Drake's POV
Reaching the location that resonated with my power, I spotted a man in a dark cape walking alongside Alpha Kevin. I couldn't discern his face, and I couldn't get too close without alerting Alpha Kevin and Beta Ted, making me appear as if I were spying on them.
Keeping my distance, I continued to follow. My pursuit led me to a secluded shelter where Alpha Kevin, Ted, and the caped man gathered. Their voices were muffled as if a magical spell had been cast over the location to prevent eavesdropping. Frustration set in as I struggled to gather useful information.
"Close your eyes, Drake. I will cast an invisibility spell on you," my dragon Fin instructed. Complying, I felt a comforting warmth envelop my body as the spell took effect. Under the invisibility cloak, I approached the shelter, positioning myself near a window.
"Alpha Kevin, we've brought more mixed-bloods," Ted reported.
"Hmm… I'm pleased with your work, Ted. Did you hear, Zane? Our mission seems to be progressing well," Alpha Kevin replied with a smirk. The man in the cape, apparently named Zane, remained composed in his chair, his face still hidden. His aura resonated familiarly, suggesting that he might be Zane Campbell.
"Kevin, ensure the test subjects we've worked so hard on are categorized correctly. Keep human hybrid and mixed-blood subjects separate," the caped man ordered.
"Don't worry, Mr. Zane Campbell. We've properly classified the human hybrid subjects, who can shift into wolves but possess dragon fire abilities, and those who can shift into dragons and have fast-healing wolf powers. Mixed blood hybrids have been injected with your blood Zane along with herbs mixed in serum that can enhance their powers threefold," Ted explained. My suspicions were confirmed; it was indeed Zane Campbell, the son of Xac. Xac, a rebel against my father, had conspired with vampires to release a deadly plague in the dragon realm. His actions led to mass destruction and the near extinction of our kind, leaving me, my father, as the only survivors.
My blood boiled with anger. "Calm down, or else the invisibility spell will be ruined. Your emotions can alert our enemies," warned Fin, my dragon. Taking several deep breaths, I subdued my mounting fury.
"Very well. Then we will use this to attack the Silver Canine Pack," Alpha Kevin declared, a statement that filled me with concern. I didn't want Elena and Silas to suffer further, and I resolved to prevent harm from befalling their pack.
"No, first we must take out the last Dragon King, Drake. He poses a threat because he has the power to destroy our creation. Once he's dead, we can proceed with our plan to dominate the realm of the wolves and the rest of the shifters," Zane countered in a calm voice, surprising Alpha Kevin.
"If that's the case, we need to address this danger first so our plan can proceed smoothly," Alpha Kevin conceded.
"Ted, how much longer until the subjects are fully prepared?" Zane inquired.
"A week," Ted confidently replied.
"Then, I suggest you provide me with a force to help locate Drake, keep tabs on him, and even monitor his mate. We'll proceed with our plan to invade other packs once Drake is dead," Zane clarified, earning nods of agreement from Alpha Kevin and Ted.
"Do you know what this Drake guy looks like?" Ted asked a question that gripped me with fear. As an actor, my face is everywhere in the human world. If Zane knew my appearance, it could complicate things significantly.
"I don't know what he looks like. I have an amulet that can guide us to his powers. When the amulet shines with a golden hue, it will confirm Drake's presence," Zane explained. I sighed in relief upon learning he wasn't aware of my appearance. Time was against me, and I needed to complete my mission to free these hybrids soon. The fake wolf spell Emily cast on me could fade if Zane's golden amulet spent too much time in my vicinity.
Returning to the apartment, I found Mac and Yuri deep in thought. "There's been a new development," I announced, snapping them back to reality. I recounted what I had overheard, confirming that the man I suspected of assisting Alpha Kevin in creating these hybrids was indeed involved. The implications of this could prove dangerous for the wolf pack and other shifters too.
"This is crazy," Yuri sighed in exasperation.
"We only have a week to free these hybrids. Otherwise, your power will be exposed to the amulet," Mac mused, already planning our next move.
"We'll need Solomon's help. He's familiar with the lab's blueprints and knows where the other hybrids are kept," Yuri suggested. At her words, Mac left to summon Solomon.
"How are you holding up?" Yuri turned her gaze to me.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"You look scared and worried about your newfound family members under the test subject labs," she explained.
"Of course, I'm worried sick for my dad and stepsiblings. Not only that but learning that the Silver Canine Pack is in danger again... it's terrifying," Yuri confessed, her voice laden with concern.
"We'll get out of this, Yuri. I'll ensure the Silver Canine Pack doesn't face any more danger," I assured her. Yuri narrowed her eyes, trying to gauge my emotions. She still believed I harbored feelings for Elena, and although there was a lingering affection deep down, it wasn't the potent emotion I had felt a year ago. Time has healed the wounds of rejection.
"You called for me?" Solomon entered with Mac, and we quickly filled him in on the situation. He looked troubled - as expected, given his loyalty to the Silver Canine Pack. His furrowed brow gave away his worry.
"I can bring the blueprints of the lab and the hybrid dormitory, but there's one problem," Solomon warned. "These human hybrids need sedatives; they've become feral. Only a few are under control."
"What about the mixed blood? How are they faring? Did they do anything to the new mixed blood hybrids we brought?" Yuri asked urgently.
"I don't know about the new mix blood; I'll check. As for the existing mixed-blood hybrids, they're in good condition and are eager to escape," Solomon replied.
"Tonight, we plan the escape for the hybrids and aim to finish the mission," I announced. Everyone nodded in agreement.