Chapter 26: Chapter 26
Chapter 26: Schemes and Shadows
Dean’s
I sat on my bed, Stan’s head resting on my chest. His breathing was slow and steady. My phone was in my hand, the screen glowing with a message that made me chuckle, a sound that was low and sharp. Enzo was losing it, completely unraveling over that human mate of his, Noah. The kid was a puzzle to me; something about him pulled at me, and I couldn’t figure out the reason why.
The door creaked open. I didn’t bother looking up, knowing exactly who it was without checking. “What are you doing here, Eric?” I asked, my voice cold. “We already made a deal. Or are you not satisfied with the terms?”
Eric, the rogue leader, stepped into the room. His eyes were dark, and I saw a flicker of fear in them despite his tough act. He moved toward the bed, his boots heavy on the floor. “Don’t play games with me, Dean,” he said, his voice low and angry. “You promised me a way to take down Enzo. Your brother’s been a thorn in my side for years. But you haven’t given me anything solid to work with. What is the holdup?”
I pushed Stan’s head gently off my chest, careful not to wake him, and stood, pulling on my robe. I tied it loosely and stepped toward Eric, our eyes locking. “You’re impatient,” I said, smirking at his frustration. “You’re the big bad rogue leader, right? If you want Enzo dead so badly, why haven’t you done it yourself? Are you scared?”
Eric’s face twisted, and he grabbed my neck, his grip tight but noticeably shaky. “Don’t test me, Dean,” he growled. “I’m a rogue, and I’m not afraid of anything. Not even Enzo. I could rip him apart right now if I chose to.”
I chuckled, shoving his hand away easily. “Then do it,” I said, stepping closer, my voice low. “I told you this already, Eric. Enzo’s got a human mate: Noah. That is his one, true weakness. You want to break Enzo? Go after the kid. Enzo won’t stand a chance against you if you target Noah.”
Eric’s eyes narrowed, his jaw tight with rage. “And if your plan fails?” he said, his voice sharp and menacing. “I’m not just coming for Enzo after that. I’ll come for you, Dean. You and that little mate of yours, too.”
My eyes flashed green, and I moved in a blur, grabbing Eric's neck and lifting him completely off the ground. “You can go after my brother,” I said, my voice a harsh growl. “I don’t care about Enzo. But touch Stan, and I won’t just make you suffer—I’ll wipe out every last rogue in your pack. Do you hear what I’m telling you?”
Eric gasped, his hands clawing weakly at mine, but I held tight for just a second before shoving him away. He stumbled, coughing loudly, and I pointed sharply at the door. “Get out of my house,” I said. “I’ve got better things to do than deal with your constant demands.”
He glared, his face red with indignation, but didn’t say another word back. He turned and stormed out, the door slamming shut behind him. I smirked, walking back to the bed, ready to lie down, when Stan sat up. His eyes were half-open, but sharp and alert. “You really gonna kill your brother, Dean?” he asked, his voice quiet but curious.
I froze, then grinned slowly, sliding closer to him. “You were awake this whole time, huh?” I said, cupping his face gently, my thumb brushing his cheek. “Eavesdropping on my business?”
He shrugged, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Couldn’t help it,” he said. “You and Eric weren’t exactly quiet in here. So, what’s the real deal? Are you actually planning to take Enzo down?”
I leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to his lips, my face close to his. “You think I could actually kill Enzo?” I asked, my voice low and teasing. “Come on, Stan. He’s my brother, and he’s tough as hell. But there’s something about that human mate of his, Noah. I honestly don’t get it yet.”
Stan raised an eyebrow at me, his hand resting lightly on my chest. “What do you mean by that?” he asked. “You’ve been completely obsessed with that kid since you first saw him. What exactly is so special about him?”
I pulled back slightly, my smile fading completely. “I don’t know,” I said, my voice suddenly quieter. “Every time I’m near him, I feel… something strange. Like a pull. It’s not the same feeling as with you, but it’s definitely different. I can’t figure it out yet, but I will eventually.”
Stan tilted his head, his eyes searching mine carefully. “You’re just jealous, aren’t you?” he said softly. “Jealous of Enzo. He’s got a mate, and you’re stuck scheming with rogues just to get under his skin.”
I laughed, a sound that was sharp and bitter. “Jealous?” I said. “Of Enzo? Please. He’s literally falling apart over a weak human. I just want to know why that kid has him so twisted up and distracted.”
“Then what’s your actual plan?” Stan asked, leaning closer to hear my reply, his voice soft. “Are you just gonna keep messing with Noah? Or are you seriously working with Eric to kill Enzo?”
I smirked, pulling him close again, our foreheads touching. “I don’t need to kill Enzo,” I said. “I just need to push him hard. See how far he’ll go to protect his mate. And when he finally breaks, I’ll be right there to pick up all the pieces he leaves behind.”
Stan sighed, his hand sliding slowly to my neck. “You’re playing a dangerous game, Dean,” he said. “Enzo’s not just your brother. He’s a true Alpha. What happens if he finally comes for you?”
“Let him come,” I said, my voice low and confident. “I’m ready for him. But enough about Enzo for tonight.” I kissed him again, soft and slow, my hands resting on his shoulders. “Why don’t we forget all this plotting and just… spend some time together right now?”
Stan smiled genuinely, his eyes warm. “You’re nothing but trouble, Dean,” he said, his voice teasing. “But yeah. Let’s do that instead.”
I grinned, pulling him close again, my lips brushing his ear lightly. “That’s more like it,” I whispered, my voice soft. The weight of schem
es and plans faded from my mind for the moment.