Does that mean Gregory is still alive?she whispered.
More than alive,Chen continued, examining equipment hidden beneath false flooring.Communication devices, recent manufacture.Someone’s been coordinating with outside contacts from this location within weeks.
Nadine sank onto a storage crate, scanner forgotten in trembling hands.Weeks of grief, of hunting his supposed killers, of building her entire sense of justice around avenging his death—all based on elaborate lies.
Why fake his own death?The question came out barely audible.
Conall’s hand settled on her shoulder.We’ll figure this out.If he really is alive, whatever Gregory’s planning—
He’s eliminating loose ends,she said sharply, standing abruptly.Gregory played all sides—Vincent’s enforcer, Chimera’s asset, whatever other games he was running.But his daughter knowing the truth?His daughter bonded to a Sunburst enforcer?That’s a vulnerability he can’t afford.
He wouldn’t hurt you,Conall said, though uncertainty bled through their bond.You’re his daughter.
Am I?Or was I just another asset to be used when convenient and discarded when dangerous?
Chen cleared his throat.There’s more.Communication logs show coordination with multiple contacts.Financial transactions, supply requisitions, personnel movements.This isn’t someone in hiding—this is someone actively running operations.
What kind of operations?Conall asked grimly.
Chen pulled up files on his tablet.Intelligence gathering on pack territories, asset placement protocols, and detailed surveillance reports on Sunburst Pack security measures.Recent reports.
The world tilted.Nadine gripped the storage crate edge, fighting nausea.He’s been watching us.Planning something.
They cataloged Gregory’s hidden files—bank accounts in multiple names, safe houses across three states, communication protocols with unidentified contacts.The infrastructure of someone planning his exit strategy long before his supposed death.
But the personnel files made Nadine’s wolf pace with killing intent.Detailed psychological profiles on current Sunburst Pack members.Behavioral analyses.Relationship dynamics.
Gregory didn’t gather this himself,she said, spreading profiles across a makeshift table.This is real-time intelligence.Someone’s been feeding him information.
Conall’s shock rippled through their bond.The traitor we’ve been looking for.They’re working for Gregory.
Nadine cross-referenced intelligence reports with pack personnel records.Financial records show regular payments to a shell company.The timing corresponds to intelligence reports about pack security protocols.Someone with guardian access has been selling information.
She pulled up additional files.Communication logs show regular contact between Gregory and someone using the code name ‘Twin Star.’The financial payments track to the same source.
That could be anyone,Conall said, uncertainty bleeding through their bond.
Except the timing corresponds exactly to Quinton’s duty shifts.Perimeter security assignments, communication monitoring—intelligence flowed to Gregory within hours.
Each piece of evidence built an undeniable pattern.Through the mate bond, she felt Conall’s growing distress, his desperate need for alternative explanations.
You think Quinton is the traitor,he said, words flat and terrible.
The evidence points to someone with his access and opportunity,she replied.Someone who’s been systematically compromising pack security.
No.The denial was absolute.Quinton would never betray the pack.Never betray me.
Look at the financial records,she said, trying to keep emotion from her voice.The communications.The timing.Either Quinton is involved, or someone wants it to appear that way.
Someone like Gregory,Conall said, searching for alternatives.Driving a wedge between us, weakening pack unity.
Maybe,she said, though doubt colored her voice.Or maybe the twin bond made it easy for Gregory to identify the perfect inside source.
The accusation hung like a loaded weapon.She felt Conall’s shock give way to anger—not just at her conclusions, but at her willingness to voice them.
You’re wrong,he said, voice quiet.The fact that you’d even consider this shows how little you understand pack loyalty.
The words stung.I understand loyalty.I also understand evidence.
