Chapter 7

• Rex
• The cold stone floor echoed with the sound of my boots as I strode out of the dungeon. Ayla's words replayed in my head: "I don't remember anything."
• Memory loss? It sounded like a pathetic excuse from a spy caught in the act. Yet, those big green eyes… They held a vulnerability that tugged at something primal within me, something I'd long buried.
• I glanced down at my hands, clenching and unclenching them. The scratches on her knees and hands flashed in my mind – the kind you'd get scrambling through the unforgiving branches of our forest. Maybe, just maybe, she wasn't lying.
• But on the other hand, she could be lying.
• "Jude!" I called, my voice echoing through the stone corridor.
• My Beta, Jude, appeared instantly, his brow furrowed with concern. "Alpha?"
• "Get the healer," I ordered, my voice brooking no argument.
• Jude's confusion was palpable. "The healer, Alpha? For what reason?"
• I ignored his question, turning away. "Just do it. Now."
• As Jude scurried off, I leaned against the cold stone wall, running a hand through my hair. The healer... It felt like a ridiculous indulgence.
• A spy deserved interrogation, not medical care. But damn it, something about Ayla was different. My wolf, usually dormant unless provoked by a threat to the pack, had stirred when I'd first laid eyes on her. A low growl, a possessive urge I hadn't felt in my life.
• It was impossible. I, Rex, Alpha of the Shadow Claw pack, couldn’t have a mate. The moon goddess was clear about that fact. I had a pack to lead, enemies to crush, and a war to win. Love, companionship, the feeling of a mate’s touch – those were luxuries I couldn't afford.
• And yet, her face, those wide, innocent eyes, kept intruding on my thoughts. I pushed the thoughts away, summoning the cold, calculating Alpha within me. Sentimentality was a weakness I couldn't afford, especially not when dealing with a potential enemy.
• A short while later, Jude returned, followed by Angus, our pack healer. He was an old man, his face etched with years of experience, his eyes sharp and observant.
• "Alpha," Jude said, his tone still laced with bewilderment. "The healer is here. What do you need him for?"
• "Get Ayla," I commanded.
• Jude's confusion deepened. "From the dungeon? You want to… treat a spy?"
• I shot him a look that silenced any further questions. "Just get her, Jude."
• He hesitated for a moment, then nodded sharply and disappeared back into the depths of the dungeon. While I waited, Angus approached, his gaze intense.
• "Alpha, what's going on? Why are we treating a spy?"
• "Just trust me, Angus. I have my reasons."
• Angus, wise enough to know when to press and when to back off, simply nodded. "As you command, Alpha."
• A few minutes later, Jude emerged, supporting Ayla between him and himself. Her face was pale, her eyes wide with apprehension, darting between me and Angus, as if she was trying to decipher our intentions. She was wary, suspicious, as any captive would be. But there was also a flicker of confusion, a hint of… innocence? It was unsettling.
• Lost in the depths of her eyes once again, I cursed my weakness. I forced myself to look away, focusing on the task at hand.
• "Take her to the hidden chambers," I instructed Jude, my voice devoid of emotion. "Angus, you go with them."
• Jude, still clearly baffled, obeyed, guiding Ayla towards a hidden passage behind a tapestry on the far wall. I followed with Angus close behind. The hidden chambers were just a few rooms that was meant for important visitors from other packs or for private meetings.
• It was the perfect place for a spy to be kept.
• "Angus, examine her thoroughly," I said once we were inside. "Check for any injuries, any signs of trauma. And see if you can discern the truth behind her claim of memory loss."
• Angus nodded, his professional demeanor returning. "Of course, Alpha."
• Turning to Jude, I ordered, "Guard the entrance. No one is to enter these chambers without my permission. Understood?"
• "Understood, Alpha," Jude replied, his face finally clearing off some of his confusion. He seemed to understand the gravity of the situation, the need for secrecy.
• I stepped back into the corridor, the tapestry falling back into place behind me. I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm raging within me.
• My duty was clear. I had a pack to protect, a war to fight. I couldn't afford to be sidetracked by a pretty face, by a flicker of hope that I might finally find a mate.
• With renewed resolve, I headed back to the dungeon. The first spy was still waiting, his interrogation unfinished.
• As soon as I stepped back into the dungeon, the prisoner I had tortured earlier was shaking in fear.
• “I’ll confess. Please don’t kill me too. I’ll talk.”
• A chuckle escaped my lips. He probably thought I had taken Ayla out to kill.
• How ironic that she was receiving treatment instead.
• “What makes you think I’m here to listen to whatever you have to say?” I asked, picking a small dagger from the collection I had on the side.
• I took pride in my weapons. They were dearest to me after my pack. Each weapon, down to the smallest ones, had their use. Just like the small dagger I was holding. It was meant for one stab only, one that would finish the job.
• “P..please. It’s the Blood Moon pack. They promised my family land if I found information here. I swear that’s all.”
• Blood Moon Pack?
• I chuckled again. They were becoming audacious. Only a few years ago, they were begging for supplies and now, they sent a measly spy that was caught in less than 24 hours.
• “I’m going to send you back to your pack.” I said, dropping the dagger in my hand and looking through my collection.
• “What?! Thank you Alpha. Thank you so much. I’ll forever be..”
• I finally found the perfect weapon I was looking for. “I’ll send you back to your pack in a perfect way so that they will get the warning.”
• His face widened in terror as he looked at the thumbscrew in my hands.
• Time to get busy.