How do we detect existing interfaces?he asked.
Dr.Weiss has been developing scanning protocols based on my original designs,Chen replied.But the evolved technology is more sophisticated.Some interfaces might be completely undetectable until activated.
Meaning anyone really could be compromised,Nadine said.
Anyone,Chen confirmed.
The room fell silent as everyone processed that reality.Pack members they’d known for years, alphas they trusted with their lives, fellow enforcers they’d fought beside—any of them could be sleeper agents waiting for activation.
We need to scan everyone,Anders decided.Starting with leadership and working down through the pack hierarchy.
Conall found himself nodding in agreement, though the thought of subjecting every pack member to neural interface scanning felt like a violation of the trust that held their community together.
Robert Mitchell looked up from the communications console where he’d been monitoring interpack message traffic, his expression troubled.Anders, we might have a problem with the intelligence sharing protocols.
What kind of problem?Anders asked, moving to examine the displays over Robert’s shoulder.
Conall drifted closer, his curiosity piqued by the concern in Robert’s voice.
Delayed responses from key territories.The Blackthorn Pack was supposed to confirm receipt of our asset identification protocols six hours ago—nothing.Cross Timbers never responded to our follow-up requests for their internal security assessments.Robert highlighted several message threads on his screen.And the Stardust Pack’s communications have continued to be inconsistent.
Dylan Montoya’s pack, Conall thought automatically, then pushed away Quinton’s earlier teasing about the alpha’s supposed interest in him.
Inconsistent how?
Their responses are either immediate or severely delayed, with no middle ground.Either Dylan Montoya is personally handling communications—which would be unusual for an alpha with her responsibilities—or someone is filtering messages before they reach her.
Anders frowned, studying the communication logs.Could be operational security.If they suspect internal compromise, they might be limiting message distribution.
That’s what concerns me,Robert said, pulling up additional data that made Conall’s stomach clench with unease.Look at the message routing patterns.Some of our intelligence about Gregory’s network—the asset identification protocols, the psychological profiles—it’s being acknowledged by packs that haven’t officially received it yet.
How is that possible?Conall wondered, watching the data flow across Robert’s screen with growing alarm.
Meaning someone’s sharing information through unofficial channels.
Or our communications are being monitored and distributed to unauthorized recipients.Robert’s voice carried genuine worry that seemed to resonate with Conall’s own growing paranoia.I’vebeen thinking we might need to implement additional security measures.Compartmentalized distribution, rotating encryption keys, maybe even moving to personal courier delivery for the most sensitive intelligence.
Anders considered this.That would slow our coordination significantly.
Better slow than compromised,Robert replied, and Conall found himself appreciating the man’s practical approach to security.And there’s another option—I could establish direct contact with security personnel in each pack.Personal relationships, individuals I’ve worked with over the years.Sometimes sensitive information flows better through trusted personal channels than official diplomatic routes.
That makes sense, Conall thought.Official channels can be intercepted.
You have those kinds of contacts?
Robert nodded.Years of interpack cooperation create relationships.People who understand that sometimes pack security requires flexible interpretation of normal protocols.He paused, seeming to wrestle with a decision.For instance, I have a contact in the Stardust Pack—someone close to their security operations who’s been concerned about unusual activity in their territory.
Wait.Dylan Montoya’s pack was having problems beyond communication delays?
What kind of unusual activity?Anders asked.
Communication blackouts.Pack members reporting to unauthorized personnel.Changes in patrol schedules that don’t make sense.Robert pulled up encrypted files that made Conall’s wolf pace restlessly.My contact believes someone in their leadership circle might be compromised, but they can’t approach Alpha Montoya directly without risking exposure.
Just like here, Conall realized with growing anxiety.Someone on the inside, undermining security while appearing loyal.
Anders’s instincts seemed to sharpen too.And they’re willing to share intelligence through back channels?
They’re willing to share intelligence with people they trust.Robert’s expression remained neutral.I could reach out, see what they’re willing to share about their internal situation.
