Chapter 210

WREN

I woke up early the next morning, the nerves already twisting in my stomach. Today was the day I would meet Derek, and even though Cassian had agreed to let me handle it, he hadn’t stopped giving me reminders since dawn.

I was fastening the last button on my blouse when Cassian leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, watching me with a mix of worry and frustration.

“Make sure you don’t let him get under your skin,” he said. “He’ll try. That’s what Derek does, he pushes buttons.”

I glanced at him over my shoulder. “You mean like you?”

Cassian let out a low growl. “Don’t compare me to him. He’s not me.”

I smirked faintly, even though my stomach felt like lead. “Relax. I’m just teasing.” I slipped my shoes on and smoothed my hair back. “I’ll be fine. You’ve already armed me with a hundred warnings.”

Cassian pushed off the doorway and came closer, lowering his voice. “I’m serious, Wren. Derek doesn’t respect boundaries. If he says something inappropriate, you don’t entertain it. If he tries to corner you, you call for my men. Don’t give him the upper hand.”

I reached out and squeezed his hand. “I’ll be careful. I promise.”

His jaw flexed, but he finally gave a nod. “Good. And keep your phone on you. If something feels wrong, even the smallest thing, you call me. Understood?”

“Yes, Alpha,” I said playfully.

He narrowed his eyes, then leaned down and kissed my forehead. “Don’t joke about that. I’m not playing.”

I softened. “I know. Thank you.”

By the time we left, twelve men were already waiting. Cassian had picked them himself, wolves loyal to him above all else. They flanked me in a protective circle the whole ride to Derek’s mansion. My nerves spiked as soon as the black iron gates came into view.

The guards stiffened as we pulled up, but Derek’s men opened the gates without hesitation. When we reached the entrance, Derek himself stood waiting at the top of the stairs, dressed in a dark shirt and trousers, his expression unreadable.

His eyes immediately fell on me, then flicked to the wolves around me. “Twelve guards?” He smirked. “Did Cassian think I’d eat you alive?”

I stepped forward, my chin high. “He thought you might try.”

Derek chuckled, stepping down a few stairs to meet me halfway. “Fair. But your men stay outside. My house is mine, and no wolf enters unless I say so.”

I nodded and turned to my guards. “Stay sharp. If I’m not out in less than thirty minutes, come in.”

“Yes, Luna,” they answered together, bowing their heads slightly.

I followed Derek inside, my heart racing. His mansion was just as I remembered, even colder. Even though I was smiling at him, I could still remember what I saw in the drive, how Derek was involved in the whole thing. So he had been killing my kind while he smiled in my face, perhaps that was the only reason why he was ever interested in me.

“Sit. Let’s chat."

I sat, keeping my back straight, while he poured himself a drink. “So,” Derek said, swirling the liquid in his glass, “why did Cassian send you to do his dirty business?”

I tilted my head. “Why do you assume he sent me?”

“Because that’s who he is. He makes the moves, and everyone else cleans up after him.” Derek’s eyes gleamed with mischief. “I thought he’d at least come beg himself, but instead, he sends his mate. Interesting choice.”

I folded my hands in my lap. “Maybe because I wanted to come.”

Derek barked a laugh. “You? Wanting to clean up after him? Tell me, what is it this time?"

I tensed, but I forced a calm tone. “Did you really want my tail?”

Derek blinked, then burst into laughter so loud it echoed off the walls. “Oh, little fox, you’re too gullible. I was teasing Cassian. I didn’t think he’d actually take it seriously.”

I swallowed my anger. “Then tell me why you’re holding the fairy. I came to ask if you’d be willing to release the fairy.”

He stilled, his laughter dying. “Even if I wanted to, I can’t. My wolves expect me to punish the fairy. If I suddenly let them go, I lose face.”

“Why do they need punishment?” I pressed. “What harm did they do to you?”

Derek’s gaze sharpened. “Why do you and Cassian want the fairy so badly?"

I hesitated. Then I decided to tell the truth. “Cassian made a deal with one. That’s why. He gave his word, and you know how it is."

Derek studied me, then shook his head. “Why do you bother, Wren? Why carry his burdens? He drags you into messes you don’t even owe him.” His eyes softened slightly. “Leave him. Come here, with me. You’d be safe. Untouched.”

I drew a breath. “I can’t.”

“Why not?”

I placed a hand on my stomach without meaning to. “Because now I’m carrying his baby.”

Derek’s eyes widened. For the first time, his composure slipped. “You’re… pregnant?”

“Yes.” I met his gaze firmly. “So you see, I can’t leave him. I won’t.”

He leaned back slowly, looking almost… pleased. “A child. Hm. That changes things.”

I seized the moment. “Then help me. If you can’t release the fairy, at least let them say goodbye. Bring them to a location I’ll choose. Just for one moment. Then take the fairy back if you must. But he needs to honor this deal."

He shook his head. “I can’t let you dictate where. My wolves won’t trust it.”

“Then you pick,” I said quickly. “Anywhere. I’ll go with you alone, if that’s what it takes. You can bring all the men you want. I won’t even resist.”

His brows furrowed. “You’d risk that?”

“Yes.” I leaned forward. “Because I trust you, Derek. You’re still my friend, even if things ended awkwardly.”

Silence stretched between us, thick with tension. Finally, he set his glass down with a clink.

“Fine. I’ll bring the fairy. But I choose the place.”

Relief washed over me. “Thank you.”

He smirked. “On one condition.”

I stiffened. “What is it?”

“One thing in return. You’ll owe me.”

I thought for a moment, then smiled faintly. “Fine. You’ve already listened and agreed. For that alone, you deserve a tail. When the time comes, I’ll give you one.”

His eyes flickered with surprise, then a grin spread across his face. “You really are something, little fox.”

.......................

When I returned to the pack estate later that evening, Cassian was waiting.

He crossed his arms. “What did he say?”

I sat, exhaling. “He agreed. But he wants to pick the location."

Reed, who had been leaning against the wall, frowned. “That’s not good."

“I know,” I said. “But he wouldn’t budge otherwise. He’s proud.”

Cassian rubbed his jaw. “Then we’ll figure out where he’ll choose. He’ll want somewhere close to his territory. Somewhere guarded.”

“Exactly,” Reed agreed. “We narrow down the options.”

Cassian looked at me, his expression softer. “You did well. But next time, you don’t go without me.”

I gave him a tired smile. “Deal.”