Chapter 6

**Beatrice POV**

Tall and commanding, with a strong aura of authority, it really was Alpha Duncan—the enigmatic and revered leader of the pack I had run from; the Alpha King. My heart skipped a beat.

He was as handsome as I remembered… my mate. But when I suddenly recalled the words that made me leave him, my heart clenched in pain.

Recalling how I was now the revered Luna of a pack, respected by many and feared by some, I refused to show that part of me. It was part of the past. So, I made a decision—to pretend not to know him, to approach him as a stranger.

With a composed demeanor, I stepped forward, my eyes staring back at his and my voice as steady as possible. "Alpha Duncan," I greeted respectfully, with my tone devoid of any familiarity or recognition. "I am Luna Red, representing the Red Pack. My profound pleasure to meet you Alpha."

I wasn't expecting him to reply with a prior knowledge of knowing he was never the type to talk a lot so I gently walked over to an empty chair and sat down. 

I knew he was watching me and when I looked at him he was observing me curiously, his eyes running all over me, a glimmer of amusement dancing in his eyes. He must have sensed the underlying tension in my voice, the deliberate distance I was creating between us.

Maybe I was thinking too much because at that moment, I thought he would say something in regards to my attitude but He said nothing. 

"Welcome, Luna red," he replied smoothly, his voice carrying a mix of formality. I nodded at him and my eye caught Duncan's beta, Cadence who wasn't too far off. 

The alpha of the pack sat down as well and while I was waiting for anybody to talk, Duncan was looking at me, my stomach and my face in particular. 

The alpha of the pack, Alpha Darrick cleared his throat then he continued, "I appreciate both your efforts in coming over here seeking a peaceful resolution. Let us proceed with the negotiations and lay the foundation for a stronger alliance."

I glanced at Alpha Darrick then at Alpha Duncan, and I asked, “Why was I not pre-informed that there was also another pack involved in the alliance?”

For a moment, there was muteness, then I caught the moment when Alpha Darrick quickly glanced at Alpha Duncan then he looked at me and was about to start explaining when Alpha Duncan started talking.

“I came here to seek an alliance with him but soon found out you were also seeking an alliance with him so I reckon it would be beneficial to each of our packs if we all form an alliance together.”

I didn't understand his statement, I wasn't here to seek an alliance with him or his pack. I was here to negotiate a peace resolution with Alpha Darrick and further discuss the foundations for our alliance. 

I didn't say any more on it though, indeed it was a great benefit for my pack to be in alliance with the Alpha king, the most feared alpha. The responsibility I held as the Luna of the Red Pack demanded my loyalty and commitment to their well-being.

And so, the meeting continued under the pretense of unfamiliarity, as I, Alpha Darrick and Alpha Duncan discussed terms, exchanged proposals, and navigated the complexities of diplomacy. 

As the discussions progressed, I found myself increasingly drawn to Alpha Duncan's charisma and intelligence. Yet, I pushed aside my emotions, reminding myself of the importance of maintaining neutrality.

The atmosphere in the room grew more charged with each passing moment. The negotiations were delicate, as we carefully crafted the terms of the alliance, considering the strengths and needs of each pack.

Alpha Duncan's voice resonated with authority as he presented his pack's proposals, outlining their resources, territories, and the advantages they could bring to the alliance. 

Amidst the negotiations, Alpha Duncan's gaze often lingered on me, as if he were searching for something in my eyes. I could feel the weight of his attention, his curiosity, and perhaps a hint of regret. But I refused to meet his gaze for too long, afraid of the emotions it might stir within me.

As the discussions progressed, I found myself occasionally caught in a clash of emotions—admiration for Alpha Duncan's leadership, frustration at the circumstances that had brought us to this point, and an undeniable connection that still lingered between us.

It became harder to maintain the facade of indifference, especially when Alpha Duncan's words showcased his intelligence and strategic prowess. The discussions stretched on, the room filled with the back-and-forth of ideas, compromises, and the occasional tension that simmered beneath the surface. Each passing moment brought us closer to a resolution, and it was evident that the foundations of a strong alliance were being laid.

Amidst the negotiations, my attention was occasionally diverted to the movements of my baby, as if the little life inside me sensed the significance of this gathering. It reminded me of the shared bond Alpha Duncan and I had, and the responsibility I held not just for my pack but also for the child growing within me.

As the meeting drew to a close, the agreements and terms of the alliance were finalized. A sense of accomplishment filled the air, mingled with the lingering undercurrent of unresolved emotions.

With a polite nod, I rose from my seat, acknowledging the progress we had made. Alpha Duncan's eyes followed my every movement, a mix of respect and something unfathomable within their depth.

"Thank you, Alpha Duncan," I said with a composed voice, a hint of formality still present. "I believe our packs will benefit greatly from this alliance. Let us ensure its success."

