Alpha's Regret After the Divorce by Christina novel Chapter 155

“I’m picking up at least fifteen heat signatures moving around the cave’s perimeter,” he reported, his voice low and focused as the thermal imaging feed flickered to life on his tablet. “The temperature patterns match werewolf physiology.”

Leaning closer, I scrutinized the shifting shapes on the screen. “They’ve set up a complete security perimeter,” I said, the weight of the situation settling heavily on me.

Through the thermal overlay, we could also detect movement deeper inside the cave—figures gliding with deliberate intent around what had to be the main chamber.

“Looks like the ritual preparations are already underway,” Rebecca noted, her brow furrowing with concern.

Jennifer adjusted our tactical plan on the digital map. “We stick to the original plan, but with heightened caution. Strike team, your diversion must be convincing enough to pull the guards away without revealing our entire presence.”

We split into our assigned teams, running final communication checks and synchronizing our watches with precision.

“Rendezvous at the extraction point in thirty minutes,” I reminded everyone firmly. “Maintain radio silence unless it’s an emergency until the operation begins.”

With determined nods, the teams melted into the shadows, each moving toward their designated positions. Andy and I took on the toughest path—a steep, rocky ascent approaching the eastern entrance of the cave.

The forest around us was unnervingly silent, the only sounds being the occasional rustle of leaves and distant animal calls. We had sprayed a special chemical to mask our scents, but against werewolves, such measures only bought us a precious few minutes.

About twenty minutes into our approach, Andy suddenly froze, his hand shooting out to halt me. I stopped immediately, barely daring to breathe.

“Two guards,” he whispered, voice barely audible. “About fifty meters ahead, patrolling the perimeter.”

Crouching slowly behind a large boulder, Andy mirrored my movement. Peering through gaps in the underbrush, I spotted two figures moving with an eerie, predatory grace, their enhanced senses scanning every shadow.

My heart pounded fiercely against my ribs as one guard abruptly stopped, lifting his head to sniff the air. Sweat beaded on my forehead despite the cool night breeze. I pressed my back flat against the cold stone, willing myself to remain utterly still.

After what felt like an endless moment, the other guard called softly, “Come on, nothing here,” and they resumed their patrol, disappearing into the darkness of the trees.

I exhaled a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding, exchanging a relieved glance with Andy. That encounter had been far too close for comfort.

“Look at that light,” I murmured. “The ritual preparations must be well advanced.”

Andy checked his watch. “Strike team should be in position by now.”

I nodded, a fierce determination settling deep inside me. My fingers tightened around the silver dagger at my hip. “No matter who Red Mask is,” I whispered, “tonight, I will see her face.”

Suddenly, the stillness shattered with the roar of an explosion from the far side of the cave complex. Alarms blared, and urgent shouts echoed through the trees. Jennifer’s strike team had initiated their diversion.

The guards at the entrance tensed immediately—one reached for a radio while the other peered toward the source of the commotion.

“Now,” I breathed, and we sprang from our hiding place.

Andy shifted mid-stride, his human form melting away into a powerful wolf as he charged toward the left guard. I gripped my silver dagger tightly and raced toward the right, adrenaline surging through my veins as the moment of action I had prepared for finally arrived.