Chapter 56 Eliminate Ella
The heavy air of Alpha Kevin’s pack lands reeked of decay. Derek strode past the worn gates, his presence commanding attention. Guards stiffened, and murmurs of his arrival rippled through the pack.
“Take me to your Alpha,” Derek growled, his tone brooking no argument.
The guards hesitated before one scurried ahead to announce him. Derek didn’t wait for permission. Pushing the door open, he entered the pack house uninvited.
Inside, Alpha Kevin lounged in his study, feet propped on the desk, a glass of whiskey in his hand. His casual demeanor ignited Derek’s anger. This wasn’t the aura of a leader facing a crisis but that of a man indifferent to his pack’s suffering.
“Kevin,” Derek’s voice was low and threatening, “you and I need to talk.”
Kevin glanced up lazily, his lips curling into a smirk. “Derek. To what do I owe this... intrusion?”
Derek’s patience was already wearing thin. “Where is Alpha Moore?”
Kevin leaned back, taking a deliberate sip from his glass. “Safe, last I checked. What’s the urgency?”
“Urgency?” Derek’s growl reverberated through the room. “Your stupidity has endangered everyone. Dr. South was ambushed and captured because of your reckless stunt!”
Kevin’s smirk faltered, but he masked it with feigned indifference. “What are you talking about?”
“She was on her way to rescue Alpha Moore when rogues attacked her. The vampires took her while she was recovering in a hospital. She’s their captive now, thanks to your games!” Derek’s fists clenched at his sides.
Kevin straightened in his chair, his smirk replaced by a hard scowl. “I didn't expect the vampires nor rogues to get involved. The healer refused to help my pack, and I did what I had to do to protect my people.”
“You think that justifies kidnapping Moore?” Derek shot back. “Your actions have jeopardized not just your pack but the entire werewolf community. And now the healer—the only one who could save us all—is in the hands of vampires!”
The tension in the room was thick. Kevin stood, matching Derek’s height. “You don’t know what it’s like to watch your pack fall apart. We’ve been desperate. I made a choice for my people. I don’t owe you an explanation!”
Derek’s anger flared, his wolf clawing to the surface. “You don’t owe me an explanation, but you owe us a solution. Release Alpha Moore now, or I’ll take him myself!”
Kevin’s Beta, Theron, stepped into the room, sensing the escalating threat. “Alpha Derek, let’s not resort to violence,” Theron said, placing himself between the two Alphas. “Alpha Kevin was acting in the interest of our pack. Surely we can find common ground.”
Derek’s piercing gaze shifted to Theron. “Your Alpha’s selfishness has endangered us all. If you have any sense, you’ll advise him to fix his mistakes.”
Theron hesitated, glancing at Kevin. “Alpha, perhaps—”
“Quiet, Theron!” Kevin snapped, his pride wounded. “This is my decision, not yours.”
Derek took a step closer, his presence menacing. “This isn’t just about you anymore, Kevin. This is about all of us. You either help fix this, or you’ll have a war on your hands—one you can’t afford.”
Kevin’s jaw tightened as he stared Derek down. Finally, he muttered through gritted teeth, “Fine. I’ll release Moore. But don’t think for a second I’m doing this for you.”
“Good,” Derek spat. “Now, where is he?”
Theron led the way to the basement, where Alpha Moore was being held. Alpha Moore, though weary, stood tall as the door creaked open.
“Derek,” Moore said, his voice steady despite his disheveled appearance.
“You’re free,” Derek said, helping Moore out of the cell.
Kevin watched from the doorway, his expression unreadable. “There. He’s your problem now.”
“Don’t think this absolves you,” Derek warned as he escorted Moore out. “You’ll be hearing from me soon.”
Kevin said nothing, his jaw tightening as Derek and Moore disappeared into the night.
The pack house was quiet when Sandra emerged from the shadows, her sharp heels clicking softly against the floor. She had been listening to the entire exchange from a concealed corner, her mind racing. Kevin’s willingness to help was a problem—a big one. If he got involved and discovered the truth about Ella's identity, Sandra’s already fragile position as Luna would crumble.
She squared her shoulders and approached Kevin, who stood by the window, staring out into the darkness.
“So,” she began smoothly, her voice dripping with feigned concern, “you’re really going to help him?”
Kevin turned, his expression hard. “Sandra, don’t start.”
“I’m not starting anything,” she said, her tone light but with an edge of urgency. “I’m just wondering why you’re so quick to help Derek and that so-called healer. You don’t even know her.”
Kevin’s brows furrowed. “I don’t need to know her to realize the danger we’re in. The vampires have her, and if she’s as important as Derek says, we can’t afford to sit on our hands.”
Sandra stepped closer, her eyes pleading. “And what if it’s a trap? What if this ‘healer’ isn’t who they say she is? You’ve heard the rumors, haven’t you? The vampires have spies everywhere. What if she’s working with them?”
Kevin narrowed his eyes. “You think Derek, of all people, would be fooled by a spy?”
Sandra hesitated, realizing she needed a different angle. “I just don’t want you to get hurt,” she said softly, placing a hand on his arm. “You’ve already done so much for this pack. If something goes wrong, you’ll take the blame, Kevin. Again.”
Kevin pulled his arm away, his expression softening slightly but still guarded. “This isn’t about me. It’s about the pack. We’re running out of time, Sandra.”
“And yet,” Sandra countered, her voice sharp now, “you refuse to see what’s right in front of you. This ‘healer’—she’s a risk. What if she’s the reason the rogues attacked us in the first place? What if she led them here?”
Kevin hesitated, her words planting seeds of doubt. Sandra saw her opportunity and pressed on.
“Think about it,” she continued. “Why would the vampires want her so badly? Maybe she’s not the savior Derek thinks she is. Maybe she’s the reason this is all happening.”
Kevin ran a hand through his hair, frustration evident. “I don’t know, Sandra. This whole thing doesn’t add up.”
Sandra placed a hand on his chest, her voice low and soothing. “Exactly. And until you know the full story, you shouldn’t rush into anything. Let Derek handle his mess. You need to focus on your pack.”
Kevin stared at her, conflicted. His instincts told him to help, but Sandra’s words gnawed at him. She smiled inwardly, sensing his resolve wavering.
“You’re right,” he finally said, his tone resigned. “I need more information before I make any moves.”
Sandra smiled, her relief hidden behind a mask of concern. “I knew you’d see reason. You’re a great leader, Kevin. The pack needs you here, not chasing after some healer who may or may not even be trustworthy.”
Kevin sighed heavily and turned back to the window. “I’ll think about it.”
Sandra watched Kevin pace the room, satisfaction gleaming in her eyes. But even as she reveled in her small victory, a sense of urgency began to creep in.
She had bought herself some time, but it wasn’t enough. She needed to ensure Kevin stayed out of this entirely—and that meant finding a way to eliminate Ella from the picture permanently.