Though Hawk's distrust ran deep, he knew that his own ambitions hinged on securing Magnus's support. With gritted determination, he pressed on towards Magnus's stronghold.
His piercing gaze locked onto Hawk as he strode forward, a calculated smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Alpha Hawk, my man. So, how are things?"
Hawk's voice resonated with caution as he addressed Magnus, his distrust simmering beneath the surface. "Magnus, thank you for coming to my aid. I have some questions."
Hawk's voice trembled with a mixture of anger and confusion as he demanded an explanation. "Magnus, why did you stage Selena's kidnapping and orchestrate my arrest by the council? What purpose did it serve?"
Magnus' laughter reverberated through the room, his amusement echoing with a chilling undertone. "Ah, dear Hawk, you ask such questions. I didn't plan your arrest. I kidnapped Selena so that she would not testify against you."
Hawk cocked his brow. Magnus was correct. Selena's willingness to testify against Cayden was not guaranteed. Knowing that bitch, she would undoubtedly have testified against her own father.
However, I didn't expect that Cayden would get Clemia and her daughter to testify. Now is it my fault that you people can't control your slaves?" Magnus quipped.
A few alphas with escaped slaves shifted uncomfortably in their seats.
Hawk's eyes narrowed, his mind racing to make sense of the revelation. "So that was your plan."
Magnus' grin widened; his eyes gleaming with a predatory glint. "Indeed, Hawk. I never intended to cause you true harm. Your arrest was just unfortunate. Which I rectified by releasing you."
"What is our next agenda, Magnus?" One of the Alphas asked.
"My next agenda is to take Selena as my mate." Magnus said, glancing at Hawk.
After the takeover, Hawk brought Selena back into his pack.
"Of course, I can send her to you anytime." Magnus bowed.
"I want a grand ceremony. Something that will show others our power." Magnus declared; his eyes gleaming with ambition. "I want everyone to witness the strength of my dominance." The Alphas nodded in agreement, eager to showcase their authority to the rest of the supernatural community.
"How soon can a wedding party be arranged?" Magnus's voice carried a note of ownership, his desire for power intertwining with his personal agenda.
"In two days' time, Magnus. Selena will be wed to you, whether or not she agrees."
A triumphant gleam ignited in Magnus's eyes. His satisfaction was palpable. "Excellent. Our union will be a symbol of our unstoppable victory."
Yet their alliance took an even more sinister turn when Magnus issued a chilling command that sent shockwaves through Hawk's core. "Hawk, I demand that you and your allies begin the assault on all the packs, starting with Cayden's pack. Show them the might of our union."
"Of course. I can't wait for that as well." Hawk smiled.
********************
The neon sign flickered above the entrance of the shady bar, casting an eerie glow on the rain-soaked street. Bradley and Sam exchanged a glance before stepping inside, the creaking door announcing their arrival to the hidden depths within. The brothers had broken off into groups of two and were visiting several of these shady places to find clues.
The bar's interior was dimly lit, and the air was thick with the aroma of stale smoke and whisky. It was a meeting place for rogue wolves who lived on the outskirts of the werewolf community, where secrets were traded and alliances were formed. Bradley and Sam were aware of the dangers lurking within these walls, but their desire for answers drove them to enter the heart of darkness.
As they made their way further into the bar, their sharp senses picked up the indistinct murmur of conversation and the clinking of glasses. They positioned themselves at a corner table, their eyes scanning the room for any sign of the merchandise they sought.
"I don't like the look of this place," Sam muttered under his breath, his gaze flickering between the shadowy figures huddled together. "These rogues are up to something, and it can't be good."
Bradley nodded in agreement; his jaw set with determination. "We don't have to stay here for long."
Their conversation was cut short when they heard whispers from a nearby table. The voices were low, and there was a sense of excitement in the air, which hinted at how important the talk was going to be.
Sam leant closer, straining to listen. "They're talking about the impending werewolf war," he whispered, his eyes narrowing. "It seems like the rogues believe it's an opportunity for them to make a fortune as mercenaries."
Bradley's expression hardened as he absorbed the information. "They plan to profit from the chaos and bloodshed. We can't let that happen, Sam. We need to gather more intel."
"Shh, let's try to find information about Selena first." Sam shushed him.
Their attention was drawn to two bad guys who were sitting at a table nearby. Their voices were louder than the rest of the noise in the bar. It seemed like the best way to learn something useful would be to listen in on their conversation.
As Sam and Bradley subtly moved closer, they caught snippets of the rogues' conversation. The first rogue, his voice smug and self-assured, boasted about the assignment he and his companion had recently undertaken.
"We've got Hawk's daughter locked up tight," the rogue bragged, a twisted sense of pride lacing his words. "He's paying us a small fortune to keep her under wraps."
"How is she?" One rogue asked.
"Smoking hot and fuckable." The rogue roared with laughter.
"So, what are you waiting for? Do it." They roared with laughter.
Sam clenched his fists and thought that they were lucky Cayden wasn't there to hear those words.
"I can't. Hawk will kill me if I touch her. Tomorrow, she'll be mated to Magnus, and the old man will be none the wiser."
A surge of anger and protectiveness coursing through Sam and Bradley's veins. "They're talking about Selena Hawk," he muttered to Sam and Bradley, his voice barely audible. "She's being held captive and forced into a marriage she doesn't want."
Bradley's eyes widened, and his voice filled with urgency. "We can't let that happen, Sam. We have to save her."
Sam nodded, his mind already spinning with ideas. "We'll need to act quickly and covertly. Our priority is to rescue Selena and put an end to the rogue wolves' schemes. But we must also be prepared for the dangers that lie ahead."
"We can't rescue her ourselves." We need to inform Mr. Alpha Cayden."
Sam and Bradley raced through the dense forest, their hearts pounding in their chests as they approached the pack ground. The moon hung low in the sky, casting an eerie glow on the scene and amplifying the urgency of their mission.
Concern etched Cayden's face as he took in the sight of the two boys rushing into his office.
"Sam, Bradley, what brings you here at this ungodly hour?" Alpha Cayden's deep voice resonated through the air.
"Alpha Cayden, we have urgent news," Sam said, his voice filled with urgency. "Alpha Hawk, Selena's father, is now holding her captive after Magnus took her."
Alpha Cayden's eyes widened in shock, and he clenched his fists tightly.
"Thank you for your service; now go into your dorms and rest." Cayden commanded the boy while he called his betas. He didn't have to wait long; the scent of danger suddenly permeated the surrounding area.
Cayden, we have been attacked!" Max shouted as he rushed into Cayden's office.
Entire packs could be wiped out by a handful of rogues if they were not prepared. Fortunately, Cayden was prepared for this.