Kingsley's POV
"Alpha, we've received a report from Blackland," Jeremy exclaimed as he stormed into my office.
"Go ahead," I replied.
"We can confirm that Grace went back to the Black Wolf Pack with a baby, claiming it's Robert's child and destined to be the Alpha of the Black Wolf Pack."
I sneered, "As I expected."
"Moreover, our sources report an increase in defenses and patrols by the Black Wolf Pack lately."
I paced back to the map. "Look here, Blackland is surrounded by mountains, with only narrow paths between the hills providing access to the pack's interior. After Grace returned, every entrance was strictly guarded. It presents quite a challenge, but I've heard that the Black Wolf Pack faced an attack by a group of Rogues some time ago."
Turning back to face Jeremy, I continued, "They might have a secret passage into Blackland."
Jeremy responded, "But would that group of Rogues be willing to collaborate with us?"
"We don't need to negotiate personally with them. In fact, even if they have a secret entrance, I'm more curious about how they discovered it."
"Are you suggesting that someone in the Black Wolf Pack betrayed the pack and is working with the Rogues?" Jeremy asked, looking at me with wide eyes.
"Yes. Jeremy, I need our people to identify this person and convince him that we can help him achieve his goals. In return, he will willingly cooperate with us." I commanded coldly.
Jeremy and I exchanged a look before he nodded.
Then, I devised a plan of action.
"I require a team of thirty individuals, divided into three groups - twelve, twelve, and six. The mission is to assassinate the individuals responsible for operations around Blackland. Additionally, our objective is to obtain a detailed map of Blackland, including the locations of their patrols. If we fail to achieve our primary goal, we can use the acquired intelligence in the future to dismantle their defenses."
Jeremy never interfered with my work.
"We will blend in as civilians and arrive here the next day," I pointed to a spot on the map and continued, "Then, we will plan the best route to Blackland. Once inside the Black Wolf Pack, we'll determine the target's location and execute the next move."
"How do we blend in?" Jeremy interjected. I knew he was asking out of curiosity, not skepticism about my abilities.
I turned to Jeremy and asked, "Are there any regular merchant teams to Blackland?"
Jeremy and the others stopped talking, frowning at me, confused by my question.
"Yes, Alpha," Jeremy says. "From what the reports show, several teams enter there every day."
I nodded.
"As I just said, have our people find that traitor in the Black Wolf Pack and offer to provide him with necessary material support. Then, we'll dress up as traders and use that man's arrangement to pretend to be traders looking for work or delivering goods into Blackland."
I looked at Jeremy and explained, "That's how we'll blend in."
Turning to the assembled soldiers, I continued to assign tasks. When it was all over, I nodded to Jeremy and scanned the room. "If there are no questions, you are dismissed."
Everyone left and began preparing for the night's outing.
Late at night, when everything was ready, we set off.
Between the lofty mountains, my people and I travelled through the quiet terrain disguised as merchants transporting goods.
Moonlight poured through the thick foliage on our silhouettes.
My men followed me in silence, walking through the unknown depths of the mountains.
Suddenly, my keen senses picked up an unfamiliar aura, as if someone was silently following us.
I stopped in my tracks, tilting my head slightly to the side, and my gaze probed deep into the mountains' depths.
The people around me also sensed the abnormality and quieted down, nervously gazing around.
In the stillness of the night, the sound of a leaf being gently crushed reached me, and I was instantly on high alert.
Approaching gingerly, I swiftly lurked in the shadows of the trees. Within moments, a figure appeared before me.
I rushed forward and, with a hint of majesty, grabbed the stalker by the shoulders, prepared to release a low growl. However, my eyes widened as I recognized the familiar face.
"Freya?" My voice echoed through the silent valley.
In my palm was my beloved Freya, surprise evident on her face. An indescribable mix of emotions—surprise and concern—shone in her eyes.
"Why are you here?" I asked, furrowing my brow as I realized Freya's intentions.
"As you can see, I'm heading to Blackland as well," Freya explained softly, gazing at me with a blend of emotions in her eyes.
"Freya!" I snapped, not wanting her to accompany me and face the potential danger.
"Kingsley! Listen to me, I have to go! I have to bring him back myself!" Freya interrupted, determination, worry, and sadness evident in her eyes, causing my heart to ache.
I sighed softly. "Okay."
I released my grip on Freya, and our wolves resumed their forward pace.
Soon, we reached the foothills around Blackland.
At this point, I stood in front of Jeremy, listening to a detailed report of the intelligence he had gathered.
"Our men have made contact with the man; his name is Renee. He is interested in the offer we've made and has offered to help us," Jeremy reported.
I accepted the information and nodded. "So when can we enter Blackland?"
"Renee said he would meet us this afternoon," Jeremy continued.
"We still haven't gotten close to Grace's place," Jeremy added, "but we believe it's possible, despite the heavy security. There's a large area at the back of the manor that might be our best bet."
I nodded, agreeing to move forward with his plan. The others reported back, but I remained uneasy.
The wolf inside me wanted to find my child as much as I did.