BETA's LOVER

ALISTAIR

I was seated in Arthur's office, ready to give the weekly report when Austin alerted me to an urgent matter that required our attention. I called him over so the three of us could discuss it together.

Moments later, Austin entered the office. "Alpha, Beta," he greeted, bowing his head before taking a seat beside me.

"I received a report from Max," Austin began, his posture stiff, hands clasped behind his back, head low. "Deacon's been spotted near our pack's border. Our wolves gave chase, but he slipped away and disappeared into the woods. We couldn't track him down, so we pulled back."

Austin's tone was respectful but laced with frustration, the weight of his words clear. He was third in command, a rank below mine, but his responsibilities were just as heavy.

"Alright, the men did well," Arthur murmured, his fingers rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

"What's Deacon after?" Austin asked, brow furrowed, clearly puzzled by Deacon's sudden reappearance.

"Revenge," I replied with a shrug. "Deacon's pack, the Black Howler Rogues, doesn't have many wolves. They're likely outnumbered by us. He wouldn't dare attack without backup." I paused, letting the tension build. Austin's eyes slowly widened as he understood, and Arthur met my gaze with a sharp nod, agreeing with my assessment.

"Deacon is either backed by another pack seeking power, or he has gathered more rogue wolves than we were aware of," I voiced my thoughts, unable to decide which was worse than other.

Arthur's jaw tightened as he processed the possibilities, "Either way, it doesn't change the fact that he is a threat," he said, his voice low and firm. "We can't afford to take any chances. We need to move quickly before he makes his next move."

I nodded in agreement, my mind already calculating the strategy for the upcoming patrols. It was clear that Deacon's vendetta was more than just a personal grudge—it was a threat to the pack's security, and we couldn't afford to let our guard down.

"Should I inform Cylon? This involves his pack too, and Deacon might be—or is—a threat to them as well. Wouldn't it be better to alert him, and perhaps even get his help in tracking Deacon down? What do you think?" Arthur asked, his fingers intertwined as he glanced between us.

"Yes, we probably should," I replied, and Austin nodded in agreement. Arthur gave a stern nod, before rising to his feet.

"Austin, take a team and check the western border. Make sure there are no more surprises. I want every exit covered.We don't know where Deacon might strike next, but we can't let him get close again," Arthur ordered, his voice steady.

Austin gave a sharp nod, already moving toward the door. "I will have the teams ready within the hour."

"Good," Arthur said, his tone leaving no room for hesitation. "Alistair, make sure the inner defenses are reinforced. No gaps, no weak points. I don't want any surprises."

I met his gaze and gave a brief nod. "Understood." Rising to my feet, I prepared to carry out his orders.

Just as Austin and I were about to leave, Russell hurried into the room, a smile spreading across his face. But when he saw me, his expression shifted into an awkward bow, leaving me to incline my head in confusion.

Russell gave a quick bow to Arthur, then turned to me, bowed, his eyes briefly lingering on mine before speaking.

"Alpha, Beta, I have a report." His voice was hesitant, his gaze shifting between us.