Page 85 of Villainous Fate

Keeping my mouth shut, I scan the boundary for signs of disturbance, and my eye catches a flash of light on the other side.

I threw my arm up, silently signaling the two behind me to stop, and then shifted. Bobby sent a mind-link up to James, whose wolf was leading this portion of the area.

Frank moves silently back to me, kneeling to my left as I point at the shiny piece on the other side of the border. Nodding, he calls Troy over and indicates the reflective piece.

Troy lifts his binoculars from his bag and focuses in.

“It’s another trap,” he says in a low whisper.

Why do they have them in both territories?

Confusion mars Frank’s face as he considers the situation. Having no ill will against the other pack, my instincts are to set off the trap and leave it for them to find once we have eliminated the threat, but knowing that they may have a history, I hold my tongue and wait for orders, something my wolf doesn’t take too kindly to me doing.

“We leave it. Let’s get away from the area, and we can radio it in. Alpha will want to know about this. Someone is hunting shifters, and it doesn’t appear they give a damn what pack they come from,” Frank finishes before standing and signaling for James to continue forward away from the border.

I hesitate.

Anyone could come along here—human, shifter, or child. All are vulnerable to the traps left here, and it doesn’t sit right with me.

Without waiting for permission, I leave our formation, cross the imaginary line between territories, pick up a large rock, and set off the trap before turning and returning to the team.

Frank’s glaring daggers at me, and my mouth forgets its place.

“Look, you may be okay with collateral damage in the battles we fight here, but I’m not. There’s a cabin less than a mile from here. Humans hike these trails. If you want to be mad, fine, but I won’t have innocent lives hurt on my watch,” I finish, keeping my tone even and professional despite my wolf wanting to jump in to prove to him that I don’t take orders.

“You aren’t out here to play cowboy to the locals. You are here to understand how to be an Alpha, and a big part of that is trusting your teams and learning to follow their advice. Your goddamned hero complex is going to get you killed before you ever have the chance to lead.” He shakes his head, throwing his hands up in defeat before walking away from me.

Part of me knows that what I did is stupid. I’m here to fly under the radar, learn what I can about leading a full-fledged wolf pack, and keep Grace safe while Deacon is gone. Frank will likely relay my insubordination to Giovanni, and I will be punished if not returned to my pack for my inability to follow orders.

But the other part of me knows that I did the right thing. I made the moral decision despite the path given to me. In my heart, I know that I will not lead my future pack with fear or greed. My reign will be earned with respect, compassion, and loyalty.

True leaders are loved by those who follow them, not feared.

I fall back into step with my team, feeling lighter than I had earlier, knowing the situation didn’t compromise my integrity. Knowing my father would be proud of my choice.

To my surprise, Frank doesn’t mention me to the Alpha. When he relays the evening events, he ignores my role in crossing the border and springing the trap entirely. We have a meeting tomorrow to discuss these new issues, though.

The sun is up by the time our shift ends, and I’m starving.

As we return to the packhouse, I notice a petite redhead sitting on the front steps, holding a book and a basket by her feet.

“Hey, Gracie,” Frank says, a smile hitting his voice for the first time, which causes me to pause. Frank isn’t cheery to anyone. He barely passes for professional with his curt tone.

“Hi there, Frank! How’s the bravo team running these days?” she asks, oozing with Southern charm.

How in the world does she have that accent if she grew up here with Deacon?

“We're doing alright despite some young enthusiasm,” he says, looking pointedly at me.

“I seem to recall you specializing in young enthusiasm,” she says with a short chuckle that’s contagious. I find myself smiling despite being weary.

“Maybe that’s my problem. I do too good of a job with the wild ones, so they keep giving me more. It’s nice to see you again. If I speak with Deacon, I’ll tell him you said hello,” Frank finishes before moving into the house.

“Thanks, Frank,” she says to his retreating back before turning to me. “Getting yourself into trouble already, I see. I pegged you for a rule follower; maybe I was wrong in that regard,” she says, examining me like a puzzle she is trying to solve.

“Oh well, I admit I am a fan of the rules, but I don’t do well with moral dilemmas. My conscience tends to win in those cases; rules be damned… err, danged? Sorry,” I finish, apologizing for my mouth again.

Jesus, Marcus! Watch your mouth.

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