Alpha Derrick stord into his pack house, his boots echoing against the polished marble floor.
Fury burned in his veins as he paced back and forth in the grand living room, his breathing heavy, his fists clenched.
His mind was clouded with anger, frustration, and—though he would never admit it—doubt.
His n stood before him, tense and silent, their eyes fixed on the floor.
Among them, Mark was kneeling, trembling slightly. Sweat dripped down his forehead as he avoided Derrick’s fiery gaze.
Derrick stopped pacing abruptly, his eyes boring into Mark like daggers.
"Mark," he said, his voice dangerously calm. "I believe you have a lot of explaining to do... Start talking."
Mark swallowed hard, his mouth opening slightly, but no words ca out. Fear paralyzed him.
Derrick’s patience snapped. "What’s wrong? Did you suddenly go deaf and dumb?" he barked, stepping closer. "I asked you a question, Mark!"
Mark flinched. "I—I’m very sorry, Alpha," he stamred. "It’s just that I was so sure... I saw Kimberly with Alpha Theo, I swear on my life!"
Derrick’s jaw tightened. His instincts told him Mark wasn’t lying, but that only deepened the problem.
If Kimberly was with Theo, how had she disappeared before their search?
His eyes darted across the room, scanning his n one by one. "So tell , Mark," he continued coldly,
"why didn’t we find her? And more importantly, who warned Theo that we were coming?"
Silence.
No one moved. No one spoke. They all knew better than to say the wrong thing when Derrick was in this state.
Derrick exhaled sharply, his nostrils flaring. His patience had run thin. "Everybody, get out," he ordered, his voice low but firm. "I want to be left alone."
The n exchanged glances before filing out quickly with their heads bowed, eager to escape the weight of his rage.
But just as Mark turned to leave, Derrick’s voice rang out again.
"Mark, stay back."
Mark froze in place. A shudder ran down his spine as he turned back around, swallowing hard.
Derrick eyed him carefully, his expression unreadable.
"You will take your n and every resource you need.
I don’t care how you do it, but you will bring valuable information on Kimberly and Theo." His voice dropped, laced with quiet nace.
"Fail again, and you will not live to apologize."
Mark bowed deeply. "Yes, Alpha. I won’t fail you this ti." He turned swiftly and disappeared through the doorway.
Finally alone, Derrick clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles turned white. His mind raced.
*Soone tipped Theo off. Soone inside my own pack.*
*Who could it be? Could it be Mona?
No, she won’t go that far.
Or, could those Kimberly’s friends be the one? I believe those three witches wouldn’t dare try that with *
His stomach twisted at the thought. He prided himself on his control, his dominance—but now, he felt a crack in his fortress.
*Is there a traitor among my n?*
He didn’t get much ti to dwell on the thought before the sound of approaching footsteps snapped him out of his thoughts.
He turned sharply, only to see Mona entering the living room.
She moved with an air of superiority, her dark eyes glinting with amusent.
She wore a silk robe, her hair cascading down her shoulders in loose waves. As she reached the couch opposite him, she sat down gracefully, crossing her legs.
A smirk tugged at her lips. "Well, well, well," she drawled, her voice thick with mockery.
"The mighty Alpha Derrick... reduced to pacing and brooding like a lost wolf."
Her words sliced through him like a blade. His jaw tightened, but he refused to show weakness.
He exhaled slowly, controlling his anger. "Mona, what do you want?" he asked, his voice asured. Then his gaze hardened.
"Or are you finally ready to admit that you wanted Kimberly dead?"
Mona tilted her head, her smirk deepening.
"You never cease to amuse , Derrick." She leaned forward slightly, her eyes locked onto his.
"But tell sothing... Let’s assu for a mont that I did want Kimberly gone—for reasons that we both know—why does that bother you so much?"
Derrick’s expression didn’t change, but his silence spoke volus.
Mona chuckled, shaking her head. "Ah, I see," she said knowingly.
"You don’t want to answer, do you? Because the truth is... she’s important to you. But why? What makes her so special?"
Derrick’s fingers twitched at his sides, his temper rising.
*Mona cannot be trusted. She’s trying to provoke . She wants information... but she won’t get it.* Derrick thought to himself, as he had an unreadable expression on his face.
Instead of responding, he turned away, his body tense with restrained fury.
Mona let out a low, amused hum. "You’re thinking about Theo, aren’t you?" she mused, tapping a manicured finger against her knee. "About the search coin."
Derrick’s shoulders stiffened.
She laughed softly. "Ah, I knew it. You’re more worried about what Theo will use that coin for than about Kimberly herself." She shook her head in mock disappointnt.
"That’s what makes you so... predictable."
Derrick turned to face her, his eyes blazing with anger.
Mona t his glare with cool confidence. "I rember when you were feared, Derrick," she said, her voice suddenly serious.
