The Alpha Weredragon's Favorite

Ryan

On the morning of my mating ceremony with Lyra, instead of basking in the thoughts of what would happen later that evening, Wista, Killian, Liam and I sat in my office, discussing our plan to strike Wolfsong. We hunched over maps spread across my desk, strategizing and debating our approach.

Killian and I had already agreed to journey north in search of Juan. I hoped he could provide valuable insight into Vivian and the dark magic she wielded. My gut told me any information we could glean from him would serve us well in the coming battle, helping us prepare for whatever she had in store. I was damn determined to uncover anything that would give us an edge.

"We need to strike hard and fast," I said, tapping the map. "Hit them where it hurts. They've made the first move. We need to make the last."

Killian nodded. "Agreed. We can't give them a chance to bring even more dark magic our way."

Liam chimed in, "What about Darian? Should we involve him in this?"

I paused, considering his question. Darian had proven himself to be a valuable ally, but I still had my reservations. "Not at this stage," I replied, shaking my head. "I trust Darian, but only to a point." Wista raised an eyebrow. "You don't think he's fully committed to our cause?"

I sighed, leaning back in my chair. "It's not that. Darian has been a great asset, but I need to see him in action against Wolfsong before I can trust him completely."

I remember the day my father had to banish one of his most trusted wolves. It was a painful lesson that stayed with me.

"Son, come here," my father called, his voice heavy with sorrow. "I need to tell you something."

I approached him, sensing the gravity in his tone. "What is it, Dad?"

He put his arm around my shoulders, guiding me to sit beside him. "You know Jace, the wolf I took in as a rogue years ago?"

I nodded. "Of course. He's one of your most loyal wolves."

My father shook his head, his eyes filled with hurt. "Not anymore. He betrayed us, Ryan. He sold our secrets to the enemy."

I gasped, shocked by the revelation. "What? How could he do that?"

"I don't know, son. I trusted him like a brother." My father's voice cracked with emotion. "But the evidence is clear. He put our entire pack at risk."

I could see the anguish on my father's face. "What are you going to do?"

He took a deep breath, steeling himself. "I have to banish him, Ryan. It's the only way to protect the pack."

"But Dad, you've known him for so long. Isn't there another way?"

My father looked at me, his eyes filled with pain. "No, son. As the Alpha, I have to put the pack first, even if it breaks my heart."

I watched as my father gathered the pack, his voice heavy as he announced Jace's betrayal and banishment. Jace stood before him, head bowed in shame.

"Jace, you were like a brother to me," my father said, his voice trembling. "I trusted you with my life, with the lives of our pack. How could you do this to us?" Jace remained silent, tears streaming down his face.

My father continued, "I have no choice but to banish you from the pack. You are no longer welcome among us. If you ever return, you will be killed on the spot. No mercy.

Jace nodded and jogged away, some pack members throwing rotten food, some small stones at his retreating figure. My father turned to me, his eyes hard and unforgiving. "Remember this day, Ryan. As an Alpha, you must always put the pack first, no matter how much it hurts. Trust is earned, but it can be shattered in an instant."

I nodded, understanding the weight of my father's words. It was a lesson I would carry with me forever - the responsibility of leadership and the pain of betrayal.

I had felt that sting keenly with Lyra, thinking she had sold me out to Vivian, when in fact she hadn't. I was wrong about her... in so many ways, but time and time again she'd proven herself. How could I ask any less of Darian?

It would be foolish to trust him fully this early on.

Liam frowned. "But Darian has risked a lot by joining us. Doesn't that count for something?"

"It does," I acknowledged. "But this is a crucial mission. I can't afford any uncertainties."

Killian twisted in the swivel chair and leaned forward, hands clasped between his knees. "I understand your concerns, Ryan. But perhaps we should give Darian a chance to prove himself."

I mulled over Killian's words. Deep down, I knew Darian was loyal, but the stakes were too high to take any chances. "Let's see how he fares in the upcoming battles," I decided. "If he shows his true colors against Wolfsong, then I'll trust him fully."

Wista nodded. "A wise choice, Alpha. We must be cautious."

I cleared my throat and looked at each of them in turn. "Alright, let's hear your ideas. Wista, what's your plan?"

Wista leaned forward, her eyes gleaming. "I say we use the element of surprise. Strike them in the dead of night when they least expect it. My magic can cloak our approach."

Liam frowned. "But won't they have wards and sentries? We could be walking into a trap."

Wista smirked. "Leave the magic to me. I can handle their defenses."

Killian shook his head. "I don't think a full-on assault is the best approach. We should infiltrate their ranks, gather intel from the inside."

I raised an eyebrow. "You mean send in spies? That's risky."

Killian nodded. "Yes, but it could give us a significant advantage. We could learn their weaknesses, their plans."

Liam chimed in, "I agree with Killian. We need more information before we strike."

I tapped my chin, considering their suggestions. "Both plans have merit, but I think a combination might work best."

Wista tilted her head. "What do you have in mind?"

I leaned forward, excitement building in my chest. "We send in a small infiltration team to gather intel and sabotage their defenses. Then, we launch a surprise attack, using Wista's magic to conceal our approach." Killian grinned. "A two-pronged strategy. I like it."

Liam nodded, a smile spreading across his face. "It could work. We'd have the element of surprise and inside knowledge."

Wista's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "I can cloak the infiltration team and then create a diversion for the main attack."

I felt a surge of pride in my team. "Excellent. Let's start planning the details. We'll need to choose our infiltration team carefully."

Killian leaned back in his chair. "I volunteer. I have experience with covert operations."

Liam raised his hand. "I'll go too. I'm good at reading people, gathering information."

I nodded, impressed by their bravery. "Alright, Killian and Liam will lead the infiltration. Wista, you'll work on the magical aspects of the plan."

Wista grinned, rubbing her hands together. "Oh, I've got some ideas already."

I smiled, feeling a sense of unity and purpose. "Good. Let's get to work. Wolfsong won't know what hit them."