The Outcasts Alpha

ever aware of the eyes that seemed to follow his every move. Penelope's warning echoed in his mind. The pack had far more influence than

when doubts began to surface. He couldn't afford to be distracted. His mothe

hen sought to bring down. Every time he glanced at the towering structure, his blood boiled. Yet, Kingston was elusive, never once showing himself in

shen slipped into the shadows once more. His body was attuned to the mov

nce, broken only by the crackling of the central fire. Ashen approached Kingston's lodge, his breath s

vement caught h

. It seemed like she was waiting for something-or someone. Her posture was rigid, alert, but

deep shadows. He watched her, trying to decipher her next move. Why was she o

stillness that made

, her fingers pausing on the handle. For a brief moment, A

oice reached his ears, ba

skipped a beat

stepped out. Kingston. His massive frame filled the doorway, and Ashen felt a surge o

oice was louder. "Everything is in place.

re turning toward the forest. "Make sure they understa

moment longer before she nodded, her

edge. Kingston remained at the doorway, his gaze still scannin

o turn back, to leave before he became another casualty of the pack's iron

. He couldn't make out the words, but the tone was unmistakable: something important

his options. The decision was easy

r. The room was dimly lit, and in the center stood Kingston and several of his most trusted lie

otice Ashen's presence. They were to

rous intensity. "We need to secure every position. The rogues won't hesitat

aced. Rogues? What were they talking about? His mother had never

his body pressed

replied. "But Penelope's involvement is crucial. If we

"Penelope knows her place," he growled. "She'll do what's necessa

s he implying? What role did

rrupted by the sound o

arby alcove, his heart pounding in his chest. His breath came

lieutenants. "Remember," he said, his voice low and threatening, "Pe

ling. Penelope was more involved than he had ever imagined. But

scussing the details of their strategy. Ashen moved cautiou

tunity. He darted out of the alcove, his mind already working on the next step. He nee

eached the do

ng right there, her

me?" she asked, her v

s throat. He hadn't expecte

d, but the wor

her tone softer now. "And I don't th

s beneath it, a warning. "You're playing a

used on revenge, so consumed by his mother's death,

hy," he snapped, though h

her eyes glinting with something Ashen couldn't place. "Bu

he shadows, leaving Ashen standing alone in the dark, t