The Beta's Loyalty

Marcus Hale's POV

"Tell me where he went, Marcus," Ingrid ordered, her fingers digging into my arm. "Where is my son?"

I kept my face calm even as my mind raced for an answer. Elias had left hours ago, tracking Amara into the Forgotten Woods. I was the only one who knew.

"Alpha Elias is checking the southern border," I lied easily. "He received reports of rogue wolves."

Ingrid's eyes narrowed. She didn't believe me, but she couldn't prove I was lying either. As Beta of the Artemis Pack, my word carried weight.

"Very well," she finally said, releasing my arm. "When he returns, tell him to see me immediately."

I nodded, watching her walk away. When she was gone, I let out the breath I'd been keeping. This double life was getting harder by the hour.

My phone buzzed with a message:

Phase 3 starts tonight. Is E neutralized?