Tristan
"Candidate Desiree." I knocked on the window of the cheverolet truck, Roman shot up from his sleep and looked around frantically until his eyes settled on me.
"Oh crap." I heard him speak as he shuffled out of the car, he opened the door and almost tripped on his blanket on his way out.
I watched him straighten himself out before clearing his throat and bowing at me.
"Alpha Tristan." He spoke in acknowledgement.
I looked at Bridget who stood behind me.
She just stared at him with distaste.
"What are you doing, candidate?" I asked.
"Oh, um, I was just heading home, sir." He responded.
"You were asleep." Bridget told him. "In your car."
"I was just resting." Roman spoke quickly.
I looked into his vehicle and saw a duffle bag and books on the passenger side.
"Looks like you're living in your truck." I told him matter of factly.
Roman turned to look into his truck.
"No - I - it isn't what it looks like. I was just -"
"Save yourself the trouble of lying to your alpha. Quite frankly, it's embarrassing." Bridget spoke up.
Roman sighed.
"I'm sorry alpha." He muttered.
I saw a scarf hanging from the driver's side of the vehicle. I didn't have to pick up the scent to know it was Crystal's.
"Why are you living in your truck candidate Desiree?" I asked. "And you already heard my beta, there's no point in lying to me."
Roman looked at the ground. "My foster parents -"
"They kicked you out?" Bridget asked.
"No." Roman replied immediately. "I - I kind of left."
"You ran away?" I clarified.
Roman scoffed. "It's not running away if they want you to leave."
He still didn't meet my eyes. I turned to look at Bridget. She gave me a subtle shake of her head.
I turned back to Roman.
"I was just heading to the manor. You're coming with me. You can get in your truck and follow us."
Roman finally looked up, seemingly mortified.
"No - I - I couldn't. It's honestly fine, alpha, the truck isn't that bad and it's just temporary. Well until -"
I turned around and started walking away.
"It wasn't a question, candidate!" I yelled. "Now hurry up!"
"The borders are the best vantage point for us. I say we centre everything from there." Rick spoke pointing out the areas on the map.
I leaned against my desk and studied my team. They were only nine people currently in the room.
Myself, my beta of course, two of my most trusted apprentices, Peter and May, Captain Park, three of her most trusted and competent soldiers, Raphael, Nia and Rick, and of course, Crystal.
I wanted to keep this on an extreme need to know basis, the last thing I needed was the entire pack going haywire and ruining my plan by hunting down Roman themselves.
"I don't know about the location choice." Nia spoke up. "Letting him into pack territory could be a risk."
"But letting the luna meet her outside pack territory is a bigger risk." May spoke up. "What if he overwhelms the luna?"
I saw Crystal flinch on the couch she sat on. She fiddled with her hands nervously. I could understand how nervous she must have been. I was fifteen when I did my first undercover mission and even though I had extensive training, my nerves almost got the best of me.
"Do you think he'll do that?" Raphael asked looking directly at Crystal.
"I - I don't know." She admitted.
Could Roman hurt Crystal?
I didn't know but I wasn't going to risk finding out.
I stepped forward to the map that was pinned on the table. "We need to find a way to get the target to meet Crystal here." I pointed to the south west mountains.
"Why there in particular?" Nia asked.
I tensed up. I didn't look up at my team as I spoke. "Because it was their spot."
Keep your emotions in check.
I heard Bridget remind me mentally.
I didn't turn around, not wanting to catch Crystal's gaze.
"Okay but the mountains are one of our most secure spots anyway. He'll see us coming from a mile away." Bridget spoke.
"I agree." Peter spoke up. "Roman once suggested we up our security on that hill, why would he have reason to believe that you didn't do just that?"
I ran a hand down my face. Of course I remember the smug jerk advising me on how to run my pack.
I leaned against the table. "I guess you're right. That could be a problem."
I just wanted to sweep everything off the table. All the plans and maps and folders.
I had known from the moment I had gotten the idea that it wouldn't be an easy one.
I couldn't say I was surprised that the traitor had contacted her. In fact, I had been expecting it. But that didn't stop me from being furious.
Not at Crystal, of course. Sure she hadn't told me immediately but I couldn't exactly expect her to. The traitor had meant a lot to her once.
I couldn't just expect those feelings to go away. But I'm glad she had trusted me enough to come to me with it eventually.
I hadn't wanted to even involve her in the Roman investigation. When I found Roman, I wanted to be able to handle him without even considering what she would think about me.
But the minute I heard that he had contacted her, I knew I would be able to use this against him.
Maybe I had always known the key to finding Roman was through Crystal. But I hadn't been willing to go that route. I was still reluctant but an opportunity had presented itself and I wasn't about to let it slip.
"I have an idea." Raphael spoke up gruffly.
"Well what are you waiting for? A mic? Spill." Bridget spoke impatiently and I could tell the lack of sleep was taking a tow.
I had called everyone here the minute I thought of my plan. It was time sensitive.
But then again, that little comment Raph had passed about Bridget and I was probably still lingering on her mind.
Now that I thought about it, I should probably say something to him about his little comments. I could sense how mad Bridget actually was.
