ASTRID'S POV.
The sight of her on her knees, clutching her stinging cheeks with feigned sorrow, made my resolve harden.
I could see through her act; it was clear that she wanted something from me, something I was determined not to give.
“Guards!” I commanded, my tone icy and unyielding. “Throw her out of the pack, this instant!”
“Please, Astrid, it’s almost the full moon. I can’t go out there; besides, I need to explain to Dane as well. Just let me meet him; I need to apologize,” Camilla pleaded, her voice choked with desperation. Tears streamed down her face, adding to her pitiful appearance.
Despite her pleading, I remained unmoved, my arms folded tightly across my chest. “Dane isn’t home, and you can't tell that to him yourself so leave!” I snapped, my voice edged with irritation.
My mind was heavy with worry, and Camilla’s dramatics only added to my frustration.
It struck me as peculiar that Dane had not returned home yet, especially with the full moon approaching.
My concern grew sharper; his condition would soon become critical, and if left unchecked, things could spiral into chaos.
As Camilla continued to protest, her pleas becoming increasingly frantic, I could feel the burden of the situation weighing on me.
I clenched my jaw, feeling a mix of anger and helplessness.
The guards, maintaining their grip on Camilla, began to drag her away. Her cries of distress grew faint as she was escorted out.
I watched with a mixture of relief and frustration, knowing that she had to be removed, yet feeling unsettled by the urgency of the situation.
“You are hiding something right?” She snarled,
“What exactly is this big secret that you keep hiding? Why won’t you let me see Dane on the full moon?” I demanded, but my question was abruptly cut off by a thunderous growl that echoed from within the packhouse.
The sound was unmistakable, filled with the raw power of an Alpha in pain. Instantly, all eyes turned toward the packhouse, where the growl had originated.
My heart skipped a beat as I realised it was Dane's unmistakable growl.
How could he be inside? I had assumed he was out, and the realisation hit me with shock.
A sudden rush of panic surged through me. Camilla, sensing the change in the atmosphere, darted toward the pack entrance with surprising speed.
She seemed driven by a fierce determination, her previous demeanor forgotten as she ran up the stairs.
“Camilla, wait! You can’t go! Stop!” I screamed, my voice filled with urgency and fear. I tried to follow, kicking and yelling, but she ignored me completely.
Her focus was solely on reaching the packhouse, while I struggled to keep up with her.
Despite my desperate attempts to call her back, she did not break her stride.
The urgency of the situation pushed me to run faster, my heart pounding in my chest as I raced after her.
As we both ascended the stairs toward the packhouse entrance, the tension was evident, and the fear of what might happen next weighed heavily on me.
Without warning, Camilla threw open the door, causing me to halt abruptly in my tracks.
Her breath caught in her throat, and her wide eyes betrayed her shock. The scene before us was both unexpected and confusing.
Alpha Dane was seated comfortably in a large, leather armchair, engrossed in a book.
His posture was relaxed, and he lifted his gaze slowly to meet ours, his expression a mix of surprise and irritation.
“No! No, this is wrong; you should be acting out; I know what I heard and saw. Something should be wrong with you!” Camilla's voice trembled with a mix of fear and disbelief.
She stood her ground, her face pale and eyes darting around as if seeking confirmation of her own sanity.
Before I could process the situation, Ivar stormed into the room. His face was etched with frustration and concern. “What are you both doing here?” he demanded, his voice a harsh warning.
Dane’s expression hardened. “Throw her out,” he commanded, his tone brooking no argument.
Ivar responded with a curt nod, his gaze shifting to Camilla, who continued to resist. Ivar seized her by the arm, pulling her away as she struggled and tried to free herself.
Her protests grew fainter as he dragged her down the stairs.
Turning my attention back to Dane, I took a tentative step closer. “Dane, you look fine, but this is wrong; something should be happening. It’s the full moon; shouldn’t you be under your curse?” I implored, my voice trembling with concern.
Dane's face remained inscrutable as he looked at me. He clenched his fists tightly, his claws digging into his palms, drawing beads of blood.
The effort to restrain himself was visible, the tension in his muscles evident as he fought to maintain control. His struggle was clear, though he appeared calm on the surface.
“You have to leave, Astrid,” he said firmly, his voice carrying an edge of desperation.
I hesitated, my gaze fixed on him, noting the strain in his features. The effort he was exerting to keep himself composed was obvious.
“Leave now, Astrid,” he repeated, his voice growing more urgent. Ivar re-entered the room, his breath coming in heavy, controlled bursts.
“Camilla has been taken care of; let’s leave, Astrid,” Ivar urged, his voice stern as he tried to pull me away. I wriggled free from his grasp, my determination overwhelming his efforts. I moved swiftly, locking myself in a tight embrace with Dane, unwilling to let go.
“I won’t leave you, Dane; I have to be here. Please, Dane, I can’t leave until you forgive me,” I begged, my voice breaking with desperation. Another low, menacing growl rumbled from his chest, vibrating through the room.
“Fine! Okay, I’ll sort this out after the full moon,” he conceded with an edge of frustration in his voice. Despite his words, my heart was not eased; I needed more than a promise.
“Please, Dane, I need you to forgive me now,” I implored, clutching him tighter, but his patience was wearing thin. The growl that escaped his lips this time was louder and more feral.
In a sudden, violent motion, he pushed me away, and I stumbled backward. As he did, his claws, still unsheathed, raked across my back, slicing through the fabric of my clothes and leaving a trail of burning pain. I collapsed onto the floor, gasping from the sharp sting of his claws.
I lay there, trying to catch my breath and control the sharp pangs of agony that radiated from my back. My vision blurred slightly as I looked up at Dane, who was struggling to maintain his control, his breathing heavy and erratic.