Chapter 2 Who cut the tree?

Finland, Torne Pack, Northern territory

Four hours before...

Magnus’s POV

I got my nickname, Savage, after the last war.

He heard every whisper and knew all that happened in his territory. My Luna, Ronda, was about to give birth to our second child, a boy who would be the next alpha.

Our marriage was never about love. It was arranged years ago to unite the Torne and Iskaari packs and bring peace after years of conflict.

I accepted this duty for my people and because my parents wanted me to be responsible. I never loved her.

"Daddy..." a small voice called from behind me. My four-year-old baby girl.

"Diane, my little princess, what are you up to?" I asked, picking her up.

"Take me to the creek, please, Daddy,"she said, touching my face with her small hand. "Someone else will take you," I told her, setting her down. I still needed my cane because of my injured foot.

"Jan!" I called out. Come here.

She walked in with her head down. Yes, Alpha.

"Take her for a walk, keep her safe, and tell my wife to come to my office", I said.

Jan took Diane away, and I dropped into my office chair, feeling defeated. I had never found my mate or loved anyone.

Ronda walked in, her belly obviously huge.

"What do you want?"

Ronda stood before me, holding her swollen belly. She looked pale and tired, and I kept my face stern as I stared at her.

I spoke in a flat, distant voice, repeating a decision I had made long ago.

Years of political games and losses had taken away any softness I had. I couldn’t risk another betrayal, not now, with everything so uncertain.

"After the baby is born, leave and never come back. "Sign the papers."

Ronda's lips trembled. Her voice shook as she pleaded, her eyes filling with tears. "I want to see my babies. Please. Just let me see them..."

I stood up from my office chair and walked over to her.

"Leave, or I’ll make you leave. It’s your choice."

"You’re a monster!" she said. I never loved you. She signed the papers and walked out, crying.

"That makes two of us", I said quietly.

A few hours later, I went to her bedroom. I wanted to say a few kind words. After all, we had been together for five years.

"Where is Ronda?" I asked her servant.

"She left a while ago without saying where she was going."

I limped to my beta’s office. Michael, get a search party. Ronda took off.

"Magnus, what did you say to her? he knew I was harsh with her, well with everyone, but her especially."

"To leave after the baby is born", I said, without any emotion.

"Fine, I’ll take a few men and search."

Ancient territory

Ronda’s POV

I pulled the car to the edge of the Rova forest, my heart pounding. I knew going back was not an option, not after what Magnus had said.

My only hope was to reach Rova territory, where someone might help me or let me send a message to my child.

My body ached, and my mind raced as I left the car and kept walking, forcing myself to move even though I was tired and hurting.

I lay down on the forest floor, exhausted. I can’t do this... I need to go back. I can’t leave my baby there..., and I screamed. Branches hit me hard on my body and legs.

My baby, I screamed in pain.

I heard men shouting, and then four of them pulled me free.

Alexander called the hospital and asked for a helicopter. They carried me to the clearing.

'What’s your name?' Alexander asked.

Ronda, Alpha Magnus’s wife.

He called Michael. 'I have some not-so-good news,' I heard him say before I passed out.

Thorne pack

Magnus’s POV

Michael rushed back and entered Magnus’s office.

We need to go to the hospital. A tree fell on Ronda.

'My son?' I asked.

I don’t know. Let’s not waste any more time. The hospital is an hour away.

'Who cut the tree?' I asked, anger rising inside me.

What? Michael said.

It’s her fault for being in that area.

'No, I want to know who cut the tree!' I shouted, pounding on the dashboard.

Fine, I’ll find out, Michael said.

The doctor walked up to them. "I'm sorry. We saved her, but the baby..."

I didn’t flinch. I stared straight ahead, my face blank. Without saying anything, I walked past the doctor toward Ronda’s hospital room.

Inside, Ronda lay pale and trembling. "Magnus... my baby..." she sobbed, her voice raw with grief. Her tears streamed down her face as she turned away from him.

"I hope you die. You killed my son..."

"She can’t walk, Magnus. It wasn’t her fault," the doctor said.

Yes, it is her fault. She ran from home and killed my baby boy.

My phone rang nonstop. 'What?' I shouted as I picked up.

Diane is gone. We can’t find her, the servant said.

I cursed. 'Michael, we’re leaving now,' I told him, limping as fast as I could.

What’s going on?

Diane is gone. She probably went after her mom.

Michael drove quickly. The whole pack spread out to search for her.

We reached the north border, but her scent was gone.

I shouted into the quiet forest. Then I turned and saw a young woman holding Diane in her arms.

Diane, I said, taking her from the woman and hugging her tightly.

Then I met her eyes. She was strikingly beautiful, with light brown hair falling in gentle waves around her delicate features. Her green eyes are luminous and captivating, radiating innocence and warmth. The scent hit me, smelled like summer and flowers.

'I just found her not far from here. Are you her dad?' she asked, swallowing hard.

Your name? I asked.

Adira.

I turned and left.

Rude. You’re welcome, she shouted.

Michael walked up to her.

Thank you so much for... His words trailed off.

'You’re welcome. I have to go now, she said, smiling at him and giving me a sharp look.