Ares POV

　　My heart continues to long for my aspirations, and the realization of having engaged in intimacy with Blaire last night has left me grappling with a whirlwind of emotions. In a haze of inebriation, I find myself questioning the motives behind my actions, as much of my interaction with her seems fueled by a lingering anger towards Bathel for seemingly usurping what was once mine. This introspection prompts a reevaluation of my past decisions.

　　Reflecting, I never intended to lose Dana; my intentions were always to shield her from the clutches of the Black River Pack. Yet, despite my efforts to convince myself otherwise, she remains the focal point of my thoughts. This lingering unease persists, and I find myself grappling with unfamiliar emotions that I cannot seem to shake.

　　As I sit here in my office, my thoughts are consumed by her presence. She haunts my every dream, refusing to grant me a moment of respite, leaving me feeling nauseous and overwhelmed with sorrow.

　　Suddenly, Ander burst into my office, his breaths ragged and frantic, interrupting my reverie. "I'm relieved you're here," he gasps, his urgency palpable. "I've been searching for Blaire, but she's nowhere to be found..." My confusion mounts as I gaze at him, unsure of what his sudden appearance may entail.

　　"What's wrong with you?" I asked, my concern mingling with a hint of irritation.

　　"Did you know that Dana has been missing? It was all over the pack news right now, and I know you wouldn't care about this but it just makes me think that Blaire is connected to this," he said, his words rushing out in a flurry. In an instant, I was on my feet, my brows furrowed in disbelief and alarm at the implication of his statement.

　　The news of Dana's disappearance strikes a chord deep within me, eliciting a surge of concern and apprehension that I can't shake. It's a revelation I hadn't anticipated, and it forces me to confront the unsettling connection to Blaire that lingers in the back of my mind.

　　"Blaire is not around?" I asked, my voice edged with a mixture of worry and suspicion.

　　"Yes," Ander confirmed, his tone somber. "I know that you do not care, but it can cause a conflict if she's messing with Dana's affairs. She's been visibly agitated since yesterday, harboring resentment towards that omega who seemingly possesses a level of sanity..." His words trailed off as I strode purposefully towards him, my steps echoing with a sense of determination.

　　"When did you conclude that I do not care?" I questioned sharply, my tone carrying a hint of accusation as I brushed past him, exiting my office in search of answers.

　　I've decided to journey to the Sun Flower Pack, accompanied by Ander by my side.

　　"Why are you doing this?" he questioned, his voice laced with confusion and concern, as we pulled up to their pack territory in my car.

　　"You don't need to ask that question," I replied tersely, my gaze fixed on the imposing structure of the pack house ahead.

　　As we approached, it became evident that the pack was on high alert, with numerous gatekeepers and warriors patrolling the area. Their presence intensified as they caught sight of us, swiftly blocking our path and casting wary glances in our direction, their attention undoubtedly focused on the search for Dana.

　　"This is not a good idea, I bet," Ander ran his fingers through his hair, his apprehension evident in his voice. "Why are you even doing this? I thought you don't care about Dana-"

　　"If you keep asking me that, then you will have to leave right away," I interjected firmly, my tone leaving no room for further discussion, even as a warrior approached, rapping on the windshield to gain our attention.

　　"Okay, fine, I am sorry," Ander whispered, his apology barely audible over the mounting tension. With a measured breath, I slowly rolled down the windshield, preparing to face the challenges that awaited us within the Sun Flower Pack territory.

　　Their eyes widened in surprise as they caught sight of me sitting in my car. A moment of confusion passed between them, their expressions mirroring uncertainty and disbelief.

　　"What are you doing here, Alpha of Moon Stone Pack?" the warrior inquired, stepping forward with a mixture of respect and wariness.

　　"My purpose concerns your Alpha," I replied without hesitation, my voice steady and resolute, signaling my intent to address the matter at hand directly.

　　Ander found himself under scrutiny from another member of the pack as Bathel, their formidable leader, emerged onto the scene, commanding attention with his presence.

　　"I am scared that he won't-" Ander began, his words cut short by the sudden arrival of Bathel, whose arrival prompted the others to make way for him.

　　I couldn't suppress a smirk as I found myself face to face with my political adversary once more. Here stood Bathel, the man who had recently married the very woman I had sought to protect, only for her to now find herself in dire circumstances.

　　"It's Ares Zander Hendrix, the Alpha from Moon Stone Pack, with his Beta-"

　　"Let him," Bathel commanded with the authority of an Alpha, his tone brooking no argument.

　　I couldn't help but revel in the unfolding of this scene. It was exactly as I had anticipated, knowing Bathel's predictable response to such situations.

　　The warrior visibly swallowed before relenting, "You may proceed," he announced reluctantly. With a nod of acknowledgment, I closed my windshield and continued driving toward the heart of the pack's territory.

　　"Shit," Ander whispered beside me, his voice laden with apprehension.

　　I smirked confidently at Ander. "This pack is nothing compared to mine," I remarked casually before opening the car door and stepping out onto the packed earth below.

　　Before I stood Bathel, flanked by his beta, their imposing figures a testament to their authority within the pack. The gaze of numerous onlookers bore down on us, their curiosity palpable in the air.

　　"What has brought you to my pack after rejecting numerous invitations?" Bathel inquired, his expression a mixture of confusion and curiosity as he locked eyes with me.