Chapter 183: A watchman never sleeps.

Alpha Rolan's POV

After Griffin had left my office, I felt the familiar weight of unease settle over me. There was something about the way he had spoken, the way he had hugged me, that screamed deception.

I wasn't one to trust easily, and Griffin had proven time and time again that he wasn't a man to take lightly. I sat at my desk for a moment, thinking. Without hesitation, I picked up my phone and called Caleb.

"Come to my office," I said, keeping my tone even. There was no need to explain further. Caleb was sharp; he'd understand why I needed him.

It didn't take long for him to arrive. Caleb was one of the few people I trusted completely, someone who had been with me through thick and thin. He was more than a friend; he was my most reliable advisor, a watchman who never slept.

Caleb entered the room, closing the door behind him with a quiet click. His sharp gaze immediately took in the tension in the air.

"You called?" he asked, his voice steady as always.

I nodded and gestured to the screen on the wall. "I want you to see this," I said, pressing a button to replay the footage from earlier. Griffin's visit, his fake smiles, his thinly veiled intentions, it was all there, captured in cold, digital clarity.

Caleb watched silently, his arms crossed over his chest, his expression unreadable. But I knew him well enough to see the flicker of disdain in his eyes every time Griffin spoke.

When the footage ended, I turned to face him. "Well?"

Caleb leaned back slightly, his arms still folded, and let out a slow breath. "He's still playing the same game. There's no sincerity in him, Alpha. He's biding his time, trying to figure out when to strike."

I nodded, feeling the same conclusion settle in my gut. "Do you think he'll challenge my authority? An Alpha Duel?"

Caleb tilted his head, considering the possibility. "Griffin wants power, but he's smart enough to know that an Alpha Duel isn't his best play. Not yet. He might think about it, but the fact remains, he's an illegitimate son. He'll never gain the loyalty or love of the people, even if he manages to challenge you."

I leaned back in my chair, running a hand through my hair. The idea of Griffin challenging me directly seemed laughable. "He'd never win," I said flatly. "He couldn't beat me, not in a fight."

Caleb gave a small, knowing smile. "I know. You'd tear him apart. But that's not the point, is it? You don't want to kill him."

I glanced at Caleb, knowing he had hit the nail on the head. "No," I admitted, the tension in my chest tightening. "Not unless he gives me a reason. He hasn't angered me enough to push me to that."

Caleb chuckled, the sound low and amused. "That's what I thought. Don't worry, we're five steps ahead of him. He thinks he's smart, but we've got him cornered, whether he realizes it or not."

That's what I appreciated about Caleb. He always had a way of making things sound simple like there was nothing to worry about as long as we stayed ahead of the game. I wasn't naive, I knew Griffin was cunning, and it wouldn't be long before he tried to make his next move.

"Speaking of being five steps ahead," I said, leaning forward again. "Have you secured the loyalty of the woman we discussed? The informant?"

Caleb's expression shifted, a sly grin creeping onto his face. "It was easier than I thought. She was all too willing to be bought. And as a bonus, she even tried to offer me something extra." He raised an eyebrow, the implication clear.

I grimace in disgust, shaking my head. "I don't need to know the details."

Caleb chuckled again, this time with genuine amusement. "Don't worry. She won't be a problem. She's loyal to the coin, and that's all we need for now."

I nodded, feeling a small measure of relief. Having eyes and ears where Griffin least expected it gave me the advantage. No matter what he tried, I would know. I would always know.

"So," Caleb continued, his tone becoming more serious. "What's the plan now? Do we move first, or do we wait for Griffin to show his hand?"

I drummed my fingers on the desk, thinking it over. "We wait," I answered after a moment. "Griffin is impatient. He'll make a move soon, and when he does, we'll be ready. I want him to think he's in control, that he's the one calling the shots. The moment he slips up, we'll grab him."

Caleb nodded, his expression thoughtful. "And when we grab him? What happens then?"

I allowed myself a small smile, though it didn't reach my eyes. "Then we remind him who the real Alpha is. Publicly. His defeat has to be undeniable, or the pack will keep second-guessing me."

Caleb's grin returned, the sharpness in his eyes matching my own. "I'll make sure we're ready for when that moment comes."

I trusted him to handle it. Caleb was meticulous, always three steps ahead in every situation. If anyone could ensure that we were prepared for whatever Griffin threw our way, it was him.

He stood, straightening his jacket. "I'll see to it immediately," he said, his voice firm with purpose. "And Rolan... don't lose sleep over Griffin. He's just a shadow compared to you."

I nodded, appreciating the reassurance, even if the knot in my chest refused to loosen entirely. "Thanks, Caleb."

With that, he left the study, the door closing softly behind him. I sat there for a moment longer, staring at the empty space where he had stood. The fire in the hearth crackled softly, casting flickering shadows on the walls.

Griffin was a thorn in my side, but a thorn could still wound if left unchecked. I couldn't afford to let my guard down, not for a second. Every move I made had to be calculated, every step forward a strategy.

The game had only just begun, but I was ready for it. I wouldn't let Griffin or anyone else challenge what I had built. The pack was mine, and no one else's, not Griffin, and definitely not any schemer waiting in the wings would take it from me.