Ares POV

　　As I stroll through the woods, my thoughts drift to the possibility of encountering unwanted visitors. Suddenly, I come to a stop as I spot a familiar figure with long hair, standing alone. Her scent fills the air, instantly triggering memories-it's Dana.

　　Confusion washes over me as I try to comprehend why she's here in my pack's territory. Despite her decision to leave after I rejected her, she's back, and I can't fathom her motives. Emotions swirl inside me, and I'm torn between wanting to understand and feeling guarded.

　　Taking a deep breath, I gather my courage and call out to her, breaking the silence that hangs between us. "Dana?"

　　She spun around with a bright smile upon seeing me. "Ares," she exclaimed happily, rushing toward me. I didn't even flinch, though I expected her to wrap me in a hug. Strangely, I didn't stop her, despite my usual dislike for physical touch. It was odd, considering my general disdain for trespassers and discomfort with close contact.

　　"What are you doing here?" I asked, my tone chilly, determined not to let her think I cared about her presence.

　　She arched an eyebrow in surprise. "What kind of question is that?" she gasped softly. "I miss you..." Her hand brushed against mine, sending a jolt through me. Despite my resistance, her touch felt strangely comforting, igniting an unexpected flurry of emotions within me.

　　She gazed at me, tears welling up in her eyes. "Do you miss me too?" she asked, her voice quivering with vulnerability.

　　"We're over," I stated firmly.

　　"Yes, we're over, but that doesn't mean you don't love me anymore, right?" she countered, her touch lingering on my hand. I initially intended to pull away, but instead, I found myself holding onto her tightly.

　　I shook my head, avoiding her question.

　　"I am married to someone else now," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "It means I don't care about you anymore." Despite my words, I held onto her tightly, as if afraid she might slip away.

　　"What are you doing?" she asked, confusion evident in her eyes.

　　I met her gaze, feeling a surreal sense of familiarity wash over me. "Where have you been?" I finally asked, unable to contain my curiosity any longer.

　　"You're married to someone else now, and you don't care about me," she cried out, pushing me away. Despite her resistance, I grabbed her hand and pulled her into a back hug.

　　No, I don't want this. It's against everything I've convinced myself of. But her presence feels like my comfort zone, and I hate that it does. Closing my eyes, I reluctantly admitted to myself that her embrace felt strangely comforting, even as I felt like I was losing my mind.

　　"Dana..." I muttered, feeling as though the words escaped my lips without me consciously speaking them.

　　Suddenly, she vanished, and darkness enveloped me, yet I still felt the sensation of embracing her. Slowly, I opened my eyes, realizing it was all just a dream. I found myself lying next to Blaire, holding her in my arms instead.

　　I felt a wave of dizziness wash over me as I withdrew my hand from Blaire's and reached to turn on the lights. The shifting time was upon me.

　　As the room flooded with light, I sensed my wolf stirring within me, ready to take control.

　　The early morning light cast shadows across the room as I made my way naked to the bathroom. Last night had been rough, with the need to patrol the woods and ensure the safety of the pack weighing heavily on my mind. Before that, I had endured the torment of dreaming about Dana, a painful reminder of the past that lingered even in my sleep.

　　As I stepped into the bathroom, I was taken aback to find Blaire already there, also naked. Despite my surprise, she greeted me with a smile as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Reminding myself not to overreact, I continued with my routine, allowing the water from the shower to cascade over me.

　　"Hey," she said softly, reaching out to touch my cheek.

　　"Can we have breakfast with Justin? Also, my father is coming," Blaire mentioned casually as she let the water flow over her body, soaping up as she spoke.

　　"Hmm," I murmured in response, running my fingers through my hair. I tilted my head back, letting the water wash over my face, closing my eyes momentarily. As I did, I felt Blaire's hand trailing from my neck down to my abs, the sensation sending a shiver down my spine.

　　"You look so fresh," Blaire remarked, her eyes lingering on me as I turned to face her, offering a small smile in return.

　　"Anyway, maybe we can do something interesting..." she trailed off, leaning in to kiss my lips. However, I gently pushed her back, halting her advance.

　　"We can do it later, okay? I'm not really in the mood right now," I responded gently, noticing the disappointment in her eyes. Despite this, she nodded understandingly.

　　"Sure, honey," she agreed quietly, her voice tinged with a hint of disappointment.

　　As I descend into the pack house, adorned in attire that speaks of readiness and composure, Ander accompanies me, his presence commanding respect from those around us. Observing the deferential nods of acknowledgment, I proceed directly to Luna's exclusive kitchen, leaving Ander to his own devices. Within, the atmosphere is lively, with Justin and Blaire engaged in animated conversation and laughter.

　　"Alpha," Justin's demeanor swiftly shifts upon catching sight of me, promptly rising from his seat to greet me with a respectful bow.

　　Acknowledging his gesture with a nod, I settle into the last available chair across from Blaire, with Justin occupying the central position. Taking in the spread before us, replete with opulent delicacies, it's evident that no expense has been spared for this morning's repast.

　　"I couldn't help but notice the abundance of dishes," I remarked casually, taking a bite of the humble pancake before me.

　　Blaire's laughter filled the air in response. "I made sure to prepare the deluxe versions of Justin's favorite meals," she replied with evident satisfaction, her joy palpable in her words.

　　I glanced over at Justin, noting his bashful demeanor. "Indeed, this spread is quite lavish, and..."