Alpha Dean's Pack.
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Underground Dungeon.
Athena sat inside the cage, her gaze fixed on nothing in particular, when she heard a noise at the entrance of her cell. She didn't bother to turn around, already knowing who it was.
Max was the one unlocking the cage, stepping inside gently after finally releasing the lock.
"The Alpha has requested your presence," he informed her, prompting her to meet his gaze as their eyes locked.
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Dean stood in the empty hall where the pack typically gathered for celebrations, important meetings with other packs, or various activities. The hall was spacious, situated within the pack territory, painted in white tones with matching white tiles. The chairs, though predominantly white, featured gold accents on the iron parts.
As Alpha Dean stood near the table surrounded by chairs, his right hand casually tucked in his pocket, Max's voice broke the silence, alerting him to Athena's presence. Dean turned to find both of them standing nearby.
"Alpha, she's here!" Max exclaimed.
"You've done well, Max. Athena, please have a seat," Dean responded, gesturing for her to sit, and she complied, taking the indicated chair.
"Athena, you betrayed my trust, and though I understand why, we'll discuss that another time," Alpha Dean stated, pacing around her while Max observed from the side.
"You wouldn't have this opportunity for redemption if it weren't for the changes I've undergone. It's thanks to the very girl you have betrayed," Dean expressed, pausing to meet Athena's gaze.
"You must assist me in bringing her back," Dean whispered, his tone serious, causing Athena to exhale in relief, sensing the gravity of the situation.
Realizing Dean's sincerity, Athena knew she had to find a way to reunite Elena with him. She understood the consequences of failing him, aware of Dean's capabilities. While he maintained a facade of kindness for now, she dreaded witnessing his true nature if provoked.
Rubbing her head in relief, Athena glanced at Dean. "How am I going to do that?" she asked, as Dean's voice boomed in response.
"I don't know how you'll manage it, but you must bring her here! Find a way to bring her back, just as you found your way to me and accomplished the impossible by entrusting her to Mula!" Dean's deep voice conveyed his mounting frustration.
Athena stood silently, meeting his gaze as he drew in a deep breath, attempting to regain his composure.
"To sneak her past Mula, you'll need to earn his trust which you already did, Figure out how to deceive him and retrieve Elena within just 3 days!" Alpha Dean declared, his determination etched on his face.
"Leave my presence," he commanded with annoyance, prompting Athena to rise and respectfully bow her head.
"My Alpha," she murmured before exiting the hall, leaving Dean and Max to exchange knowing glances, the challenge ahead looming larger each passing day.
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Adam Kindle's Workplace.
Ever since his wife left him, he hasn't been the same. There is one person, his manager, who has been trying to help him, but all efforts seem to be in vain.
Mr. Adam sat in his exclusive office chair, wearing his suit with necessary documents scattered across his desk. However, he wasn't focused on any of this. Instead, he sat with a blank expression, staring at the PVC, lost in his thoughts.
Before long, a stunning lady dressed in a suit entered. She appeared to be his manager, carrying a flask of food. Adam gazed at her as she stood silently, then nervously cleared her throat. "It's evident you can't continue like this. I'm sorry for what happened, but you've done everything you could, what happened wasn't your fault" she said, swallowing nervously.
Approaching him with the food flask, she continued, "I brought you something to eat. I noticed you haven't eaten since..." She was cut off as he politely declined, "Thank you, Olivia. That's very kind of you, but I don't have much of an appetite right now."
Olivia insisted, "You have to eat..." but he raised his voice, "I said thanks! Please, you should go." Startled, Olivia picked up the food flask and left the room.
She was taken aback as she had never seen her boss so irritated before. It was clear how he had become more aggressive overnight, but it wasn't his fault. Circumstances had pushed him to this point.
As Olivia exited the office, Mr. Adam relaxed back in his chair, letting out a sigh of relief, his gaze once again fixed on the sky.
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Alpha Mula's Pack.
Mula found himself alone beneath the flower tree in the compound once again. His mind was filled with turmoil, especially after the advice he had received from Alpha Williams. He struggled to push aside thoughts of keeping the baby, consumed by jealousy at the idea of his mate having her first child with his best friend.
The fact that Dean had a history of involvement with younger female omegas in his pack only added to Mula's unease. The thought of Dean repeating such behavior with his own mate was unbearable. Each time he dwelled on it, his resolve not to keep the baby solidified, preferring to confront any potential conflict head-on.
Despite the well-meaning advice from friends and his beta, Mula knew he couldn't simply disregard their warnings. If things went awry in the future, they would remind him that they had tried to caution him. It was a weighty decision hanging over him, prompting him to seek solitude to ponder his options without outside influence.
"You seem troubled," Ryan's voice broke through his thoughts, but Mula didn't turn to acknowledge him. He maintained his fixed gaze, staring into the distance as Ryan stood beside him, their hands resting on the same branch.
Ryan approached and stood next to Mula, placing his hands on the same branch where Mula rested his.
"I noticed a change in you. You seem troubled since escorting your friend out of the pack," Ryan remarked. Mula remained silent, prompting Ryan to take a deep breath and focus his gaze on him.
Ryan already understood Mula's thoughts, eliminating the need for Mula to respond before he could speak.
"I thought you had already made up your mind about this. Don't you want to hear some advice? After all, you're the Alpha," Ryan said, offering an encouraging smile as he patted Mula on the shoulder.
"I know it's been challenging to bear the responsibilities of being the Alpha. However, you should stick to your decisions, be resolute, understand the challenges ahead, and stand firm. I neither endorse nor oppose your choices," Ryan expressed while Mula listened intently.
"I've shared my thoughts; the decision ultimately lies with you as the Alpha. You shouldn't dwell on it so much. I assumed you had already made up your mind. Why let it trouble you?" Ryan inquired, and Mula nodded in response.
"You're correct. Please ask the cook to inform me when Elena's meal is ready. I will serve her myself," Mula instructed. Ryan acknowledged the command and departed.
Shortly after, he returned. "Alpha, the meal is prepared," he announced, to which Mula nodded.
"Thank you, Ryan. You've been a great help. Now, go ahead and have your own meal," Mula directed. Ryan nodded, left, and Mula lingered for a few moments before entering the building.
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Upon reaching the kitchen, Mula found Elena's meal neatly laid out on the table. He approached the food, which was well arranged and packaged, and opened it. He then reached into his pocket and pulled out a small green and blue bottles of medicine. 
After staring at them for a while, he kept the blue aside and took the green one. This bottle contained the poison intended for Elena, as well as an abortion drug. He studied it for a moment, glancing around the room before proceeding.
Initially hesitant, he hesitated before taking a deep breath and carefully poured a small amount into the food, following William's instructions. After sealing the container, he made his way directly to Elena's room to deliver the meal to her.