"When your enemies cowered at the re ntion of your na. But now?" She exhaled dramatically. "You’re too caught up in your emotions. You’re losing your edge."
His hands clenched at his sides, every muscle in his body tight with restraint.
*She’s taunting . She wants a reaction.*
But he wouldn’t give her the satisfaction.
Without another word, he turned on his heel and stord out of the living room, his steps heavy with anger.
Mona’s smirk never wavered as she watched him leave.
"Try to think like the Alpha Derrick I used to know," she called after him, her voice dripping with false concern. "Maybe then, you’ll stop being so... pathetic."
Derrick didn’t stop. Didn’t look back.
But inside, his fury burned hotter than ever...
★★★
Alpha Theo sat in one of the rooms in his pack house, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the wooden desk.
His sharp gaze was fixed on Elijah, who stood before him with a mixture of curiosity and concern.
"So, Alpha," Elijah began, his brows furrowed, "you an it was Alpha Derrick’s sister who warned you that they were coming here?" His voice held a tinge of disbelief.
Theo nodded, his expression unreadable.
Elijah let out a low whistle. "I didn’t see that coming." He paused, then asked,
"But why was your phone off when I tried calling? I was worried sothing had happened to you."
Theo leaned back in his chair, a small smirk playing at the corner of his lips.
"I switched it off on purpose," he admitted.
"I knew you’d try to contact , and if Derrick’s n were watching, any sudden movents or calls could have raised suspicion. I needed everything to play out naturally."
Elijah exhaled deeply, nodding in understanding. "That was risky, Alpha."
Theo’s eyes darkened slightly. "Risky, but necessary." He leaned forward, clasping his hands together.
"From now on, I’ll move alone. You and the others must stay vigilant. Keep an eye on everything—especially for any prying eyes.
Derrick won’t make another mistake. He’ll be watching, waiting for the smallest slip."
Elijah straightened his posture. "Yes, Alpha. I swear, I and the boys will do everything within our power to protect you and Kimberly." His voice carried unwavering loyalty.
Theo studied him for a mont before nodding in approval. "Good." Then, with a small hand gesture, he dismissed him.
Elijah bowed slightly before turning on his heel and exiting the office, leaving Theo alone with his thoughts.
As soon as the door shut behind him, Theo reached into his pocket, pulling out the search coin.
The small, ancient-looking dallion glead under the dim light. He rolled it between his fingers, his jaw tightening.
*What exactly should I use this for?*
His first instinct was to demand Kimberly’s official freedom. But the mont he thought about it, he shook his head.
*No. That would be too predictable. And worse—it would confirm Derrick’s suspicions that I took her.*
Derrick wasn’t an idiot. He was ruthless, relentless, and dangerously cunning.
If Theo made the wrong move, Derrick would catch onto his plans in no ti.
Theo clenched his jaw. *I can’t afford to make a mistake. Kimberly’s safety depends on it.*
Before he could dwell further, his phone buzzed loudly, snapping him from his thoughts.
Without hesitation, he answered. "Elena, are you with Kimberly now?" His voice was calm, but there was an underlying urgency in his tone.
"Yes," Elena confird. Then, after a brief pause, she asked, "How did it go over there?"
Theo exhaled, rubbing his temple. "Everything went as planned. Derrick didn’t find anything."
"Good," Elena said in relief. "Do you want to talk to her?"
"Yes, put her on."
A few seconds later, a familiar soft voice filled the line. "Theo?"
Theo smiled instinctively. "Kimberly. Are you alright? How are you coping with the temple for now?"
The concern in his voice was evident, and Kimberly seed to pick up on it.
"You should be asking about yourself," she replied, her voice laced with worry.
"Are you okay? They didn’t do anything to you, right?"
Theo chuckled lightly. "I’m fine, Kimberly. You worry too much."
"You can’t bla for that," she muttered. Then, after a brief silence, her tone turned more determined.
"I need to learn fast. I need to beco strong enough to protect you and everyone I love."
Theo’s smile softened. "I trust you, Kimberly. And I know you’ll beco everything you’re ant to be."
There was a slight pause on the line before Kimberly asked, almost hesitantly, "Will I see you tonight?"
Theo’s expression darkened slightly. "No," he said firmly. "It’s too dangerous. I’m sure Derrick’s n are watching closely now.
I can’t risk leading them to you. But don’t worry—I’ll be with you tomorrow morning."
Kimberly let out a small sigh but didn’t argue. "Alright. Just... be careful, okay?"
"I will," Theo reassured her. "Take care, Kimberly."
"You too, Theo."
With that, the call ended.
Theo slowly placed his phone down, his mind racing.
*I need to act fast. Derrick won’t stop. He’s probably already working on his next move.*
He clenched his fists. *Kimberly needs to be safe. No matter what it takes.*
With renewed determination burning in his eyes, Alpha Theo stood up and made his way to his study, ready to plan his next move...
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