked.

"Felix recommended me. Alpha wants someone to watch you permanently, like Luna. Felix thought I'd be the best fit—same age and grade, and we're friends, so they don't expect complaints," he explained.

"It's going to be awkward when your dad finds out you're dating your bodyguard," Julie teased. Sol snickered.

"We aren't dating!" I said quickly. This resulted in more giggling. I looked at Allie, who shrugged. "Let's just go," I said, trying to change the subject.

Maddox held up the keys to Liam's SUV. "Shotgun?"

Maddox

I didn't expect Alpha Liam to put me in charge of Missy's protection again so soon after the rogue attack. He hasn't mentioned the night he allowed me to be with Missy, so I hope this means forgiveness for leaving the kids alone that day.

The more time Missy and I spend together, the more certain I am she's my mate. Everything feels right with her. After the movies, the girls wanted dinner, so we went.

Back at the packhouse, Little Liam found me immediately. "Maddox, you promised!" he said.

"I know. I had an important job today, but how about we go to the training grounds now?" I suggested. He squinted but nodded hesitantly. "Meet me at the back door in five minutes."

"Still training my little brother?" Missy asked, appearing at the bottom of the stairs.

"Yep. He's determined. I promised him we'd go to the training grounds after dinner, but that was before your dad assigned me to you today," I explained.

"Well, I'm heading to my room. Have fun with Junior," she said, heading upstairs.

I went to the kitchen for water bottles before meeting Junior at the back door. He had a determined look as we walked toward the training grounds. So far, I've mainly taught him basic punches and kicks.

"What are we learning tonight?" he asked.

"Hmmm," I pondered. "Let's work on falls."

"Falls?" he asked.

"Yes," I said. "Learning to fall correctly allows you to control your body and avoid injury."

"But if I'm winning, I don't want to fall," he said, confused.

"That's mostly true. But you won't win every fight, especially while learning. And sometimes, you can use falling to your advantage," I explained.

"Really?" he asked. I led him to the softer grass outside the sparring ring.

"Yes. Let me show you," I said.