Batista's POV
The moon hung low, a silver eye watching the world like it knew something I didn't.
Earlier today, Dan warned me that some patrols spotted rogues near our borders. I didn't hesitate. I took a few of my most trusted men and went after them — leaving Dan in charge of the pack.
We combed every inch of those woods. Every trail, every clearing, every shadow.
But nothing.
No tracks. No scent.
Nothing but wind and trees.
And that's what bothered me.
Rogues don't just vanish.
Either someone's hiding them…
Or something worse is coming.
I drove in with my warriors, tired, muddy, and angry. The mansion gates creaked open as we approached, torches lighting the yard. Everything looked normal… but it felt wrong.
I came out from my car. My chest was tight. Maybe from the cold… maybe something else.
I made for my chambers. I needed to wash up and get my head straight.
That's when Cain stepped out of the shadows.
"Alpha," he called, voice low, eyes sharp.
I stopped.
"What is it, Cain?"
He looked around, then stepped closer. I could smell the sweat on him — not from the cold, but from fear.
"I need to speak with you. Now."
We slipped into the empty corridor. His face was pale under the torchlight.
"Talk."
He swallowed hard.
"I've been hearing things. Some of our soldiers… loyal ones… they're missing. And someone told me Dan's been having secret meetings. With the elders."
I frowned. "Meetings?"
Cain nodded. "Yeah. And a few elders… their families… they've disappeared too. Nobody's seen them since this afternoon."
I let out a sigh.
"Cain… Dan's like a brother to me. If something was wrong, he'd tell me."
Cain hesitated.
"I know how much you trust him. I've held this in for too long. I've seen him moving funny, making deals with people in the dark. I was scared to say it.
I rubbed a hand down my face. The words stung, but I couldn't ignore them.
"I'll confront him. Tonight."
Cain grabbed my arm.
"Be careful, Alpha. I… I don't like this."
I managed a weak smile. "It's Dan, Cain. He's my brother. There'll be an explanation. You'll see."
I left him there, praying I was right.
THE CONFRONTATION
Dan's quarters were dimly lit when I got there. He was by the window, looking out like he'd been expecting me.
He turned, smiling that old easy grin.
"Brother," he greeted.
I shut the door.
"We need to talk."
He raised a brow, stepped forward.
"Something wrong?"
"There was no rogue, Dan. Nothing out there."
He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Damn… we got bad intel. After you left, another scout reported they'd been seen near Red blood Fang territory. I sent a few of our men to check it out."
I stiffened.
"The missing soldiers?"
"Yeah. That's them," he said smoothly. "Didn't wanna bother you with it while you were already out."
I nodded slowly.
"And the elders? People say you've been meeting with them. That they're gone."
Dan laughed.
"Man, you know how old folks are. Probably drunk off their asses somewhere. You'll see them tomorrow at the party."
For a moment, the weight in my chest lifted.
"You had me worried," I admitted, chuckling.
"Come on, brother. This is your home. Nothing bad's happening here. Not while I'm around."
I stepped forward and hugged him tight.
"Dan… I need to ask you something."
"Anything."
I pulled back, looked him in the eye.
"I want you to watch over this pack for me. I… I might be gone for a while."
His face shifted.
"You're talking like you won't come back."
I forced a laugh.
"I'll be back. Just… promise me. If anything happens, you'll protect them. Be their Alpha if you have to."
Dan's jaw tightened, then he nodded.
"I swear it."
I clapped his shoulder.
"I knew I could count on you."
We hugged one last time.
As I left his quarters, I whispered to myself,
"I'm sorry, Dan. I can't tell you. But you're the only one I trust."
Victoria's POV
I stood in front of his door, fixing my hair, making sure every strand was perfect. My lips curled into a soft smile, the kind that fools men into thinking you're harmless. But inside me…
I was a storm.
"Bastard," I thought, knocking gently.
"Who is it?" his deep voice called from inside.
That voice. It used to make my stomach flutter. Now it made me sick.
"It's me, Victoria," I said sweetly.
The door opened, and there he was. Tired, hair tousled, shirt halfway unbuttoned. I could smell the bathwater already running.
Pathetic fool.
"Come in," he said.
I stepped inside, my eyes scanning the room. He looked exhausted. Good.
As he turned his back, I smiled to myself.
"Look at him. Acting like he's some honorable Alpha. Going on a vacation with his precious little family, leaving me behind like a discarded toy. Does he really think he can keep rejecting me… and walk away unpunished?"
I'd waited too long for this.
"So," I began, leaning against the wall. "You're leaving next tomorrow, huh? And I had to hear it from someone else. Do you know how insulting that is?"
He sighed, sitting on the edge of his bed, rubbing his hair.
"I'm sorry, Victoria. I should have told you. But don't worry — the next one, I promise, you'll be there. By then you'll be legally mine."
I almost laughed.
Legally yours? Fool… you won't even leave to see another.
"And when are you coming back?" I asked, keeping my tone light.
"Next month."
I hummed, pretending to think it over.
"No way I can convince you to take me with you?"
He gave me that same damn answer.
"You know I would love to… but I told you, I have principles."
I bit down the venom rising in my throat.
"Yes, your precious principles. You can bed a thousand she-wolves in secret, but you won't touch me because of some self-righteous oath. I swear, Batista — I'll enjoy watching you die."
"Well," I said with a smile, walking over to the table where a bottle of his favorite whiskey sat, "let's have a toast then — to your vacation."
I poured two glasses.
I turned, offering him the glass.
"To your vacation… and to me, your future bride."
He smiled.
Idiot.
We clinked glasses, and he drank deep.
I took a small sip of mine, set it down, then leaned in and pressed a kiss to his cheek.
"Have a nice vacation, my Alpha."
I turned and left this was the last time you ever humiliate me.
As I closed the door behind me, the smile slid from my face like a mask.
"Rot in hell, you bastard," I whispered to the empty hallway.
"Let's see if your precious principles can save you tomorrow."