Ares POV

　　"The alliance was truly the best decision you made, Ares," Ander remarked while handing me a bottle of wine.

　　I smile as I take the glass of wine. "I am confident that it was the right decision," I stated. "The Black River Pack plays a crucial role in the resurgence of this pack, but they wouldn't be where they are without my contribution," I added with a chuckle.

　　"Indeed," he affirmed. "It could be an interdependence- "

　　"This pack can function without them, it was only for a short period, but they are still valuable and I have no regrets about marrying Blaire." I cut him off in the middle of his sentence without a second thought.

　　He gave an enthusiastic nod. "How is your connection with Blaire going? She is receiving numerous invitations from the Alpha group. They were eager to meet her- I'm sure Alpha Bathel is one of them." He chuckles, attempting to provoke me. I gritted my teeth and set the glass of wine on the table.

　　I have no regrets about marrying Blaire. I am grateful for her. She truly left a remarkable impression in this pack. I picked her, despite losing some people for her. Even now, I still ponder what occurred between Dana and me, leaving me speechless.

　　I can vividly recall her face and voice. Unfortunately, our conversation about Blaire triggered thoughts of Dana, making me feel terrible about myself.

　　"Blaire is... I don't want to lose her," I said. "She's ideal in my eyes," I added, running my fingers through my hair.

　　Ander arched his eyebrows. "Do you have feelings for her?"

　　"She's flawless in every way..." I gave a wink. "She left me feeling completely content, unlike anyone else before." I confidently stated, and he nodded in agreement.

　　After a moment of contemplation... My eyes darted to the door as Blaire abruptly appeared.

　　Her gaze always brings a smile to my face. My attention shifted to Ander, who didn't seem pleased to see Luna. He didn't say anything. He abruptly stood up and left my office, allowing Blaire to enter my place.

　　"Great leadership," she expressed admiration. "My father is impressed by your progress, and the elders have praised you as the most formidable young Alpha of our time." She mentioned as she took a seat in the chair opposite me.

　　I grinned. "I couldn't have done it without you," I expressed, moving my thumbs towards her lips.

　　"Well, you could never achieve that if that bitch Dana is still here," she said with bitterness in her voice. I remove my thumbs from her and recall her actions.

　　I can vividly recall Blaire's actions towards Dana's parents and everything she did, but it no longer holds significance as Blaire is now my Luna. Dana is a distant memory and no longer holds significance in my life.

　　"You're correct," I whispered.

　　She rose from the chair and made her way over to me. She placed her hand on my shoulder.

　　"I am so proud of you," she kissed my neck, causing me to close my eyes.

　　"I dislike how you prioritize leadership over giving me the attention I need." Her gentle voice was barely above a whisper as she spoke into my ear.

　　"Blaire- "

　　She placed her hand over my mouth. "Shut up," she commanded as she sat on my thighs.

　　She tightly grasped my hand. "You should consider taking a break once in a while too," she whispered into my neck as I stood there, unmoving.

　　I allow her to touch me freely without making any attempts to reciprocate.

　　She halted and turned to me. "Ares- "

　　"I agree, I should take a break," I said with a smile and kissed her forehead before gently guiding her off of me.

　　"I need to take a shower, dear," I stated.

　　She nervously swallowed and ran her fingers through her damp hair. She recently showered.

　　"You could have showered with me earlier," she chuckled, appearing let down.

　　"We can do that again," I assured her with a smile before exiting the office, leaving her behind.

　　After showering, I went topless to the dressing room.

　　"Blaire Everhart's father is here," Ander mind-linked me, causing me to raise my brow.

　　"I know he's just proud of our pack's accomplishments," I casually mentioned, not focusing on the conversation.

　　"Make sure to greet your Luna's father with respect when you meet him. He spoke impatiently." I can sense his lack of enthusiasm in his voice, which makes me sigh as I choose my clothes.

　　"Could you please allow me a moment?" I replied.

　　"Not too long," he replied. "You need to show some enthusiasm for this, Ares," he said, almost making me want to laugh.

　　I have no interest in that matter - never.

　　"Of course, I'll be there." I deceived myself as I pushed him out of my thoughts. I don't want to receive any more calls because of Hernando.

　　Clad in formal attire, I was promptly greeted by Blaire at the entrance.

　　"I want Dad to see how sweet we are!" She joyfully exclaimed as she linked arms with me and we strolled down to the lobby, where we spotted her father and the beta male sitting on the couch, sipping on expensive wine.

　　"I like this," He whispered as he set it down.

　　"Daddy!" Blaire warmly greeted him, walked up to him, and embraced him. He repeated the action with her.

　　"It's great to see you smiling, sweetheart," he said, and she giggled.

　　I grinned. "It's great to see you again, Alpha- "

　　"You can address me by my name, or perhaps you can address me in the same way your wife does." He rudely cut me off. I'm at a loss for words in response to that.

　　I just smiled and hugged him for a few seconds. After we let go of our embrace, I immediately pounced on him.

　　"Hernando," I muttered under my breath.

　　"I want to have a conversation with you alone, Ares," he said while glancing at Blaire standing beside me.

　　"She can be with- "

　　"No, she cannot," he interrupted me.

　　I turned to face Blaire, who wore a look of disappointment.

　　She replied, "Okay, sure."

　　"I apologize, dear," Hernando spoke, and Blaire simply sighed before walking away.

　　Everyone in the room walks away, leaving just the two of us for some privacy.

　　I sat on the couch with a smile, feeling at ease with just the two of us.