Allie or Trap

Later, the guys gathered around the large table scattered with maps, tactical notes, and half-empty coffee cups. Will, Trey, and Elijah leaned in close, tracing patrol routes and marking potential weak points in the pack’s territory.

Their conversation was low and serious, filled with strategy and possibilities, but every so often their eyes flicked toward the corner of the room where the girls sat clustered around Rae’s laptop. Remi and Del exchanged quiet words with Rae, who was typing rapidly, her blue eyes sharp and focused despite the exhaustion they all carried.

Trey nudged Will, nodding subtly toward the girls. “You ever notice how they always seem to be on a different wavelength? Like they’re working some kind of secret operation right under our noses.”

Elijah smirked. “Yeah. And whatever it is, it’s way beyond just hacking. Rae’s got that fire — and Remi’s the perfect anchor. Del’s like the quiet storm.”

Will shook his head with a small laugh. “I guess we’re lucky to have them on our side.”

The men fell back into their maps, but the room hummed with a new energy — a silent acknowledgment of the strength and brains behind those quiet, determined women.

Just as Rae was closing her laptop for the night, a soft ping echoed from the screen. She glanced back, eyes narrowing at the incoming message. It was from a nearby pack—not far from her hometown, the bayou she’d left years ago.

The message was brief but urgent: “We’ve been monitoring unusual activity connected to your recent investigations. We need to meet—soon. There’s more at stake than you realize.”

Rae’s fingers hovered over the keyboard, heart quickening. She glanced over at Remi and Del, who noticed the change in her expression.

“I just got a message from a pack close to where I grew up,” Rae said quietly. “They want to meet. They say this goes deeper than we thought.”

Remi’s gaze sharpened. “Could be allies—or a trap.”

Del nodded. “But either way, we need to hear them out.”

Will and the others gathered around, tension rippling through the room.

Rae took a deep breath. “Looks like this fight isn’t just ours anymore.”

The group gathered around the table, the map of the territory spread out before them. The message from the pack near Rae’s hometown had made the room shift with cautious energy.

Will pointed to a cluster of trees and marshland near the center of the map. “They want to meet here. Right in the middle of the territory.”

Trey frowned, folding his arms. “That’s smack in the middle of Rae’s old stomping grounds. You okay with that, Rae?”

Rae’s eyes darkened for a moment. “Not even close. That place isn’t home anymore—it’s a reminder of everything I left behind. Meeting there feels like walking into a storm.”

Remi leaned in, her voice calm but firm. “We’ll be with you every step. This isn’t just about old ties—it’s about finding out what they want. We can’t afford to ignore it.”

Del added softly, “And if anything feels off, we pull back. No heroics.”

Elijah nodded, already scanning the map for routes. “We’ll plan all entrances and exits carefully. Security tight. No surprises.”

Rae swallowed, taking a deep breath. “Alright. I don’t like it, but we’ll do it. Together.”

Rae and Remi stepped away from the group, finding a quiet corner of the pack house to talk.

Rae’s voice dropped low, heavy with a mix of pain and anger. “Remi, I’m not just uncomfortable about the meeting location because of old memories. It’s deeper than that.”

Remi’s expression softened, giving her full attention.

“My parents…” Rae swallowed hard. “They weren’t just distant. They were abusive. The kind of wounds that don’t show, but never really heal. I left that life behind, but if I ran into them again—especially with everything going on—I don’t know if I’d be able to control myself.”

Remi reached out, placing a steady hand on Rae’s arm. “You’re not alone in this. Whatever happens, we’ve got your back. And if it gets too much, we’ll find another way.”

Rae let out a shaky breath, a small flicker of relief crossing her face. “Thanks, Remi. That means more than you know.”