Ares POV

　　"I need you to investigate the Sun Flower Pack and confirm whether Dana is there."

　　"Are you certain, Alpha? Isn't she a girl that the Luna despised- "

　　"I don't care. I simply require information on her whereabouts."

　　"Understood, Alpha. I'll promptly relay the information back to you."

　　"Good."

　　After hiring a warrior to spy on the Sun Flower Pack, I swiftly convened a meeting with the beta and gamma. The three of us gathered in my office, and their gazes were fixed on me.

　　"We can't pinpoint who's responsible for sending a suspicious letter to you," Ander remarked. "But did you know there's a possibility that the Sun Flower Pack still harbors animosity toward us? We must act preemptively, or they might launch an attack- "

　　"Do you fear them, Ander?" I interjected, noting his hesitance.

　　I sighed and poured myself a glass of wine, my attention focused on my computer screen as I attempted to trace the Sun Flower Pack.

　　"People have caught wind of the situation and are concerned that- "

　　"I understand, Drake," I cut in. "And I know how to handle it. If indeed it's the Sun Flower Pack, what do we have to fear?" I queried, feeling confident, yet silently hoping that the leader of that pack hadn't taken Dana.

　　"Their pack might rival ours in strength," Ander suggested. I took a deep breath as I turned to address them both.

　　I rose from my seat in the chair.

　　Approaching them, I murmured, "We have the Black River Pack."

　　"I don't regret allying with them; they could prove advantageous. Sometimes, you need to learn how to leverage your connections." I added, noting their perplexed expressions.

　　"Are you suggesting we use them as bait?" Ander inquired.

　　I chuckled. "Not quite in the way you're thinking," I whispered. "I wouldn't mind sacrificing a few warriors if it means dealing with a threat from the pack you mentioned. We have ample resources." I added, speaking in a hushed tone.

　　Drake nodded. "Should we arrange a meeting with the Alpha of the Black River Pack regarding this matter? I'm certain the Luna would also support the idea." His words prompted me to shake my head.

　　"Blaire wouldn't approve," I stated.

　　I could see the disappointment on Ander's face, but I refrained from commenting further. He should know how to handle his responsibilities.

　　"So- "

　　"I'll handle the pack's affairs. You needn't worry about it." I interrupted Ander. "You two can leave now." I dismissed them.

　　They nodded in acquiescence.

　　"Of course," they both agreed, bowing their heads before exiting my office.

　　Taking a deep breath, I ran my fingers through my hair, contemplating various matters. I longed for some diversion; dwelling on rival packs was tiresome.

　　They stood no chance, and it pained me to entertain the thought. Nevertheless, I found a certain satisfaction in observing their futile attempts.

　　Despite their threats, I remained confident that Bathel couldn't lay a finger on me.

　　Returning to my chair, I faced my laptop once more, awaiting further updates. Suddenly, a text from the warrior I'd dispatched to spy on the Sun Flower Pack caught my attention.

　　"I've uncovered something- " I hastily closed my laptop as Blaire entered the room.

　　I was taken aback by her silent entrance, but I met her gaze nonetheless. Something about her demeanor struck me as odd. She was wearing a bracelet- the very one I had given to Dana during our time together.

　　Had Dana discarded it?

　　My eyes lingered on her wrists.

　　"Out of everything, you're fixated on this?" she queried, removing the bracelet and placing it on my desk.

　　"I found it under our bed," she disclosed, seemingly oblivious to its significance.

　　"Are you hiding it for me? Is it a gift?" she asked, a sardonic laugh escaping her lips.

　　"Blaire- "

　　"I've decided to visit my father's pack today," she announced. "I've informed Ander already. I prefer to go alone," she added, her tone tinged with irritation. Rising from my chair, I attempted to interject.

　　"No, you shouldn't go alone. A warrior will accompany you if Ander isn't available- "

　　"So, you're an exception? You should be the first option to accompany me," she retorted, her voice devoid of emotion.

　　"Ander can convey that to your father- "

　　"No," she cut me off. "I feel as though I'm not given enough responsibility here, and it's frustrating," she lamented, rolling her eyes.

　　"I was more fulfilled in my previous pack. I fought and eliminated those I deemed necessary, but assuming the role of your Luna feels... overly restrictive. Do I truly require your protection at all times?" she questioned, her anger palpable.

　　I shook my head, perplexed. "What are you implying?" I inquired, attempting to comprehend her grievances.

　　"I want the freedom to pursue my desires," her voice quivered. "If I wish to exact punishment or remove someone from this pack, I should be able to do so without your intervention. I deserve the same respect you command."

　　"Is this borne out of love for me? You haven't even uttered those words- " 

　　"I love you, Blaire," I interrupted, finally mustering the courage to vocalize my feelings. It seemed as though I'd expressed them countless times before, yet they had gone unnoticed, or perhaps forgotten.

　　She shrugged dismissively. "Is that so?"

　　"It's the truth," I affirmed.

　　"Whose bracelet is this?" she questioned, picking up the bracelet from the desk.

　　I hesitated, "I don't recall. Perhaps it belonged to my childhood sweetheart- "

　　"You mean your one and only childhood sweetheart?" she interjected. I found myself at a loss for words.

　　She was right; she always had been. Dana was my sole girlfriend since my departure from the pack, and upon my return, she was absent from my life. I had loved no one but her in Blaire's absence.

　　"Yes," I conceded. "What significance does it hold? It possesses no value. I can procure any gold jewelry you desire," I remarked, somewhat dismissively.

　　"But you crafted this, didn't you? You made it yourself?" she persisted. I swallowed hard, memories flooding back...

　　I remembered fashioning a bracelet for Dana, despite its lackluster quality. It infuriated me that I still recalled such details. I wished to banish all thoughts of her from my mind. I refused to dwell on the fact that my immaturity had prevented me from corresponding with her, and her subsequent silence.

　　"I don't recall," I stated firmly. "I prefer not to dwell on my past with her."

　　"And I refuse to allow her to occupy my thoughts any longer," I declared with conviction, fixing my gaze on Blaire.

　　She dropped the bracelet to the floor.

　　"Very well," she murmured.

　　Approaching me, she reached out to touch my cheek.

　　"I expect complete transparency from you," she asserted, her hand trailing down to my neck. I met her gaze, silently acquiescing.

　　"Of course," I whispered, as her fingers brushed against my lips. I pressed a gentle kiss to her delicate skin as she withdrew her hand.

　　"I can manage on my own."