CHAPTER 55

CHAPTER 55
DERRICK'S POV

Ever since the last time I met with Marissa and after what my sister, Elena had told me about her, all I had wanted was to claim her back.



As I sat in my office, a sense of unease gnawed at me. My thoughts constantly drifted back to her. I couldn't shake the feeling that I had made a monumental mistake when I rejected her, her rightful place was by my side and I was determined to make her mine again.




In a fit of frustration, I had sent one of my most trusted men to watch her closely, and to report to me everything she did. I needed to know her every move, to know how I could get her back.



A few days later, Bryson returned with unsettling news.
"Alpha Derrick," he began, his voice laced with urgency, "As you have ordered, I have been monitoring Marissa every movement and I commend her for being a very strong person. Recently, she was sent on a mission and unfortunately, she got shot with a wolfsbane weapon and has been unconscious,” He reported.




Worry clenched my heart and my wolf also felt the same. I wanted to see her, to ensure she was alright.
“Take me to her, I want to see her,” I ordered, my voice a bit shaky.



“You can't Alpha. Her mate, Raul, hasn't left her side since she fell unconscious, going there will only cause trouble," He responded and I felt a surge of jealousy coarse through me.




I'm supposed to be the one taking care of her. I really wish I could see her with my eyes, maybe my heart will feel a little at ease but Raul’s presence made that impossible.




The days dragged on, filled with updates about her condition and When I finally heard she had regained consciousness, relief washed over me, but it was bittersweet because I still couldn’t see her.




Then one afternoon, Bryson came with the news that shattered me. He said Raul is organizing a coronation and Marissa was being appointed as his Luna.




The thought of her by Raul's side, the thought of losing her forever, filled me with a deep, burning anguish. Desperation clawed at me. I wanted to stop it, to do anything to keep her from becoming Raul’s Luna.




I even entertained the idea of kidnapping her by confining in Ethan, my beta. But he talked me out of it. "It’s a bad idea, Alpha. It’ll only make things worse.”




Though I wasn’t invited to the coronation, I managed to obtain an invitation through my contacts. I needed to see her, to witness this union that was breaking my heart.




I walked into the decorated hall and did everything to avoid Raul. When the ceremony began, some formal introductions were done before they announced the arrival of Marissa.




My heart stopped beating when she stepped into the hall, and my breath hitched.





She looked so stunning, so radiant, it was almost unbearable. Every part of me wanted to make her mine, but with the crowd around, I had to restrain myself.




As the ceremony proceeded, I watched in despair as they said their vows and marked each other.





My wolf whimpered within me, and I felt the sting of a connection I had severed. Despite rejecting her, a part of me still yearned for her.





I kept a close eye on her every move, watching as Raul introduced her to other Alphas and Lunas. Even though Raul’s pack had turned rogue, they still maintained strong alliances and power. It was something commendable.





It didn't take long when I saw Marissa excuse herself and walk to the refreshment table. She picked up a drink and gulped it down, clearly exhausted. Seeing her alone, I seized the opportunity to approach her.




She was massaging her swollen ankle, her eyes closed.




“Luna Marissa,” I called out teasingly, and she opened her eyes and looked at me, her expression a mix of surprise and annoyance. She looked different, more confident and poised than the naive girl I had once known.




“Derrick,” she said, her voice steady. Hearing her say my name sent a pang through my heart. “What are you doing here?”




“What do you mean by what am I doing here? I heard you were being crowned Luna so I came to see for myself, to see the woman I rejected being claimed by another,” I responded, trying to mask my emotions with nonchalance.





“I don’t know what your aim is for coming here, Derrick, and I don’t want to know. Please just leave,” she said, her voice filled with anger, leaving no room for me to feel welcome. Seems she hates me.




I took a step closer, leaning in. “You don’t deserve to be Luna to a rogue pack. Come to me and I will treat you better,” I said, my voice low and coaxing.




She scoffed, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “I’m sorry to reject your offer, Derrick, and thank you. I’m happy right here, where I was accepted even when I was worth nothing.”




Her words stung. I was the one who had rejected her when she needed acceptance the most. I was about to respond when Raul suddenly appeared by her side, his hand slipping protectively around her waist.




“Is there a problem here?” he asked, his voice calm but carrying a warning.




“We were just catching up on old times. Just reminding her that my arms are open to her whenever she is ready to come back to me,” I said, hoping to provoke him and it worked.



He snarled at me, gripping Marissa tighter. “Mind your words, Alpha Derrick. Marissa is my Luna now. Whatever relationship you had with her is in the past,” He said in gritted teeth.



He still growled at me, gaining the attention of the people around us.
I clenched my jaw, anger bubbling up. Who did he think he was? But as I looked around, I noticed we had drawn everyone's attention.




Murmurs filled the air, and I couldn’t afford to lose my composure in front of so many prestigious figures.



“Congratulations once again, Alpha, Luna,” I said, masking my anger, and walked away.




As I moved through the crowd, I accidentally bumped shoulders with someone.




“Sorry,” I mumbled, smirking when I saw who it was. It was Alpha Mason, Marissa’s father. He didn’t seem to notice me and just walked away. I was glad he didn't because he might cause a scene with me.



A sense of satisfaction filled me as I realized my plan had worked. Since I couldn’t have Marissa, I would destroy her happiness, and her father was my key to that.




I had secretly sent one of my men to send information to him about Marissa’s whereabouts, knowing fully well that he would come looking for her.



“Just wait, Marissa. I will get you back. If not for anything, then for the power you possess,” I muttered to myself with a smug look.




I didn’t need to stay and see the drama unfold; I had already seen the fear in Marissa’s eyes when she spotted her father.



As I left the ceremony, I felt a twisted sense of triumph. It was only a matter of time before my plan unfolded. Marissa’s happiness would crumble, and she would realize that she belonged with me.