38 - Ben


    "What exactly are you talking about?" I ask, my tone sharp with disbelief. It''s clear to me that a witch is behind these relentless attacks-drug dealers and assassins lurking in the shadows, striking at every opportunity. Yet, he speaks about it as if it''s some mundane topic we discuss daily.


    "It seems there''s a conflict brewing among some of the local covens," he replies calmly.


    I lean forward, gripping the arms of my chair. "A conflict? What kind of dispute involves poisoning and murdering wolves?" My voice rises in frustration.


    He shrugs slightly. "It''s not exactly a quarrel between covens themselves. From what I''ve gathered, there''s a growing demand for werewolf muscle as mercenaries. Witches, warlocks, fae, and vampires alike are all converging on the idea that if they can control us, they''ll have their own pack of loyal enforcers at their beck and call."


    I sit back, stunned, my mouth agape. What the hell? How could anyone even conceive of that? We''re not some new species to be toyed with; we''ve coexisted alongside these supernatural beings for centuries. It makes no sense at all.


    "I was thinking the exact same thing," he says with a small smile. Did I say that out loud? “Witches and werewolves share something unique—we both have human forms. Other supernatural creatures struggle to blend into the human world as seamlessly. I suspect that''s part of the reason. And while witches aren''t weak by any means, we have the advantage in strength, endurance, and pain tolerance. That''s what they''re after. If they can control us, they gain a powerful edge over other supernaturals."


    I rub my face, trying to process this. "Okay, but how does all of this rte to a dispute?"


    He leans back, thoughtful. "The covens are split on the issue. Some want to coexist peacefully with us, maybe even coborate, while others want total domination—plete control."


    "That makes more sense. But what about ra and Junior? What''s their connection to all this chaos and danger they''ve been facing?"


    "That''s what Tommy is investigating. But I suspect the same reasoning you have. The faction pushing for control probably sees ra and Junior as vulnerable targets -Junior because he''s young, and ra because she''s a woman." He pauses, noticing my sudden agitation. "Take a breath. Sit back down."


    I realize I''d jumped up impulsively, heart pounding and breath uneven. I''m just as tired as ra is of people assuming she''s weak simply because of her gender. Following his advice, I settle back into my seat, letting the tension ease.


    "As I said, it''s all spection, but the people behind this don''t really know either of them well. Still, their tactics are working-they''re flooding the area with drugs, getting wolves addicted or worse."


    "How did you uncover all this?" I ask, curiosity piqued.


    "I have contacts," he exins. "Two coven leaders live just beyond the White Diamond Pack''s borders. They''re mostly green and kitchen witches, with a few elemental practitioners. They''re exceptional with healing potions and herbs. They want protection—not just from supernatural threats, but even from human criminals who try to exploit their talents. But they''re adamantly against very. Many have firsthand experience of it."


    "So who''s leading this group that wants to enve ra and Junior''s packs?"


    He takes a deep breath. "About ten years ago, a faction of chaos witches broke away from their original coven. They call themselves Ember and Ash now. They live hidden among humans, but harbor a deep hatred for them-though they despise their isted forest existence even more. Their leader is named Eliza. My contact managed to get me that much. Eliza never leaves the forest, fearing attacks and the possibility of her coven being absorbed by Ember and Ash."


    I nce at the clock, feeling the urgency creeping back in. "How does this help us? I need to find out what happened to ra—I sensed something was wrong hours ago. All this information feels distant, not immediately useful."


    Ben stands, offering his hand. "Now that we know witches are behind these covert attacks, we can learn how to see through their defenses and catch these rogues in the act. It''s progress." His gaze is steady. "Don''t think you''re being cast out. You''ll always have a ce here. This is your home. But now, you have to go protect your future."


    I nod, a flood of mixed emotions washing over me-not quite joy, not quite sorrow, but somewhere in between. I know I''m doing the right thing, yet I wish Jer, Rayna, and the others could be here for this part of the journey. Taking a deep breath, I head out to the waiting SUV, already fueled and ready.


    I wonder what he meant about all my belongings being sent to ck w. Honestly,


    I wouldn''t even recognize my own room anymore. We just finished school, and it was probably cluttered with trivial high school stuff that doesn''t matter to anyone


    now. This might be one of the most awkward moves I''ve ever made. But it''s time to face what''s ahead.