Chapter 85

Zeena’s POV

I didn’t even get the chance to breathe after Ryder called me his love–just said it like he was commenting on the weather. My brain was still trying to replay it when he grabbed my hand and practically hauled me toward the pack hall.

My feet were moving, but my mind was stuck back on the stairs like,

Did he really just–?

The moment we stepped inside, conversations cut off. Some mid-word. Some with the speaker’s mouth still open. Some wolves straightened. Eyes following every step I took like they were waiting for me to trip, stumble, do something embarrassing enough to confirm whatever doubts they already had about me.

I kept my eyes on the far wall, trying not to shrink. Ryder’s hand slid down my back, warm, steadying, but it didn’t slow the violent thud of my heart. This was the first time most of them were seeing me since I came back. But they weren’t just looking.

They were measuring me. Judging me.

As if wondering how long before I disappoint the Alpha again. Wondering why Ryder brought me to a meeting with warriors and trackers. I wasn’t supposed to be here. I knew it. They knew it.

Still, I forced myself to lift my chin.

I might not fight like them, but I wasn’t weak. I wasn't a mistake.

Laura and Lucius stood at the front. They gave me small nods… something between respect and polite recognition. I returned one, praying it looked elegant and not like I choked on spit.

Then Ryder’s voice cut through the hall.

“Everyone sit.”

No hesitation. They obeyed him like gravity itself spoke.

I stayed close as he walked to the front, hand brushing mine like a reminder that I wasn’t alone—even though every stare in that room told me otherwise.

“I called this meeting because for the first time, we’re being watched,” Ryder said, his voice low. “Or threatened. We don’t know by who yet. That’s why I sent Beta Laura and Delta Lucius beyond the borders.”

He motioned to them.

Laura cleared her throat. “We found something. A few things, actually.”

Ryder nodded for her to go on.

She glanced at Lucius before speaking again. “There were no scent. Whoever these wolves are–they are clean.”

Lucius stepped forward, arms crossed. “And they weren’t wandering. They chose specific spots and stayed there. Observing. Studying our movements.”

A cold shiver prickled through me.

“This wasn’t random,” I whispered to myself.

Ryder’s jaw tightened in agreement. “Anything physical left behind?”

Laura reached into the pouch at her belt and pulled out a strip of black fabric. She handed it to Ryder.

He scanned it once. “This is warrior-grade material.”

Lucius nodded.

Ryder exhaled. “Which means whoever is watching us knows exactly what they’re doing.”

An older wolf on the right raised a hand. “Alpha… who’s the target? The pack? Or someone inside it?”

Wave of murmurs rippled instantly. Because that was the terrifying truth–no one even knew.

A clearer voice cut in. “Maybe it’s connected to the newcomers.”

There were more nods, then a low mutter that was almost missed. “Or the Alpha's mate.”

Heat slammed into my cheeks as my stomach twisted. I felt Ryder stiffen beside me. Others watching my reaction. I tried my best to keep my face blank because why would it be me? Who would even want me? The Council wouldn’t do this quietly–they’d knock down the borders, not hide in shadows.

Before my thoughts could spiral further, Ryder’s voice turned cold.

“Anyone who thinks speaking about my mate behind her back is brave may stand up and repeat themselves.”

Silence. Nothing was said, no one moved.

He scanned the room slowly. “Good.”

Then–openly, deliberately–he took my hand and pulled me closer to his side.

“She is my mate,” he said, voice steady. “Not a threat. If you need something to pour your energy into, focus on the wolves outside our borders. Not her.”

A few wolves looked down. No one argued.

Ryder’s gaze swept the room, like he was making sure the word sank. “Anything else before we continue?”

Laura lifted her hand slightly. “Zeena spoke to me about something earlier. I think it’s something everyone should hear.”

My stomach dropped so hard I swayed.

Spoke to her?

When? How?

We hadn’t even said a single word since Andre came back.

What was she doing?

Trying to help? Throw me off a cliff?

Someone cleared their throat and I came back to reality to see that every eye in the hall was on me–waiting–expecting something I didn’t have.

Ryder squeezed my fingers, that silent comfort was heartwarming, even though I didn't know what to say or if he was in on it.

I inhaled, slowly. My heartbeat was tripping over itself as I stepped forward, trying to come up with something decent.

“I—” My voice cracked. I forced it steady. “I don’t think these wolves want… chaos. Chaos leaves tracks. Mistakes. Noise. Whoever’s watching isn’t ready yet. They're waiting for something.”

A few wolves sat straight. One or two nodded.

Someone else murmured under their breath.

I continued, the words coming freely now. “So if we want answers, we don’t wait for them to make a move. We make them think the pack is moving in ways they don’t expect. We throw them off.”

There was silence again. Then one patrol member nodded firmly. “She’s right.”

Others nodded. A few looked outright surprised that something useful came out of my mouth–which, honestly, I didn’t know whether to feel flattered or offended about. Because even I was surprised I could come up with something in such short notice. Oh, Laura was going to get it.

Ryder slid his hand over mine again, warm and proud, his eyes softening in a way that made everything inside me trip.

And then Andre stepped out from the back.

“We can adjust the patrols,” he said. “Break the patterns they’re tracking.”

“Good,” Ryder said. “That’s our next step. We move now