Raph and I had grown not to have boundaries when we had fought together. And I knew that if there was someone who would never need my protection, it was Bridget. But that didn't mean I would tolerate disrespect towards my oldest friend. Even if it was Raphael.
Raphael pushed himself away from the table while the rest of us were still brainstorming.
Captain Park was explaining which positions would be best for all of us.
I initially thought Raph was heading over to get some water or something but then I immediately noticed he wasn't heading in the direction of the dispenser.
I stepped away from the table.
"Where are you going, T?" Bridget asked me.
I didn't answer her and quickened my pace, intercepting Raphael just by putting a hand on his chest before he got to where Crystal sat.
"I'd be careful if I were you." I told him in a low voice even though I knew everyone could hear me.
Raphael looked at me for only a second before turning to look at Crystal.
"I was just going to say that if we're trying to get into the traitors mind. We should ask the one person in this room who knew him the best. His lover."
I knew Raphael had only said the last part to get on my nerves but he had a point.
If anyone could even know the slightest bit of Roman's way of thinking, it would be Crystal.
I didn't want to admit it but those four years they were together had to amount to something.
"I think it's a good idea, Tristan." Captain Park spoke.
I narrowed my eyes at Raphael before stepping away and letting him advance.
The fading empathy link immediately told me that Crystal was nervous.
"He's just going to ask you a few questions." I reassured her.
Raph stopped a few feet in front of her. I watched him carefully as he folded his arms.
"Well Luna, what do you think your little boyfriend will do?"
Crystal's eyes darted to me as if seeking something. Permission? Help.
I simply nodded hoping it was reassuring to her.
Raphael was good at getting information from people. Those people were usually war criminals but never the less, he knew how to get answers and it was usually not the best idea to get in his way.
I watched as Crystal swallowed and shifted slightly. "His not my boyfriend." Was the first thing she said and I'd be lying if I said it didn't bring me an immense wave of satisfaction.
Bridget caught my eye at that moment and rolled her eyes. I ignored her and continued watching Crystal.
I knew she was nervous at having all this attention on her.
She sat forward slightly before looking at the ground.
"But I know Roman isn't stupid. He won't buy it if I ask him to meet me on the mountain, he'll know something is up. Judging by the surveillance patch, he must know about Tristan and I.... or maybe he might have even known before..."
She drifted off as if in deep thought.
"The only way to convince Roman that I'm willing to go against Tristan and help him is if I do things on his terms." She concluded. "If I make him believe I still have feelings for him - I - maybe he'll take the bait."
Raphael let out a humourless laugh and scoffed. "How convenient for you."
"You asked me what I thought." Crystal responded surprisingly firmly.
I smirked.
"Yeah. But I didn't realise you were trying to concoct a plan to get back to your lover." Raphael retaliated.
"Is he always this paranoid?" Nnia muttered.
Raph turned to glare at Nia. "You believe her?"
"She's our luna, why wouldn't I?" Nia asked.
Nia had been one of the last apprentices to work under my mother. She was an exceptional soldie and overall good in tough situations, that's why I had chosen her. She gets things done.
"Oh I can think of a few reasons." Raphael countered.
"Raph, why do you keep trying to start something? We all just want to find a way to make this plan work." May spoke.
"Exactly." Bridget added, "so if you don't have any helpful suggestions, deal with your man child rage in another way."
"Okay, here's a suggestion. Maybe we need to stop letting in the women we're sleeping with?" Raph spoke
Oh boy.
May's eyes widened, Bridget stood up straighter and Nia gave him a look that could kill.
"Now I know your misogynistic ass didn't just say that." Nia snapped.
Captain Park simply pursed her lips.
Peter looked away, scratching his head awkwardly. Rick gave a nervous glance at Crystal.
My eyes immediately went to Crystal in concern. She looked at all of us in confusion.
"Me?" She asked, now looking horrified.
"We're not -" she turned her attention on me. "Do they think we're -"
"Grow up, Raph." Bridget snapped.
I glared at Raphael when he met my gaze. Bridget was right. He was being childish. Why would he bring up a matter like this here and in front of Crystal for that matter.
Raphael has a good four years on me. He is someone I've always looked up to and admired in life.
He is a good soldier whose dedication and loyalty is inspiring.
I've seen him in the toughest of situations. I've seen him face the meanest of heartbreaks but I've never seen him let that get in his way.
Until now.
Captain Park looked at me and I immediately knew what she was thinking.
She had warned me about the lines that would get blurred when I chose my friends as my right hand men. The lines I would have to draw again
"Raphael, you're excused." I spoke.
Raphael scoffed and looked up at me.
But I made it clear by my tone that it wasn't a suggestion but an order.
"Are you serious?"
I stepped forward. "Your attitude and behaviour in general are threatening to jeopardise this entire plan."
"This entire plan is bullshit." He countered before pointing at Crystal. "I don't trust her and if you would just open your eyes, Tristan, neither would you."
I clenched my jaw. I had had enough of Raphael and his accusations.
I was about to say something when suddenly, Crystal stood up.
