Helen POV
I had watched cautiously from the shadows. I could sense it in my bones that Marcus and Serena were up to no good. Their whispered talks and covert gatherings suggested that they were in danger. However, what action might I take? I had only my intuition; I had no proof. They might easily turn the tables on me and make me look like the weak, needy omega that everyone already believed me to be if I confronted them.
I tried to hear their words as I stood behind the tree close to the packhouse's edge. Marcus's harsh voice echoed through the room.
He added in a quiet but forceful voice, "We can't wait much longer, Serena." "Scott is growing suspicious, and the rogues are growing impatient."
Serena's voice came next, piercing and icy. "Scott is not a concern. The rogue attacks are keeping him too preoccupied to realize what is going on right in front of him.
I listened closely, holding my breath. They had a dangerous and ambitious strategy in the works. However, what? I had to find out more. I crept closer, being cautious not to let out any noise.
"How is Helen doing? With a hint of contempt in her voice, Serena questioned abruptly. "Are you certain she won't cause any issues?"
I braced myself, my heart racing. How come they were discussing me?
Marcus gave a little chuckle. "She is insignificant. A frail omega such as herself? She is completely outmatched by us.
I was boiling with rage. They considered me worthless and feeble. But I was no longer the Helen I once was. I was getting stronger every day while I trained. Still, though... How could I proceed? I was alone, and they had the power.
Marcus grinned cruelly and said, "If she becomes a problem, I'll handle her." We follow the plan for the time being. Scott will soon give way, and we will own the pack.
A shiver went down my spine. They intended to remove Scott, and they wouldn't think twice about harming anyone who stood in their way. But I had nothing concrete to present to Scott, no proof. Would he still listen to me after all, even if I did?
I took a step back, being sure not to come into view. I was still unable to confront them. Not without evidence. But before it was too late, I had to figure out how to stop them.
Scott, meantime, had been tense for several days. He had convened multiple meetings, and I saw that he was increasingly patrolling the boundaries. He was bothered by something. Perhaps he was also aware of the rogue behavior. I stood back and saw him talking to his Beta, Marcus, who was by his side the entire time, feigning loyalty.
"Are there any oddities along the borders? With a perceptive tone, Scott surveyed the forest's edge and asked.
Marcus gave a noncommittal shake of his head. Nothing is beyond our power. Although they haven't done anything significant, the rogues appear to be testing our defenses.
Scott scowled, not quite persuaded. "I find it objectionable. There seems to be a problem. Lately, there's been excessive activity, and not just from rogues. I sense that... as though there is a problem within the pack.
Marcus maintained a neutral expression, but I could see a hint of discomfort in his eyes. He smirked and hastily covered it up. "Alpha, you're simply being overly cautious. Everything is managed.
Despite his senses telling him differently, Scott's jaw stiffened. But Marcus was his most reliable ally, his Beta. He was blind to the betrayal that was taking place in front of him.
Scott said, "I want extra patrols tonight." "I want us ready for anything the rogues try."
Marcus gave a nod. "Always, Alpha."
As I watched, Scott turned to go in the direction of the packhouse. He was tense and restless. He was aware that something was off, but he was unsure of what. If only he had known Marcus's true intentions...
I ran across Scott that afternoon in the vicinity of the training grounds. For once, he was by himself, his characteristically icy attitude intact. As I walked up to him, my heart was pounding and I couldn't stop thinking about alerting him about Marcus and Serena.
I softly whispered, "Scott," and moved to cross his path.
His eyes narrowed a little as he glanced at me. "Helen."
I forced myself to swallow, searching for the appropriate words. "I... I must share something with you.
His look was unreadable as he lifted an eyebrow. "What is it?"
I paused, doubt twisting in my stomach. Does he think I'm serious? Would he think I was merely chasing his attention after everything that had transpired between us? I inhaled deeply and forced the words out.
"Marcus... I believe he has something to hide. Serena, too... They have some plans. I don't know why, but I've seen them together and overhearing plans. Risky schemes
Scott's countenance did not warm up, but his eyes did darken. And Helen, why should I believe you? Why would I trust you after all this?"
I tried not to lose my cool even though his remarks hurt. "I'm telling the truth. Although I lack evidence, I am certain that something is off. You must use caution.
Scoffing, Scott turned away. You're making things up. For years, Marcus has served as my beta. He is devoted to the group.
"Please, Scott," I pleaded, my frustration building inside my clenched hands. Just... Just exercise caution.
He left without saying anything more, leaving me to stand there feeling even more powerless. He didn't accept my story. I was still seen by him as the defenseless, frail omega. But I was unable to give up. Not quite yet.
I went to the training grounds with Aldric that evening for our regular workout. I worked on improving my shifting skills while the moon was low in the sky and the air was crisp. I pushed myself harder and concentrated on my motions while Aldric's voice resounded in my head.
Helen, you're becoming more resilient, Aldric had remarked. But you have to use caution at all times. Some people will make an effort to stop you before you can realize all of your potential.
I had no idea how accurate those remarks would turn out to be.
Just as I was wrapping up my training and was ready to return to the packhouse, I heard something rustling in the bushes. As my senses became more acute, I pivoted, prepared to protect myself. However, before I could respond, three wolves loomed over me from the darkness.
Rogues.
Despite my racing heart, I held my ground and soon transformed into a wolf. I exposed my teeth in an attempt to quell the growing terror within me. I felt stronger now. I could manage this.
That is, I believed.
Suddenly, the rogues attacked, lunging at me with their fangs exposed. The first one I managed to avoid, but the second one surprised me by biting into my side. I was hurting, but I wasn't going to give up.
I unleashed my whole force, slashing and clawing at the beasts. But I was losing ground to them too quickly, and there were too many of them. I heard a voice behind me, just when I thought I couldn't hang on any longer.
"Enough already!"
Marcus.
His human form towering over the rogues, he stepped into view. They complied with his order and retreated right away. I retreated, gasping and holding onto my hurt side.
Marcus stated, "You've been hiding something, Helen," in a chilly, businesslike tone. "You're more powerful than I realized."
I was too tired to talk, so I gave him a frown.
Marcus went on, his features contorted into a cruel smile, "You should have stayed weak." "You pose a threat now. I am unable to have that.
My thoughts raced as I realized what he had in store. He would not allow me to leave. He intended to utilize me—against the pack, against Scott.
Marcus lunged at me before I could respond, his fingers going to my throat. I was quicker, though. I shifted and ran as fast as I could, into the trees, using the last bit of strength I had.
As I dashed through the forest, my heart was racing because I knew Marcus and his rogues were not far behind. I was unable to stop. I had to prevent them from catching me.
However, one idea kept coming to me while I raced.
Marcus was after me. There was no turning back now.
I knew I had to warn Scott. But would he believe me this time? Or would Marcus get to him first? My lungs burned, and my legs ached, but I kept running. The dangerous game had only just begun.