Rejected by the Beta, Claimed by the Alpha

Chapter 189: Chapter 189

Later that night, Derrick paced in his chambers, his mind racing. Mona watched him, her expression unreadable.

"You’re doing the right thing," she said softly, but her words felt like daggers. "Trust me. When you return, you’ll be unstoppable."

He stopped and looked at her. "And what about you? Will you wait for me? Or will you grow comfortable on the throne while I rot in exile?"

Mona’s lips curled into a sly smile. "You doubt me, my love? I’m doing this for us.

You’ll return stronger than ever. No one will stand in your way."

Derrick wanted to believe her. But the seeds of doubt had already taken root.

The next morning, Katherina gathered them all in a darkened chamber.

The old witches stood in a circle, chanting softly. Katherina turned to Derrick.

"When the moon is high tonight, you will leave. The spell will bind you to exile. Break it, and death will follow."

Derrick nodded. "I understand."

As night fell, Derrick stood at the edge of the forest, looking back at his pack one last time.

Mona stood beside Katherina, her face a mask of calm. "I’ll be back," he promised.

Mona only smiled. "I know."

And then he was gone.

In the days that followed, chaos brewed. News of Derrick’s exile spread through the packs like wildfire.

Some saw it as a sign of weakness; others whispered of a dark plot.

Meanwhile, Kimberly and Theo prepared for their coronation, but the shadows of Derrick’s betrayal and Katherina’s schemes loomed over them.

On the eve of the coronation, Kimberly sat alone in her chambers, staring into the flames of the hearth. Theo found her there, silent and still.

"You’re thinking about him," Theo said softly.

Kimberly looked up. "I can’t shake the feeling that this isn’t over. Derrick may be gone, but his shadow lingers."

Theo sat beside her, taking her hand in his. "Whatever comes, we’ll face it together."

The next day, as the sun dipped low on the horizon, the packs gathered for the coronation.

The great hall was filled with whispers and anticipation. The Supreme Chief Priest stood at the altar, waiting.

the doors burst open. Katherina strode in, flanked by the old witches. Mona was at

not happen," Katherina declared, her voice echoing through

king is

"You’re

may have survived the trials, but the

the witches began to chant, and the

a cold hand

Her eyes burned with blue light, and she raised her hands,

and

her, his own power

as

and her witches vanished into the

Chief Priest

been banished for now. Let

knelt before him, the

Moon Goddess, I crown

erupted into cheers, but Kimberly and Theo exchanged a look.

Derrick watched the

he whispered. "And when I am, they will all

somewhere in the

★★★

save for the soft

of the coronation and the chaos of

the dim moonlight. She studied his face for a moment before

truthfully... Do you think Derrick ran away because he was scared and defeated?" Her

ceiling, his mind racing. Finally, he turned to face her, his expression

"No," he admitted.

to run because he’s scared. I know him. He’s planning

he’ll return... that’s the real question." He paused, reaching out

we’ll face it together. We’re

just wish we could have peace... that nothing would trouble

you, no matter what, we’ll never be defeated as long as we stay

the head that wears the crown, but our bond makes us

soothe her fears,

to the sound of

not to wake Kimberly. When he saw Alpha Darwin’s name on the screen,

answered, but the voice on the

need

Darwin... we don’t know what’s happening to him. He asked to see you.

reply. Heart pounding, he turned to find Kimberly already awake, her

get to Alpha Darwin’s place," Theo said,

"I know.