CHAPTER EIGHTY SIX - UNWANTED SURPRISES

Over the next few days, Erik distanced himself from Vanessa, Ethan, and the rest of his inner circle. The sudden change in his behavior caused a ripple effect throughout the pack. Confusion and tension mounted as Erik's most trusted advisors found themselves suddenly shut out, while Erik spent more and more time alone with Anna. The fallout within Erik's inner circle was immediate and dramatic. Vanessa and Ethan, realizing their position was suddenly precarious, began to quarrel amongst themselves, each blaming the other for the plan's apparent failure. The other conspirators, sensing the shift in power, started to waver in their loyalty, some even approaching Erik to confess their involvement and beg for mercy. As the pack dynamics shifted, Anna's investigation became even more dangerous. With the conspirators growing desperate, she knew she had to act quickly to uncover the full extent of their plans before they could regroup or take drastic action. One evening, Anna noticed Jake,