Chapter 14
DANTE’S POV
The room fell silent, the tension thick enough to choke on I wanted to argue, at least try to defend myself ugh to choke on. I wanted to argue, at least try to defend myself and my family. But the words died in my throst as I looked at Ana, pale and trembling in Adarris arms
“This isn’t over, Adam said, his voice filled with a quiet threat. “Not by a long shot. You had all better pray to the Goddess that Aria and her child are okay. Because if they are not…”
He let the threat hang in the air, unfinished but crystal clear. Then, without another word, he turned and walked out the door, holding Aria protectively against his chest
As the door slammed shut behind them, I felt like I was waking from a bad dream. But this was no dream. It was all too real. And as I looked around at the shocked faces of everyone, I realized that Adam was right about one thing
This was far from over. And I had a sinking feeling that the worst was yet to come.
I needed a moment by myself to think things through so without a word, I let out a deep sigh and decided to leave the party. My legs felt heavy as I took two steps towards the door.
“Alpha Dante, wait,” Elder Grayson called out, looking extremely concerned. “There is something we need to discuss.”
I turned back, feeling instated. “What is it? I snapped, harsher than I intended. “I need to be alone right
now.”
Luna Patricia stepped forward. “We noticed something about the wolves who came with that young man,” she said, her voice trembling slightly.
I ran a hand through my hair, frustration rising. “And? What about them?”
“They had the three–claw mark on their hind paws,” Elder Grayson explained, his eyes wide with importance
I stared at them blankly. “So?” I asked, my patience wearing thin. All I wanted was to leave this nightmare scenario behind
Another elder, Elder Sarah gasped. “You don’t understand, Dante. That mark… it signifies their membership in the Griffith clan.”
I frowned. “Didn’t you all hear him introduce himself? That was Adam Griffith. The eldest son of the Griffith family.”
The room erupted into chaos. Elder Grayson stumbled back, his face pale. “I… I thought he was lying,” he stammered. “Surely, the heir to the most powerful ruling pack wouldn’t just show up unannounced like
that.”
“Well, he did,” I said, my voice flat. “And now he’s taken my m-” I stopped, the word ‘mate‘ sticking in my throat. “He’s taken Aria.”
Elder Sarah clutched at her chest, her eyes wild with panic. “What are we going to do? He looked furious with us, and every pack is supposed to show utmost respect to members of the Griffith pack. This could
mean war!”
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Murmurs oroke of trough the room gritted my teeth fighting to keep my voice steady. Im sure he is
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it I of opened my mouth to age but the cosed again. After a moment, I reluctantly admitted, “Well no. 1 ravent actually seen time with the Gofft Airs King but I have seen him with my around.”
ges and took my read had akrost said that I had seen him with Arie
Lindssicsored to surprent smile. See? We need to calm down and do some investigating cefore we joe to conclusions”
As much as i hated to admit it, Linda’s words made sense. The panic and confusion of the last few minutes had left me diverted, and I realized I had been ready to accept everything without question.
I
I took a deep breach, trying to clear my head. “You know what? Linda might have a point,” I said, strengte vom “Before we start panicking, maybe we should ask around and try to get to know the
Eder Graysonsged “How exactly are we going to find out the truth? We can’t exactly waltz up to the Goff pack and ask to see their heir.”
1 squared my shoulders. “Leave it to me,” I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt. “For now, let’s try to salvage what’s left of this party. There’s still plenty to eat and drink, so try to relax and enjoy yourselves
The tension in the room eased a bit, but I could still feel the lingering worry and fear. Elder Grayson nodded slowly, his eyes searching my face. “We trust you to handle this, Dante. Don’t let us down.”
I nodded back, hoping my face didn’t show the turmoil felt inside. Without another word, I turned and wathed out of the hall, heading straight for my room
As I climbed the stairs, my mind raced faster than my feet. I hoped with every fibre of my being that Linda was night. Because if she wasn’t… well, that meant I was dealing with something far bigger than I had ever
Chapter 14
expected.
I burst into my room and slammed the door shut. My hands were shaking as I pulled out my phone.
Who do I call first? I scrolled through my contacts and landed on Jake, an old friend who had connections in various packs.
“Jake? It’s Dante,” I said as soon as he picked up. “I need some information, and I need it fast.” Jake sounded sleepy. “Dante? Man, it’s been a while. What’s going on?”
+25 BONUS.
what he looks like?” I took a deep breath. “I need to know about the Griffith eldest son. Do you There was a long pause. “No man. I have never set eyes on him. But you know the Griffith pack… they’re not people you want to mess with, Dante.”
I felt my stomach drop. “Thanks, Jake. I owe you one.
Three more calls produced similar results. No one had ever seen what the real Adam Griffith looked like. My last call was to Mara, a she–wolf known for her wide network of informants, “Mara,” I said, trying to keep the desperation out of my voice. “I need everything you’ve got on a wolf named Adam Griffith Mara’s voice was cautious. “Adam Griffith? I don’t have much, Dante. But what I do know is… interesting.” I leaned forward, my heart pounding. “Tell me everything.”
“Well, he is not well–known,” Mara said slowly, “but he’s definitely connected to the Griffith clan. My sources say he’s being guarded by them. And you know as well as I do, the Griffiths don’t protect just anyone.”
“What do you mean?”
Mara’s voice dropped to a whisper. “Only those with close ties to the Griffith family enjoy that kind of protection. Aside from clan members themselves, of course.” 1
I fell back onto my bed, my mind reeling. “That’s… that’s all you know?”
“That’s all I can say for certain,” Mara replied. “I don’t know why you are asking but Dante, be careful. If you’re mixed up with the Griffiths…”
“I know,” I cut her off. “Thanks, Mara.”
I ended the call and stared at the ceiling, my thoughts a jumbled mess. What the hell was all this? If this Adam really was connected to the Griffiths, why had he shown up here? And why Aria?
The only thing I knew for sure was that this Adam was being guarded by the Griffith clan, But was he really their heir? Or was he something else entirely?
