22 - Ben


    An hour had clearly not been enough time for Doc Jensen to identify the mysterious substances. The mixture was far moreplex than anyone initially suspected. Nearly a week had passed since the discovery, and Jensen made it a point to update us every single day. His findings revealed a dangerous cocktail: Wolfsbane, Foxglove, Bedonna, Mandrake Root, and Datura. Each of theseponents carried its own deadly potential, capable of harming both humans and wolves alike. On top of these, there were traces of human drugs mixed in, making the situation even more dire. With such a lethalbination, the kids involved stood no chance of survival.


    "Miss ra''s poor teenager was likely exposed to either Datura or Mandrake powder," Doc Jensen exined, rubbing his hands together as he recounted his analysis. "Both can cause hallucinations and severe disorientation. In this concentration, if it touched his skin, it could trigger a fatal reaction-stopping his heart instantly. If it was in liquid form, then Wolfsbane and Bedonna would act as powerful sedatives." His brow furrowed with concern. "What worries me most is the concentration level. Even a tiny amount contacting the skin is enough to be deadly."


    “Thanks for the update, Jensen,” Alpha James said, rising from his seat. “We need to call a meeting. Let''s go, everyone." Without waiting for a response, he strode out of the room, his tone urgent.


    We all followed him back to the pack house. Alpha James''s office was already crowded with the current leaders and those destined to lead in the future, along with their mates. Jeremiah was holding Rayna close, never once breaking contact since we received Doc Jensen''s report at the hospital. The tension in the room was palpable.


    "We have more answers than we did yesterday, but still, more questions remain," Alpha James began, his voice steady but grave. "We will continue working closely with Red Fang and ck w. Our three packs seem to be the primary targets. I''ve spoken with other Alphas, and they are on high alert as well.” He paused, scanning the room. “I''m ordering all of you to travel to Dark Moon."


    A chorus of protests erupted from Tommy, Jason, Jer, and me. Alpha James raised his hands, signaling for silence.


    "There are several reasons for thismand," he said firmly. "First, it gets our most valuable members out of harm''s way. And before you ask, Tommy, I''m not talking about you." The room erupted inughter, breaking some of the tension. Tommy feigned shock and offense, but we all knew the joke wasing.


    "Rayna is our future Luna, and she carries the future of our pack within her. She must be protected at all costs," James continued. "I''ve spoken with Ryker, and he hasn''t seen any signs of what we''re dealing with in his territory. With his sister in danger, he agrees with this n. Our smaller packs are being targeted because of their size and because young Alphas are stepping into leadership roles. This also shows these traffickers that we''re not intimidated and that we''re still operating as usual. It may give them a false sense of security, thinking they can continue their operations without interruption-but that will give us a better chance to catch them."


    I couldn''t hold back. "What about Junior and ra, sir? I''ve grown connected to those packs over the past few months, and I worry about them too. It''s one thing to protect Silver Crescent, but what about the others?"


    Alpha James nodded thoughtfully. "Jaxon, Devon, and Tommy have been working on a patrol schedule that ensures our warriors cross paths frequently to share information. That''s all I can say about the setup. Only a handful of people know the full rotation and routes for security reasons, but so far, it seems effective." He gave me a look that said there was more to the story, but it wasn''t the ce to discuss it. I recognized that look well from my time with ck w-there''s someone in this room he doesn''t trust. My wolf and I immediately began scanning everyone present. I hated living in this constant state of suspicion, but the corruption was very real. Luna Emilia''s betrayal was proof of that.


    "There''s another reason for this travel order," Alpha James added, his voice softening slightly. "It''s for Kennedy." My heart nearly stopped at the mention of her name. "Your birthday and hers areing up, and Ryker wants to surprise her." He nced at Jeremiah. "This is the perfect cover to get Rayna and your mother out of the pack."


    Jason finally spoke up, concern etched on his face. "Should she really be traveling right now, sir? The healers said she might deliver early. Aren''t we too close to her due date? What if she goes intobor on the road? Wouldn''t it be safer to keep her here?"


    Rayna cut in sharply, her voice firm and unwavering. "She''s not missing Kennedy''s birthday or her Luna ceremony. My brother has finally stopped resisting-I''m going. And frankly, I''m tired of having my food and water tested here. It''s making me anxious, and that''s no good for the babies. I need to leave while you all sort this out.” Her gaze locked on her Gamma, who didn''t argue but looked longingly out the window, reluctant to leave.


    "It''s settled," Alpha James dered. "Get packed. I''m not sure how long you''ll be gone, so n for at least a couple of weeks. The boys will travel back and forth as needed." He turned to Luna Beth and quietly pulled her from the room.


    With that, the meeting was dismissed.