Adrian's POV

I was on my way to the airport. My phone died from a low battery, and I stared out the window, sipping coffee. The chilly weather mirrored the icy depths of my heart—a frigid abyss.

My mind was consumed by Natalia. I couldn't get her out of my head. Despite not wanting to leave, I was notified of a pack matter requiring my attention as Alpha.

"Take the call," Patric said, handing me his phone. I glanced at the screen: Lynda.

"Tell her I'm leaving," I instructed.

Patric sighed, put the phone on speaker, and said, "Miss Lynda, the Alpha is returning to the Crystal Blood Pack."

"But he didn't inform me," Lynda replied, shocked.

Patric looked at me, surprised. I remained silent, gazing out the window.

After clearing his throat, Patric said, "The Alpha isn't required to inform anyone."

"I—I didn't mean it, Beta. I want to talk to him. It's really important."

"My apologies. He's busy; we're heading to the airport. He'll be available after we land at the Crystal Blood Pack."

Lynda ended the call abruptly, clearly upset. It didn't matter to me. While I felt selfish, I couldn't let her into my heart. That woman saved me, risked her life. Yet, why was I thinking of my ex-wife?

Last night flooded my thoughts. I was enraged seeing Natalia running for her life. I should have dealt with those men more harshly. How dare they touch her? The thought of another man, Beta Eric, with Natalia, jolted me. Recalling her leaving with him, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

"Thinking about something? You look worried," Patric said, glancing at me.

Anger filled my eyes. "After reaching the pack, I need you to do something."

He listened intently. "Beta Eric," I muttered.

He raised an eyebrow. "Information on him?"

I shook my head. "Everything. I want to know everything."

Patric exhaled, placing a hand on my shoulder. "You'll have it on your desk tomorrow," he assured me. He was not only my Beta but my closest friend, a tremendous support over the years. He could betray me if he wished.

"Adrian, it seems she's moved on," he said quietly.

"Do I care?" I replied, looking away.

Patric said nothing more. We reached the airport. My guards retrieved my luggage. I walked, my hand in my pocket.

Murmurs followed. "Isn't that Alpha Adrian?" "He's so handsome!" "I wish I could be in the Crystal Blood Pack!"

Young women fawned; men looked scared. Their whispers didn't interest me. They weren't pack members; under my authority, they wouldn't dare.

However, a question caught my attention. "Have you seen his ex-wife's post today?" "Yeah, that Lynda's a homewrecker!"

I glanced at the women. Embarrassed, they lowered their heads and walked away.

"What post?" I asked Patric.

He started to speak, but an announcement interrupted: "Ladies and gentlemen, due to weather conditions, all flights are delayed. Further updates will follow."

"Great," I said sarcastically. My irritation intensified.

Patric received a call. "Take a seat in the waiting area. I'll be back in a few minutes. I'll check on that post."

I nodded and sat. Natalia, what have you done this time? Wasn't Beta Eric's involvement enough?

I watched Patric on the phone, handling business. Then, a sweet voice beside me: "Can we sit here?"