Chapter 65: The Alpha’s Net Oliver POV

“The rogue lands are where they are.”

All attention was on the scout as his comments cut through the battle room’s tense atmosphere. I concealed the tempest building inside of me by leaning forward and keeping my fingers curled under my chin.

I tasted the words as I carefully repeated, “Rogue lands. And you’re positive?”

The scout paused, his eyes darting to the warriors on each side of me and then back to me. “Alpha, we’re as certain as we can be. Near the eastern border, a rogue observed two wolves that fit their descriptions. They’ve ventured far into areas even rogues stay away from.”

A chilly smile curved my lips. “Interesting. They believe that among misfits and mice, they can hide from me.”

Beta Mark shuffled uncomfortably next to me. “Rogue lands, Oliver, are erratic. It’s dangerous to get that deep, even with our best troops. If the rogues decide to band together, however—”

“They won’t,” I cut in, my voice sharp enough to make him wince. “By nature, rogues are cowards. If the price is right, they will sell their own relatives.”

I got up, the chamber quieting as I looked about at the gathered warriors and counselors. “Get the word out. Provide a prize, such as cash, safety, or anything else. I’ll pay any rogue who brings me Anna and Lucas handsomely.”

A younger guy, Kael, one of the soldiers, came forward. “What if they don’t comply, Alpha? If they won’t cooperate?”

My grin became cold. “We then remind them of the reasons for their fear of the Nightshade Pack.”

A few hours later, I stood in my personal quarters and looked out over the thick forest that stretched past the pack’s boundaries. Long shadows danced like specters as the moon hung low in the sky.

“Alpha,” The silence was broken by Mark’s voice, and I turned to see him standing at the doorway with a reserved look.

“What is it?” Even though I already knew, I asked.

He stepped inside and shut the door after saying, “There’s unrest among the warriors. Some of them are wondering why Anna and Lucas are getting so much attention. It is so... personal, and they don’t understand why.”

I let out a quiet, unentertaining laugh. “Do they believe they are entitled to interrogate me?”

“Obviously not,” Mark blurted out. “However, rumors have a way of getting out there. If we don’t practice caution—”

Then, with a growl in my voice, I said, “Make them careful. Insubordination will not be allowed by me.”

His eyes narrowed slightly as he paused. “With all due respect, Alpha, the pack will not be strengthened by paranoia. It will split it.”

The tension between us crackled as I walked toward him. “Mark, are you implying that I have paranoia?”

I could see the glimmer of doubt in his eyes, but he remained firm. “What I’m saying is that trust is reciprocal. You must provide loyalty if you desire it.”

The only sound in the room for a moment was the slight rustle of leaves outside the window. Then I laughed, my voice shrill and icy.

I shook my head, saying, “Trust. Belief is a weakness. It was the cause of my father’s death. Do you believe he exercised trust in his rule?”

Mark didn’t reply, but I could tell everything I needed to know by the way his jaw tightened.

I turned away and whispered, “Enough. Pay attention to the goal. The rest is unimportant.”

He replied, “As you wish, Alpha,” but it was clear that he was tense.

My strategy was going by morning. Claiming to be rogues, spies crept into the shadows and began circulating rumors about the prize. With their senses keen and their orders unambiguous, loyal warriors guarded the frontiers.

However, as the hunt drew nearer, a persistent sense of worry started to creep into my mind.

I mentally re-repeated what Mark had said. Was I suspicious? Was my judgment hampered by my preoccupation with Anna?

No. It isn’t possible. The secret lay in Anna—her strength, her background, everything she stood for. She was what I needed to become completely powerful.

And yet...

I dismissed the idea and concentrated on the current job.

A voice shouted out from the doorway, “Alpha,” and I turned to see Kael standing there with a somber look. “A rogue has been apprehended. He says that he saw them.”

With my heart racing with a mixture of fear and excitement, I ordered, “Bring him to me.”

Shortly after, a wiry, scarred rogue was pulled into the chamber by two attackers. His eyes shot about like a snagged animal, and he smelled of terror and sweat.

“Alpha,” he said haltingly, his voice shaking. “I—I didn’t mean well. I simply want to be rewarded.”

“Then speak,” I ordered in a cold tone. “What are you aware of?”

The words came out of his mouth in a blur. “They’re in the eastern woods. Tucked down amid the rocks is a house. They had been there for days, but they are going, advancing farther into the realm of rogues.”

“More profound?” I squinted. “Why?”

His panic was obvious as he stammered, “I—I don’t know. They won’t live long, though. Outsiders are not well accepted by the rogues there.”

I took a moment to consider what he had to say. I then gave a nod. “You did a good job.”

His face flooded with relief, but it was brief. I made a quick sign to the warriors, and they pulled him away, his cries vanishing into thin air.

“Get the warriors ready,” I stated in a forceful but hushed voice. “We depart at dusk.”

Kael paused. “Alpha, should we hold off until we have more details? Should we go too quickly—”

I shouted, “I’ve waited long enough. Anna is in my power, and I will not allow her to leave again.”

Reluctantly, he stepped back and nodded. “As you please, Alpha.”

I was by myself in the war room, looking at the plan that was laid out in front of me as the sun was setting and the pack was getting ready for the hunt.

The rogue regions were a labyrinth of perils, including perilous terrain, dangerous wolves, and secret mysteries. However, none of that was important.

I had Anna.

And the real meaning of dread would be shown to anyone who stood in my way.

“There won’t be a way out this time.”