Dane's POV.
Waking up so early the next morning felt tiresome. I just wished I could have a day of rest and not do anything at all, but who was I kidding? I was an Alpha and had my pack members to lead.
Sitting up on the bed, I turned to look beside me and found Astrid fast asleep. It was funny, though, seeing how we had gone from despising each other to being scared of losing each other.
If it were earlier when she came to the pack, I bet there was no way I'd stay on the same bed with her. She'd disgust me to the core, but I guess the mate bond was stronger than I had ever imagined.
Without hesitation, I stood to my feet and walked over to the wardrobe. I grabbed my towel and, wrapping it around my waist, headed straight for the bathroom to get ready.
I made sure it was just a quick shower. Once I was done, I came out and made my way to where my clothes were hung. I had already gotten them prepared beforehand just to ensure that I wouldn't be late for the judgement of the day.
“This should do it!” I put them on immediately. I was still buttoning my shirt when Astrid's voice echoed from behind me.
“Where are you heading to? It's still early,” she asked, making me turn to look at her with a smile on my face.
I understood that she was still weak, so I didn't want to wake her up in the first place.
“It's today, My Luna…” I responded briefly, obviously making her more confused than ever.
“Today? What's happening today? I can't remember anything…” she sat up, rubbing her eyes gently before darting her attention back to me.
Seeing how curious she was, I had to open up to her about everything. I walked over to the bed and, sitting on it beside her, began to explain things to her.
“Edmond is the one responsible for what happened to you!” I let out, her brows creasing immediately.
“What? Edmond wouldn't do that… I'm sure of…” she was going to say but immediately stopped in her tracks.
“Oh my Goddess!” Her jaw dropped as she placed her hand over her mouth in shock.
It was obvious that she knew something too.
“That was why his voice sounded so familiar… and here I was, thinking it was a rogue!” she whispered, her eyes bulging out as she turned to look at me.
“He spoke to you? What did he say? What did he want?” I pressed, sounding eager to know more.
“He… wanted to know about you, your weaknesses,” she revealed, my hand reaching for hers immediately as I clutched it tightly.
“I knew it. What did you tell him? Remember you promised!” I was nervous at this point.
“I didn't tell him anything, Alpha Dane, I could swear on my life!” She shook her head as she responded to my question.
The second she stated that she didn't say anything, I felt so relieved, so calm knowing that my secret was safe with her.
“Thank you, Astrid…” I mumbled before continuing my explanation to her. “Well, as it stands, we will bring out the men who had taken you away from the pack and, before everyone, we will question them. You need to be there too, so get dressed!” I urged before standing on my feet.
I walked over to where my phone was, and picking it up, I was set to leave. I was ready to exit the room when, just then, Astrid spoke up again, running towards me.
“Alpha Dane!” she called out, making me turn to look at her.
Unknowingly to me, she was already closer to me. The second I halted in my tracks and turned around, she collided with my body and was going to fall.
I was shocked and didn't hesitate to act swiftly. With calculated moves, I wrapped my arms around her waist and pulled her up to her feet, preventing her from falling to the ground.
I wouldn't want her to get injured by me. I immediately pulled her closer to my body too, staring deeply into her eyes.
“Alpha…” she whispered as she stared back at me, her eyes bulging out. I could sense her heart thumping rapidly against her chest at this moment.
Was it fear? Was it the thrill she felt just like I was feeling?
With my heart racing, my hand reached for her hair and slowly, I tucked it behind her ear, my eyes trailing from her sexy eyes to her enticing full lips.
I wasn't sure what was happening, but I really wished to get a taste of her lips. The atmosphere of the room became intense and filled with undeniable sensations.
I found myself leaning closer to her face. Soon, I found myself making a move to snatch her lips and suck them gently.
With my hand cupping her cheek, I was so close, this close to kissing her when unfortunately, the door was pushed open, jolting both of us out of our emotions and actions.
I swiftly let go of her and she took three steps away from me, her eyes bowing to the ground instantly. I couldn't help but blink countless times in shock.
Why the fuck did I let go?
“I’m sorry, Alpha Dane!” Beta Ivar's voice echoed in the room, making me turn to him immediately.
“What the hell do you want, Ivar?” I questioned rudely. I wasn't happy that he had interrupted the moment I was having with Astrid.
“I… I came to inform you that the elders are here and…” he was going to say, but because I was angry and mad at him, I didn't hesitate to send him out.
“Get out, Ivar!”
His gaze snapped towards me in shock.
“I didn't…”
“I said get out! Didn’t you get that?” My fist clenched as I ordered him. I was really this close to tasting her lips before anything, but Ivar ruined it all and it made me want to kill him instead.
Bowing his head, he turned on his heels and left the room, slamming the door behind him.
“I was just going to say thank you for saving me, Alpha Dane!” Astrid uttered before she shyly ran out of my sight, heading into the bathroom before I could utter another word to her.