Dane's POV.
“They will never get what they want, even if there is to be a war!” I proclaimed with a tightened fist. I couldn't believe what they had tried to make me do or my Luna.
Just as I was raging or kept thinking about what the elders had said to me, Beta Ivar walked closer to where I was sitting, and because he was comfortable around me, he sat down on the table facing me.
“I'm sorry for what they said to you, Alpha Dane… But don't you think it's best to avoid a war? We are still trying to make the pack the most comfortable and best pack... Let's avoid this war” Beta Ivar gave a hint, but I didn't take his direction. That was never the kind of suggestion or opinion I wanted from him.
“Listen to me, Ivar... If there's going to be a war because my Luna has refused to kneel before them, then I'm willing to accept it and fight! Don't you get it!?” I snapped as I tried to explain this to him.
He should know how belittling it was if my Luna went into their pack and went on her knees, apologising for what she didn't do.
“Fine, I'm sorry, Alpha Dane!” He released a heavy sigh as he apologised. He stood to his feet and strolled over to stand before the table this time.
Staring at him, I still couldn't forget the fact that he caused all of this.
“You made me see them, so I think it's pretty much your fault, Ivar!” I blamed him, rolling my eyes in contempt and scorn.
“What? I never meant for this to happen, Alpha Dane!” He defended himself, his brows creasing almost immediately.
"Oh, please, Ivar… You knew how dubious and deceitful they were, and yet you advised me to go see them. One might think at this point that you are part of them.” I remarked, my eyes squinting as I glared at him from where I was sitting.
“I'd never betray my own Alpha!” He emitted abruptly with a deep voice that carried nothing but nervousness.
I knew that he wasn't that way, but then I just couldn't help but make him feel guilty too.
“Speaking of which, Alpha Dane... Your Luna has been so quiet all day.” He disclosed to me, bringing Astrid into our conversation.
“And what does that have to do with me, Ivar?” I raised a question with a deep frown etched across my face.
“She's your mate, Alpha Dane!” He pointed out briefly.
“Astrid isn't my problem now, Ivar. So what if she's quiet? Don't you think it's better than a troublesome Mate?” I shook my head as I took out the files that were inside my drawer. I began to glance through them attentively.
“No matter what your plans are, Alpha Dane, you should at least care for her. It's obvious she has been quiet because of how you treated her this morning,” He advised me, prompting me to keep silent.
I didn't utter a single word to him. I could only recall making her or warning her not to speak about my curse to outsiders and nothing more.
I didn't, and I have never behaved toward her harshly as I assumed. It was just the beginning of it all.
“Alpha Dane you...” He was going to say further, but I swiftly cut in, not enjoying the heat of this conversation.
“You know, if you care that much about her, why don't you just go to her instead of being here and trying to frustrate me?” I demanded, swatting my hand on the table.
“I'm sorry, Alpha Dane!” He bowed his head as he apologised.
I eyed him before focusing my concentration back on the files before me. I kept trying to figure out what was written, but the constant gaze of Beta Ivar on me made it impossible for me to do so.
Every second I lifted my face to him, I couldn't help but see his eyes fixed on me like I had committed an enormous offence. It was disturbing and alarming, too.
“What the fuck is wrong with you?” I inquired with a deep voice.
"Nothing, Alpha Dane!” He expressed reluctantly, but we both knew that he was telling an untruth at this point.
It was clear that he wanted me to do one thing, and that was to go see Astrid in her room.
“Fine! I'll go catch a glimpse of her, but it's just because you said so and nothing more!” I asserted before standing to my feet.
Immediately, Beta Ivar's looks changed into those of a satisfied pup.
I ignored him and walked out of the study. He followed me from behind as we headed for Astrid's room. After all, it was to just see her and leave; that was all I needed to do.
The second we got closer to her room, the odd sight before me made me halt instantly.
“Alpha Dane, is something wrong?” Beta Ivar questioned me as he stared at me. It was obvious he wasn't seeing what I was staring at yet.
“Why is her door open?” I suspected something crazy before turning to Ivar briefly, and that was when he saw it.
“Shit!” He exclaimed as he rushed to the room.
I didn't think twice to go after him, and the second the door was pushed ajar, we were met with nothing but an empty room that reverberated the creaking sound the door made.
“What's happening? How did this happen?” Ivar looked around as he thought it over.
I wasn't happy myself because I clearly stated that she should be kept inside her room and watched closely.
“Alpha Dane?” Beta Ivar just then called me, and, turning around to look at him standing by the window, he pleaded with me to come closer.
I walked closer to the windows, wondering what he had seen to have to call me. Getting there, I was instantly stunned to find no other person but Astrid, my Luna, with Edmond, my nemesis.
My fist instantly tightened, and a strange feeling of wanting to claim her as mine overwhelmed me.
“She isn't that way, Alpha Dane... She stayed with you throughout the night; she can't be with Edmond.” Ivar tried explaining, seeing that I was raging on the inside.
“I don't care, Ivar... After all, she's just a pawn to me!” I asserted, and like she had heard me, Astrid turned to the window, her eyes widening with fright at our scenery.