"This isn't easy for me, you know." She spoke, her voice shaky.
In fact her whole body was shaking. Not with anger but nerves? Anxiety?
She stomped up to my side where I stood in front of Raphael.
"Roman fooled me too." She didn't yell. She wasn't calm either and that's what worried me. I didn't know whether she was mad or maybe afraid?
"I should have seen the signs but I didn't." She continued. "And I can't change what happened but I can help bring him to justice and that's all I'm trying to do now."
She was breathing heavily. I looked down at her.
I wanted to do something, to hold her and comfort her but that would be inappropriate.
All I felt was fury.
Roman had messed up her life and he was threatening to do it again. I couldn't let that happen.
The whole room had gone silent.
Raphael just stared at Crystal for a while before shaking his head.
"Sorry princess but I don't buy it." He spoke.
I growled forgetting that Raphael was my friend.
"Get out." I seethed.
Raphael rose his brows at me. "Excuse me?"
I stepped in front of Crystal. "I said get out. You're off this mission.
Raphael looked at me in disbelief. He let out a humourless laugh. "Tristan, I'm trying to keep you safe. To keep this entire pack safe."
"No you're antagonising my luna, disrespecting my beta and letting your emotions cloud your judgement."
"No. You are letting your emotions cloud your judgement." He shoved me back and I stumbled, almost knocking Crystal over.
"Raph -" Peter warned as him, Rick, Nia and Bridget stepped forward.
I turned around to make sure Crystal was okay before turning back to face Raphael.
I clenched my fists and I didn't need a mirror to know my eyes were glowing.
Raphael was shaking his head now. "I'm your friend. I. Am. Your. Brother. I would lay down my life for you in a heartbeat. She wouldn't."
I charged at Raph and grabbed him by fistfuls of his shirt.
"She is my heartbeat." I growled.
I immediately regretted blurting that out.
Not because it made me look weak but because I knew - even before I saw the look on Bridget's face - that it was stupid.
Stupid but true. Crystal was my world but I wasn't hers and I knew it. I was putting everything on the line for someone who didn't want me.
But I couldn't control it. I had failed to fight the mating bond and trust me I had tried. But against all knowledge and logic, it was controlling me and all my actions.
I didn't look around at anyone else. I just kept my eyes on Raphael.
I willed my wolf to calm down and I unhanded and stepped back from Raph.
This was already hard for me as it was.
"Leave Raph or I'm going to make you."
There was obvious betrayal on his face.
I didn't want to make him submit but if he didn't leave soon, I would have no choice.
"Fine alpha. Fine." He looked around the room then zeroed in on Crystal. "I know I'm right about her and you'll all see it soon enough."
His footsteps were the only thing we could hear as he left the room.
I turned to look at everyone else who just stared.
I cleared my throat.
"Let's get back to work." I ordered.
Crystal stood in front of me looking like she wanted to say something.
I couldn't help but think back on Raph's words. Crystal wouldn't betray me. She wouldn't do that.
She definitely had the power to hurt me but I trusted that she wouldn't. I trusted her.
"Alpha." Captain Park spoke up.
I looked at the only true adult in the room.
Other than Crystal, the rest of us were in our
twenties.
I nodded at her wondering if she approved of my decision to kick Raph out. She was the one always telling me to be firm after all.
"I have a suggestion." She spoke.
"I'm all ears." I told her secretly glad that someone did.
She stood up. "We've been brain storming and making plans and plotting good hiding spots but we're forgetting one thing about this rat trap."
I rose my brows at her. "And what's that?"
"The rat." Captain Park spoke like it was obvious.
She looked around as if expecting everyone to get it.
"You mean Roman?" Peter asked still looking perplexed.
She sighed. "This is why I prefer to work with more experienced soldiers."
She stepped forward. "Let's review the facts, shall we?" She pointed at the board we had set up. "Roman sent a message to the luna saying he needed her help. Did he specify what exactly he needed help with?"
The question was directed at Crystal who shook her head.
"No."
"Precisely." Captain Park exclaimed.
"You said he had bugged your phone case, didn't you?" She asked Crystal.
"Yes." Crystal spoke. She sounded a little defensive and I understood why. It was hard to believe something like that only going on someone's words.
"Yet the evidence was stolen." Captain Park continued.
I was curious at what she was getting at.
"Yes." Crystal responded again.
"So this confirms what our Alpha has been saying all along. There must be a mole in the pack and we'd be right to assume that mole is working with Mr Desireé."
"It does sound logical." Nia spoke.
"It's just a theory." Captain Park added. "But if it's true, we need to stop the planning and go on instinct."
"You mean send her in blindly?" I asked trying to mask my outrage as well as I could.
Captain Park was the best strategist I had met after my parents. I trusted her judgement so I knew there was a strategy brewing underneath her words.
"I'm saying we stop making a plan when we don't even know what it is he wants. If this mole is following the luna then they're going to see right through a carefully orchestrated plan." She spoke.
"What exactly are you saying we should do, Captain?" Bridget asked.
Captain Park looked straight at Crystal.
"I'm saying the luna needs to call him and ask him what hell he actually wants."