Ares POV

　　I review the message sent by my spy once more, but it's all for naught. His final communication mentioned that he had obtained some information, but he did not reach out to me again. I just let it be and have chosen to explore the pack.

　　Blaire is currently unavailable. She has chosen to visit the Black River Pack by herself. I didn't even try to stop her because that's what she wants, and I know that my relationship with her is matured - devoid of any immaturity.

　　Unexpectedly, memories of my puppy love for Dana came flooding back as I strolled with my beta and gamma following closely.

　　"May I accompany you?"

　　"Why do you want to accompany me?"

　　"They could cause you harm..."

　　"Sure!" her smile quickly comes to mind, and it's hard to stop thinking about it.

　　I regained my composure as soon as I arrived at the main gathering Hall. People are summoned, and they all show respect to me.

　　"So..." I murmured. "As everyone is aware, Luna departed to have a meeting with her father. She has made a significant decision and now feels more secure than ever." I added. I don't even feel at ease communicating.

　　I used to be confident speaking in public, but everything changed when Dana accepted my rejection at my very own wedding to Blaire. People humiliated us, but it doesn't matter anymore. 

　　"Well, we're completely clueless about what's going on," I overheard them whispering.

　　"The history will always repeat itself-"

　　"I can sense the thoughts running through your minds," I mentioned. "I'm sure you're all aware of the mysterious letter that was sent to me personally... So you believe this pack lacks the tranquility you anticipate, but you're mistaken. We have the peace that we desire." I declared confidently, quieting everyone.

　　"I have ensured that we are well-prepared and organized with the Black River Pack. We are secure, and there is no need to worry about those who appear cowardly and hide in disguise because they know they cannot match our strength!" I displayed all of my strength to them with a resounding boom. They all cheer joyfully and howl together.

　　I smiled to see them believing.

　　I turned to face Ander and Drake with a smile spreading across my face. A helpful omega promptly gave me a bottle of wine as I had requested.

　　"I can't be the only one to celebrate with their weakness," I whispered. "We are unmatched by any other pack. This pack has remained resilient for over a century." I included.

　　"They can't defeat us," I lamented while sipping my wine, and they all applauded with smiles on their faces.

　　"You can't always do this," Blaze said angrily.

　　I dismissed him from my thoughts with a roll of my eyes.

　　"So, there's no need to worry, everyone. We acquired the Black River Pack, a pack known for its strong warriors, in addition to our pack... This pack is not for the faint-hearted-" 

　　"Alpha..." My words are interrupted by a soft voice in my mind.

　　This is a message from the spy I dispatched to the Sun Flower Pack.

　　I tighten my jaw, "Please allow me some time." I announced as I walked away from individuals who appeared at ease at the moment.

　　"What's going on?" Ander inquired.

　　"Deal with them. I need to take action." I responded promptly. He attempted to continue the conversation, but I ignored him and walked away, heading towards a place where I could be by myself.

　　"What's going on? I can hear you." I connected mentally in response.

　　"I can't..." He muttered. "I am lost in the woods and feeling unsure if I can find my way out as I feel like everything is dark."

　　"What in the world?" I muttered quietly.

　　"I apologize, Alpha... I trust you won't penalize me for this. I'm not sure I can handle going through that pack again-"

　　"Stop. We're going to have a direct conversation," I interrupted him, pushing him out of my thoughts. I prefer not to listen to him speak without being able to see him.

　　I spotted him in the woods, covered in blood and leaning against a tree.

　　"He did this last night... My wolf appears to be dying." He exclaimed. "I attempted to resist and depart-"

　　"Who did that to you?" I inquired with my chilly demeanor.

　　"Bathel." He mentioned. "The Alpha of Sun Flower Pack. He refuses to allow any trespassers, and he wouldn't even let me meet that new girl, so I missed the opportunity to see if she's the one you're searching for." He added. He sounded out of breath and struggled to speak.

　　"Bathel..." I hesitated.

　　I can tell how bad he is right now, and I'm not sure what just happened.

　　"How were you able to get away?"

　　"I wasn't completely honest..." He whispered. "I pretended to be a rogue, and he still offered me a chance, but I have no intention of returning to that pack! He's incredibly strong!" I didn't even feel concerned for him. I'm frustrated that he appeared to be trying to show me that Bathel is someone I shouldn't underestimate.

　　"Did he offer you an opportunity to run away?" I chuckled with no humor, not even bothering to look at him.

　　He quietly muttered, "Yes..."

　　"Well, that's unfortunate." He mentioned. 

　　He is breathing heavily. "What are you trying to say, Alpha?" His mouth trembles as he gazes in my direction.

　　"You disappointed me," I mentioned. "You sound like I shouldn't underestimate him. Do you believe he would just let you leave so easily?" I chuckled, aware that the man was likely watches over my warrior.

　　"I just need your assistance- I am feeling weaker and-"

　　"You have to do your job," I interrupted him, causing his eyes to widen.

　　"What do you mean by my job?" He inquired, his hands still trembling.

　　"You are not allowed to return to this place. I can't assist you until you confirm it's not Dana he's been with."