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."

I’ll keep close tabs on both of

on Elijah’s shoulder. "I trust

Elijah exited, Theo’s gaze drifted back to the fireplace. The flames were now lower, but still

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

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

★★★

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

ordinary men. Their presence was

bald, and wearing a dark cloak, stepped forward.

Derrick," the man said, his

allies who don’t fear the crown... or the moon goddess," Derrick replied

lit, the shadows dancing

from a distance, unsure

from the pack. Their energy

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

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

to the

when I cornered him in the dream realm, he held his

the bald man.

over his shoulder. "His weakness is loyalty. Love. And belief

to take, Derrick? These men don’t belong in our world. They are something

playing by the rules of our world.

the strange men again, sensing something darker than even Derrick was

might get what you want, Derrick... but at

in an ancient language. A thick, cold wind swept through

will break the Alpha

not intervene when the balance has already

a dangerous glint in

Theo and Kimberly finished packing the final items for

heavier than usual. As they stood in the hallway,

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

Elijah a sealed envelope. "If anything happens

hesitated. "I

hope not,"

brief hug. "Take care of our people.

"I will."

leaders carrying the

that night, Derrick stood on the balcony of

But he could feel their

Mona joined him silently.

think Theo suspects?"

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

what if he fights harder than

smirked. "Then we crush harder than

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

Survival. And legacy. I won’t just be Alpha. I will be the last Alpha

the balcony, in the woods, one of the cloaked men moved

Alpha Theo’s