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."

close tabs on

a strong hand on Elijah’s shoulder. "I trust

Theo’s gaze drifted back to the fireplace. The flames were

behaves," Theo murmured. "One moment it gives warmth, the next, it burns

his. "But it’s not the fire that chooses,

★★★

deep in a private estate cloaked in thick forest and secrecy, Derrick stood

not ordinary men. Their presence was

and wearing a dark cloak,

man said, his voice

fear the crown... or the moon

room was dimly lit, the shadows dancing

watched from a distance,

she knew they weren’t from the pack. Their

right to call us," another man said. His voice was laced

king crown will fall. But not through brute force... through something far

the center

cornered him in

said the bald man. "But everyone has a

"His weakness is loyalty. Love.

sure this is the path you want to take, Derrick? These men don’t belong in our world. They are something

turned to her slowly. "Mona... I’m done playing by the rules of our world. Theo had his time. Now

strange men again, sensing something darker than even Derrick was willing to

but at what cost?*

something in an ancient language. A thick,

will break the Alpha

not intervene

in his

finished packing the final items for their

pack premises felt heavier than usual. As they stood in the hallway, Elijah approached once

said. "I’ll be in

coat pocket and handed Elijah a sealed envelope. "If anything happens to us...

hesitated. "I won’t

hope not," Theo

she gave Elijah a brief hug. "Take care of

"I will."

leaders carrying the weight of

night, Derrick stood on the balcony of his temporary estate, overlooking

now. But he could feel their

Mona joined him silently.

Theo suspects?" she

not stupid. But he’s still too noble.

if he fights

smirked. "Then we crush

a moment, then said, "You’ve changed, Derrick. This isn’t just about

"It’s about control. Survival. And legacy. I won’t just

the woods, one of the cloaked men moved

Alpha Theo’s