"Things can't go on like this, Kaiden. We're losing more men and territory every day! You're our Alpha, you need to do something about this!" Kaiden's beta shouted, knowing that his outburst could result in the Alpha ripping his head off without breaking a sweat.

Kaiden was known for his cruelty and ruthlessness, and few dared to challenge him directly. He stood by the window in his office, watching the shadows dance in the forest outside. His eyes, cold as ice, fixed on the beta, the silence between them filled with an aura as powerful as it was crushing.

The Alpha was an imposing man, with broad shoulders and a presence that exuded power. His black hair fell in waves over his forehead, and an old scar cut across his right eyebrow. Since Kaiden's Luna disappeared many years ago, he had become worse, colder, and more bitter. Some dared to say that whatever humanity he had left died that day.

"You think I'm not aware of the situation, Marcus?" Kaiden's voice was low, but each word made the air feel heavier. "You think I don't see my men falling, that I don't feel the loss of our territory?" He turned slowly, his eyes glinting with restrained anger. "I don't need you to tell me what's happening. I need you to tell me how to fix it."

Marcus swallowed hard, struggling to maintain his composure under the Alpha's intense gaze. "The other packs are banding together against us. They see our weakness, Kaiden. We need a new strategy, an alliance, maybe..."

Kaiden raised an eyebrow, a cold, humorless smile curving his lips. "An alliance? With whom? Who would ally with us when we're at our most vulnerable?"

"There are rumors that the Crescent Moon Pack is open to negotiations," Marcus suggested hesitantly. "They're suffering losses too, and maybe we could find common ground..."

The Alpha walked to his desk, his steps echoing in the silent hall. He picked up a crystal glass and filled it with whiskey, taking a sip before turning back to his beta. "The Crescent Moon Pack, you say. Interesting. But what would they gain by allying with us? We need something that gives them a reason to consider this alliance."

"We can offer protection, Kaiden. And resources," Marcus responded quickly. "Our territories still have riches they lack. And... maybe there's something else we can offer."

Kaiden looked at the beta, his eyes narrowing slightly with interest. "Go on."

"There are rumors that their Alpha, Dominic, is looking for a Luna." Marcus swallowed hard, waiting for any sign of approval on Kaiden's face. "Maybe... we could use that to our advantage since you have two daughters."

The Alpha narrowed his eyes for a moment, feeling anger burn in his chest. "This Alpha Dominic, is it Dominic Riviera?"

The beta only nodded, knowing from Kaiden's expression that it had been a terrible suggestion. A growl rose in the Alpha's throat, anticipating the wave of anger starting to consume his senses.

"Are you joking?" Alpha Kaiden asked with a slight smile, but when the beta nodded again, the anger took over completely. "I would never give Katherine to anyone! Much less someone from Riviera's pack!" The Alpha's roar made Marcus wish to retreat, but he held Kaiden's gaze, trying to maintain his composure in the face of his leader's fury.

The Alpha had a volatile temper, and any mistake could be costly. He could feel the chaotic energy building between them. Kaiden gripped the crystal glass so tightly it seemed about to shatter, his knuckles white. His anger, always lurking, surged fully at the mention of Dominic Riviera's name, stirring Kaiden's wolf.

"Give Katherine, you said?" he repeated, his voice low and dangerous. "You suggest I sacrifice my daughter to strengthen an alliance with that pack of traitors? Are you out of your mind, Marcus?"

Marcus lowered his head, aware that he had touched an extremely sensitive spot. "Sorry, Alpha. I was just trying to think of all the options."

Kaiden took a deep breath, trying to control the fury boiling inside him. Dominic Riviera and his pack were long-standing enemies, a constant source of conflict and resentment. The idea of allying with them was repulsive. He took another sip of whiskey, the amber liquid gleaming in the firelight. He knew Marcus's suggestion came not from disrespect but from desperation. However, the idea of giving Katherine, his eldest daughter, to a stranger, especially a rival Alpha, was inconceivable.

"I won't hand over my firstborn to that bloodthirsty lunatic. Dominic Riviera has a worse reputation than mine, and you know me!" he shouted. "Think of another plan."

The beta knew there weren't many options, but he had to do something. Alpha Kaiden couldn't leave his people in this situation, with the reports of dead and wounded growing ever larger. Marcus's son and even his wife had died protecting the people of the New Moon Pack.

"What about the other daughter?" Marcus asked hesitantly, almost whispering. "She's young and unmarried, isn't she?"

Kaiden froze in the middle of the room, his eyes narrowing at the beta. Natalie. She had always been the weaker of the Alpha's two daughters, without a wolf, without natural talent, a disgrace in the eyes of many in the pack. However, even though she was seen as an outcast, it was difficult for Kaiden to consider her a bargaining chip, for some reason he couldn't quite understand. "Natalie," Kaiden murmured as if savoring the name. "Do you think Dominic would accept an alliance if we offered him Natalie?"

"She might not have a wolf, but she's still your daughter," Marcus argued. "That would show good faith, and maybe, just maybe, Dominic would consider the offer."

Kaiden pondered for a while, his thoughts turning to his younger daughter. Natalie had always been a constant reminder of his failure as a father and Alpha. Perhaps sending her to the Crescent Moon Pack could ease some of that burden, and if Dominic accepted, it might mean a new opportunity for the pack to recover.

"Prepare the messengers," Kaiden finally ordered, his voice cold as ice. "We'll send a proposal of alliance to the Crescent Moon Pack. We offer protection, resources, and... Natalie."

Marcus nodded, relieved to have found a solution, even if it was a risky one. He knew Kaiden didn't make decisions lightly, and this could be the chance they needed to turn their luck around. Kaiden turned back to the window, watching the darkness overtaking the sky.

His so-hated daughter could be the sacrifice that ensured the survival of his people. She would finally have a purpose.