Dana

　　"I don't know what you're trying to mean-"

　　"I implore you to relax, Dana," he interjected gently. "Return to your chamber. I've ensured that Blaire is being watched, and you don't have to be worried anymore." His tone was exceedingly tender. Though I yearned to respond, words eluded me.

　　"Fine," I replied icily, pivoting away from him, my silence echoing louder than words as I strode off into the distance.

　　"Ugh, Dana..." I groaned at the sound of Bathel's voice.

　　Is this another dream? I keep waking up only to find myself still haunted by thoughts of him.

　　"Hmm..." I eventually murmured in response.

　　The sensation of his touch lingers on my skin, prompting me to instinctively push it away. I slowly open my eyes and I come to the realization that it's morning, and this is no dream. Bathel stands before me.

　　I shook my head as his face came into focus, I stammer, "W-What are you doing here?" I asked, feeling confused-a wave of fear washes over me, leaving me wondering.

　　He used to be my source of comfort, the one I turned to in times of need.

　　Running his fingers through my hair, he murmured, "I'm sorry if I'm being creepy, Dana..." His voice trembled as he gulped nervously, licking his dry lips. "You just have to come with me," he added, his voice cracking.

　　I furrowed my brows, and exclaimed, "What are you talking about?" My breath caught in my throat as I gulped nervously. "Why would I go with you, huh?" I rose from the bed- and glanced around, feeling utterly confused.

　　"You can't just barge into my room like this and expect me to follow you because you think you're being helpful. You're being a creep..." I muttered, my chest feeling strangely hollow, devoid of any heartbeat.

　　I don't think fear is what I'm feeling.

　　It's anger.

　　He shook his head, his eyes locking onto mine with a softness that contradicted his words. "Then, I'm sorry..." he muttered, his tone laced with regret. "But I feel like I have to take you back." He added, a hint of determination in his voice.

　　I gulped, feeling a heavy sigh escape me. "Why would I?" I questioned, my voice tinged with tiredness.

　　"Because Blaire's father is coming..." His words sent shivers down my spine.

　　"He knew?" I asked, my voice tinged with disbelief. "And how did you know?"

　　"I was the first one he told... He's going to attack this place for betrayal. You don't know how much he loves his daughter," he replied without hesitation, his words sinking in with a chilling weight.

　　Finally, fear gripped my heart, leaving me speechless and unsure of what to say or do at that moment.

　　"B-But-" I began, but he cut me off by taking hold of my hand.

　　"I just need you to believe me, Dana," he pleaded, gripping my hand tightly.

　　Slowly, I pulled away from him, feeling uncomfortable that he was being touchy.

　　I thought about everyone in this pack, including Ares. Despite the hurt he's caused me, I couldn't shake the feeling that letting him die felt wrong, but I couldn't pinpoint why.

　　"No," I stated firmly, my decision made, even though the reasons behind it remained murky.

　　He raised his brow. "No. No. No. You can't stay in this place-"

　　"Then, I have to fight with them," I interrupted him, my voice firm. "That's easy. I have to kill Blaire with my own hands. It's easy for you to treat things like this because you're just a man..." My words trailed off, as my eyes met his.

　　"You have a woman you can have a baby with again. You finally have a family. You're an Alpha. A privileged man like you can't judge me," I choked out, my voice cracking with emotion. He stared back at me, tears welling up in his eyes, as my words hung heavy in the air.

　　It's as if his eyes are speaking volumes to me.

　　With confidence, I met his gaze head-on. "I lost everything, Bathel," I stated firmly.

　　"We can start again-" I cut him off.

　　"Don't say things like that," I interjected, turning my back on him and opening the cabinet to retrieve some clothes.

　　"You just can't-" I trailed off, unable to find the right words to express my frustration and pain.

　　"Of course, I can, Bathel. You're nothing different," I cut him off, but before I could continue, he stopped me from picking out clothes. He grabbed my hand and pinned me against the wall, his grip unyielding.

　　I gasped, my voice shaking as I asked, "What are you doing?"

　　"Are you scared of me?" he asked, his eyes, once full of love, now pleading and broken.

　　My heart raced, and I gasped, "Yes," as I acknowledged my fear.

　　"You have a Luna now, and I have a responsibility-" I began, but my words were abruptly cut off as he kissed me, catching me off guard.

　　But despite the shock, I didn't hesitate to push him away forcefully.

　　"Are you crazy!?" I yelled, my voice filled with anger. "You cannot do that! I am not the type of woman you can easily manipulate with your so-called 'helping'!" My words were sharp as I ran my fingers through my hair.

　　I hated how effortlessly he had kissed me.

　　Wiping my mouth with my hand, I felt disgust creeping over me. My heart pounded with fear, and my wolf felt uneasy within me. I was never his mate. Never. I had always been his poor chosen mate he had to save.

　　"Fuck it, I'm sorry Dana..." He walked closer to me again, his expression pained.

　　I looked at him and shook my head. "Don't..." I ordered.

　　He touched my hand gently. "Look at me..." He murmured. "I am still the man you fell in love with." He caressed my head, guiding me to lean against his chest.

　　"What the hell are you doing in my territory?" Ares' voice echoed, breaking the moment.