Alpha Derrick's POV
I sat on my bed, a smirk of satisfaction on my face. Tonight, I'd made the best decision ever by rejecting Kimberly Fray.
Thanks to Mona's help, Alpha Darwin would struggle to hold onto his position now that his first daughter had been rejected.
With no one to challenge me, I would ensure that I stayed the most feared Alpha in the whole city.
I chuckled softly, feeling proud of all I'd accomplished since becoming the Alpha of the Night Walkers.
My father passed away seven years ago, but his legacy continued through me. He always wanted our pack to be the strongest, and that's exactly what I intended to uphold.
No other pack would ever dominate us. We would remain at the top, and the Night Walkers would continue to instill fear in other packs.
As I reveled in my thoughts, I was interrupted by a knock on the door.
"Sorry to disturb you, my lord. Someone from the neighboring city is here to see you," a voice said timidly.
It was Jackson, one of my most loyal followers. He stood with his head bowed, not daring to look me in the eyes.
"Who is it?" I asked, barely looking up.
"It's Oliver, my lord," Jackson replied.
Oliver was the son of Alpha Kelly from the Lock's Heart Pack. He had pledged his loyalty to me, seeking my help to overthrow his father and claim the Alpha title for himself.
"Tell him I'll be there in a moment," I ordered.
Jackson nodded and left the room. I stood up, straightened my black shirt, and made my way to the pack house's waiting room.
As I entered, Oliver and everyone else in the room bowed their heads in respect. I glanced around before focusing on Oliver.
"How's everything at Lock's Heart?" I asked directly.
"All according to plan, my lord," Oliver said, his voice laced with determination. "After the next full moon, you can attack our pack and kill my father."
"You seem eager," I noted, raising an eyebrow.
"I am. My father is too weak to lead us any longer. It's time for new leadership before someone else takes over," Oliver declared with a bitter edge.
"Good. But remember, I'm only helping you because it benefits me," I reminded him.
"Of course, my lord. I won't forget your generosity," Oliver responded, bowing his head.
"You can go now," I said, dismissing him with a wave.
Oliver quickly turned and left the room. As soon as he was gone, Jackson approached me cautiously.
"My lord, are you sure about helping Oliver? He's willing to kill his own father for power. He could betray you too," Jackson warned.
"Don't worry, Jackson." I smirked. "As soon as Oliver takes the Alpha position, I'll handle him. He won't get the chance to betray me."
Jackson looked relieved but still a bit uneasy. "As you wish, my lord."
"Prepare for the chaos after my engagement in three days," I said with a sinister grin.
"Alright, my Lord."
As I watched Jackson stand up to leave, my mind drifted back to my plans. Everything was falling into place.
The Night Walkers would soon be the most feared pack in the city, and with Alpha Darwin weakened, no one would stand in my way.
I could almost taste the power that lay ahead.
But then, Jackson hesitated, lingering in the doorway, his brows furrowed as if he had more to say. I noticed the tension in his stance and the way his eyes darted around nervously.
"Speak, Jackson. What's on your mind?" I asked, my voice sharp with impatience.
He swallowed hard and stepped closer, lowering his voice. "My lord, there's something else. A rumor."
"A rumor?" I repeated, my curiosity piqued. I leaned forward slightly, indicating he should continue.
Jackson nodded, glancing around to make sure no one else was listening.
"Yes, my lord. There's talk that the Alpha King... the one who vanished ten years ago... he's back."
For a moment, I just stared at him, my mind processing the words. The Alpha King? Back?
The very idea sent a cold chill down my spine, but I kept my expression neutral, refusing to show any weakness.
I couldn't afford to appear shaken in front of Jackson or anyone else.
The Alpha King was not someone to take lightly. He had been the strongest, the most powerful leader before he disappeared. If he truly was back, he could pose a serious threat to everything I'd built.
"Where did you hear this?" I demanded.
"It's just whispers, my lord," Jackson said quickly, sensing my unease.
"Nobody knows where he is, or if it's even true. But the rumor is spreading fast. Some say he's here, in the city, hiding in plain sight."
My jaw tightened as I considered the implications. If the Alpha King was indeed back, he could challenge my authority, possibly even unite the packs against me.
The fragile alliances I'd formed could even crumble in an instant.
Fear flickered in my chest, a cold and unwelcome feeling that I hadn't experienced in years.
I clenched my fists, pushing the fear down. I was Alpha Derrick, leader of the Night Walkers, the most feared Alpha in the city. I couldn't afford to let this shake me.
But, the Alpha King was a legend, a force to be reckoned with. I had no illusions about my own strength; I was ruthless, cunning, but the Alpha King? He was on another level entirely.
If he decided to take back his throne, what would that mean for me? For my pack? I could see it all slipping away, years of work and bloodshed undone by the return of one man.
A man whose mere name could send packs scattering like frightened sheep.
I stood there, staring at the wall, my mind racing with different possibilities. Why return now, after all these years? Was he planning to take back his power, or was this just some ploy?
I turned back to Jackson, masking my inner turmoil with a cold gaze.
"I want you to find him," I ordered, my voice firm despite the turmoil roiling inside me.
"I don't care how many ears you have to pull, or how many shadows you have to scour. Find out where he is before my engagement to Mona."
"Yes, my lord. I'll get on it right away." Jackson nodded, though I could see the unease in his eyes.
As he left, I sat back down on my throne, staring blankly ahead. I couldn't let this distract me, not now. Not with so much at stake.
But the fear remained, clawing at the edges of my resolve.
I clenched my jaw, my mind racing with thoughts of what I would do if the rumors were true.
The Alpha King was the one person I'd never anticipated returning. I had built my empire in the shadow of his absence, and now, with him back, everything felt precariously balanced on the edge of a knife.
"Three days," I muttered to myself, trying to steady my nerves. "I have three days to find him and ensure he stays out of my way."
The engagement to Mona was meant to solidify my position, to bring the Night Walkers and the MoonStone pack closer together, ensuring that no one could challenge me in particular.
But with the Alpha King back in the picture, even that alliance might not be enough.
I couldn't let anyone see the doubt that was now creeping into my mind. Not Jackson, not Mona, not any of my followers.
To them, I was invincible, unshakeable. I needed to keep it that way. The Night Walkers would not bow to anyone, not even the Alpha King.
I clenched my fists until my knuckles turned white.
I would not be dethroned by a ghost from the past. I would find him. I would crush him. And if it came down to it, I would kill the Alpha King myself and take his title!
Three days. That's all I had. Three days to find him and secure my future...