Nocturne glanced at his phone screen and saw an unfamiliar number. He had no intention of answering. During a mission, his phone was strictly for outgoing calls to prevent outside interference. With that in mind, he pressed the decline button.
But something strange happened. The phone kept vibrating, refusing to disconnect no matter how many times he tried. Instinctively, he tapped the answer button, and the call connected. Holding the phone to his ear, he asked coldly, “Who is this?”
The caller clearly understood his habits and had deliberately set it up so he couldn’t reject the call. “It’s me, Dominic. There’s been a shift within the organization. You’re being used. The intel you received is likely a trap, so don’t expose yourself carelessly!”
Nocturne didn’t respond right away. After a long pause, he finally spoke, his tone flat. “If you’re truly Dominic, then you should know I hate being interrupted during a mission. And if you think I can’t see through a simple setup, then you clearly don’t know me at all. Whoever you are, don’t call again. If you do, I’ll track you down and let my wolf tear you apart.”
Without waiting for a reply, he ended the call. He returned his focus to the telescope, resuming his watch.
Hayley’s POV: I had heard every word exchanged between Dominic and Nocturne. I should have known earlier—someone like Nocturne, who had been a Rogue since childhood and learned to survive without trusting anyone, would naturally be suspicious. Even when Dominic contacted him, he didn’t believe it was real.
Dominic sighed and showed me the phone, shaking his head. “Looks like Nocturne won’t be able to avoid trouble this time.”
I said heavily, “Experience is the best teacher. A bit of hardship might not be a bad thing. Hopefully, he makes it back in one piece.”
Dominic let out another sigh. “Let’s hope so.”
After giving my reminder, I stood up to open the door. Hera had been nudging me about a familiar scent lingering outside. I already knew who it was, so I didn’t bother to react. As soon as I opened the door, I caught Henry leaning in, clearly eavesdropping.
“Eavesdropping isn’t the best habit,” I remarked, raising an eyebrow.
Henry scratched his head awkwardly before stepping aside and walking toward Dominic. He stared at Dominic in surprise. “Wait, are you Dominic? The leader of SI?”
Dominic hesitated for a second before glancing at me. I simply shrugged, giving him a reassuring look. Henry could be impulsive, but he wasn’t the type to spill secrets. It wouldn’t matter if he knew.
Dominic gave a small nod. “Yes, that’s me.”
Henry excitedly shifted into his wolf form, darting back and forth across the room before finally calming down. Then, unable to contain himself, he let out a loud, excited yell and beamed.
Feeling slightly uncomfortable under Henry’s intense gaze, Dominic cleared his throat and asked, “Do you need something from me?”
“No, not really,” Henry blurted out. Then, realizing how ridiculous that sounded, he quickly corrected himself. “Actually, yes! There is something!”
Dominic remained composed. “Go on.”
“Can I join SI?” Henry’s tone was pleading. “I’m a Beta—I should meet your requirements to get in.” His voice carried both frustration and sincerity. I’ve worked so hard to find a way into SI, but I could never…
Dominic didn’t respond right away. Instead, he turned to look at me.