Alpha Eric's Promise, Protecting those he loves

Betrayal Within

The rogue attacks intensified over the following weeks, becoming more calculated and relentless. No longer were they the random raids of desperate wolves. The pack sensed a sinister intelligence behind the strikes, pushing their resources and morale to the brink.

Alpha Eric stood at the forefront, his resolve unyielding. His primary goal was the safety of his family and his pack, but a creeping suspicion gnawed at the edges of his thoughts: someone was feeding the enemy information.

The Midnight Raid

The attack came under the cover of darkness, a precise assault aimed at the western border. Howls pierced the night as warriors scrambled to meet the enemy, swords and claws clashing under the pale glow of the moon.

Eric shifted mid-run, his wolf form a blur of dark fur and rippling muscle as he raced toward the chaos. Beside him, Daniel, his most trusted warrior, growled orders to the fighters.

"Push them back! Protect the families!"

By the time Eric arrived, the battle was in full swing. Rogues darted through the trees with unnerving coordination, targeting weak spots in the pack's defenses.

Eric lunged at one, his fangs sinking into the rogue's shoulder. The wolf yelped before Eric tossed him aside, blood staining his fur. But as he fought, a chilling thought settled in his mind: How did they know where to strike?

Aftermath

By dawn, the rogues had retreated, leaving behind a battlefield littered with wounded wolves and shattered spirits. Eric shifted back, his body aching but his mind sharper than ever.

Ella found him near the western gate, surveying the damage. "This wasn't random," he muttered, his eyes scanning the destroyed defenses.

Ella placed a hand on his arm. "What are you thinking?"

"There's a traitor," Eric said grimly. "Someone is feeding them information."

Ella's breath hitched, but she nodded. "If that's true, we need to act quickly."

"I'll start with the patrols," Eric said. "Whoever it is, they know our routines. That's not a coincidence."

The Suspicion Grows

Over the next few days, Eric quietly began his investigation. He scrutinized reports, questioned patrol leaders, and reviewed border patterns. His focus turned to a young warrior named Kyle, who had recently joined the pack.

Kyle was skilled, perhaps too skilled for someone so new. He had a knack for being near the action during every attack, yet his injuries were always minor.

Eric called him to the Alpha's office. "Kyle, you've been doing good work," Eric began, his tone measured.

"Thank you, Alpha," Kyle replied, his voice steady.

"But I need to know more about you. Where did you come from before joining us?"

Kyle hesitated, just for a moment, but long enough for Eric to notice. "I was a rogue. My old pack was destroyed, and I've been wandering since."

Eric leaned forward. "And why did you choose us?"

"You're strong. Stable. I wanted to be part of something again."

Eric studied him, his wolf instincts prickling. "I'll be keeping an eye on you, Kyle. Loyalty is everything in this pack."

Kyle nodded, his expression neutral, but Eric wasn't convinced.

Another Attack

Two nights later, the rogues struck again, this time at the eastern border. Their attack was fiercer, as if emboldened by inside knowledge.

Eric fought alongside his warriors, his wolf's strength tearing through the enemy ranks. He noticed Kyle in the fray, fighting with equal ferocity, but something didn't sit right. Kyle's movements seemed more about show than substance, his attacks landing just enough to seem effective but not enough to deal real damage.

When the battle ended, Eric pulled Daniel aside. "Watch Kyle. Discreetly. I want to know where he goes, who he talks to, and what he does when he thinks no one's watching."

Daniel nodded. "Understood."

Aria's Encounter

While the pack dealt with the aftermath, Aria's nightmares grew worse. She started waking in cold sweats, her mind haunted by visions of betrayal and danger.

One afternoon, she wandered into the forest to clear her head. As she walked, a faint rustling caught her attention. She turned sharply, her wolf senses on high alert.

"Kyle?" she asked, spotting the young warrior lurking near the training grounds.

He jumped, clearly startled. "Aria. What are you doing out here?"

"I could ask you the same thing," she said, narrowing her eyes.

Kyle hesitated, then forced a smile. "Just clearing my head. The attacks have everyone on edge."

Aria didn't respond, her instincts telling her something was off.

The Trap

Eric decided it was time to set a trap. He called a council meeting and deliberately leaked false information about a supposed weak point in the northern border.

"We'll strengthen the patrols there," he announced, making sure Kyle was present. "If the rogues strike again, we'll be ready."

That night, Eric and his warriors lay in wait near the northern border. Hours passed in tense silence until the sound of snapping branches signaled an approaching figure.

Kyle emerged from the shadows, accompanied by two rogues.

"Good work," one of the rogues said. "The Alpha will be caught off guard tomorrow."

Kyle nodded. "Just keep your end of the deal. Once this is over, I want out."

Fury surged through Eric as he shifted and lunged at the traitor. Kyle barely had time to react before Eric's claws pinned him to the ground.

"You betrayed us," Eric growled, his voice dripping with rage.

The rogues tried to flee, but the pack warriors intercepted them, ensuring none escaped.

The Confrontation

Kyle was dragged back to the packhouse, his hands bound. The entire pack gathered, their anger palpable.

Eric stood before him, his eyes blazing. "Why? After everything we gave you, why betray us?"

Kyle's gaze was defiant. "You think you're so noble, but you're no different from the rest. Rogues like me are treated like dirt. I did what I had to do to survive."

"And you would sell out innocent lives for your survival?" Eric's voice was sharp with disgust.

Kyle smirked. "You don't know what's coming, Alpha. This is bigger than me, bigger than you. The rogues are united under someone who sees the truth. Your reign is ending."

Eric's stomach churned, but he didn't let it show. "Take him to the cells. We'll deal with him later."

A Fractured Peace

As Kyle was dragged away, Eric addressed the pack. "We've been betrayed, but we will not be broken. We'll root out any others who side with the rogues, and we'll fight to protect what's ours."

The pack roared in agreement, but unease lingered. The betrayal had shaken their trust, and the knowledge of a rogue leader united against them loomed like a dark cloud.

In the quiet of their bedroom, Eric and Ella held each other tightly.

"We're strong," Ella whispered. "We'll get through this."

Eric nodded, but his heart was heavy. The battles ahead would be harder than any they'd faced, and the price of protecting his family and pack would only grow.

As the moonlight streamed through the window, Eric made a silent vow: no matter the cost, he would protect his family, even if it meant facing the shadows within his own pack.