Chapter 10: His Pack for Safety

“You’ve got five minutes to decide, omega. After that, you’re on your own.”

Derek's tone was soft and tinged with caution, yet I sensed the impatience beneath it. He positioned himself by the cabin entrance, arms folded across his wide chest, observing me as if challenging me to reject his proposal. 

I gulped nervously. My body continued to hurt from my wounds, and my wolf whined at the idea of being abandoned once more. I had just managed to escape from Jared's men for the first time. If I departed now, I wouldn’t survive another trap. 

However, remaining with an Alpha such as Derek Blackthorn? 

That brought its dangers. 

The wolves of Redwater were brutal. Their regulations were severe. Their Leader? Even more severe. I had heard the gossip—about how he led with a firm hand, and how his pack prospered through power, not compassion. 

And still… he had rescued me. 

He wasn't required to. 

He might have abandoned me to die, or even worse, turned me over to Jared for a favour. However, he did not. 

That must have signified something. 

I inhaled slowly. "I will accompany you." 

Derek appeared unfazed. If anything, he appeared as though he had anticipated that response. Yet, there was a change in his gaze—like he was uncertain if returning me to his pack was wise. 

“Alright,” he replied roughly. “However, pay attention closely, omega.” I don't accept lost animals. “If you create issues, you’re done.” 

I acknowledged with a nod, disregarding the sharpness of the term stray. 

"Got it." 

He remained silent, simply pivoted on his heel and walked towards the door. "Attempt to stay in sync." 

The journey through the woods was harsh. 

My body remained frail from losing blood, and each step struck my limbs with a surge of pain. The forest ground was irregular, with roots protruding like concealed snares poised to stumble me. I tripped several times, biting my lip to suppress my cries. 

Derek did not reduce his speed. 

Failed to assist. 

However, he looked back each time I had trouble keeping pace. 

It’s not like he mentioned anything. 

The atmosphere surrounding us was heavy with quiet. 

We arrived at the first Redwater patrol just before nightfall. 

Two wolves appeared from the darkness, their piercing eyes fixing on Derek initially before shifting to me. Their nostrils widened. They instantly recognized what I was—an omega. A feeble, undesired intruder. 

One of them, a tall fighter with a sharp scar tracing his cheek, scowled. “Who is this?” 

"Not your business," Derek responded plainly. 

The warrior’s gaze wavered with doubt, yet he agreed. He didn't doubt his Alpha. 

That in itself revealed all I required to understand. Derek demanded unwavering loyalty. 

Without saying a word, the warriors moved to the side, letting us go by. 

I exhaled a breath I hadn’t noticed I was keeping in. 

As we neared the centre of Redwater's territory, the aroma of pack wolves permeated the atmosphere. Robust. Joined together. Strong. 

In contrast to Midnight Moon, where tensions and hierarchy were strictly upheld, Redwater wolves operated as a cohesive group. I could feel their power in the manner they patrolled—keen, orderly, relentless. 

After that, we arrived at the village. 

Redwater was more than a pack; it was a stronghold. 

In contrast to Jared’s pack, characterized by opulence and excess, Redwater’s settlement prioritized practicality—featuring stone and timber buildings, tall walls strengthened with sharpened stakes, and armed warriors throughout. 

And everyone looked at me. 

I sensed their stares pressing down on me, some laced with intrigue, others veiled in doubt. A couple of wolves whispered, glancing at Derek as if wondering why their Alpha had returned with an outsider. 

Derek overlooked them. 

He guided me directly to a sizable wooden cabin at the heart of the village. His residence. 

A woman was positioned at the entrance, her arms crossed. 

She was tall, with silver-streaked hair styled in a tight braid, and her sharp eyes conveyed an unspoken judgment. 

"Derek." 

Derek came to a halt before her. "Marla." 

I noticed the tension that existed between them. 

Her eyes darted towards me. "You brought back an omega?" 

Derek let out a quick breath, evidently uninterested in answering questions. “It’s not permanent.” 

Marla raised an eyebrow. "That’s what you mentioned regarding the previous one." 

I tensed up at that. The final one? 

Derek's jaw twitched. "I'll take care of it." 

Marla remained silent, yet an unspoken understanding was exchanged between them before she eventually moved aside. 

"Do whatever you prefer, Alpha." “However, the group will have inquiries.” 

Derek grumbled in reply and shoved the door ajar. “Within.” 

I hurried after, wanting to flee the scorching gazes from outside. 

Within the Alpha’s Residence 

The interior of the lodge met my expectations—simple yet sturdy. Deep timber beams, stone fireplaces, and pelts laid over robust furnishings. It had the scent of smoke and cedar—just like him. 

Derek gestured towards the opposite side of the room. "You will remain here." 

I faltered. "Are you allowing me to stay at your house?" 

His facial expression was difficult to interpret. “At this moment.” 

I was unsure how to interpret that. 

But just as I was about to speak, a loud knock echoed on the door. 

Derek exhaled deeply. “I anticipated this would happen.” 

He flung the door wide to uncover a tall, strong man with intense green eyes and a glare that could slay. 

“Derek,” the man remarked, his tone heavy with disapproval. "What on earth is an omega doing here?" 

Derek slouched against the doorframe, appearing uninterested. “Good to see you as well, Caleb.” 

Caleb’s eyes darted toward me, his nose crinkling a bit. 

“Omegas aren’t meant to be in Redwater,” he stated frankly. “Particularly not those being pursued by a different pack.” 

My stomach plummeted. 

Derek's eyes clouded over. “You listened.” 

Caleb crossed his arms. “Everyone knows.” Jared’s team was again prowling near the border. “They will return.” 

My chest became constricted. 

Derek did not react. "Allow them to approach." 

Caleb released a laugh devoid of humour. "Are you truly looking to initiate a conflict with Jared Whitmore because of an omega?" 

Derek clenched his jaw. "If he steps onto my property, he’s a goner." 

The words were delivered in such a tranquil manner. Absolutely. 

Caleb breathed out, massaging his forehead. “You aren't even sure if she’s worth the hassle.” 

I tensed up. 

Derek’s eyes momentarily shifted to me. "That decision isn't up to you." 

Caleb examined me for a brief moment more, then gave a shake of his head. "You’d better wish you understood what you’re doing." 

With that, he pivoted and strolled off. 

The quiet was prolonged. 

Derek closed the door and faced me. 

"Now you're part of my pack," he stated plainly. "This implies you adhere to my guidelines." 

I gulped heavily. "And what if I don't?" 

His lips formed a shape that resembled a smile but wasn't entirely one. 

“Then I return you to the wolves.” 

A chill crept down my spine. 

I had escaped Jared.

But Derek Blackthorn?

I wasn’t sure if I’d escaped danger—

Or just walked into something worse.