Rejected by the Beta, Chosen by the Alpha

Chapter 192: Chapter 192

Lucian’s gaze was steady, his voice low and deliberate.

"Mona isn’t just trying to take over Derrick’s pack. She’s planning something much bigger.

She wants to bring someone to succeed the late Alpha Darwin."

The room fell silent. Kimberly and Theo exchanged a look, shock flashing in their eyes.

Theo leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.

"How do you know this?" His voice was sharp, demanding answers. "And what exactly is your plan?"

Lucian smirked faintly, folding his arms across his chest.

"That's why | admire you, Alpha Theo. You don’t waste twith pleasantries." He paused, as if considering his

next words carefully.

"I am the son of the late Alpha Ramirez."

Theo's eyes narrowed. "Ramirez?" He sat back, processing the revelation.

"Your father challenged for the alpha seat before Derrick took over." His voice was measured, but there was

curiosity behind it.

"If my thoughts are correct, it simply means, now you want it back."

Lucian gave a single nod. "My father was a good man, but he was betrayed. | intend to reclaim what's rightfully

ours."

Kimberly raised an eyebrow, skepticism creeping into her voice. "And why should we trust you? What else do you

want, besides power?"

Lucian chuckled softly. "Power is a means to an end, moon goddess Kimberly.

| have wealth. Influence. But the alpha’s seat? That was stolen from my father." He clenched his jaw.

"lI want justice. And if you helpget it, I'll be loyal to you both. Forever... | give you my word and swear on my

life."

Kimberly scoffed. "Loyalty is a heavy word, Lucian." She leaned forward, her eyes narrowing.

"We're not looking for loyalty. We're looking for people who believe in a greater cause and making things better

for everyone."

Theo studied Lucian closely. "If you do becalpha, what kind of leader would you be?"

Kimberly was a bit shocked with Theo's last words, but she decided to keep calm and watch what he had in

mind.

Lucian hesitated, his expression softening for the first time.

"A pack is supposed to be a family," he said quietly.

"lI want a pack where no one is treated as less. No one is discarded or silenced. Equality. Fairness. That's the kind

of leader I'll be."

Theo slowly stood, his eyes never leaving Lucian’s.

"You speak like a man who knows what he wants." He glanced at Kimberly, then back at Lucian.

"But we'll need tto think. We'll let you know when we’ve made our decision."

Lucian stood, giving a respectful bow. "Of course. I'll be waiting." He turned and left the living room without

another word.

As the door closed behind him, Kimberly let out a long breath, running a hand through her hair. "Can we trust

him?" she asked softly.

Theo's gaze remained fixed on the door. "No," he said quietly. "We can't."

Kimberly frowned. "Then what's the point of working with him?"

Theo turned to face her, taking her hands in his. "Because we don’t need to trust him. We need to use him."

Kimberly blinked. "Use him?"

"We still don’t know Mona's full plan," Theo explained. "But Lucian? He's desperate. Hungry.

He'll chase her shadows for us. Keep her on edge while we figure out what she’s really up to."

Kimberly's eyes widened as realization dawned. "So, we let him think we're allies... while he unknowingly does

our dirty work."

Theo nodded. "Exactly."

A slow smile spread across Kimberly's lips. "I like it. Let's see what he’s really made of."

They stood there for a moment, their plan silently settling between them.

Whatever Mona was planning, they wouldn't let her get away with it.

* kk

Meanwhile, thousands of miles away, Alpha Derrick stepped out of a sleek black car, his eyes scanning the

luxurious hotel before him.

The golden lights reflected off the polished marble, and the scent of expensive cigars lingered in the air.

He adjusted his coat, his face unreadable as he stepped inside.

"Derrick!"

A booming voice echoed through the grand lobby, drawing Derrick’s attention.

He turned to see a large man with salt-and-pepper hair and a broad grin making his way towards him.

"Murillo." Derrick’s lips curved into a faint smirk. The two men embraced briefly, clapping each other on the

back.

Murillo stepped back, his sharp eyes studying Derrick carefully. "It's been years, my friend. What brings you all

the way out here?"

Derrick let out a low chuckle. "Rest. Reflection. And when | return... I'll be stronger." His voice was calm, but it

carried a dark promise.

Murillo laughed, the sound rumbling through the air.

"You always did have a flair for the tic." He gestured for Derrick to follow him. "Come. Let's get you

settled."

They made their way through the lavish corridors, the soft hum of distant music drifting through the air.

Murillo led Derrick into a grand suite, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city.

The lights sparkled like stars below them.

Murillo poured two glasses of whiskey, handing one to Derrick.

"So," Murillo began, settling into a plush armchair. "Tell me. What really happened?"

Derrick took a slow sip, savoring the burn.

"Betrayal." The word hung in the air like a curse.

"My own pack turned against me. My Luna... she stood by and watched." He clenched his jaw, his fingers

tightening around the glass.

"But it's not over. Not yet."

Murillo raised an eyebrow. "And what's your plan?"

Derrick stared out over the city, his eyes cold and distant.

"Three years," he said quietly. "Three years to build my strength. To sharpen my mind. And when | return..."

He turned back to Murillo, his gaze dark and deadly. "Anyone who stands in my way will be forgotten."

Murillo chuckled darkly, raising his glass. "To revenge, then."

Derrick clinked his glass against Murillo’s, but he didn’t drink. Instead, he stared out at the city once more, his

mind already plotting his next move.

*Three years it is... and when | return, whoever stands in my way shall be forever forgotten like a dust in the

wind. *

The city lights shimmered below, but Derrick’s eyes burned with something far darker.