I paced the cramped living room of Brielle's house, my fists clenched so tight my knuckles ached. It had been a day since that disastrous announcement, and every second felt like a countdown to my breaking point. Gideon had promised to swing by with updates, and I needed them now. Anything to fuel my plan to tear Devon down from the inside.
The door creaked open, and Gideon slipped in, his face etched with exhaustion. He glanced around before shutting it behind him. "Irene. Brielle here too?"
"She's in the kitchen," I snapped, waving him over to the table. "Sit. Tell me everything. What's that bastard up to now?"
Gideon dropped into a chair, rubbing his temples. "He's moved in. Settled into the penthouse at the Pack house like he owns the place—which he does, I guess. First thing this morning, he called a meeting with the betas and gammas. Issued reforms right off the bat."
I leaned forward, arms crossed. "What kind of reforms? Spill it."
"Tightening security. He's integrating Silvercrest warriors into our Ironfang patrols. Says it's to 'unify strengths' and prevent any more rogue attacks. No more solo Ironfang shifts; mixed teams from now on. Anyone caught slacking gets demoted on the spot."
I slammed my hand on the table. "Unify? He's just planting his spies everywhere. Making sure no one loyal to my father can move without his dogs watching."
Gideon nodded grimly. "That's not all. He's demanding a full audit of pack resources. Everything including food stores, weapons, territory maps. And Omega labor assignments. Wants a list of every Omega's duties, skills, and output. Says it's to 'optimize efficiency' for the merger."
"Optimize?"" I spat. ""He means control. Squeeze every last drop out of us like we're his personal slaves. My father built this pack on fairness, not some tyrant's checklist."
"Also, he's already started recruiting," Gideon continued, lowering his voice. "From Ironfang ranks—Omegas, elites, doesn't matter. Anyone willing to oversee new Omega training sessions he's establishing."
I froze. "New training for the Omegas? What happened to the ones my father set up?"
"Scrapping them. His version's intensified. More combat drills, strategy lessons, even some alpha-level tactics. Says it'll give Omegas more power than before. Make them 'integral warriors' instead of just support."
"Power?" I laughed bitterly. "From him? The man who strips power from everyone he touches. He's probably just building an army of brainwashed idiots to do his bidding."
Brielle poked her head out from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel. "I heard that. You two scheming again?"
"Join us," I said, motioning her over. "Gideon's filling me in on Devon's latest power grab."
She slid into a seat next to me, her eyes wide. "The training thing? Yeah, I heard about that. The other Omegas are buzzing about it. Lena from the kitchens said it's a game-changer. No more scrubbing floors all day; actual skills that could bump us up ranks."
I shot her a glare. "They're excited about his crap?"
Brielle shrugged. "Well, yeah. And the new rules he's instilling? Like, mandatory rest periods for shifts, better meal rations for everyone. People are saying he's turning things around fast. Praising him left and right for the merger perks."
"Praising him?" My voice rose, heat flooding my face. "After what he did to my family? To this pack? They're traitors, all of them."
Gideon held up a hand. "Easy, Irene. Not everyone's buying it. But he's smooth about it. Charming the crowd in those meetings. Working like he meant business—gets even the skeptics nodding along."
"Charming," I muttered, the word tasting like poison. "Yeah, he's good at that. Luring people in before he stabs them in the back."
Brielle bit her lip. "I mean, he is doing a good job so far. The patrols are tighter; no incidents since yesterday. And the audit? It caught some waste—extra supplies going to elites who didn't need them. Redirected to Omegas."
I whipped my head toward her, eyes narrowing. "Are you serious, Brielle? This is the same man who framed my father, killed my brother. He's not 'doing a good job'; he's manipulating everyone!"
She flinched but didn't back down. "I'm just saying what I'm hearing. Doesn't mean I like him. But... credit where it's due?"
I stood up, chair scraping back. "No. No credit for that monster. He's probably planning to use those 'empowered' Omegas as cannon fodder in his next scheme."
Gideon sighed. "Look, Irene, I get it. I hate him too. But he's moving fast. Already got a few volunteers for the training overseer spots. Couple Omegas, even an elite wolf named Marcus stepped up."
"Marcus?" I paced again. ""That kiss-ass. Of course he'd jump at the chance to suck up to the new Alpha."
"Devon's vetting them personally," Gideon added. "One-on-one interviews in the penthouse. Cool as ice, asks sharp questions, cold but collected. Asking the right questions. He is moving like an Alpha deserving of the title."
