Chapter 24: Web of Lies

The breeze bore murmurs of turmoil across the Redwater region. Even though I had established a tenuous position within the pack, a sense of discomfort took root inside me, I sensed that something was approaching—I could feel it deep within me. 

I didn't understand why until Ilara stormed into the packhouse late that night, her expression twisted in anger. 

With frustration, she tossed a wrinkled letter onto the dining table where I was seated and exclaimed, "You won’t guess what Jared has done." 

Derek, who was positioned near the fireplace, turned to look at her, his expression shifting to one of anger immediately. Opposite me, Cassius took the letter and read it aloud. 

"To the Western Territories' Alphas,  

Watch out for Claire, the Midnight Moon Pack traitor. Do not fall for her lies; she has betrayed her people and is seeking safety among you. By selling their secrets to outsiders, she plotted against her pack and her mate. To anyone who harbours her, she poses a threat.  

The Midnight Moon Pack and its allies will view any pack that provides her with sanctuary as an enemy.  

Alpha Jared of the Midnight Moon Pack has signed.  

The words caused my stomach to knot.  

With a tighter grip on the paper, Cassius muttered, "He's portraying you as a traitor." "It's worse than I anticipated."  

Clara crossed her arms. "He sent this to Redwater in more than one way. He forwarded it to all of the area's major packs.  

My ears throbbed with my heartbeat. Jared wouldn't just let me go, of course. By poisoning the minds of those who might be willing to take me in, he was making sure that no one would take me in if I attempted to escape again.  

Derek's jaw tightened as he exhaled sharply. "He is attempting to incite the other packs to oppose us."  

On the table, Cassius tossed the letter. And it could work. Nobody wants to risk going to war over a single wolf.  

I felt a pit in my stomach. “So, what does this mean for me?”  

Derek turned to face me, his expression unreadable. “It means you’re more valuable to Jared than we realized.”  

I took a deep breath. "Or he simply wants me dead."  

They did not quarrel.  

Ilara let out a sharp sigh. "There's more."  

Derek's eyes returned to her. "Continue."  

Clara was silent for a moment before continuing. In two days, Jared will meet with some Alphas. We might have to deal with more than just Midnight Moon if he persuades them that Claire poses a threat. I'm not sure which ones.  

A chilly chill went through my body. This was worse than I thought it would be. They wouldn't simply turn me over if Jared was able to unite the other Alphas against Redwater. Their goal would be blood.  

Derek looked tired and angry as he rubbed his temples. "We need to know what packs are listening to him about—real information."  

Cassius gave a nod. I can get in touch with some of our scouts. Check out what they can locate.  

Between them, feeling useless, I glanced. "What am I able to do?"  

Before he spoke, Derek's expression was unreadable for a moment as we locked eyes. “Stay out of sight.”  

I tensed up. "That's it?"  

His eyes blinked. Yes, for the time being. We want to minimise the likelihood that they will believe we are harbouring you.  

I understood, but I detested it. Jared would be even more credible if it were known that Redwater was defending me.  

Ilara paused. "There may be an alternative."  

Derek's forehead raised. "What?"  

Ilara looked over at me. "You could make your statement if you're willing."  

I closed my eyes briefly. "What are you trying to say?" 

She was facing me, looking at me intently. Currently, Jared is overseeing the narrative. Nonetheless, we might counter his deceit if we can be more clever than him and spread the reality of what occurred. 

Derek's expression became grave. "That is hazardous." 

Ilara stayed steadfast. "Allowing Jared to narrate the story is a poor choice as well." 

Within me, a conflict of feelings surged. The other groups would take Jared's account of what happened as truth if I remained silent. Nonetheless, if I were to express my thoughts... I would be putting myself at an even higher risk. 

I took a deep breath. "What method could we use to achieve that?" 

Ilara's lips tightened in deep thought. "We possess allies." We might convince a few of them to rethink if we can reach out with a message before Jared's meeting. 

Derek breathed out sharply, clearly weighing the risks. "It's a gamble." 

Cassius shrugged his shoulders. "Superior to delaying and anticipating an assault." 

