CAMILLA'S POV.
I rubbed my hands over my temples while listening to the loud noise coming from his room.
He had been throwing things around and kicking objects with a lot of force. I couldn't understand everything that was happening, but I could tell it had something to do with my father being here and whatever was decided during their meeting.
Halfdan was really angry—he usually was, but he had always managed to keep his anger under control. This time, though, it seemed like he had lost his temper more than ever before.
I didn't want any more confusion, but I had to admit that it served him right for yelling at me the night before.
I quickly ran down the stairs and rushed outside. A smile spread across my face as soon as I saw my father, his hands full, walking towards the garage and his car.
I quietly approached him from behind and hugged him, surprising him.
“You still haven't stopped these games of yours, Father. Why didn’t you tell me you were coming home? I only heard your voice during the meeting, and you didn’t come by to visit me. And now you’re sneaking away so quickly again? It feels like you’re planning to leave your daughter behind,” I said with a playful smile.
He stood next to me, but I could tell he was up to something.
“I’m sorry. I came here in a hurry because I heard some important news,” he said. I frowned as I listened to him.
“What news?” I asked, feeling a bit anxious.
“News about Astrid becoming the alpha. Why didn’t you tell me about this?” he asked. I could only shrug in response.
“Well, I didn’t want to bother you and thought I could handle it on my own,” I said. That answer didn’t seem to satisfy him.
“It’s fine to handle things on your own sometimes, but you know what else is important? Taking a job and doing it with complete dedication.”
“You’re my daughter; you’ve learned from the best. Why do I always have to be the one to remind you about facing losses?” he said, gritting his teeth and trying to keep his anger in check.
I rolled my eyes, already knowing he was about to launch into a long lecture.
“I taught you better than this,” he began.
“I told you that we don’t see anyone as friends; we simply crush them. You should have dealt with her from the beginning. Look where your hesitation has landed you now. You should have removed her from the equation entirely so she wouldn’t interfere with Halfdan or you.”
“I tried, Father!” I protested. “Believe me, I made several attempts on her life, but she always found a way to survive.”
He nodded, pulling me closer. “Now she’s the alpha, which means she has significant power. If you can get Halfdan to support you and endorse you with the army seal, it will give you the power to command the armies.”
“Since we can’t take the Bluestone Pack right now, we’ll need to work with what we have. Also, I don’t trust your decision-making skills completely,” he added. Despite his plan, I wasn’t sure if making a new move was the right choice.
“I don’t think we should do anything right now. I’m trying to keep a low profile. I’m certain that Halfdan has someone watching me,” I said. My father stroked his mustache thoughtfully.
“If he does have someone keeping an eye on you, how do you know about it?” he asked, raising an eyebrow. I smiled confidently and crossed my arms over my chest.
“I know because it’s part of what we had argued about. I can read him like a book. After our argument last night, it’s predictable that he would have someone following me to keep tabs on what I’m doing.”
“Well then, if your deduction is correct, we need to operate in secret. I don’t want any interference disrupting my plans,” my father said firmly.
“What plans?” I interrupted, my curiosity piqued and impatience showing in my voice.
“Oh please, it’s the same old strategy; it’s really straightforward. We need to take control of the armies from him and use the power you have, which is indirectly mine.”
“Then, we push him to his breaking point, test his loyalty, and get everyone on our side. After that, we’ll orchestrate a vote to impeach him, remove him from his position, and get a new alpha. The goal is to bring him down completely.”
I nodded, giving a half-hearted smile as he finished outlining his plan. He patted me lightly on the shoulders.
“You can take a break for now. We will get your revenge. Everything will fall into place soon, but you need to be prepared,” he said, dismissing me with a wave. As he got into his car and drove away, I stood there with a whirlwind of emotions.
Part of me wanted Halfdan to deeply regret losing me. I knew I was far from perfect, and despite him being unaware of my betrayal, I still harboured strong feelings for him.
But I also loved my father and the allure of power. Still, neither of those compared to the depth of what I felt for Halfdan.
I stared at the pack mansion before me, deep in thought. Would this lead to a full-blown war, or would it end with a simple elimination? I wondered how the mansion would change once Halfdan was gone. What would it feel like here without him?
I sighed heavily before making my way to the door. As I pushed it open, I was immediately met with Halfdan’s intense gaze.
“What have you been plotting with your father?” he demanded, shoving me to the side as he spoke. His anger was palpable, his voice sharp.
“Tell me! What’s going on in your father’s mind? Do you really think I’ll let you take control of my armies?” he continued, his tone growing more heated.
He advanced on me, his eyes burning with fury. Grabbing my arms tightly, he yanked me towards the window, causing me to wince in pain from his rough grip.
“I watched from this window,” Alpha Halfdan roared, his voice echoing through the room. “I saw you and your father talking, conspiring—whatever you were doing. You’d better tell me the truth right now—what does your father really want?”
“Nothing, I swear! I don’t know anything. I love you. I would never do anything to hurt you or put you in danger,” I pleaded desperately as he held me at arm’s length, his eyes filled with disbelief.
“You love me?” he spat out, his anger evident.
“Do I need to remind you of how many lies you’ve told me? Either way, I hope to the moon goddess that you’re being honest this time. Because if you’re not, I’ll make sure you regret ever touching me tonight!”
His words were venomous as he pushed me roughly to the floor. Without another word, he stormed out of the room, leaving me alone with my seething rage.
I clenched my teeth, fighting back tears.
“Even if I do love you, I will make you regret ever laying a hand on me tonight,” I muttered fiercely to myself, the words heavy with unresolved anger and pain.