Chapter 3
585words
"This Omega has clearly lost her mind," he announced. "Guards, remove her!"
Two guards grabbed my arms, but I kept my eyes locked on Victor's. For a brief moment, I saw fear flash across his face.
"Wait." The Alpha's deep voice silenced everyone.
The crowd parted as Derek walked toward the platform. His amber eyes moved from me to Victor, intense and questioning.
"These are serious accusations," he said calmly. "Take her to my study," he told the guards. "Not the cells."
As the guards led me away, Victor leaned close to whisper: "You've made a terrible mistake, little wolf."
I didn't flinch. "No, Elder. My mistake was staying silent for three years."
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Derek's study was warm and filled with books. I stood nervously as he entered, closing the door behind him.
"Sit," he gestured to a chair.
I sat with my back straight, determined not to show fear.
"That was quite a scene," he said, taking his seat. "Most people wouldn't dare challenge Victor Lane publicly."
"I'm not most people," I replied.
A hint of a smile touched his lips. "Clearly." He leaned forward. "Tell me why you believe Victor killed your father."
I told him everything—how my father had been close to a breakthrough, how I found him dead, how all his research disappeared only to reappear as Victor's work weeks later.
"I smelled my father's blood on Victor. He killed him that night," I said with absolute certainty.
Derek studied me intently. His eyes seemed to search for something in mine. "Why wait three years to come forward?"
"I was sixteen when my father died. Victor convinced everyone I was traumatized and delusional." My voice grew bitter. "Who would believe an Omega over the Elder?"
Something flickered in Derek's eyes—understanding, perhaps even anger on my behalf. He stood and walked to the window, moonlight illuminating his strong profile.
"I'll make you a deal, Lena Grey," he said finally. "Three days to find evidence. During that time, you'll stay here in my territory for your protection."
Hope rose in my chest for the first time in years. "And if I find proof?"
"Then justice will be served." His eyes hardened. "I won't tolerate murder in my pack, no matter who committed it."
I stood, suddenly aware of how close we were. "Thank you, Alpha."
"Derek," he corrected softly. "Call me Derek when we're alone."
He stepped closer, and the air between us seemed to charge with electricity. When his hand accidentally brushed mine, that same electric current from earlier shot through me, stronger this time. Our eyes met, and I couldn't look away.
"What is this?" I whispered, my heart racing.
"I don't know," he answered, his voice dropping lower. "But I intend to find out."
His gaze dropped to my lips for just a moment before he stepped back, breaking the spell.
"Rest tonight," he said, his professional tone returning, though his eyes remained warm. "Tomorrow, we begin our investigation."
That night, in the comfortable guest room, I couldn't stop thinking about him. About the way his eyes had lingered on mine, about the electricity that had sparked between us. About how, for the first time in years, someone believed me.
I dreamed of amber eyes and gentle hands. I dreamed of justice and of something else—something new and frightening and wonderful. When I woke at dawn, my cheeks were flushed and my heart was racing.
