Rejected by the Beta, Claimed by the Alpha

Chapter 212: Chapter 212

The morning light poured in gently through the open windows of alpha Theo’s study, but Alpha Theo’s mind was far from calm.

The events of the previous day still echoed in his head, Mona stepping down, Derrick’s dramatic entrance, and the silent war of stares that followed.

Nothing about the situation sat well with him. It felt too easy... too planned.

He sat behind his desk, elbows resting on the polished wood, fingers steepled beneath his chin.

His eyes were fixed on the flames flickering in the small hearth, but his mind was on something else entirely.

*Derrick didn’t return just to reclaim a seat... He’s aiming higher. This is more than a comeback, it’s a takeover.* Theo thought.

Kimberly entered the room quietly, a thick brown leather-bound book in her hand.

She looked tired but strong. Theo glanced up and offered her a faint smile.

"I didn’t sleep much," he said. "Too many pieces on the board, and I can’t see the whole picture yet."

Kimberly placed the book on the table and sat beside him. "That’s because someone’s hiding their hand. And I think it’s Derrick."

Theo nodded slowly. "I know. And I’m not going to let him blindside me. I’ve made the decision, we’ll leave for Africa by tomorrow."

Kimberly looked at him with curiosity. "Are we ready for that? Leaving now, while Derrick’s planting his roots again?"

"That’s why we need eyes here. Constant, sharp eyes. Someone who can’t be fooled by Derrick’s charm or scared by his threats."

Theo picked up the black communicator beside him and pressed the call button. "Elijah. Come to my study. It’s urgent."

Within a few minutes, Elijah entered, dressed in a fitted dark uniform, his demeanor alert as always.

"You called, Alpha?"

Theo stood, walked around the desk, and faced Elijah directly. His tone shifted into a more commanding one.

"Elijah, I trust no one else more than I trust you. Kimberly and I will be gone for a while.

Africa holds answers we can’t ignore anymore. But while we’re away..." Theo stepped closer, his eyes narrowing.

"You will keep watch on Derrick. Every move. Every word. Every meeting. Nothing goes unnoticed."

Elijah straightened, his chest rising with resolve. "Yes, Alpha. I’ll track his movements personally."

"Good." Theo looked over at Kimberly. "We believe he’s not alone. There are others working with him.

Possibly from outside his own pack. You are to identify any new faces near him. Unknown wolves. Strange energy. Anything suspicious."

"I understand. He’s back for more than just power, isn’t he?" Elijah asked.

Theo nodded. "He wants to unseat me. And if he senses we’re off balance, he’ll strike faster than expected. You need to be our eyes and ears."

Kimberly stepped forward, her voice softer but just as firm.

"And Elijah, watch Mona too. She’s no longer Alpha, but that doesn’t make her harmless."

tabs on

placed a strong hand on Elijah’s shoulder. "I trust you with everything. Keep

drifted back to the fireplace. The flames were now lower, but

"One moment it gives warmth, the

a hand gently over his. "But it’s not the fire that chooses, it’s the hand

★★★

private estate cloaked in thick forest and secrecy,

not ordinary men. Their presence

tall, bald, and wearing a dark cloak, stepped forward. His eyes glowed with a

Derrick," the man said, his

don’t fear the crown... or the moon goddess,"

room was dimly lit, the shadows

Mona watched from a distance, unsure

she knew they weren’t from the pack. Their

man said.

will fall. But not through brute force... through something

to the center of the

I cornered him in the dream realm, he held

man. "But everyone has a

"His weakness is loyalty. Love. And belief in fair play. I don’t have

you sure this is the path you want to take, Derrick? These men

done playing by the rules of our world. Theo had his time. Now

at the strange men again, sensing something darker than

get what you want, Derrick... but at what cost?* Mona silently thought

men whispered something in an ancient language. A thick, cold wind

will break the Alpha King,"

not intervene when the balance

a dangerous glint in his eyes.

finished packing

they

in place," Elijah said. "I’ll be in the shadows.

into his coat pocket and handed Elijah a sealed envelope. "If

hesitated. "I

not," Theo

Elijah a brief hug. "Take care

"I will."

sendoff. Just two leaders carrying

the balcony of his temporary

strange men had gone, for now. But he could feel their presence

Mona joined him silently.

Theo suspects?"

didn’t look at her. "He’s not stupid. But he’s still too noble. That’ll be his

if he fights harder than

"Then we crush

moment, then said, "You’ve

I won’t just be Alpha. I will be the last Alpha anyone dares

one of the cloaked men moved like

Theo’s