Chapter 64 A Fragile Deal
The morning sun rose over the sprawling lands of Derek’s pack, the shadows stretching long and thin across the frost-kissed earth. Derek stood on the balcony of his manor, his piercing eyes scanning the distant horizon. The cool air bit at his skin, but he barely noticed. His thoughts were consumed by the man who now waited within his territory.
Kael.
The name was infamous. Once the Alpha of the powerful Blackthorn pack, Kael’s fall from grace had sent ripples through every pack in the region. The council had banished him, branding him a rogue. Some said it was because he failed to protect his pack; others whispered that darker secrets lay behind his downfall. Regardless of the truth, his name was now a warning—a symbol of what happened when power slipped through an Alpha’s fingers.
“Alpha,” a familiar voice called from behind him.
Derek turned to see Alex, his Beta, stepping onto the balcony. His brown eyes were serious, his posture tense.
“You’ve been out here all night,” Alex said, his tone cautious. “Are you sure about this? Letting Kael and his people stay… it’s a risk.”
Derek leaned against the balcony railing, his expression unreadable. “I know it’s a risk, but we can’t afford to ignore what he claims to know about Kevin’s plans. If there’s any truth to it, our pack could be in danger.”
Alex frowned. “And if he’s lying? What if he’s working with Kevin? Rogues don’t come offering help without a price.”
Derek’s jaw tightened. “That’s why I’ll keep him under a short leash. If he steps out of line, he’ll regret setting foot on my land.”
Alex hesitated, then nodded. “The council of Alphas won’t like this if they find out.”
“They don’t need to know,” Derek said firmly. “This is my pack. My territory. I’ll deal with the consequences.”
\---
The moonstone pack's council meeting began an hour later in the war room, a spacious chamber with a long wooden table at its center. Derek sat at the head, flanked by beta Alex and Rafael, his Gamma. Around the table were trusted warriors and advisors, their faces reflecting a mix of apprehension and doubt.
Derek wasted no time. “You’ve all heard the news. Kael and his people are on our land, and I’ve made the decision to let them stay—for now.”
The room erupted in murmurs of protest, and Rafael was the first to speak up.
“Alpha,” he said sharply, his brown eyes flashing, “this is a mistake. Kael’s pack was destroyed because of his choices. What if he’s here to do the same to us?”
A low rumble of agreement spread through the room, and one of the warriors at the far end of the table spoke next. “What if he’s working with Kevin? Rogues have been known to form alliances when it suits them.”
Derek raised a hand, silencing the chatter. “I understand your concerns. Believe me, I’m not making this decision lightly. But Kael’s hatred for Kevin runs deep, and if what he says is true, we need to know it. Ignoring him could cost us dearly.”
Rafael crossed his arms, his voice cutting through the tension. “And what if he’s lying? What if he’s feeding us just enough truth to gain our trust, only to turn on us when it matters most?”
Derek’s gaze locked with his, unflinching. “That’s why he’ll be under constant surveillance. Every move he makes, every word he says—it will all be reported directly to me. The same goes for his people. If any of them step out of line, they’ll face the consequences.”
The room fell silent, the finality in Derek’s tone leaving no room for argument.
Alex leaned forward, his voice calm but firm. “We’ll need to be vigilant. If we’re going to do this, we can’t afford any mistakes.”
Derek nodded. “Agreed. Rafael, I want you to assign our best trackers to monitor Kael’s group. Alex, you’ll oversee the integration process and ensure they remain separate from the rest of the pack.”
Both nodded, though Rafael’s expression remained skeptical.
As the meeting concluded, Rafael lingered behind. he approached Derek, his tone softer but no less serious. “You’re playing with fire, Derek.”
“I know,” he replied, meeting his gaze. “But sometimes fire is the only way to fight the darkness.”
His expression flickered with concern, but he said nothing more before bowing and leaving the room.
\---
Kael paced inside the small cabin Derek had assigned to him, the air thick with unease. He was used to being watched—he could feel the eyes of the guards stationed outside, their suspicion palpable.
A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.
“Come in,” Kael called, his voice steady despite the tension coiled in his chest.
Derek entered, his expression as unreadable as ever. For a moment, the two men simply stared at each other, the weight of their shared history hanging heavy in the air.
“I’ve decided to let you stay,” Derek said finally. “But understand this—one wrong move, and you’ll regret it.”
Kael’s lips curved into a faint smirk. “I expected no less. But trust me, Alpha, you won’t regret this decision.”
“That remains to be seen,” Derek replied coldly. “Now, tell me what you know.”
Kael’s smirk faded, his tone turning serious. “Kevin isn’t just after territory. He’s building alliances—rogue packs, mercenaries, anyone willing to follow him. His goal isn’t just to expand; it’s to dominate. Smaller packs will fall in days, and your pack? You’re in his way. That makes you a target.”
Derek studied Kael’s face, searching for any sign of deceit.
“And you’re offering this information out of the goodness of your heart?” Derek asked, his voice laced with skepticism.
Kael’s eyes hardened. “This isn’t charity. It’s survival. I seek refuge and protection for my people as much as you want informations you can use to take down Alpha Kevin.”
Derek said nothing for a long moment, his mind weighing the risks and rewards. Finally, he nodded. “You’ll be closely monitored. If you’re lying, or if you so much as step out of line, you’ll wish I’d killed you on sight.”
Kael met his gaze, unflinching. “Fair enough.”
As night fell, Derek stood outside the cabin, his thoughts heavy. He couldn’t shake the unease that clung to him like a second skin. Inside, Kael sat alone, gripping a worn medallion in his hand—a relic from his past, a reminder of everything he had lost.
Both men were locked in their own worlds, their resolve unwavering.
“I’ll protect my pack, no matter the cost,” Derek whispered into the night.
Kael’s voice was barely audible as he murmured to himself, his eyes glinting with a mix of determination and something darker. “I’ll make them all pay. Starting with him.”