The Alpha's Exchanged Mate
The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate – Chapter 105

Authors POV…

Carlos stared out into the open as he watched the Omega warriors train. The discussion he had with Becca from last night had bugged him throughout the night.

He thought of possible ways to expose the betrayers amongst them. Even if he had to suspect his most loyal men, he would do all that it takes to protect the night howler’s pack.

It was a debt he had to pay; his pledge to be loyal to the alpha was never to be broken. Alpha Xander might seem cold from the outside, but he had the most considerate heart, just like his late father.

Xander had saved him from the cold hands of the sizzlers during the war. He had taken the hit that made him crippled on his behalf. Whenever he set his eyes on the alpha, it reminded him of what he would have become if he wasn’t such a thoughtful leader.

All through the war, Xander was more concerned about protecting the lives of his warriors and did his very best to ensure so.

It seems surprising that people go around to talk about him as weak; his own shame couldn’t bring him to defend him. He didn’t want people to see him as bad luck that struck their alpha. Seeing Xander act kind towards him and never blaming him for his present state made him respect him more. Before he got the intel from Becca, he had suspicions about some of the warriors, but he was never certain, and he didn’t want to say something that would enable them to stay hidden for a longer time.

Checking his time, he realized it was past noon and time for their first break after the morning training. They all walked towards the changing room, filing along like footballers moving off the pitch. Pulling his hands out of his pocket, he snapped his fingers. He needed to act fast.

The night howler’s warrior uniform had a big collar that covered most part of the neck. The reason had been to protect them from harsh weather, which implies there was no way he would get to see the said mark. He couldn’t barge into the changing room when he obviously had no business there. His head kept turning as he thought of what he could possibly do.

“That’s it!” He voiced as a thought struck him.

Over the top of the bathroom where they mostly have their baths, there is a secret compartment that leads to some form of escape route in cases of war. The roof in every room had a particular part that could be opened. Only a few clan members are aware of this, as it is considered top secret. He had always thought it to be a silly idea; however, he felt grateful for it at this moment.

Not waiting for extra time. He went up the roof, climbing into the space and crawling his way through the rooms until he heard the sounds from the exact place he was going to.

Using his hands to feel the roof, he eventually found the one he was looking for. Shifting it a bit, he got a clear view of the bathroom and the naked warriors having their baths as they jeered at each other. Enabling his wolf vision, Carlos scanned through the entire room and almost fell out of his hiding place. A quarter of the warriors in the bathroom had the crescent scar on the back of their necks, the exact spot Becca had said he would find it. He checked again to be sure.

How no one noticed it before now surpassed him. Going back hurriedly to his office, he dialed a number on his phone.

“It’s not in my interest to say this, as I hate to say this. But I really need to see you right this minute.” He said into the receiver before hanging up.

Trouble loomed over the pack, just beneath their nose.

****

“This had better be worth my precious time.” Jason spat, glaring at Carlos, who sat cross-legged, giving him a once over.

“You know seeing you is like the last thing I would ever hope for.” Carlos retorted, kissing his teeth. “Close the door behind you.” He stated.

“Don’t order me around.” Jason hissed.

Rolling his eyes, Carlos snorted.”everything is about control for you. Whatever it is, I don’t really care at this point. Please take your seat, the intensity of this information night blow you off your seat.”

Jason gave him a skeptical look, drawing out the chair to sit. “I’m hoping you aren’t messing with me for your own good.”

Carlos ignored him as he pulled out his drawer and picked a piece of white paper with a tiny drawing on it. He had learned to sketch a bit while growing up, and it became a habit that he enjoys in his free time. To drive home a point and a certainty of what he had seen. He had outlined the crescent out into the sheet. He handed it to Jason.

“And what do I do with this?” He queried, staring weirdly at the paper.

“That’s the mark to look for on the imposters.”

Jason scoffed, throwing the paper on the table. “Have you lost your damn mind, is this what you bothered me for?”

Carlos rubbed at his temple, “I need you to listen to me, Jason. I got an Intel on how to recognize the unfaithful ones among us, and I was able to today. Each of them carries this mark…” He pointed at the paper, “at the back of their neck vividly.”

Observing him for a moment, Jason expected him to blurt out and say he was only joking. But his face remained serious. Jason had known Carlos all through the years they had lived and knew exactly the meaning of his expressions. They were best friends before Carlos decided to seduce the lady Jason had his eyes on. And Carlos was never sorry about it, which annoyed him more. They had fallen out after the incident and hardly saw eye to eye.

Resting in the chair, Jason stared at him. “What do you want me to do now?”

“Find a means to see if any of your guards and men carry this. Then we can tell the alpha about it.”

Thinking for a brief moment, Carlos knew Jason had no other choice but to give in. Judging by the look on his old buddy’s face, he knew they were game.