Chapter 3: Learning about Her

Killian's P.O.V

My eyes narrow in on her face, the woman who had knelt before me and so strategically exposed her husband’s infidelity. I had noticed the smirk playing on her lips moments before her expression crumbled into one of despair as she looked up at her stuttering fool of a husband.

Who is this woman? Where has she been all this time? Why haven’t I seen her before in any of my parties?

As I gaze at Cade, memories resurface. He's the Alpha of the Forest Sentinels pack, notorious for his boastful nature and haughty attitude. Few Alphas can stand him and that’s why he is rarely called to my events.

His arrogance has earned him many enemies. But after today’s incident, I highly doubt he would ever be able to use that arrogance of his again.

I glance at the woman once again, unexpectedly drawn to her. Her brunette hair is in loose curls down to her lower back and the blue gown she worse compliments her sapphire eyes. Such an exquisite beauty…so much potential…

"I need a short break to deliberate on this matter," I announce, my voice commanding silence. "I will return shortly and deliver my judgment. Till then, I hope you can enjoy the party as before."

The gathering nods, murmurs subsiding as they await my decision. I turn on my heels, my eyes locking onto the woman's for a fleeting moment.

"Let's go Beta Damien," I call out before I turn and exit the grand hall, my Beta, Damien falling into step beside me.

"Your thoughts, Damien?" I ask, seeking his input as we both move towards my study down the hall.

"Alpha King, Cade's actions are inexcusable and unforgivable," Damien replies. "But the woman's tactics... impressive. She did a pretty good job in exposing her husband in public."

I nod, a smirk forming on my lips. "Indeed. She is impressive to use such an opportunity to her advantage. Not many would have her strength. Who is she, Damien? Can you find out more about her?"

We enter my study, the door closing behind us. I head to my table and lean against it, facing Damien, who’s already moving to carry out my orders as he heads to the cabinet that contains the pack archives.

It doesn’t take long for Damien to find out about her family and her history. With the large book firmly held in his hands, he walks back towards me.

"Her name is Dahlia Hartnett, Alpha King.” He says, his eyes scanning over the pages. “She's the only daughter of the Alpha pair of the Frost Hunters pack."

Intriguing. I recalled the Frost Hunters' reputation - skilled trackers and fierce warriors. Their Alpha pair, Alpha Azreal and Luna Elody recently died in an accident, if I wasn’t mistaken.

"What's her connection to Cade?" I press.

Damien's voice takes on a hint of disapproval as he reads further. "She was married off to Cade, the Alpha of the Forest Sentinels pack, in an attempt to end the long-standing rivalry between their packs."

A strategic alliance, I realize. But clearly, it's been a troubled union.

"Proceed," I command.

"They've been married for over three years, yet they have no offspring," Damien reports. "Moreover, Cade's infidelity is well-known. He frequently visits brothels, and has been spotted with numerous women outside the pack."

I feel a tinge of anger over this unknown woman’s perils. Cade's arrogance will be his downfall. Or maybe it was time he was reminded the importance of wedding vows?

“Is that all written in the archives?” I raise my eyebrows at Damien, who simply shrugs his shoulders.

“Not really, but word travels,” he grinned. “That bastard had messed with a mated woman just last year and the only thing that got him out of trouble was the fact that he reeked of alcohol. Twenty bottles at least.”

Poor woman. Three years of humiliation and heartache. She had to be a saint to endure all that. After all, from what I could tell, the Alpha pair of the Frost Hunters pack had loved their daughter dearly.

"Enough," I look at Damien, my decision final. "I want to give Dahlia her freedom. She deserves better than a husband who humiliates her at every turn."

Damien nods in agreement. "A wise decision, Alpha King."

Now, I must decide Cade's punishment. His recklessness demands consequences. I will ensure Dahlia’s liberation from this toxic marriage.

"Prepare the documents, Damien," I instruct. "Dahlia will be granted her freedom tonight."

With that, I head towards the doors to my study, ready to deliver justice and make my verdict known.

But as I turn to exit, Damien's voice halts me, his tone urgent. "Alpha King, a moment."

I turn to face him, furrowing my brows. "What?"

Damien's expression turns cautious. "You can't help her for free, Alpha King. If you do, you'll see a line of other people outside your doors, stating to be helped too. The consequences of such an action could lead to chaos, potentially destabilizing the delicate balance of power within our realm."

I raise an eyebrow, considering his words. The weight of the crown of the Alpha King was a heavy burden to bear.

"What do you suggest I do?" I asked him, folding my arms across my chest.

Damien's pursed his lips, thinking carefully before he answered. "You can't give her service for free, Alpha King. To help her, you must request something from her.”

“Request something from her? But what could she possibly have to offer me?” I asked incredulously.

My thoughts return to Dahlia. Her intelligence and determination are assets, but how to utilize them? I need something specific, something that benefits both her and our pack. But nothing comes to mind.

Cade's face flashes in my mind - arrogant, self-serving bastard. Dahlia deserves better.

My duty as Alpha King is clear: protect and serve justice. But Dahlia's unique situation demands creative solutions.

I start pacing the room restlessly, trying to find a solution. After all, the assembly of guests was still waiting for my verdict and couldn’t delay the counsel any longer.

Just then, Damien stepped in my path to block me, a grim expression on his face. “Alpha…I think I may have a proposition.”