Chapter 3 The deal

Torne Pack

Magnus’s POV

I walked into the bedroom and locked the door behind me.

My baby boy is gone. How much more pain can I take? Ronda did it on purpose. She defied me and killed our baby. She betrayed me. Someone will have to pay.

I started thinking about the girl holding Diane. Her scent stirred something in me.

Meet her again, my wolf Han urged.

No, I won’t. No woman will ever get close again. I’ve been betrayed twice. I can’t trust anyone.

I threw my cane at the door and rubbed my hands over my face. Her scent still lingered faintly on my skin.

There was a knock at the door.

I limped over and opened the door. Michael, good, you’re here. Tomorrow we’re heading to Rova pack.

I’m glad you came to your senses. Let’s thank them for finding Diane.

We’re going to take an eye for an eye. Let’s show our strength. Get a four-car caravan ready.

Alpha Magnus, I think we should...

Are you undermining me, Michael?

Of course not, I’m just advising you. Look, they’re an ancient pack. It won’t look good if we threaten them. Michael pressed on.

There won’t be a threat. I want them to feel the same pain I do. Taking their firstborn isn’t just about revenge. It’s about making them understand what it means to lose what you love most.

I won’t kill them, but I will make them suffer. If they feel even a bit of this pain, maybe then there will be justice.

Michael stared at me. He knew it was pointless to argue.

As you wish, Alpha Magnus, he said, then turned and left. I finally undressed and dropped onto the bed. When I closed my eyes, I saw the girl’s face. I cursed.

Rova pack territory.

Alexander’s POV

I saw a caravan of black SUVs pulling up to the pack’s main house.

A man opened the door, and Alpha King Magnus stepped out, limping.

Everyone bowed their heads.

"Take me to your Alpha’s office," he shouted at me.

I stepped onto his path. "Our Alpha and Luna are away. I’m Beta Alexander. How can we help you?"

Magnus pointed his cane at the door. I motioned and followed him.

"I want to meet the man who cut the tree yesterday. It fell on my wife and killed my boy."

"We are very sorry to hear..."

"Stop talking and bring me the man," he said, raising his voice.

I gestured.

The man walked in. "You cut the tree?" Magnus asked.

"Yes. I didn’t know she was there. She entered our territory. We warned everyone."

"Shut your mouth," Magnus said. "Now let’s go outside." He leaned on his cane as he limped. The pack had gathered. They sensed trouble.

"This man," Magnus began, "killed my unborn child. I want justice. An eye for an eye. Bring me your firstborn."

"Alpha Magnus," I started, as Adira made her way through the crowd, holding a little girl. Both wore flower crowns. She stared at Magnus. We all did. He was a man in his mid-twenties who stood tall, drawing everyone’s attention. His long, jet-black hair falls past his shoulders, framing a chiseled, stern face. His golden eyes are intense and almost otherworldly, giving him a mysterious air. He has broad shoulders and a strong, athletic build, making him look imposing. Intricate tattoos wind across his arms and peek above his collar, hinting at stories beneath. His expression is serious, and his sharp features rarely show emotion.

Magnus raised his hand. "Will you bring the child, or should I go get him?"

Adira looked at me.

He wants an eye for an eye, I whispered.

One of his men dragged the mother forward, her little boy in her arms. She fell at Magnus’s feet.

"I beg of you; he is so small..."

"You've got to hold your child. I never had the chance to hold mine."

"Take me," my daughter said

I pulled her back. "She didn’t mean that..." Then I walked to him.

Magnus leaned in. She is beautiful and foolishly brave, he whispered.

Yes, I did, I mean it, Adira said. If you are truly the monster, they say you are, then take me instead. You want to take out your anger on someone; let it be me. That boy won't survive your chains, but I am not afraid. If someone must pay, let it be me. I am willing to take his place.

Is she daring me in front of everyone? Magnus asked me. "Deal," he said. "Take her."

Before I had a chance to respond, his men shoved her in his SUV.

NOOOOOO, I shouted. You can’t take her. There is something you should know... please...

The car was already moving.

Magnus’s POV

I turned and looked at her.

"You do understand you’ll be my servant, my slave, and you’ll have to do what I say."

"Yes, Alpha Magnus,"

"Are you mocking me?" I shouted.

I wouldn’t dare. I respect the ranks. I was raised to respect my elders.

Did she call me an elder? I wondered. Han was stirring, furious. I smell something familiar.

"Quiet," I told my wolf.

Her small hands rested in her lap. Her scent hit me hard. My wolf was screaming to break free.

"Stop the car!" I shouted. "Take her in another car, now."

Michael gently took her arm and led her into his car.

Michael’s POV

"You’re very brave," I whispered. Magnus has been through a lot lately.

Has no one ever loved him?

"What?" I looked at her, surprised. "That I wouldn’t know. But I can tell you he never found his true mate."

"That’s what I meant," she said softly.

"Your name?" I asked.

"Adira. Sir, thank you for being kind to me."

I was already drawn to her. Her scent was intoxicating.

"We’re almost there. Please, do what he asks, and you’ll be fine."

Adira nodded.

The caravan stopped. I helped her out of the car. Magnus was already limping away.

You follow me. I nodded to Adira.

Magnus’s POV

Inside my office, I sat down in the chair and let out a breath.

I hesitated for a moment, feeling a war inside me. Part of me wanted to be softer, but the pain pushed me forward.

"Adira, you’ll do as I say," I said, pointing my cane at her. "No running away, or you’ll pay for it. And never talk back to me." I lifted her chin with my cane.

Her eyes locked on mine. I felt as if she could see right through me.

"Now go bring me my lunch. I’m starving."

"Yes, Alpha," she said, and opened the door to leave.

"Wait. Jan!" I shouted.

The woman appeared. "Yes, Alpha?"

"After she brings my lunch, show her to her room."

Jan didn’t move. "Sir, I don’t know..."

"The one next to mine,"