Chapter 22: The Rogue

Ethan's POV

The crackling fire in the middle of the lodge was casting shadows across the room, lending an intensity to the tension that filled every corner. A low hum of murmurs and grumbled complaints echoed, each voice blending into the next. I could see the divide forming between the packs already—Silverwood’s pack stood closer to me, wary of the others, while Zara Moon’s warriors kept to themselves, watching our every move with sharp, critical eyes.

Gabriel Pierce had sent word he was withdrawing any support after our last confrontation, and I couldn’t pretend it didn’t sting, knowing his decision might influence others to hold back, too. Now, even with Zara’s support, the challenge of uniting these packs was bigger than I’d anticipated. Every alpha here had their own agenda, their own needs and demands, and no one seemed particularly willing to bend.

I glanced over to Lila, who was leaning against the wall, her arms folded tightly across her chest. Despite her exhaustion, she was watching each leader closely, her face calm but unreadable. If there was one thing I’d learned recently, it was not to underestimate her resolve.

“Elijah’s warriors need assurances,” Zara was saying, her voice low and stern as she directed her gaze at me. “If you can’t guarantee territory stability, they won’t commit to a single battle.”

I clenched my jaw, frustration simmering beneath the surface. “They can’t demand something that’s impossible. Right now, the only way to guarantee stability is to deal with Dominic first. Any other battles can wait.”

Zara’s gaze hardened. “Ethan, they’re loyal, but they’re not foolish. Their land has been threatened before—do you think they’ll risk everything without a solid plan?”

I took a breath, searching for the words that would make them understand. These weren’t just regular warriors; they were battle-hardened wolves, each one with scars and stories I could only imagine. But Dominic’s forces were relentless, and if we kept fighting amongst ourselves, he’d tear us apart before we even began.

“Look, I know you’re all here because you’re smart, capable, and more than aware of what Dominic is capable of,” I said, meeting each alpha’s gaze in turn. “But if we don’t join forces and put every ounce of our strength together, then we’re only making it easier for him to divide and conquer.”

Silence fell over the room as the words settled. A few of the alphas exchanged glances, doubt still evident, but I could tell my words had resonated with at least a few of them. Then, breaking the silence, Zara finally nodded, her expression softened by a hint of approval.

“That’s what we need to hear from you, Ethan,” she said quietly. “We’re with you on this, but you have to lead us. All of us.”

I felt a surge of relief, and a murmur of agreement ran through the room. It wasn’t full assurance yet, but it was something. They were with us, at least for now.

Just as I thought we were finally making headway, a commotion outside broke the stillness. A few pack members shifted toward the door, sensing the sudden rise in tension, and I felt my muscles tense. Something was wrong.

Before I could react, the lodge doors swung open, and a figure I hadn’t seen in years stepped into the firelight, casting a shadow across the room. He was taller now, bulkier, with scars running across his face, his expression somewhere between defiant and triumphant. It took me a moment to process the sight.

“Logan,” I muttered under my breath, barely able to believe it. Logan Grey, a rogue and former pack member who had been banished for betraying Silverwood years ago. And here he was, walking back in like he owned the place.

“I heard there was a meeting of the alphas,” he said, his voice carrying a confident, almost mocking edge. His gaze fell on me, and he smirked. “And I thought I’d drop in to see my old… family.”

The room went silent, every eye on him, every jaw clenched. I felt the old anger rise up, memories flooding back—the last time Logan had been here, he’d nearly torn the pack apart from the inside, pitting wolves against one another. He had betrayed every single one of us, and I had been the one to banish him.

“What are you doing here?” I asked, my voice steady but cold. 

He shrugged, feigning innocence. “Dominic’s got some grand ideas, and I figured I’d see what the opposition’s got planned.” He chuckled, a humorless sound that made my skin crawl. “Besides, I thought I’d pay my respects to my old alpha.”

I forced myself to stay calm, though I could feel the tension coiling in my muscles, begging for release. This was exactly the kind of disruption we couldn’t afford right now, not with the fragile alliance we were trying to maintain.

“You’re not welcome here, Logan,” I said firmly. “Leave, before I make you.”

Logan’s grin only widened, his gaze flicking over the other alphas who were watching us, their own expressions unreadable. “Now, now,” he said, raising his hands in mock surrender. “I’m not here to cause trouble… unless, of course, you’d like me to.”

At his words, Lila shifted beside me, her hand instinctively reaching for the small dagger she kept hidden at her hip. I glanced over, meeting her gaze, and she gave me a slight nod, her eyes flashing with determination. If Logan was here to provoke us, he was going to have a fight on his hands.

The alphas murmured among themselves, watching the standoff with keen interest. They had no reason to defend Logan, but I could see the doubt in their eyes. If I couldn’t handle one rogue, how could I expect them to trust me against Dominic?

“Enough,” I said, stepping forward, my gaze locked on Logan. “You’ve overstayed your welcome. Leave now, or I’ll have you escorted out.”

Logan’s smirk faded, replaced by a glint of anger. For a moment, I thought he might actually back down, but then he shook his head, his expression darkening. “You think you can just throw me out, Ethan? After everything?”

He took a step forward, his hands clenching into fists. “I’ve got as much right to be here as any of them,” he said, nodding toward the other alphas. “And unlike you, I don’t need to beg for their respect.”

The tension in the room thickened, and I could feel my patience wearing thin. Logan was baiting me, pushing me to react, to show weakness in front of everyone. But I wasn’t about to give him that satisfaction.

I took a steadying breath, keeping my tone calm but firm. “You lost your right to be here when you turned your back on this pack, Logan. Leave now, before I make you regret it.”

For a moment, we stood in silence, our gazes locked in a silent battle of wills. Then, finally, Logan scoffed, a bitter smile crossing his face. “Fine. But don’t think this is over, Ethan. Dominic’s coming for you, and when he does, you’ll be sorry you didn’t take my offer.”

With that, he turned on his heel and stalked out of the lodge, leaving a tense silence in his wake. I watched him go, my mind racing. Logan was dangerous, unpredictable, and now he was working with Dominic. That was a problem I couldn’t ignore.

After a moment, Zara stepped forward, her expression thoughtful. “He’s a loose cannon, Ethan. Dominic must be desperate to recruit someone like him.”

I nodded, the weight of the situation settling heavily on my shoulders. Logan’s presence was a threat in more ways than one, and if he was here to spy on us, then he might already know too much. We couldn’t afford any more setbacks.

Turning to the others, I squared my shoulders, my voice steady. “We need to tighten security and prepare for anything. If Dominic is planning something, then we can’t let him catch us off guard.”

The alphas nodded, their expressions grim but determined. We were in this together, whether they liked it or not, and if Dominic was coming for us, then we’d be ready. One way or another, we’d make sure of that.

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As the meeting broke up, I caught Lila’s eye, and she gave me a reassuring smile. I could see the worry in her gaze, but there was something else there, too—a quiet strength that steadied me, even in the midst of the chaos.

“We’ll figure this out,” she said, her voice soft but certain. “No matter what it takes.”

I nodded, grateful for her support. Together, we’d face whatever came our way, and we’d make it through. Dominic, Logan, and all the other threats—they’d underestimated us. But that was their mistake, and one day, they’d regret it.