Fifty Two
Fifty Two
KAIDA'S POV
I glanced at the man that Thoran had brought in. On the surface, he looked normal enough but I couldn't help but feel that there was something sinister lying beneath. My wolf was deeply unsettled by his presence.
Everyone was in high spirits. The pack had thrown a celebration to mark the return of Thoran and to acknowledge Jaden as the new Gamma of the pack. They also praised him for his quick thinking and bravery in risking his life to save a total stranger.
Everyone else seemed to be enamored by him. I was overjoyed at the fact that he had saved Thoran, which I was as well, to be honest. I wouldn't have been able to handle it if something had happened to him, and I was grateful that he returned safely but I couldn't help but feel that there was something more to him. For all we knew, he could be the one behind the attack in the first place.
I sighed, what a mess. Jaden had already been made the gamma of this pack, a role that came with significant power and trust. All I could do was keep an eye on him and hope that we didn't end up regretting it. “You don't trust him.” Thoran stated. He must have sensed that something was off with me. Thoran sighed, his expression softening. “Kaida, I know you’re worried, but Jaden saved my life. He’s proven himself.”
I took his hand. “You know that I care a lot about you, and I'm glad you're alive and well, but there's something off about him. I can't put my hand on him.” I explained. “Just be careful, alright?”
His lips pressed into a thin line before he nodded. “Alright. I’ll be cautious. But I think you’re letting your instincts run wild.” I hoped that I was, for the sake of the pack.
The rest of the celebration went on without a hitch. I tried as much as possible to have a good time, but the fact that my wolf was unsettled was a constant reminder of Jaden's presence in the pack. The whole time, my attention was on Jaden. I couldn’t trust someone so easily, especially with my instincts screaming that something wasn’t right about him.
—
I watched as Jaden quickly became a prominent figure in the pack. He was always around, either training the warriors, or organizing patrols, and even helping with tasks that weren’t his responsibility. The pack adored him. But my wolf still wasn't convinced. She continued to growl whenever he was nearby, and her mistrust seeped into my thoughts.
One evening, Thoran called a meeting with the pack leaders to discuss all that he had discovered in his journey. “I have confirmed that someone is indeed gathering rogues into a large pack.”
A murmur of concern spread through the room. “Do we know who it is?” Nia asked, her voice tense.
Thoran shook his head. “Not yet. But whoever they are, their intention is to gather an army. This is unlike anything we have faced before.”
Jaden leaned forward, his expression calm. “We need more information before we act. Sending out scouts would be a smart move.”
Thoran shook his head. “I already did that before. None of them returned alive, it's one of the reasons why I decided to go on my own.” He stated. “I found a huge wall, and a lot of rogues were gathered by the gates. But that's not the important part.” He said, leaning forward. “The rogues I fought… The guards… They were different.”
“Different how?” Zeph asked. Her brow was furrowed in concern.
He crossed his arms as he began to explain. “The guards were much stronger, more feral and faster than any rogue I had ever fought. Their appearance was the strangest thing. The fur of their wolf coated their body, their claws and fangs were extended. It was like they remained mid-shift.”
My jaw dropped open. “That can't be possible.” I said in disbelief. “Every other person we have found in that state is dead.
Thoran nodded in agreement. “I agree that it shouldn't be possible, but I know what I saw.” I tried to assure him that I wasn't trying to say that I doubted him, only that I was finding it hard to digest his words.
‘I know, Luna mine.’ Thoran told me through the mate bond.
“I agree. I was there as well. I was only able to defeat them because I caught them unawares.” He explained.
“That does sound worrisome. We already have enough problems as it is, with the regular wolves.” Zarek stated.
Thoran nodded. “We have to be prepared. I’ve already sent word to the other pack leaders. We’re not the only ones at risk.”
My mind raced as I thought about the rogue pack. If they were growing so quickly, it would only be a matter of time before they made their move. I couldn't stop myself from turning to Jaden and I found him smirking to himself, a dark look in his eyes. He caught me staring and waved at me, smiling brightly. It was a well practiced smile, I realized.
The discussion continued. I tried to focus on the plans being made, but my attention kept drifting back to Jaden. He spoke with confidence, his ideas sound and logical, but underneath his words, I could detect a hint of something vile. I didn't realize the meeting was over till Thoran tapped me.
—
Later that evening, in the comfort of my home, I gazed out the window to take in the night air and spotted Jaden as he spoke with some of the other pack members. His smile was charming, and he seemed to be fitting in well.
“Do you think Jaden knows anything about this?” I asked, glancing at Thoran. “Could he be connected somehow?”
Thoran looked up from his laptop. “About what?” He asked in confusion.
“The rogue pack.”
Thoran sighed exasperatedly. But he decided to humour me and considered the question. “His pack was killed by a rogue pack, Kaida. I don't think he had any hand in this.” He said gently.
I tilted my head to the side as I pondered his response. “Did he tell you that?”
“He did.” He said simply. I wasn’t entirely convinced, but I didn’t push the issue. Maybe I was just being too cautious, who knows? My wolf growled in response. Only time would tell.