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 both of

Elijah’s shoulder. "I trust

drifted back to the fireplace. The flames

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

not

★★★

far side of the territory, deep in a private estate cloaked

were not ordinary men. Their presence

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

Alpha Derrick," the man

the crown... or the

was dimly lit, the shadows dancing across

Derrick, Mona watched from a distance, unsure of

from the pack.

us," another man said. His voice was laced with

not through brute force...

walked to the center

cornered him in the dream realm,

the bald man.

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

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

her slowly. "Mona... I’m done playing by the rules of

again, sensing something darker

might get what you want, Derrick... but

A thick, cold wind swept through the room despite the

will break the Alpha King," he

moon goddess will not intervene when

nodded, a dangerous glint in

packing

usual. As they stood in the hallway, Elijah approached once

place," Elijah said. "I’ll be in the shadows. And I won’t let you

Elijah a sealed envelope. "If anything happens to us...

"I won’t

not," Theo

Elijah a brief hug. "Take care of our

"I will."

No grand sendoff. Just two leaders carrying

stood on the balcony of

gone, for now. But he could feel their presence

Mona joined him silently.

think Theo suspects?"

"He’s not stupid. But he’s

what if he fights

we crush harder than

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

I won’t

the cloaked men

Alpha Theo’s Pack