Stuck with the enemy

Chapter 27: The Bond Never Broke

Derek's Story

"Paul, you can leave now. Let me know if there are any updates regarding my... fiancée," I said, the words catching in my throat. Inside, I felt David growling, his anger simmering just beneath the surface.

"Yes, Alpha. Understood," Paul replied, bowing slightly before opening the door to leave.

The door had barely closed when I heard a knock. I could already sense a tension before the door opened. And then they stepped in-Aras Brown, Alya, and Jacob. Of course. What were they doing
here?

Seeing Aras in my home was like a slap in the face. He stood there, and I couldn't help but notice the resemblance to Deniz-it was maddening. The same blonde hair, though his was a few shades darker, falling in an annoyingly perfect mess, as if he didn't even have to try. His eyes, a piercing shade of green, were just like hers but colder, filled with suspicion and judgment every time they landed on me.

The tension between us was palpable, the disdain mutual. He wasn't subtle about his hatred for me, and frankly, the feeling was mutual. Then there was Jacob, his presence like a thorn in my side. He was always there, always close to Deniz in ways that made my wolf rage. And Alya... well, she was the only one I didn't immediately want to throw out.

"Come in," I said curtly, motioning toward the chairs opposite my desk. "I'm afraid I only have two chairs available," I added, my tone clipped.

Aras barely spared the chairs a glance. "We're not sitting down," he snapped, his voice hard, laced with anger.

I leaned back in my chair, keeping my expression calm even as my wolf growled in response. "As you wish. So, what brings you all here, uninvited?"

Jacob's glare was ice-cold, and his crossed arms said more than his silence. Aras stood rigid, like he could barely contain himself. They didn't answer right away, and I took the moment to let my gaze linger on Jacob, barely masking my irritation. He was always so smug, so confident around her. He was so annoying.

Alya cleared her throat, stepping forward hesitantly. She glanced at the two men beside her, her gaze flickering with guilt and nerves. When she spoke, her voice was soft, almost apologetic.

"Alpha Derek..."

Alpha Derek? The title coming from Alya caught me off guard. I'd known her since childhood; she'd never spoken to me so formally. It was strange-unnatural even. Whatever this was, it had to be serious.

"It's about Deniz."

At her name, I felt my wolf stir, my chest tightening. I forced my expression to remain neutral, but the tension in the room thickened. My gaze flicked back to Aras and Jacob. The way they were looking at me-like I did something wrong-made me want to throw them both out. But Deniz....

"We know Deniz is your mate," Alya continued, her voice steady but laced with desperation. "She told me everything. We came to ask for your help."

My stomach tightened, and I felt David stir within me, his hackles raised, his instincts urging me to act.

"She's missing, Derek," Alya continued, her tone growing more urgent. "We can't find her, and I thought maybe-because of the bond-you might be able to sense her, feel if she's in danger. We need your help to find her. There's someone... someone who's been following her."

My jaw clenched, and I fought to keep my expression calm. Aras's glare burned into me, and Jacob stood beside him like an immovable wall of judgment. They hated me. I hated them. But the name on Alya's lips-Deniz-twisted something deep inside me.

David's voice roared in my head, almost deafening.
"She's ours! She's in danger, Derek! You can't stand here doing nothing. We need to find her, to protect her! What if she's hurt? What if-"