Rejected by the Beta, Claimed by the Alpha

Chapter 209: Chapter 209

"Derrick, what are you doing here? And... are you finally back home?" Mona asked softly, her face calm and strangely warm.

Derrick stood still, blinking slowly as he watched her.

*What game is Mona playing now?* he wondered.

*She doesn’t look angry. She doesn’t even look surprised. Is she really happy to see me?* With an unreadable facial expression, Derrick thought.

He tilted his head slightly, reading her like a book, though a few pages still seemed blurred.

"That’s not the kind of question my beloved wife would ask me if she truly meant it," he said slowly, stepping closer.

His eyes locked on hers. "What are you up to, Mona?"

Mona’s lips curled slightly, not a smirk, not quite a smile.

"I can lie and manipulate many people. I’ve done it easily," she said in a calm voice.

"But it doesn’t work with you. You know me too well, Derrick. You always could read between my words... even when I didn’t speak."

She paused, lowering her eyes for just a second.

*Make him feel needed. Make him feel important. That’s all he ever wanted. If I do that... I’ll get what I need,* Mona thought.

Derrick’s stare darkened.

"What exactly do you want?" His voice was firmer now, colder and sharp like ice.

She looked up at him again, this time with what looked like honesty.

"I want you to return. Take back your seat as alpha. I’ll be your Luna again. I won’t fight you anymore."

"Together, we were untouchable and no one dare come against us, but everything started falling apart when we stopped having each other’s back." Mona said with a hint of sincerity and concern in her voice.

That shocked Derrick for a moment. He didn’t show it, but Mona saw the flicker in his eyes.

He quickly straightened his stance, bringing back his aura of control.

days ago, you wanted me gone for good," he said with a dangerous

and your precious council were cooking up schemes

me? Mona... you honestly expect me

try deceiving

and stepped a little

proud. Maybe I got ahead of myself. But the truth is..." She

you. I always have. And the pack... they need you

soft, sincere, almost vulnerable hit him deeper

just stared into her,

I need to

the weight of his

say anything? Is he

down briefly before

don’t plan to stay," she asked carefully,

came to check on things. That’s all," Derrick replied. His tone was cold and flat, like he had buried all

seen enough," he

echoed from a short distance. A group of guards patrolling the area had

you? Reveal yourself now!" Alvin

slowly turned his head toward the sound, a sly, dangerous smile forming on his

revealed his

and he dropped to his

I didn’t know it was you.

he

I hate the most...* Mona thought bitterly, watching the scene

so afraid of him.

breath, then walked over

men can

shock, then quickly bowed again and left

turned to her

home?" he asked, his voice

Mona didn’t back down.

I want you back. Not as my enemy, but

made people tremble with just a stare. I want him back.

like vines. They weren’t just sweet, there was desperation hidden behind each syllable. He heard it.