I could assist with the archival work,Quinton offered.
Not necessary,Anders replied.I need you coordinating intelligence from the other packs.Dr.Weiss’s network is providing updates on potential asset locations, and someone needs to analyze the patterns.
Effectively shutting down Quinton’s objection while maintaining operational necessity.His twin’s resignation echoed through their bond, mixed with frustration and something deeper—the fear of being left behind.
We’ll start this afternoon,Chen decided.The sooner we identify compromised individuals, the sooner we can begin countermeasures.
CHAPTER 15
THEOLDPACKHOUSE SATon the outskirts of town, a sprawling structure that had initially been a warehouse but had served the pack as a meeting place for generations.
During the recent refurbishing of the newspaper offices, though, the archives had been moved to a new, separate outbuilding—temperature-controlled rooms designed to preserve decades of pack history.
Conall was approaching the main archive room when he caught Una’s scent near the entrance.He found her lingering by the door, her posture carrying an uncertainty that seemed at odds with her usual confidence.
Una?he called out, drawing her attention.What brings you out here?
She straightened, offering a smile that looked slightly forced.I heard Anders and Malcolm talking about the archive research when I stopped by the meeting house earlier.Something about examining medical records from Vincent’s era?Her voice carried genuine interest, but there was something else underneath—an eagerness that piqued Conall’s instincts.
That’s right,he said.
I thought maybe I could help,Una continued, stepping closer to the archive building’s entrance.I know the pack’s filing system better than most people.Spent enough time helping Ms.Everett organize things when I was younger.
The offer was reasonable, even generous.Una had grown up in the pack, knew the historical context of many documents better than outsiders like Dr.Chen.
But something about her sudden appearance, her knowledge of their supposedly confidential research, set off warning bells in Conall’s head.
Did Anders or Malcolm ask you to assist?Conall asked.
Una’s expression flickered for just an instant before she shook her head.No, they didn’t mention it specifically.I just thought… With everything that’s happening, with the investigation being so important…She trailed off, disappointment beginning to color her features.
Conall felt a stab of guilt at her obvious dejection, but his protective instincts overrode social courtesy.The research they were conducting was sensitive, potentially dangerous.Adding personnel without authorization—even pack members he’d known for years—violated basic operational security.
I appreciate the offer, Una, I really do,he said gently.But this particular research needs to stay compartmentalized for now.Too many people involved could compromise the investigation.
The hurt that flashed across Una’s face made his chest tighten with regret.She’d been nothing but helpful since the leadership change, had supported Malcolm and Larissa’s reforms without question.Turning down her assistance felt like a personal slight.
Of course,she said, forcing brightness into her voice.I understand.Operational security and all that.
But as she turned to leave, Conall caught the tightness around her eyes, the way her shoulders carried disappointment like a physical weight.Her reaction seemed disproportionate to being excluded from archive work—unless there was something specific she’d hoped to find or influence.
The thought made him uncomfortable.Una was pack family, had been part of his life since childhood.Suspecting her of ulterior motives felt like betraying years of shared loyalty.
Yet the timing bothered him.How had she known about their research?Anders and Malcolm were careful about operational security—they wouldn’t have discussed sensitive investigations where casual observers could overhear.
Unless Una hadn’t been a casual observer.
He watched her walk away, noting how she glanced back once with an expression he couldn’t quite read.
Regret?Frustration?
Something sharper that might have been calculation?
Stop it, he told himself.Not everyone with inconvenient timing is a security threat.
But as he entered the archive room and found Nadine and Dr.Chen waiting among filing cabinets and storage boxes that stretched from floor to ceiling, he couldn’t shake the feeling that Una’s appearance had been anything but coincidental.
With a shake of his head, he forced his attention to the work at hand.
