Chapter 85 Saving Ella
The morning sun poured through the tall windows of Derek’s hotel suite, casting golden streaks across the polished marble floor. The room was expansive, with plush furniture in deep, regal tones of navy and gold, and a chandelier that hung like a centerpiece in the middle of the ceiling. Everything about the place screamed wealth and power, yet Derek barely noticed it.
He stood by the window, his sharp eyes scanning the city below, but his mind was far from the stunning view of Devil’s City. His reflection in the glass showed a man lost in thought, his jaw tight, and his hands clenched at his sides. He couldn’t shake the image of Ella from his mind.
It had been days since he arrived here, searching for her. Days filled with frustration and sleepless nights as he pieced together every bit of information he could find. Now, the truth was clear: Ella was being held at the Vampire Lord’s manor.
The thought of her in that place sent a wave of anger surging through him. He tightened his grip on the edge of the window frame, his knuckles turning white.
He ran a hand through his hair, his jaw tightening as he stared out into the night. Was she hurt? Scared? The image of her trapped in some cold, dark room made his stomach twist. He couldn’t stand the thought of her suffering. Would she forgive him for coming late?
He leaned back in his chair, trying to calm the storm inside him. Charging in without a plan wouldn’t help her. The last time he and his soldiers faced the vampires, they had underestimated them—and paid the price. The vampires weren’t just stronger; they were smarter, evolving with each encounter. Derek knew he couldn’t make the same mistake twice.
That’s why he came alone.
The decision hadn’t come lightly. Derek was an Alpha; leading was in his blood. But this mission wasn’t about a pack—it was personal. Charging in with soldiers would only escalate the situation, putting Ella in greater danger. He needed to lay low, observe his enemies, and figure out their weaknesses. If diplomacy failed, then he’d call on the other Alphas and wage war.
His pack had protested, of course. His Beta, Alex, had practically begged him not to go without backup. But Derek had made up his mind. Bringing soldiers would only put Ella in more danger. If the vampires thought he was there to start a war, they might use her as leverage—or worse.
No, this mission required caution.The Vampire Lord’s manor wasn’t just a home; it was a fortress. Breaking in without a plan was suicide.
Still, the idea of waiting grated on his nerves. Every minute Ella spent in their hands felt like a failure.
Ella wasn’t just his mate. She was the only surviving healer of the werewolves, a rare gift to their kind. Her abilities had saved countless lives during the plague. Losing her wasn’t an option—not for him, not for their people. Her absence left a hole not just in his heart but in the lives of everyone who relied on her gifts. That made her a target, not just for the vampires but for anyone seeking power.
But Derek’s mission wasn’t just about duty—it was personal.
She was his.
And he would do whatever it took to get her back.
His mind drifted to her, wondering what she’d endured in her captivity. Was she being mistreated? The thought made his wolf stir inside him, restless and furious.
“We’ll get her back,” he muttered under his breath, his voice steady despite the storm raging within.
The Vampire Lord’s manor was his destination. He had spent the past few days gathering every scrap of information he could about the place. It was heavily guarded, of course, but Derek wasn’t afraid of a fight. What worried him was the risk to Ella.
If they refused to let her go, he would have no choice but to call on the other Alphas. Together, they could wage war on the vampires. But that was a last resort. Derek didn’t want war. Not after the toll the last one had taken. Their packs were still recovering from their battle with the Silver Crest pack and the rogues, and the werewolf community couldn’t afford another conflict so soon.
He clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms. All he wanted was to see Ella again, to know she was safe.
The vampires had been swift, efficient, leaving no room for resistance, when they came to capture her. It was clear they’d been after Ella specifically, which only fueled Derek’s anger.
Why her? Was it her healing abilities? Did they plan to use her as a pawn? The questions swirled in his mind.
Derek rose from the chair, his movements deliberate. He crossed the room to the large oak wardrobe and opened it, revealing neatly arranged clothes. He selected a dark, tailored jacket and matching boots—simple, but commanding.
He glanced at himself in the mirror as he adjusted his collar. His reflection showed a man who was calm, collected, and ready for the task ahead. But beneath the surface, Derek could feel the storm brewing.
Before leaving the room, he retrieved a silver dagger from the bedside table and slipped it into his jacket. It was a precaution he hoped he wouldn’t need, but one he couldn’t afford to go without.
The air outside was crisp and cool, a stark contrast to the tension that burned inside him. Derek made his way through the city with purpose, his long strides carrying him closer to the manor with every step.
As he approached, the Vampire Lord’s estate came into view. The building was massive, its gothic architecture imposing against the pale morning sky. Tall iron gates surrounded the property, with guards stationed at regular intervals.
As Derek made his way to the manor, his thoughts remained on Ella. He didn’t know what he would find when he finally stepped inside that manor, but one thing was certain: he wouldn’t leave without her.
Not this time.