Chapter 58 The Truth Behind The Plague
As Derek approached the door, the tension in his body was palpable. His mind raced with plans to rescue Ella, his heart heavy with guilt and determination. Just as his hand reached for the handle, Alpha Moore’s voice broke the silence, stopping him in his tracks.
“Derek,” Moore called out, his tone low but firm. “Wait”
Derek turned slowly, meeting Alpha Moore's piercing gaze. “What is it?”
Moore hesitated, his brows knitting together as though weighing his words carefully. “There’s something you need to know before you leave,” he said, his voice laced with urgency. Something I should’ve said earlier.
Derek stepped back into the room, his eyes narrowing. “Go on.”
Moore exhaled heavily, leaning forward in his chair, his expression grave. The lines on his face deepened, revealing the weight of whatever burden he was about to share. “I think you should investigate Alpha Kevin,” he began, his voice steady but grim. “Keep a close watch on him.”
Derek’s jaw tightened at the mention of Kevin’s name. “Kevin? What are you saying?”
“I overheard something,” Moore continued, his tone dropping to a near whisper. “It was a few weeks ago, when I was taken. Kevin and one of his pack doctors were speaking— It was a hushed conversation, but I caught enough. They didn’t realize I was nearby.”
Derek’s eyes sharpened, his instincts kicking in. “What exactly did you hear?”
Moore hesitated, his expression darkening. “They were talking about the plague, Derek. About how it’s spreading and why. I didn’t catch everything, but there was enough to raise suspicion. It wasn’t natural. They mentioned something about... creating it.”
Derek’s entire body stiffened, his hands curling into fists at his sides. “Are you saying Kevin started this plague? That’s a heavy accusation.
“I’m saying he’s involved,” Moore clarified. “This wasn’t an accident, Derek. It was deliberate. And Kevin—he’s at the center of it. I didn’t hear every detail, but from what I gathered, this plague is a tool. He’s using it to destabilize the packs, to incite fear and chaos. And I believe Ella’s healing power is a threat to his plans. A stumbling block. If she cures the sick, she stops the chaos he’s trying to spread.”
Derek’s lips pressed into a thin line, his mind spinning. Kevin had always been ambitious, but this... this was monstrous. “Why would he do this? What does he gain from it?”
Moore’s eyes flickered with a mix of anger and sorrow. “War. Power. He wants to destabilize the packs, create division. If he can break the unity of the packs, he can position himself as the one with the solution, the leader who can restore order. It’s all a play for dominance.”
“And Ella’s in the way,” Derek muttered, his voice cold as ice.
Moore nodded gravely. “Exactly. And Derek, if Kevin truly is behind this, Ella isn’t just in danger. She’s his target. Her gift threatens everything he’s trying to achieve. If she heals the plague victims, his plan falls apart. That’s why he’s so desperate to stop her.”
Derek began pacing, his boots echoing against the wooden floor. The pieces were falling into place, each one more damning than the last. Kevin’s reluctance to help in rescuing Ella now made perfect sense. He wasn’t just indifferent—he had something to gain by keeping her out of the picture.
Moore’s voice broke into Derek’s thoughts. “I don’t know the full details, but I’m certain he’s behind this. And if he’s willing to go this far, he won’t stop until he’s achieved his goal.”
Derek stopped pacing, his gaze locking onto Moore’s. “Why didn’t you tell me this sooner?”
“I didn’t have proof,” Moore admitted. “And honestly, I didn’t think I’d survive long enough to share what I heard. But now that you’re here, Derek, you need to act on this. Investigate him. Expose him for what he truly is.”
Derek’s mind was a storm of emotions—anger, determination, and a burning need for justice. He thought of Ella, her kindness, her strength, and the way she had always put others before herself. To think that someone like Kevin would target her, exploit her gifts, and endanger her life for his own selfish gain... it was unforgivable.
Moore leaned back in his chair, his eyes heavy with exhaustion. “Derek, Ella has always been a light in the darkness. She’s sacrificed so much for others, and now she’s paying the price. If Kevin is behind this, you need to stop him—not just for her, but for all of us.”
Derek nodded, his expression hardening. “I will. But first, I need to get Ella back. Then I’ll deal with Kevin.”
Moore gave a small, weary smile. “Good. Just... be careful. Kevin is cunning, and if he senses you’re onto him, he won’t hesitate to strike.”
“I’ll be ready,” Derek assured him, his voice steely.
As Derek turned to leave again, Moore’s voice stopped him one last time.
“Derek.”
He turned back, his eyes questioning.
“Don’t let your guilt cloud your judgment,” Moore said quietly. “Ella doesn’t need a hero. She needs someone who will stand by her, fight for her, and never let her down again. Be that for her.”
Derek’s throat tightened, but he nodded. “I will,” he promised.
Moore leaned back in his chair, his expression a mix of exhaustion and determination. “Then go. Bring her back. And when you do, make sure she knows she’s not alone anymore.”
Derek nodded once, a silent promise in his eyes. This time, he left without hesitation, his resolve stronger than ever.
Outside the room, Derek mind-linked his Beta, Alex, who was waiting nearby.
“Alex, I need you to dig into Alpha Kevin,” Derek ordered.
“What am I looking for?” Alex asked, his tone serious.
“Anything and everything. Connections to the plague, suspicious activities, alliances—whatever you can find. I want to know exactly what he’s up to.”
“Understood,” Alex replied. “I’ll get started immediately.”
Derek cut the link and strode toward his quarters, his mind racing with strategies. He needed to act fast. Ella’s life was on the line, and now he knew the danger extended far beyond her. If Kevin truly was behind the plague, the entire werewolf community was at risk.
Kevin had gone too far, and Derek would ensure he paid for it. This is not just a war between vampires, but also against his very own kind.
But beneath the anger and urgency, Derek felt the weight of Moore’s words. His mistakes had cost Ella so much already. He couldn’t let her down again.
This time, he would protect her. At all costs.