Derek glanced in my direction. Claire, this is your decision. We cannot reverse what we have accomplished. 

I took a moment, sensing my heartbeat quicken. Nevertheless, I already had the answer within me. 

Jared had twisted the reality to serve his purposes and controlled me for way too long. He would succeed if I didn't resist. 

I lifted my chin. "Let's complete it." 

I hadn't run in a considerable amount of time. I was unwilling to give in. And I had no intention of withdrawing. 

After nodding and maintaining eye contact with me for a considerable amount of time, Derek turned to face Cassius and Ilara. "We'll have to act fast. We have less than 48 hours to alter the story if Jared is meeting with other Alphas in two days.  

Cassius put his elbows on the table and leaned forward. "Who can we rely on to spread the word?"  

Ilara let out a breath. "Jared will realise we're attempting to discredit him if we approach the incorrect pack."  

Derek's eyes became gloomy. "Then, we only communicate with people who have grounds to doubt Jared's ability to lead."  

I had an idea and blurted out, "Alpha Tobias," before I could stop myself.  

Ilara scowled. "The Silver Ridge Pack's Alpha?"  

I gave a nod. "Tobias and Jared have never been on good terms. I am aware that Tobias has always been suspicious of the alliances Jared has made, and he does not trust Jared's leadership. He might be willing to speak on our behalf if we can get in touch with him first.  

Cassius pondered while scratching his jaw. That's a good idea. Because of their strength, Silver Ridge may cause the other Alphas to reconsider supporting Jared.  

Derek didn't seem persuaded. "Tobias isn't renowned for being giving. He won't put himself out there unless he benefits from it.  

I looked him in the eye. "We give him something after that."  

He raised an eyebrow. "Like what?"  

I knew there was only one true answer, so I hesitated. "Me."  

There was silence in the room.  

Derek's face became stern. "No."  

Ilara appeared conflicted. “That’s dangerous, Claire—”  

I forced myself to remain firm and interrupted, "I know." Tobias, however, won't do anything for nothing. It will be an indication of good faith if I approach him directly and tell him the truth. He will pay attention.  

Derek's irritated eyes widened. "Or he'll give you to Jared in exchange for a reward."  

I took a swallow. "We must take this chance."  

Derek reiterated, his tone piercing, "No." "You're not negotiating with an unidentified Alpha."  

A glimmer of rage ignited within me. "So, what would you recommend? We just hope Jared doesn't persuade the other Alphas to betray us.  

Derek's jaw tightened, but he remained silent.  

I let out a slow breath, attempting to control my annoyance. Derek, I refuse to be a prisoner here. I should be able to defend myself if I so choose.  

His nostrils widened, but Cassius spoke before he could protest. "There may be an alternative."  

I turned to him, and so did Derek.  

Leaning forward, Cassius had a serious expression. "What if we pretend that Claire is with Tobias even though we don't send her there?"  

Ilara's gaze expanded. What do you mean by using a decoy?  

Cassius gave a nod. We might send someone to Silver Ridge with a note saying Claire wants to meet with Tobias. She remains safe here in the interim.  

I scowled. "Is that even going to work?"  

"It could buy us some time," Cassius acknowledged. Before deciding, Tobias will get in touch if he's interested. Thus, before taking any action, we would have a window of opportunity to assess his reaction.  

Although Derek's face was unreadable, I could see the thoughts racing through his head.  

Ilara gave a slow nod. "It's a safer strategy."  

I exhaled. "Then let's get started."  

This time, Derek didn't argue. He turned to Cassius instead. "Look for someone to deliver the message. Someone with discretion  

Cassius grinned. "I've already thought of someone."  

Derek faced me once more. Even though he was still tense, his eyes had changed to something that nearly resembled respect. "Claire, this is not over. Jared will not simply overlook this.  

I erect my shoulders. "I'm not either."  

Derek took another look at me and then nodded. "Then let us get ready for whatever is coming up."  

I had lived my entire life evading Jared's authority and control over me. Now, however, I was retaliating for the first time. And until I was free, I wouldn't stop.  

Whatever it took.