The pack
The fire crackled softly, and the scent of burning wood mixed in the air with the chill of the night. I shifted into my wolf form to keep warm for a bit. My breath disappeared in front of me. Each exhale felt like a reminder of my own heartbeat. It beat fast like a wolf racing, it was steady and determined, yet layered with dread. The weight of my promise to Chhaya had become a burden, pulling me deeper into emotions I wasn't sure I could navigate. I was supposed to protect her, and look what I fucking did? How could I be so stupid?
"Let's focus," I urged. "Our best chance is to outsmart Cedric. He thinks he's in control, but he underestimates what we're capable of." What I am capable of? I will kill every last bear for Chhaya.
"Underestimates, or wants to use that to his advantage?" Jane interjected, her brows creased with thought. "Every game has an angle, and he's playing one we don't know about yet." This was the first time I had allowed Jane to help on missions, hoping it would give us an edge.
"We'll draw him out into the open then," I replied, adrenaline surging through me. "If he's willing to deal with me, he'll have to come forward. I'll lure him out; he needs to think he's won while we wait for the right moment to strike." I know we are supposed to meet, but I want this to feel like an attack, completely clear that I don't trust him.
Atohi leaned forward, his voice steady. "If he shows up, we'll need to be ready. We can't go in naively. We need a solid backup plan; Cedric might have tricks up his sleeve."
"Exactly," I said, reading their minds. "Waya, can you scout the area? Look for any signs of his presence?"
"Already on it," Waya replied, his eyes brightening at the task. "I know the forest like the back of my hand. I'll be back before you know it." The whole pack knew the forest so well, which was a disadvantage for the bears.
"Good," I nodded firmly. "Jane, can you manage the perimeter? Set up some warning signals? We can't let him sneak up on us."
"Leave it to me. I can craft a few traps with the materials around here. Even if they don't catch him, they'll slow him down," she said, her lips curling into an evil smirk.
I had never seen this side of her. I laughed to myself.
"Atohi, you're with me."
"Got it, boss," Atohi replied.
The plan was taking shape with each passing moment. I wondered if stealing her back was a foolish decision. He did say he would meet me and have her with him. Was this distrust in him, or did I just want to be in control? I had no idea what was wrong with my head.