Page 63 of Alpha's Hidden Gem

Finn and Elena turn to face me, their eyes flashing with barely contained emotion. "We were just discussing the security measures for the restaurant," Finn explains, his jaw clenched."Elena thinks we should have a more visible presence, but I think that will only draw unwanted attention."

I nod, understanding their concerns. "Let's take this discussion inside. We need to find a balance between safety and discretion."

I guide Finn and Elena into the restaurant, my mind already working to find a solution to their disagreement. As we step inside, Lila joins us, her brow furrowed with concern.

"What's going on, Axel?" she asks, her hand resting on my arm.

Before I can respond, Finn jumps in, his frustration evident. "We were discussing security measures for the restaurant, but Elena wants us to be more visible," Finn explains, his brow furrowed and his hands gesturing emphatically. "She thinks having a stronger, more noticeable presence will deter potential threats."

He shakes his head, his frustration evident in the set of his jaw. "But I disagree. I think being too obvious will only draw unwanted attention to the restaurant and its patrons. We need to be discreet, to blend in and monitor the situation without causing alarm."

Elena crosses her arms, her icy blue eyes narrowing. "And what good is being discreet if it means we can't effectively protect everyone? We need to send a clear message that this place is secure and that any troublemakers will be dealt with swiftly."

Finn sighs, running a hand through his hair. "I understand your point, Elena, but we have to think about the bigger picture. Drawing too much attention could put everyone at risk from those who might discover our true nature."

I step between Finn and Elena, my wolf growling at the tension crackling in the air. "Enough," I command, my voice laced with the authority of an Alpha. "We will discuss this calmly and rationally."

Elena's eyes flash with defiance as she pushes Finn back, her voice rising. "You're wrong, Finn. We can't just hide in the shadows and hope for the best. We need to show strength, to let everyone know that we're here to stay."

Finn snarls, his hands clenching into fists. "And risk exposing our secret? Are you out of your mind, Elena? We can't afford to draw attention to ourselves, not with the hunters still out there."

I raise my hand, silencing their argument. "Both of you, stand down. This is not the time or place for a fight." I turn to Lila, my mate's presence calming the restless energy within me.

Elena's giving a fierce look with a tight-lipped expression. "Rationally? Finn's idea of keeping a low profile is basically hiding who we are. We shouldn't have to cower in the shadows!"

Finn growls, his fists clenched at his sides. "And your idea of parading around as wolves will only put a target on our backs! We need to be smart about this, Elena."

Their voices rise, the tension in the room growing thicker by the second. I can feel my own wolf stirring within me, agitated by the discord among my pack members.

Lila steps forward, her hand on my arm a calming presence. "Guys, let's take a breath and-"

But Finn cuts her off, his frustration boiling over. "Stay out of this, Lila. You're not even a real wolf. You don't understand what it's like to live in constant fear of exposure!"

I feel Lila stiffen beside me, her hurt and anger radiating through our bond. My own temper flares, and I take a step towards Finn, my eyes flashing red.

"That's enough, Finn," I growl, my voice low and dangerous. "Lila is a part of this pack, and she’s the owner of this establishment, her opinion matters just as much as anyone else's."

Finn has the grace to look chastened, but I can still see the defiance simmering beneath the surface. Elena, meanwhile, has gone quiet, her eyes darting between Finn and me.

Lila clears her throat, drawing everyone's attention. "I understand both of your concerns," she begins, her voice calm and measured. "We need to find a balance between ensuring the safety of our pack and maintaining a low profile."

I watch in awe as Lila navigates the situation with grace and confidence. She suggests a compromise, proposing a mix of subtle and overt security measures that will allow us to protect our own without raising suspicion.

Finn and Elena consider her words, their anger slowly dissipating. "That could work," Elena admits, nodding thoughtfully. "We can have a visible presence during peak hours and rely on more discreet measures during quieter times."

Finn agrees, his posture relaxing. "And we can rotate shifts so that we're not drawing too much attention to any one individual."

As they continue to discuss the details, I can't help but feel a swell of pride in my chest. My wolf rumbles with satisfaction, recognizing the strength and wisdom in our mate.

"Rather than continuing this discussion, you two should be looking for the wolf's-bane that Sophie sensed," I say firmly, reminding them of the urgency of the situation and the value of Sophie's abilities.

Elena steps forward, her expression serious. "Alpha, we've already taken care of that. The wolf's-bane has been carefully disposed of, but we don't have any idea who put it in the bin with the onions."

My eyebrows furrow in frustration. "I should have been told before you moved it. Sophie's vision could have provided more details if she'd seen it in person."

Finn looks between Elena and me, his voice cautious. "We didn't want anyone touching it, Alpha. We thought it was safest to remove it immediately."

I take a deep breath, reminding myself that they acted with the pack's safety in mind, even if I disagree with their methods. "I understand your intentions, but in the future, consult me first. Sophie's gift is a valuable asset to our pack, and we need to utilize it effectively."