Page 14 of Fat Arranged Mate
"What do you need?" I'm already mentally preparing, calculating response options.
"Intelligence. Infiltration." Nic's gaze moves between us. "I need two wolves in Pinecrest, posing as humans, gathering information on this group before they escalate further."
Realization dawns slowly. "You want us to go undercover. Together."
"You're both uniquely qualified," Luna speaks for the first time. "You have weaker Shifts than most of the pack, so your shifter natures are less obvious than most—fewer physical traits, less frequent shifting requirements."
"A perfect cover," Nic adds. "Newly married couple moving to Pinecrest for work. No one will question your presence."
"Married," Sera repeats, voice faint.
"The lottery timing provides perfect cover for your absence from pack events," Thomas notes. "Everyone will assume you're taking time to get to know each other. All of this stays locked down—it’s a need-to-know basis."
And,no one bothers to add,neither of you has a family around to wonder where you are.
I stare at Nic, understanding the full implication. "You're sending us to a town of human hunters. Together. Now."
"The timing is non-negotiable," Nic says firmly. "We have a narrow window before these 'Guardians' become emboldened by their success. The next victim might not escape."
My mind races through scenarios, weighing risks against duty. Humans targeting shifters. Silver bullets. Organized hunters. Every protective instinct I possess screams to action.
"When do we leave?" I ask, decision made.
"Dawn," Nic replies. "Thomas has already secured a rental property on the edge of town. Your cover identities and essentials will be ready within the hour."
I nod, then glance at Sera. Her face has gone pale, but her expression is resolute. She looks like she’s walking the plank, commanded toward her own death.
"I understand why you chose Dylan," she says carefully, "but why me? I'm not exactly field-trained."
"Aside from your weaker shift, your medical background gives you instant access to local information networks," Luna explains. "Hospitals, clinics—places where hunting 'accidents' might be reported. Plus, your experience with both humans and shifters gives you the perspective we need."
"This mission takes priority over your personal situation," Nic adds, addressing the elephant in the room. "Whatever issues you have with the lottery match can be addressed after Pinecrest is secured."
An unexpected reprieve. I feel Sera's sideways glance, but keep my expression neutral.
"We'll be ready," I tell Nic, already mentally cataloging what we'll need. "But I want daily secure communications and emergency extraction protocols in place."
"Already arranged." Nic holds my gaze steadily. "This isn't an assassination mission, Dylan. Information gathering only. Clear?"
The implication stings, but I nod curtly. "Clear."
"You have three hours to prepare," Thomas says. "Pack light. Anything too... wolfish might raise suspicions."
As we're dismissed, the full weight of the situation settles over me. In a few hours, Sera and I will be alone in hostile territory, dependent on each other, playing the role of a mated pair while postponing the reality of our actual match.
It's not the escape I would have chosen. But if hunting down these anti-shifter extremists keeps Silvercreek safe—keeps anyone else from experiencing what Ethan did—I'll endure whatever uncomfortable partnership is required.
Even one with the most infuriating, contradictory, inexplicably compelling woman I've ever met.
Chapter 5 - Sera
"Cell phones stay off unless absolutely necessary." Thomas hands me a slim, outdated device that looks like it's from another decade. "These are burners, untraceable. Use only for emergencies or scheduled check-ins."
I nod, adding the phone to the growing pile of supplies on the Alpha's conference table. The room buzzes with focused energy as Silvercreek's inner circle prepares us for a mission none of us saw coming six hours ago. Dawn is still an hour away, but no one shows any sign of fatigue. Crisis mode has that effect.
"Your cover identities," Luna slides two manila folders across the table. "Memorize every detail before you arrive. Dylan, you're a remote software developer starting a new job. Sera, you're a trained nurse looking for work in the local healthcare system."
I flip open my folder, scanning documents that transform me into "Sera Winters," complete with a fabricated employment history and a marriage certificate dated three weeks ago. The thoroughness is impressive and unsettling.