As I stepped away from the gathering, my heart felt heavy with the weight of the past and the uncertain path that lay ahead. The alliance had been forged, but the journey was far from over, both for our packs and for the lingering connection between Alpha Duncan and me.

But for now, I decided I would instead focus on leading my pack, fulfilling my duty as Luna, and protecting the future of our kind. The choices I had made, the sacrifices endured, and the path ahead–for me and my child. 

Preparing to go back to my pack, I mind linked my beta, Falon and soon enough he came over. 

“The meeting must've gone well, you look bright Luna.” I returned his statement with a bright smile dancing across my face. 

“It sure did, even better than I expected. We secured an alliance with the Alpha king as well. I reckon this is a great addition for the well-being of the Red pack.”

 As Falon smiled and reached out to hold my hand, a sudden chill ran down my spine, jolting me from my momentary comfort. I turned swiftly, my eyes meeting Alpha Duncan's intense gaze. His lips curled into a sneer, causing my smile to falter and a sense of unease to wash over me.

I approached the situation cautiously, my voice laced with caution. "Alpha Duncan, is everything alright?"

Silence lingered for a few agonizing moments as he continued to fix his piercing gaze upon me. Finally, in a low voice, he broke the silence.

"I want to speak with you... alone." His eyes flickered over to Falon and then back to our connected hands. It was a subtle observation, almost imperceptible, but I caught it nonetheless.

The request for a private conversation heightened my unease. I couldn't ignore the underlying tension that had persisted between Alpha Duncan and me. Despite my reservations, a flicker of curiosity stirred within me, urging me to find out what he had to say.

Taking a deep breath, I gathered my composure and nodded, acknowledging his request. "Very well, Alpha Duncan. We can speak privately."

With Falon's understanding gaze following me, I slowly withdrew my hand from his grasp, silently conveying the need for this conversation. As I turned to follow Alpha Duncan, my heart raced with a mixture of trepidation and intrigue, uncertain of what awaited me in this secluded setting.

I could sense the intensity in his voice and the way he looked at me. His request for a private moment piqued my curiosity and made me wonder what he had in mind. I felt a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty, unsure of what awaited me in that secluded space.

Together, we walked away from the prying eyes, venturing deeper into the quiet depths of the woods. The silence hung heavily in the air, pregnant with anticipation and unspoken words. I searched Alpha Duncan's face, trying to discern his intentions and the emotions that hid beneath his stoic exterior.

Finally finding a secluded spot, Alpha Duncan turned to face me, his gaze unwavering and intense. The gravity of the moment was palpable, and I braced myself for what he was about to reveal.

“You're pregnant,” that was the first thing he said to me. I searched his face, looking deep into his eyes. “You found your mate after all,” he continued. 

Yes I found my mate, he was standing right before me. But I didn't say that, “I found him… And yes I'm pregnant.” He stared at me for a long time 

Finally, he spoke again, his voice gentle. "That's good! " He went silent again.

The silence stretched between us, pregnant with unspoken emotions and unresolved questions. A thousand thoughts raced through my mind, memories and doubts intertwined. But I knew that dwelling on the past would only hinder my path forward.

"I think it's best if I leave now," I said after a long while, my tone firm yet tinged with a hint of sadness. "We have our own paths to walk, Alpha Duncan."

Before Alpha Duncan could delve deeper into our complicated history, I took a step back, distancing myself physically and emotionally. It was a necessary boundary, a protective shield against the tumultuous emotions that threatened to resurface.

“Why did you leave that day?” He suddenly asked and I turned immediately to look at him. I placed a hand on my stomach feeling my baby's slight movement as I thought about my reply to him. 

“You would have killed me if I hadn't left.” I didn't say more than that, rather I turned and left him. 

As I walked away, the weight of those memories and emotions threatened to consume me. The realization that I was merely a means to an end for Alpha Duncan, that our connection meant nothing to him, pierced my heart. It was a painful reminder of the harsh reality I had faced and the reason I had made the difficult decision to leave.

The fear that had gripped me when I overheard his conversation with Cadence echoed in my mind. The words he had spoken, the lack of regard for my well-being, and the realization that I was disposable to him had fueled my determination to protect myself and my baby. It was a fear that had driven me away, pushing me to seek safety and a future where I could find fulfillment and respect.

Throughout my entire life, the absence of love had been a constant companion. The loss of my parents had left a void that seemed impossible to fill. I had yearned for love, believing that finding my mate would be my salvation, my escape from all the miseries I had endured. But reality had proven to be far harsher than my dreams, for my mate had become just another source of pain and heartache.

The longing for love had exhausted me. I had sought it in others, hoping that someone would fill the void in my heart. Yet, time and time again, I had been denied the affection and care I so desperately craved. It felt as if fate had conspired against me, denying me the happiness that others seemed to effortlessly find.