Four

Rage churned violently inside him, a bitter self-loathing gnawing at his chest for leaving that night. He should have stayed, should have waited until she woke. The regret burned deep, made worse by the way his wolf raged within him, clawing and howling to be with their mate. It had taken him nearly two decades to find her. He was not about to lose her.

“There’s no sign of the description of the person you gave,” his beta reported. “Are you sure the description you gave is accurate? There are a lot of women who are marked, yours is not among them.”

He lifted his head slowly. The hardness of his gaze alone was enough to make his beta drop his eyes.

“She is my mate, not the person,” he snapped coldly. “And use every resource available to find her. I don’t care what you have to do, bring her to me.”

A teasing voice cut in from the side. “Who would have thought the day would come when my uncle would be this disorganized over a woman? Now I really want to meet her.”

Dane ignored the remark entirely, his focus unshaken.

“You will leave for our pack immediately,” he ordered. “Handle things there while I am away.”

“What?!” His nephew protested. “You promised I could be idle for a week if I behaved.”

He was just about to respond when the beta stepped forward again.

“Alpha Rowan and his father are here to see you.”

“Let them in.” Dane’s voice was edged with dissatisfaction. His beta nodded at once and left to retrieve the guests.

“Leave.” Dane turned his gaze to his nephew, eyes glacial and unforgiving. Knowing better than to test him in this mood, the young man straightened immediately, bowed in respect, and exited the office without another word.

Dane took the central seat as Alpha Rowan and his father settled on either side of him. The air grew heavy, the tension thick enough to choke on. One look at Dane’s expression made them wonder if they had chosen the wrong time to visit.

Rowan’s father subtly gestured to his son, urging him to speak.

“I assume you didn’t come all this way simply to sit in silence,” Dane said at last. His tone was cold, sharp enough to make Rowan swallow nervously.

“Of course not. Forgive us, Alpha Dane.” Rowan leaned forward. “We came today with a proposal. My pack wishes to partner with yours.”

He smiled as he spoke, though the expression only seemed to irritate Dane further.

“Partner?” Dane echoed, one brow lifting slowly.

“To be frank,” Rowan continued, forcing a light chuckle, “we would like to travel with you to the gathering. With your influence and great reputation, it would be an honor to walk beside you.”

“I see,” Dane replied coolly. “So you came to curry my favor with flattery.” His lips curled into a sneer. “No wonder you failed to protect your people as an Alpha. You are as incompetent as your praise.”

Both Rowan and his father stiffened, exchanging a quick, confused glance. What did protecting their people have to do with this?

The smile on Rowan’s face faltered.

“I didn’t mean it that way, Alpha Dane,” he said hastily. “I only wished to serve you. It would be disgraceful if I failed to do so properly while you are in my territory.”

Dane tilted his head slowly, irritation flashing in his eyes.

“It seems I haven’t made myself clear.” He rose to his feet, towering over them.

“You can’t even secure your own territory, and you think you are fit to serve me?”

Rowan frowned, utterly confused.

“Did my son offend you in some way?” His father interjected, offering a strained smile.

“If you truly wish to serve me,” Dane said coldly, “then present your heads.” His gaze hardened. “I might consider your request then.”

Without another word, he turned and walked out, leaving the father and son seated in stunned humiliation.

The following day, preparations for the gathering were underway, yet Dane ordered his men to continue searching for his mate without pause.

“We are scheduled to leave today,” his beta said cautiously. “Should we continue the search?”

Dane stood on the balcony, smoke curling from between his fingers.

“No,” he replied flatly. “We don’t leave until she’s found. I don’t care about any gathering.”

“Dane!”

A small, babyish voice rang out behind him as someone rushed forward and grabbed his hand.

He yanked free instantly, turning on her with a glare so cold it made her stumble back, startled.

Realizing she had overstepped, she forced a smile, pretending nothing had happened.

“Why are you still here?” She asked lightly. “Has the gathering been postponed?”

“I won’t be going,” Dane said flatly. “I will have one of my men escort you.”

The woman frowned and stepped closer.

“Why? Is this because of that useless omega you are searching for?!” Her voice rose sharply.

Dane’s gaze dropped to her. Cold. Icy. Absolute. It rooted her to the spot.

“I meant omega,” she corrected hastily, forcing a smile. “But have you forgotten what this gathering means to your pack?” She pressed. “Failing to attend would be seen as disrespect toward the King. What if he misunderstands and attacks us? Besides, Mother and Father expect you there. They won’t forgive you if you are late.”

“Alpha,” Silas cut in, stepping onto the balcony and holding out a phone. “It’s your father.”

She seized the moment.

“See? You can look for her later. Or let your men handle it. She can’t be that difficult to find, it’s only a matter of days. Not going won’t do anyone any good.”

For a long moment, Dane said nothing.

Then he stubbed his cigarette into the ashtray and turned to Silas.

“Have the car prepared. We leave for the gathering immediately.”

He walked past them without another glance.

A slow, satisfied smile spread across the woman’s lips. A dark glint danced in her eyes as she watched him go. An omega? Competing with her? Getting rid of her once clearly hadn’t been enough. She should have made sure the girl was dead. Still, there was no need to worry. She would find that useless omega first and do Dane a favor by silencing her forever. No one would own Dane but her. Not an omega. Not even the spoiled princess he was arranged to marry.

She pulled out her phone and typed: ‘Find her before she finds him. This time, make it permanent.’

“You are mine, Dane,” she whispered.

…

On the road to the gathering, silence filled the car until Silas spoke.

“It’s your mother, Alpha. Should I tell her you are busy?”

“No. Give it to me.”

Dane took the phone.

“What is it?” He said coolly.

“Are you at the gathering yet?” His mother asked.

“Not yet,” he replied, rubbing his temple.

“Don’t forget, son, this marriage benefits our pack. You must ensure everything goes smoothly. Your father and I have great expectations for it.”

“I don’t,” Dane said bluntly. “I won’t be marrying her. I have a mate, and she’s the only woman I will marry.”

The woman beside him stiffened, eyes widening.

A mate? That omega?!

“You have found your mate?” His mother gasped. “But how? It’s been decades, we had lost all hope. Are you sure she isn’t another pretender? You know how many women have falsely claimed that bond. Is she with you? Have you confirmed it?”

“She’s not with me,” Dane answered evenly, “but I am certain.”

“Listen to me,” his mother warned. “She could be a fraud, or worse, a rogue from an unknown pack. But the princess? She is the pillar of our alliance. Without her, we defy the Goddess, anger the King, and endanger our people. This marriage was decided before you were born. You will finalize it first. Your mate can be discussed later.”

Dane’s jaw tightened.