The joke's meaning, when the boy said it, caused me to frown.

"Ethan, did you just say?"

He stared at me silently. I couldn't comprehend his thoughts. Why?

Just as I was about to question him, he abruptly turned and rushed in the direction Natalia and Aria had gone.

I sighed, clueless.

"Alpha," my delta's voice called. I turned to see him at the door.

"Let's go."

Leaving the pack house, I headed out. My bodyguards hurried to my car and opened the door. I sat in the back seat and instructed the driver to take me to the hotel I'd stayed at previously.

I turned to find my beta in a gloomy mood.

"That woman said I shouldn't have spoken to you like that, but I disagree. You need a good beating for constantly interrupting me," I said angrily.

He rolled his eyes, even without looking at me. I frowned. "Did you just roll your eyes?"

He nodded. "Yes, I did."

I scoffed, but I didn't mind; he's my best friend. That woman was right; speaking to him so coldly in front of others was inappropriate.

But I was furious with Natalia. I wondered how she could accept another man when she already had a mate.

"Adrian, are you sure about this alliance? It could severely hinder your trade. Yet you want"

I closed my eyes, the only image being a pair of hunting blue eyes.

"I need to find that wolf and kill him," I muttered.

"Who? Are you having that nightmare again?"

"Patric, find that wolf. I want his identity, his pack, everything."

"No one's seen him. I asked around; they say it's an illusion. No alpha with blue eyes has ever been reported."

I rubbed my forehead. "Then do something. Change Alpha Jason's mind."

Patric leaned close. "How? By persuading him to let his sister be with you again?"

I glared. He chuckled.

"See? That's why I scolded you. You deserved it."

He sneered. "I never imagined Alpha Adrian would be so deeply in love he'd accept another man's children to get his ex-wife back."

He was right. I wanted Natalia back. I came here for her. I wanted to stay at the pack house to be near her. This alliance mattered, even if it meant losses. She was my mate. How could I let her go?

"I think we should wait for the wed—"

"Shut up."

"Adrian, Alpha Jason isn't superior. He's bold, he can do anything. Since he's adamant, maybe" He trailed off.

Silence filled the rest of the ride. I was lost in thought.

All day, my officials worked on the amenities to offer the Blue Blood Pack to secure the alliance.

The next day, I prepared for the meeting. The pack meeting was scheduled for the pack house.

Upon arrival, I met other Alphas, who greeted me politely.

"Alpha Adrian, there's no chance of this alliance with you around," an Alpha chuckled.

He was right. Who would reject the Crystal Blood Pack's alliance? It offered security.

The Blue Blood Pack's gamma greeted us and gestured for us to follow.

While heading to the meeting hall, I saw a woman descending the stairs. In a long gray dress, she looked fresh, like a blossoming flower.

"Stop staring. Everyone's watching. Remember the news you released? Their doubt will turn to belief," Patric whispered.

Other Alphas were looking at me and Natalia.

With a smirk, I looked at Natalia. "I want them to believe it, too."

"But what about Lynda?"

I looked away from Natalia. I worried about Lynda. I'd concluded after weeks of thought she's kind and gentle, wanting my love. I couldn't give her the happiness she deserved because I didn't love her.

I made a decision. "Today, after the alliance, I'll talk to her. I'll give her everything she needs for a good life, and break up with her."