Dane's POV.
A frustrated groan escaped my lips as I ran my hands through my hair, the tension building in my chest. Why on earth was Edmond bothering me again? What could he possibly want this time?
“Well then, fine!” I snapped, the irritation clear in my voice.
“Let him stay as long as he likes. He lied to me—right to my face. He was the one who kidnapped Astrid back then, but he looked me dead in the eye and blamed Halfdan. And now I’m supposed to meet with someone so hateful and treacherous?” The very thought of it made my blood boil.
“We don’t have much of a choice,” Ivar said, his voice calm yet firm.
“Meeting with him might be the quickest way to get rid of him. We wouldn’t want him lurking around in the shadows when the full moon rises.”
I knew exactly what Ivar meant. The last thing I needed was Edmond snooping around, especially with the full moon approaching and the curse ready to take hold.
Edmond was dangerous, and keeping him close, even briefly, might be the best way to ensure he didn’t cause more trouble.
“Fine,” I muttered, nodding in reluctant agreement. “I’ll be out shortly.”
I quickly changed into a fresh set of clothes, mentally preparing myself for the inevitable confrontation.
My mood was dark, but I knew this meeting had to happen. As much as I despised Edmond, I needed to handle this situation carefully.
Descending the stairs, I steeled myself for what was to come.
As I entered the living room, there he was; Beta Edmond; reclining on my couch like he didn’t have a care in the world.
His casual behaviour only served to irritate me further, his arrogance infuriatingly evident.
“What do you want? Why are you here?” I demanded, my tone icy as I stood before him, refusing to hide my disdain.
Edmond didn’t move from his comfortable position, merely lifting his eyes to meet mine with a smug smile that made my stomach churn.
“Take a chill pill, Dane,” Edmond said with a tone of casual indifference, his corny mannerisms making it clear that he had no genuine concern. “I’m here to talk with you; can you at least take a seat?”
His flippant attitude only made me more wary. I could sense that he was up to no good, his presence a nuisance I’d rather avoid.
I clenched my jaw, trying to maintain my composure.
“I have urgent business to attend to,” I replied, my voice firm. “I’m only here because you insisted, so please, just tell me what you want.”
Edmond leaned back further into the couch, his smug grin widening. “Well, I’m here to express my concerns about your mate. I heard she was poisoned. I couldn’t help but wonder how much despair you must be in.”
The sarcasm in his tone was unmistakable, and his grin made it clear he was taking pleasure in my discomfort.
I forced a faint smile, masking my irritation, and took a step closer to him.
“My mate is fine,” I said, keeping my voice steady.
“Yes, she was poisoned, but she has alpha blood, which is why she’s still alive. So if that’s all, Edmond, I’ll be leaving now.”
Without waiting for any more of his taunting remarks, I turned on my heel and headed towards the door, eager to escape his presence. Ivar followed close behind, and we made our way to the car.
“You handled that pretty well,” Ivar remarked as we drove off.
I managed a faint smile, appreciating the compliment despite my lingering frustration.
As I settled into the car, my phone rang. Ivar answered it, speaking briefly before glancing at me through the rearview mirror.
“Okay, I understand, thank you,” he said into the phone, then turned to me with a reassuring smile. “It’s good news. She woke up, and she seems to be very healthy.”
A genuine smile spread across my lips, lifting my spirits. My mood brightened as we continued on our way.
“Good, now step on it. We have to get there fast.”
Ivar wasn’t slow, and we arrived at the hospital right on time. My heart pounded in my chest with a mixture of anticipation and nervousness as I thought about seeing Astrid.
The joy of hearing she had recovered quickly had made me forget some of the small details, like picking up flowers. I had been so consumed with worry and relief that it slipped my mind.
With a hopeful smile, I reached for the doorknob to Astrid’s room, pushing it open slightly.
But as the door creaked, the sudden sight stopped me in my tracks; Astrid wasn’t in her room.
I turned quickly, confusion clouding my thoughts as I wondered where she might be.
My gaze fell on the door directly across from her room, and I saw a flash of Astrid inside.
My heart leaped, but my excitement quickly turned to unease. Why wasn’t she in her own room?
I moved closer to the door, my hand gripping the doorknob with a mix of anxiety and determination.
As I prepared to open it, a frown settled on my face. Through the small opening, I saw Astrid in a tight embrace with someone.
My blood ran cold as I recognized him; it was Halfdan, her ex mate. The sight of him holding her made my heart sink.
My fists clenched at my sides, and a surge of fury washed over me. I was going to push the door open and storm into the room but stopped. It definitely wasn't worth it.
I could barely control my emotions and I didn't hesitate to storm away from the place in rage, the sound of my footsteps echoing loudly.
The anger and disappointment left me feeling like a fool. I had risked everything, putting my life on the line to seek revenge and protect her, only to find her in the arms of the very person I despised.
What was I thinking? He owns her child after all. I bit hard on my tongue.
The mere thoughts that I had been foolish, that my actions might have been in vain, was a bitter pill to take in.
Seeing their embrace, it was clear that my suspicions were correct: Halfdan was indeed the father of Astrid’s baby.
The idea hit me hard; her pregnancy was his doing. I had been deceived from the very beginning.
I had allowed myself to fall in love with her, exposing my heart to her, only to find out that I had been played.
The pain of this was harsh, making me question every decision I had made.
Regret consumed me, knowing that I had let myself be swayed by emotions and trust that had been an act all along.