Dane's POV.
Sitting before the other Alpha's has always been stressful and irritating to me because, trust me, I hated it so much.
It felt as though they were just summoning us all to make fun of each other, or even more disgusting, they summoned us just to waste our precious moment.
My hand limply placed on the table that was before me, and with a frustrated sigh leaving my lips every second of the day, I couldn't help but begin to drum with my fingers on the table, lazily.
“We have to make it right this time. We don't know who they might attack next! The lines of our pack must be secured! The rogues shouldn't be allowed close to the border either.” Alpha Zeph uttered with a deep voice, the Alpha of the Ash Pack.
“You are right, Zeph! We must do what is right!” Noah asserted, indirectly declaring his commitment to Zeph.
One thing with the Alphas of several packs in the east was that they had a team. They were known to each have a coalition. I was the only one who stood alone because I trusted no one.
They were speaking about how to obstruct the rogues from attacking their packs, but each of them knew pretty well how they were closer to the rogue king himself, or at least a member.
They were spies of their own pack and wouldn't delay destroying another Alpha's pack. A smile tugged at the side of my lips as I still reluctantly thumped my fingers one after the other on the table before me. It was fun to watch them argue the way they did.
Just as they kept arguing, they halted and turned to look at me, curiosity etched across their faces. One of the traits I was known for in other Alpha's presence was the fact that I was hesitant to join in their conversations.
“Alpha Dane… won't you say anything?” Alpha Zeph suddenly asked, the others staring like morons, ready to be devoured by a weak Omega.
“You all have...” I was going to let out the second I was called into their discussion, but just as always, Alpha Zane cut in, trying to make me look like a dummy before everyone.
“Said it all?” He scoffed, putting a mocking grin on others faces. “You never have any contributions to our discussions, Alpha Dane... What if the rogues come in to attack your pack in the next few days?” He asked, his vicious fixation placed on me.
I was going to keep my mouth shut, but as it stood, it was best to open up. Just as he had mocked me, I was going to put him in a more uncomfortable situation.
“The rogues? Attack? In a few days? Is this your way of telling me you somehow have a connection with the rogue king himself and can't wait to send him to my pack?” I snorted as I grimaced at him.
“How dare you say such a thing to Alpha Zane?” Zeph stood to his feet, striking the table in rage.
“I see you are his puppet now, Alpha Zeph... I hope he gives you hints on how to grow your pack because last time I checked, you all envied mime!” I noted, and I couldn't help but relish at the sight of Alpha Zane's fist clenching tightly.
“How …” Zane was going to emit, but just in time, my phone rang out, and I swiftly lifted my hand to the air, halting his statement.
He scoffed and muttered, but I didn't care what it was all about. I just wanted to know what was happening at my pack in my absence.
“Alpha Dane?” My Gamma called, his voice tense and I could sense his panic through the phone. Something was wrong.
“What's the update?” I questioned, my voice deep and authoritative.
“Your mate isn't in the mansion... I just checked as you ordered... She's nowhere to be found!” He stated clearly, and because I didn't want the other Alpha's to know what was happening, I didn't react swiftly.
I ended the call and stood up to my feet. “I'll be leaving first!” I bowed slightly before turning on my heels and heading for the door.
“We are not done here, Dane! Why must you think you have the right to just get to your feet and walk out on us all? Who the hell do you think you are?” Zane's voice reverberated through the room, halting me in my tracks before I slowly turned to face him.
“I'm sorry if you feel less of yourself, Zane... I'm sorry if my position as the top-ranking Alpha of the four regions rips your heart apart. It isn't my fault you are incompetent than a mere human slave!” I declared before ignoring him and dashing out of the hall.
He roared at the top of his voice, expecting me to turn around and apologise to him, but he knew better than anyone that I didn't give a fuck.
“Alpha Dane, why are you out here earlier than others? Is the meeting with the other Alpha's over?” Beta Ivar ran towards me the second he got a glimpse of me. He was worried too, and I understood.
“Something more important than being in there with them has occurred!’ I declared, sliding my hands into my pockets.
“What could be more important than...” Beta Ivar was going to ask, but immediately I let the cat out of the bag.
“Astrid isn't at the mansion anymore. She has finally left!” I declared, making Beta Ivar's eyes widen in shock.
“What? The mansion was heavily guarded before we left this morning. How could that even be possible?” Ivar wondered out loud as his brows creased.
“I don't know who let her out, Ivar, but as it stands, we must know where she must have run off to!” I affirmed, my thoughts hovering around the place as I thought about where Astrid would be.
“What if she went back to her father? Would she really do that? He'd kill her!” Ivar stated, and that was when it dawned on me.
“Did you tell her about apologising to Camilla?” I suspected, glaring at Ivar who was more confused than I was at this point.
“What? No… I'd never do that!” He bowed his head as he notified me, trying to clear the air.
“If you didn't...” I walked closer to him. “Then who did?” I stared into his eyes, like he was the one behind the mask.
Just then, he gasped.
“Ex-Beta Edmond!”