Dana POV

　　I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that Bathel sent me back to my dwelling. It's puzzling, especially considering his collaboration with the mysterious werewolf who seemed to be stalking me.

　　Just emerged from my room, freshly bathed, and already pondering.

　　Is Bathel alright? I haven't heard from him since last night. Of course, I didn't expect to, as he ensured I retired to bed, forbidding any inquiries, but my curiosity persisted.

　　As I step out into the pack grounds, my eyes catch Divine and Anna engrossed in conversation. Even though it's exercise time, I find myself veering towards them, curious to join their discussion.

　　"Dana," Anna murmurs.

　　"Tell me about the Alpha," I demand, slightly breathless.

　　"Take a moment to catch your breath," Divine interjects, casting a judgmental glance.

　　I glance down before meeting their gaze. "Last night-"

　　"I'm aware," Anna softly interrupts. "It appears someone was indeed stalking you, Dana," she adds.

　　"Stalking?" I inquire.

　　"You heard correctly, but the Alpha released that creature," Divine whispers. "The lone wolf claims to be a rogue, but the Alpha doubts it. He's deployed a warrior to surveil him. Unfortunately, he hasn't been spotted within a pack. He's elusive, so we suspect he's affiliated with powerful entities," she adds, her words stirring unease within me. I feel my heart racing.

　　The tension in the air is palpable, and even my wolf seems on edge. The thought crosses my mind that Blaire might not be done with me yet, her intentions veiled in uncertainty, potentially poised to disrupt the fragile balance of my life once more.

　　She'll stop at nothing to harm me.

　　"Dana?" Anna's voice breaks through my thoughts, her expression worried.

　　I swallow. "I don't know," I murmur. "I just-"

　　"I understand your thoughts," she interrupts, reaching out to touch my hand. "We need to talk," she insists.

　　I force a smile, feigning nonchalance. "But... about what?" I stammer, though my body language betrays my fear.

　　"There's much we need to discuss. The Alpha is convening a meeting in the conference room, and not everyone is privy to what's happening," she responds. I glance at Divine, who nods, signaling that I should heed Anna's advice.

　　I nod. "Alright," I whisper.

　　Anna turns to Divine. "Guide the Omegas through their training regimen," she instructs. Divine nods before heading off to the distance.

　　"Dana, let's go," Anna says.

　　Alone with Anna in the secure chamber, I watch her intently, uncertain of what she's about to say.

　　She's likely preoccupied with pack affairs. It wouldn't surprise me if she was contemplating my expulsion.

　　"Anna..." I falter. "I understand if the meeting concerns me, and-"

　　She turns to me abruptly. "Is that truly what you think?" she interjects.

　　I gulp, sighing. "I can sense it... Blaire, Luna of the Moon Stone Pack, along with her original pack, the Black River Pack, is the most likely perpetrator. She's not done with me-"

　　"I grasp your meaning," she cuts in again. "But what do you believe?" she asks, her tone soft, causing me to bite my lip nervously.

　　"I wouldn't be surprised if you decided to exile me," I confess, my voice quivering. "It's for the pack's-"

　　"Do you genuinely think we would do that to you?" she interrupts.

　　I meet her gaze, sensing her offense.

　　"It's for the greater good..." I trail off, recalling what Blaire alone did to my parents.

　　"Blaire will likely stop at nothing to ruin my life. I doubt she'll allow me to live the life I desire," I add, tears welling up.

　　Concern flickers in Anna's eyes as she steps closer.

　　"You don't have to endure what she's done. You won't face that again," she reassures me in a hushed tone. "And you're not certain. You can't be sure that Blaire or her pack are responsible," she whispers, her voice a soothing balm.

　　I meet her gaze, my heart and body language betraying my anxiety.

　　"We'll uncover the truth, Dana," she asserts. "The Alpha doesn't view you as a mere pawn to be sacrificed, so expulsion isn't an option."

　　"And you must continue your training-" Her words are interrupted by approaching footsteps.

　　I turn, startled to find Bathel. His gaze locks onto mine, his hands casually tucked into his pockets. His expression softens, leaving me at a loss for words.

　　"I'll leave you two," Anna whispers, furrowing her brow.

　　"But-" I begin, but she interrupts, touching my shoulder before departing, leaving me alone with Bathel.

　　I regard him with vulnerability, feeling strangely at ease in his presence. This is no longer a joke. I simply stare at him.

　　"Dana," he murmurs, closing the distance between us. I tense, jaw clenched.

　　"Alpha..." I awkwardly start before correcting myself, "Bathel," I softly say.

　　I'm still nervous, dreading what he might say. The suspense is unbearable. I want him to speak, but I lack the authority to demand it.

　　"Are you alright?" he asks, snapping me back to reality.

　　I swallow. "I am,"

　　"I want to ensure nothing is troubling you-"

　　"Yes," I interject, my tremors evident. "And I know you're aware of my concerns from last night. I'm uncertain about what awaits me, but I trust you have a plan that no one else knows," I blurt out, fear and nervousness driving my words.

　　I'm unsure what I need to feel better.

　　"Dana-"

　　"I apologize if I'm a catalyst for discord within the pack-" My words are cut short as he takes my hand.

　　"You need to calm down," he whispers gently, locking eyes with me.

　　"I can't be calm right now," I confess.

　　"What if my instincts and doubts are accurate?" I tremble.

　　He continues to hold my gaze. "I know you don't feel it, Dana," he says. "But I'll protect you. I won't let anyone harm you. I know what I'm doing, and you won't be the cause of any conflict."

　　"I won't allow anyone to hurt you," he declares. "No matter who they are. I know you, and you're important to me."