Chapter 95

The ensuing weeks were a dizzying blur of meticulous planning and tightly-coiled anticipation for Mateo and the rest of Sofia's pack. With the full moon rapidly approaching - the optimum time to strike against Jose and his lair - every able-bodied wolf was singularly focused on the dangerous mission at hand.

"Anyone feeling even the slightest uncertainty about what we're preparing to do need only speak up now," Sofia addressed her assembled betas one evening, her expression grave. "Because once we set this critical plan in motion, there can be no hesitation. No second-guessing."

Her piercing hazel gaze seemed to bore into each of them in turn, silently assessing their individual resolves. When her eyes finally fell on Mateo, he instinctively sat a little taller under the weight of her scrutiny.

"You most of all understand the personal stakes we're dealing with here," Sofia said, her tone taking on a softer edge as she re