Derek let his eyes roam authoritatively over the members of his pack in the pack meeting that has been going for an hour and thirty minutes, as he delivered his last statement with all precision and power, the Alpha’s tone backing up each of his words.
“… we all should be on safeguard. Report suspicious activities to the warriors that would be stationed at each junction. And any word on the whereabouts of the witch called Esther would be highly appreciated. Also, there would be a curfew by eight pm. So everyone, endeavour to be in your homes before that time, for this season is quite perilous. Stay alert. Stay safe. Goodnight you all.” He stated, his face, a blank mask, even when echoes of ‘goodnight Alpha Derek’ permeated the atmosphere of the meeting hall.
“That was a nice one. Nice job for a first try.” Shane said, patting Derek at intervals on his right shoulder.
“Nice job, old friend.” He repeated again, the pride very visible in his voice.
A smile slithered across Derek’s lips at that moment, even though he shrugged off the latter’s hands off his shoulders.
“It’s Alpha Derek to you now.” He pointed out in all seriousness, shocking Shane-a shock which diffused into a snort when the latter noticed Derek’s eyes and lips twitching. The bagger was joking!
“You really had me there.” Shane said, pouting as Derek dropped his head over his neck.
“Ehhhh, you should have known that I was joking though. No way in the world would I insist on you calling me that, unless you start to act as a villain which I know would be impossible in a million years, even forever.” Derek mentioned, chuckling freely now, as the hall was now free from his pack members and the elders council.
Another reason why he was also glad was the fact that his father was awake at the moment, and had even eaten. It was a very huge improvement, even though the latter was still confined to the bed.
When he had returned to the pack in the company of Anthony and Clem, his little sister, Eva, had run up into his arms fast, singing loudly for whoever cares to hear that her father had been awake and talking then.
Quickly, he had dashed to the room without further ado, to see the miracle for himself. When his mother had mind linked him earlier that his father was awake, he had been thinking that the old man had just opened his eyes for a moment, only to fade off again in sleep. But to think that he was now talking comfortably and eating, Derek’s mind had been blown off.
His joy had known no bounds when he had seen his father discussing with his mother about the recent happenings of the pack, including the return of Agrip.
Later, when he had been left alone with his old man, Peter had apologised for his insecurities about the pack and his abilities which had driven his decision to drive Emma out of the pack.
And although it had reopened the can of wounds and heartbreak for Derek, cutting short his happiness, he had still forgiven his father without wasting time. Thereafter, he had told his father about the irresponsibilities of some elders like Mike, to which Peter had given him wise advice on how to tackle the folly of elders. His father had also pleaded with him to find Emma.
But how could he do that? Derek thought, remembering the diary that was in a safe place in his room. He hasn’t gotten the time to read it yet. Perhaps after all these, when he retires for the night, then he can be free to open it without being bothered.
Derek furrowed his eyebrows when he saw Anthony coming towards him in the company of Clem and Lent. There was no Leo, nor was there the presence of Lent’s cousin from the outskirts of the town. Didn’t they find them?
“What happened? Where is your cousin?” Derek asked immediately the trio got to where he and Shane were standing.
“He is nowhere to be found, Alpha.” Lent replied slowly, bowing down his head in fear. He knew the consequences of aiding a traitor to the pack. And even though he was innocent of that, it wouldn’t erase the fact that his cousin whom he had thought was still the same playful person as those years ago in their childhood days was working with the enemy’s pack.
How had that happened? He wondered for the umpteenth time since he found out that the only reason why his cousin had returned to the pack after so many years was only to spy on them. But why? The pack has been nothing, but good to him. Was he being threatened?
“That’s okay then. But if you are found in any way connected to him and his betrayal, you would be given the punishment due to those who commit treason. You will be beheaded.” Derek mentioned in a cold voice, which booked no room for excuses or denials.
“Of course, my Alpha.” Lent hurriedly said, bowing his head even lower.
“Good. You can go now.” Derek cited, and Lent nodded once before turning around and walking out of the hall.
Immediately Lent was out of the hall, Derek diverted his attention to his brother.
“Any news on Leo?” He asked, darting his eyes between the latter and his Beta.
“Not really, other than the fact that he is missing from the pack together with the prisoner we had captured last night during your coronation.” Anthony answered, sighing deeply as he saw the shade of shock that clouded Derek’s face. That exactly had been his reaction when he had found out too. How would Leo do that to them?
“You don’t think that…” Shane started, stopping midway when he saw the answer on Clem’s face.
Leo had betrayed them too? But how? He was the chief of their pack wariors for fudge’s sake!! He thought, not minding that he had just used Emma’s cuss word.