MATED TO THE SECRET ALPHA

Reana's expression turned somber. "It's not that simple, Kira. They're not just looking for any home. They're looking for a place with rich resources, a place that's already established and secure. And they're willing to kill for it. Also, the territories in this region have been taken, either by other packs or monsters."

Kira's frown deepened, her eyes narrowing as she considered Reana's words. "So, they're looking to take ours," she growled, her voice low and menacing. "They think they can just come in here and take what's ours?"

Reana's lips pursed in a tight line as she considered the motivations of their enemies. Their pack was the target for three reasons. Firstly, the Black Moon Pack had the best resources in the region, making them a prime target for those seeking to plunder and pillage.

Secondly, their pack had worked tirelessly to fortify their defenses, making them a safe haven from the monster attacks that plagued the land. Unlike other packs that struggled to hold their ground, the Black Moon Pack stood strong.

And thirdly, Reana knew that she herself was a target. As a female leader, she was seen as weak and vulnerable by the rogues and other packs, who believed that a woman couldn't possibly lead a pack effectively.

Their disdain and disrespect only strengthened Reana's resolve to protect her pack and prove them wrong. And she hoped that the battle yesterday had taught them a lesson.

"Had they not been such an ungrateful and malicious bunch, they would have continued to enjoy the protection from our pack," Tara scoffed, her voice laced with disdain. The memory of the rogues' betrayal still seethe within her.

The late Alpha Roughman used to treat the rogues of this region with kindness.

He had forged a peace with the rogues, and during harsh winters, would grant them a section within the pack's territory to protect them from the cold. He even opened the gates of the pack once in a year, allowing those who wished to become a member of the pack to come in.

Yet, three years ago, the rogues had brutally betrayed that trust, killing Alpha Roughman and his six sons in a surprise attack. The rogues sliced off their heads and hung them on trees for them to see.

For that reason, the Black Moon Pack, she, Tara, had made it their unwavering goal to destroy the rogues to the last man standing, to avenge their fallen leader and his sons.

The revenge was even better because the rogues had shown no remorse, no hint of guilt or regret. They had continued to harass the pack, launching random attacks in small numbers. But this time, they came in thousands.

Reana's gaze met Tara's, and she could see the lingering pain and sorrow etched on her face. Tara had been her oldest brother's destined mate, and they had been planning to form their bond when her oldest brother returned from his expedition. But fate had been cruel, and instead of a joyful reunion, Tara had been left to mourn the return of his lifeless body.

"Perhaps they have a hideout close by," Thane suggested, his eyes scanning the surrounding area. "Should we scour the area and get rid of them once and for all?"

Reana shook her head, her expression cautious. "They expect us to come to them. And have you wondered why the monsters in the area haven't attacked them yet?"

Thane's brow furrowed. "They must have some kind of tactics?"

Reana's voice was firm. "Traps. They've set traps to destroy any monsters that venture too close to their hideout. And it's unlikely they have just one hideout. If we go to them, we'll be walking right into their hands."

Thane's expression turned thoughtful. "Then, what should we do, Luna?"

Reana's voice was calm and resolute. "We wait. They're in the dark, and we're in the open. They have the advantage of surprise, especially now that winter is upon us."

Just then, a warrior's yell pierced the air. "Luna! Come take a look!"

Reana's gaze shifted towards the warrior, her eyes scanning the distance before she strode forward, her small entourage falling in step behind her.

"What's going on?" Gamma Kira asked, her curiosity piqued.

"These rogues... their deaths are strange," the warrior replied, his brow furrowed. "There's no sign of struggle. It's as if they died in their sleep."

Reana's frown deepened as she squatted beside the warrior. She turned a dead body over, her eyes scanning the lifeless form. There were no visible injuries, no signs of struggle. But dried blood caked the rogue's nose, eyes, ears, and mouth.

Reana's eyes widened, memories of Hale's death flooding back. This was how her mate had died three years ago – under mysterious circumstances, with no visible wounds, but with the same eerie bloodstain. Her face paled, her hands trembling ever so slightly.

Kira noticed as she moved forward, shielding Reana's moment of vulnerability with her body, "Luna, is something wrong?" she asked.

"They must have taken poison," Thane said, his voice laced with a mix of fascination and horror. "I've heard rogues sent on suicide missions prepare to die rather than return if they fail."

Reana remained silent, her gaze still fixed on the lifeless body. She was lost in thought, her mind torn between the possibility of coincidence and the nagging feeling that this was no coincidence.

Reana's eyes narrowed, her mind racing. Hale's death had been a mystery, but now the similarities between his demise and the rogues' were too striking to ignore. Whoever had killed her mate was her sworn enemy.

But what chilled her to the bone was the realization that her enemy might not be a rogue at all. The fact that the same method was being used on her side of the battle lines could only mean one thing; her enemy was still within the pack.

A sudden zap echoed in Reana's mind as a warrior mindlinked her. 'Luna, there are dead rogues in the forest,' the voice echoed.

Reana's head snapped up, her gaze piercing the trees as she stared towards the forest. A frown creased her brow. The battle had been contained to the open grounds; the forest had remained untouched. So, what were dead rogues doing there?