The Shadow Alpha
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

I thought about throwing him in prison and dosing him with wolfsbane, but that would raise a lot ofunnecessary suspicion, especially since we don’t know who he is working with and what his motivesare.

I would have to speak with Tatiana to confirm my qualms before I am sure about who the ringleader is. Then only can I take action into devising a plan to throw them off track.

'Dris, I know that I promised you time off to spend with your mate, but I really need your help.’ Helooked at me out of the corner of his eye, probably wondering why I was using mind link instead oftalking.

“Anything Allie, what is it?" I smiled slightly at the affection in his voice.

Justin, I need you to watch him. The guy is up to no good, I need you and the girls to keep a veryclose eye on him until I can figure out a way to put an end to whatever scheming he’s up to. Hedidn't look up, but gave a curt nod before standing up and disappearing through the door mostprobably to replace his task force.

An hour later we had marked down five possible locations where the rogue camps could besituated, I was happy that we were making progress, but the idea of having conspirators among ushad me on edge; I had to deal with the Justin situation as soon as possible before it blows out ofproportion, but how exactly do I stop him?

As everyone left the office I latched onto Tatiana’s arm to stop her from leaving. Her head whippedaround to face me as I closed the door behind Brad. Her eyes held an array of emotions; fear,sadness and anger being the most prominent of them all.

“Tatiana...” I said softly as tears gathered in her beautiful grey orbs.

"Alpha, I can't stay here. I have to leave, I'm sorry.” she said with anguish laced in her tone, but Iwasn't letting her go that easily.

I placed my hands on her shoulders, “Tatiana, no! I'm not letting you leave especially now, it's toodangerous. I need you to tell me everything so that I can help you, we can come up with a plan andend this once and for all.” she looked very dubious, but nodded her head when she saw my graveappearance.

I guided her to the couch and took her hand in mine to offer her support, “My mate's name wasAustin Summers, Alpha of the Full Moon Pack. Devin. He- he’s my son.” Her voice cracked and shebroke out in sobs by the end, immediately I gathered her in my arms allowing her to cry on myshoulder, before I could say a word the door to my office flew open to reveal Papa Jamie.

Tatiana shot up from my shoulder and hastily wiped away her tears, Papa J's eyes widened as hetook in the scene before him, “I'm s-sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt.” he stuttered and his cheeksturned pink. I couldn“t help the laughter that bubbled up my throat at the sight of a big strongAlpha blushing, he scowled at me, but I noticed how his face softened and a light smile formedwhen Tatiana giggled.

“It's okay, I'll mind link you when I'm done.” He nodded and turned to leave but not without castingTatiana a peculiar look.

“Sorry about that.” My words seemed to break her from her thoughts as she stared at the door witha faraway look in her eyes.

“It's okay.” She said softly, not paying much attention to me.

I stared at her for a moment before continuing, “Austin is in cahoots with the Rogues.” I said moreto myself than her but she nodded in confirmation, “We have to stop him, before they have achance to strike.” A plan already forming in my head, I shot up from my seat knowing just what todo about Austin and Justin.

Even their names rhymed, damn traitors!

Tatiana shot me a confused look, “I have a plan, a way to end this once and for all.” her eyebrowsshot up, shock evident on her face.

I began explaining her part in the plan and by the end I saw the hope in her eyes and a smile on herface, "I take it you agree?” I asked with an amused smirk on my lips

She didn't even bother hiding her approval as she nodded enthusiastically, “It's genius Alpha I'll getright on it.” With that she rushed out of the office leaving me chuckling behind her.

I exited my office in search of Papa Jamie, I could have just mind linked him but this way it gave mean opportunity to check on the pack. I stepped out into the backyard of the pack house which wassurrounded by pups playing together and pack members socialising.

This is what I live for, seeing my pack members happy and interacting, it never failed to make myday.

My eyes fell on Hunter and Devin playing tag with some of the pups, my smile widened at how theboth stuck out like sore thumbs, but it didn't deter them as they both chased after the little kidspretending to be too slow to catch them.

At my old pack they wouldn't be caught dead doing this and it warmed my heart to see how thisenvironment had actually changed something in them, the sight made me smile.

As if he felt my eyes on him, Devin turned around to look at me. His beautiful grey orbs werehypnotizing, that I couldnt look away from; they seemed to sparkle more as a smile lit up his face.

I don't know how long we stood staring at each other smiling like idiots, until our spell was brokenby some kids tugging on his arm to get his attention.

Just as I turned away to head back inside, I found Hunter standing behind me, “He really does loveyou, you know. He has never even looked at another female since you left, not even when he wasdrunk out of his mind.” I stared at him for a moment.

“I know.” was all I said as I brushed past him but was stopped by his voice once again.

“Allison, I really am sorry. You have no idea how much I hate myself for what I did to you. I would doanything for you to forgive me. Please.” I processed his words for a moment.

“Anything?” I asked and turned around to face him, he wasted no time before nodding.

"Okay, meet me tonight at 11pm at the edge of the forest facing the north border.” He gave a curtnod confirming that he would and I left back into the house.

I made my way to the kitchen to grab a quick lunch even thought it was late already, but before Icould step foot into the kitchen Dristan’s panicked voice rang in my head,

“Alpha, there's a problem at the South Border.’ Before he could complete his sentence I was alreadyrunning in the direction of the South border.

My instincts led me straight to where Dristan was looking around in an agitated manner with an offwhite envelope in his hand

“What is it Dris?” Dristan handed me the envelope.

“I found it while I was out on patrol, their scents are still fresh meaning they dropped it and left.”That would explain why I didn't pick up their scents from the pack house, they were in and out tooquickly. I shoved the envelope in my pocket and checked to the border once again, the scent ofrogue filled my nostrils making me want to gag, but based on how fleeting it was, I knew that theyhad all left and were not lurking around the border.

"Where's Justin?” his head shot to face me, “Amanda and Charlie are watching over him. Why? Whydon't you trust him?" he looked at me with his eyebrows furrowed and a quizzical look.

“I know you want answers Dris, but trust me I will fill you all in as soon as I have my plan in motion.”He looked huffed in annoyance and begrudgingly obliged.

"Fine, just be careful. You're so damn secretive.” I chuckled affectionately at my best friend's poutingface; I really have no idea what I would do without him and Jake.