CHAPTER FORTY FIVE - Dancing With Ancestral Shadows

"Or I could stay and help you check out this... security concern." Gabriel met Lucas's gaze directly. "Unless you have something to hide?" The standoff stretched between them, neither wolf backing down. "Fine," Lucas finally conceded. "But we observe only. No engagement." Gabriel nodded, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Lead the way, Alpha." They circled the cabin from a safe distance, cataloging guard positions and searching for surveillance equipment. The operation was undeniably professional—motion sensors disguised as natural elements, strategic sight lines, scheduled check-ins. "Red Crescent?" Gabriel whispered as they crouched behind dense underbrush. Lucas shook his head. "Wrong protocols. Their security uses more technology, less manpower." "Shadow Crest, then. Just like the rumors said." A guard appeared around the cabin's corner, causing both wolves to freeze. The man paused, sniffing the air suspiciously before speaking into a radio clipped to his should