DANE'S POV
“It's okay; you will be fine. Trust me, I’ll make them pay for this,” I said softly to Astrid, trying to comfort her.
She smiled just a little, her eyes lighting up for a moment as she moved closer to me.
I gently held her face in my hands and pressed a light kiss on her forehead. I could see how worried and stressed she was.
Her skin looked very pale, and her lips were dry and cracked. Dark circles were visible under her tired eyes, showing how exhausted she was.
She had clearly been crying a lot, and I felt guilty for leaving her alone in the hospital when she needed me most.
Right now, she seemed completely worn out, but I knew that someday we would need to talk about the truth between us.
There were some important things we needed to discuss, but I figured that could wait for a little while longer.
“Come on, let's get you home,” I whispered softly before gently lifting her into my arms.
“Alpha Dane, let me down,” she protested, squirming in my hold.
“You need all the help you can get, okay?" I said, ignoring her grumbles and complaints. I opened the door and carefully placed her in the seat, making sure to help her fasten her seatbelt securely.
She rolled her eyes at me, mumbling quietly under her breath. I didn’t respond, instead starting the engine and driving toward the packhouse.
As I drove, I stole glances at her from time to time. She didn’t seem as worried anymore, and soon enough, she drifted off to sleep.
I couldn’t help but admire her beauty; she truly deserved all the good things life had to offer, and I was determined to treat her the way she deserved.
I parked in the driveway as soon as I arrived home. This time, she didn’t stir as I lifted her into my arms.
Carefully, I made my way toward our room and tucked her into bed, pulling back gently once she was settled.
"Wait, Dane,” she called out, grabbing my arm.
“Okay, I have things to do, but let’s get you to sleep first," I replied softly, wrapping my arms around her in a comforting spooning cuddle.
As I held her close, her frantic breathing slowly calmed down, and before long, I could hear the soft sound of her snores. I smiled, feeling relieved to see her at peace once again.
“I’m sorry, Astrid. I promise I will make it all up to you. I will make sure they pay for what they did,” I whispered gently before smiling softly. I kissed her forehead, feeling happy to see her relaxed, before pulling away.
After making sure she was comfortable, I headed down to my study. There, I found Beta Ivar pacing back and forth, worry clear on his face.
“When did you get here?” I asked sharply.
“Just about seven minutes ago. I came back to report to you, but the guards said you were with Luna Astrid; I didn’t want to interrupt,” he explained.
I nodded; it made sense. Astrid had been stressed all day, and I didn’t want her waking up without getting enough rest.
“So? What’s the news?” I asked, focusing on him intently.
“She hasn’t been found yet. There are traces of her blood that we followed until it stopped, but her scent seems to have faded. It was lightly raining in the area, which didn’t help... but I still have men searching,” Ivar said, his voice steady.
I slammed my fists against the table, frustration boiling inside me.
“Well, she’s been playing these games with me for too long. I guess I’ll have to teach her a lesson. I’m tired of going in circles; she brought this on herself.” With that, I quickly grabbed my keys and rushed toward the door.
“Where are you headed?” Beta Ivar asked, concern creeping into his voice.
“To the Bluestone pack, and yes, you’re coming with me," I said firmly. Ivar nodded, knowing exactly what I meant, and he followed closely behind as we hurried out the door, down the stairs, and into the garage.
I drove quickly through the streets, heading straight for the Bluestone pack.
Before long, we arrived, and I stepped out of the car. I didn’t hesitate; my mind was set on my mission.
Each second that ticked by only strengthened my resolve. When I reached the door, I pushed it open without warning.
A grin spread across my face as I saw Mr. Han standing there, sweat dripping down his forehead, clutching a bag filled with clothes and other belongings.
“I guess you didn’t have enough time to escape before I got here,” I said in a threatening tone. Ivar entered behind me, watching the scene unfold with keen interest.
“Alpha Dane…” Mr. Han exclaimed in fear, his eyes wide with terror, as if they might pop out of his head.
He was shaking visibly, frightened for his life after being caught trying to escape.
“You seem to be in a rush; where are you headed? On a holiday? A vacation? Leaving so quickly without even telling your own daughter?” I asked, moving closer to him and trailing my fingers over the clothes in the bag.
He suddenly fell to his knees, panic written all over his face, and he was sweating even more than when we first arrived.
“I’m sorry! I swear it wasn’t me! I didn’t do it! I tried to talk some sense into her; it wasn’t my fault, I promise! I had nothing to do with it!” he pleaded desperately, his voice trembling and breaking as he spoke.
I stuffed my hands into my pockets, lifting my gaze to meet his. I nodded slowly, contemplating his words.
“Oh yes, you’re right; it wasn’t you with the knife, but you were right there, over her shoulder, whispering like the devil,” I said, my voice dripping with contempt.
“You’ve been the brains behind it all along, Han. Don’t think I’m a fool; I know she isn’t that smart, and you helped her. Did you really think I would let you get away with hurting my mate?” I pressed, my tone sharp and unforgiving as I locked my eyes on his.
“It was a mistake; we were fools! Please, spare my life, Alpha Dane! It was all Camellia's fault; I should never have followed her obsession with Astrid. I’m so sorry I let this happen; please forgive me! If you spare my life, I promise I will never come back,” he pleaded, desperation clear in his voice.
“Oh, Han, it’s too late for that. I guess this is the only way I can send a message to your daughter not to ever mess with my mate or my child.”
“Astrid is too weak to do this; she’s kind-hearted and meek, always trying to see the good in people. But I am very different, Han. You should have known better than to dare me.”
Having said that, I raised my hand toward Han and slashed him across the chest, cutting through his flesh as he fell to the floor, wincing in pain. I stepped closer, crouching down to meet his gaze, seeing the fear in his eyes as he cried out.
“Alpha Dane, please... please,” he begged, desperation filling his voice. Anger surged within me.
“Please? How many times did you put Astrid in a tough spot, and now you dare to beg?” I asked again, fury coursing through me.
I dug my claws deeper into his flesh, feeling them break through bone. Blood poured from his lips, his voice becoming strained.
I glanced over at Ivar, who nodded and pulled out a silver knife.
I snatched it from Ivar’s grip, and while Han struggled to breathe, I drove the silver knife into his chest, a sense of satisfaction washing over me as more blood poured from the wound and his lips.
I stood up, wiped my hands on his clothes, and cleaned the knife before tossing it down beside him on the floor.
“What do we do next?” Ivar asked, his tone steady but laced with anticipation.
“Now, we wait,” I replied, tilting my head to gaze into Han's lifeless eyes. He lay there with his eyes wide open, blood pooling around him, a grim reminder of the price he paid for his actions.