I scoffed. "Until they cross him. Then it's swift justice, right? Like he bragged in his speech."
Brielle leaned in. "One girl came back from her interview gushing. Said he was so attentive, listened to her ideas on Omega roles. Even offered her a promotion if she oversees the first session."
I stopped pacing, staring at her. "Goddess, have they forgotten everything?"
"Not everyone knows the full story," Gideon said quietly. "To them, he's the strong leader merging packs for 'prosperity.' And yeah, he's charming. That deep voice, the way he commands a room without yelling. It's effective."
"Effective at brainwashing," I shot back. "We need to counter this. Gideon, can you slip in some sabotage? Delay the audit, mess with the patrol schedules?"
He hesitated. "It's risky. His Silvercrest betas are everywhere. Zane's his right-hand—watches like a hawk."
"Zane," I echoed. "The silver-haired, right? Fine, start small. Talk to the loyal ones quietly. Remind them of my father's legacy."
Brielle nodded. "I can help with the Omegas. Spread word that the training's a trap, make them think twice."
"Good," I said, sitting back down. "But keep it subtle. We can't let him catch on."
Gideon pulled out a folded paper from his pocket. "Here's the audit schedule he handed out. Omegas first thing tomorrow. You might get called in."
"Me?" My stomach twisted. "Great. Face-to-face with the devil himself."
And the man I fucked...
"Just play along," Gideon advised. "Act compliant. Gather intel from inside."
"Compliant?" I gritted my teeth. "After what he did? Pinning me down, whispering his lies while he—"
I cut off, cheeks burning. Brielle's eyes widened. "Irene, you never finished telling us about that night. Was it really him?"
I glared at her. "Yes." I finally admitted. "And it changes nothing. Makes me hate him more. He knew who I was, humiliated me on purpose."
Gideon shifted uncomfortably. "If he calls you in, use it. Flirt back if you have to—get close, find weaknesses."
"Me, flirt?" I laughed harshly. "I'd rather rip his throat out."
"But you won't," Brielle said firmly. "Not yet. We need proof to free your father."
"Fine," I conceded. "But if he touches me again, I'll claw his eyes out."
Gideon stood. "I have to get back before they notice. I'll report more tomorrow."
"Be careful," I said, gripping his arm. "Don't let his 'charm' fool you."
He nodded and slipped out.
Brielle turned to me. "You okay? You look ready to explode."
"I'm fine," I lied, sinking into the chair. "Just plotting his downfall."
She squeezed my shoulder. "We'll get him. But seriously, the Omegas are excited. What if some of this is... good?"
I shot her another glare. "Nothing from him is good. He's a killer, a liar. Charming on top, rotten inside."
"Okay, okay," she backed off. "Want tea? Calm your nerves?"
"No," I said. "I need to think. Alone."
She left for the kitchen, and I buried my face in my hands. Devon's face flashed in my mind—those icy eyes locking on me during the speech, obsessive and intense. "Look at me," he'd commanded that night. My body betrayed me even now, a flush of heat I hated.
He'd taken everything—father, brother, my dignity. I'd make him pay.
A knock at the door jolted me. Brielle called from the kitchen, "I'll get it!"
She opened it, and Jasper burst in, out of breath. "Irene! Message from the Pack house."
My heart raced. "What?"
He handed me a note. "Audit tomorrow. You're first on the list for Omega assignments. Personal meeting with Alpha Devon."
I crumpled the paper. "That bastard."
Brielle peeked over. "What does it say exactly?"
"'Report to the penthouse at dawn. Discussion of your role in Ironcrest.' Signed by him."
Jasper whistled. "Penthouse? That's big. Maybe he's promoting you."
"More like tormenting." I snarled.
"Or noticing you," Brielle teased lightly. "He did ask about the girl who left early. Or, does he remember you from you know..."
"I'm sure he does."
"Have you and the Alpha met before?" Jasper says. "You seem to know him..."
"Shut up," I snapped. "This is his game. But I'll play. Get in close, like Gideon said."
Jasper frowned. "Be careful. He's got that vibe—cool, but dangerous."
"I know," I said. "I've felt it firsthand."
He left, and Brielle sat beside me. "Plan?"
"Act meek. Probe for info. Find out about the rogues, the audit details."
"And if he brings up the party?" she asked.
"I'd admit I was the girl he fucked. Act like it was nothing and move on."
She hugged me. "You're brave, Irene."
"Brave or stupid," I muttered. "But he won't break me.
That night, I tossed in bed, memories assaulting me.