Stuck with the enemy

Chapter 53: Message to Deliver.

Derek's Story

Later That Night

After showing Adeline her room and ensuring she was settled, I retreated to my study. The day had been overwhelming, and I needed time to think. But as soon as I closed the door behind me, I felt the familiar weight of David's presence in my mind.

"You're quiet," I noted sarcastically.

"What's the point in talking when you've clearly made up your mind?" he shot back, his tone dripping with frustration.

Ignoring him, I sank into the chair by the window, staring out at the forest. The moonlight illuminated the trees, casting long shadows across the grounds. It reminded me of her—Deniz. No matter what I did, her image haunted me. Her words earlier in the day replayed in my head like a broken record.

Then, my mind wandered to the fight between her and Clara. The emotions I felt at that moment hit me all over again. The searing anger that coursed through me when she was struck—the primal need to step in and protect her, though I had no right. Then, the awe that replaced it as I watched her regain control, the fire in her eyes as she stood her ground.

There was something about her I couldn't explain, something that refused to be ignored."The question without answers." Why did it matter so much? Why did she have this hold over me?

But I couldn't afford to dwell on it. I couldn't afford to care.

She needed to remain an unanswered question, locked away and forgotten.

I leaned back in the chair, clenching my fists as if by sheer willpower I could force the thoughts of her out of my mind. I had made my choice, hadn't I? I had chosen Adeline, chosen the path that was expected of me.

Then why, even now, did it feel like I was betraying myself?

"You don't get it, do you?" David's voice interrupted my thoughts. "You think ignoring her will fix this? Do you think burying yourself in this fake engagement will make her go away? Newsflash, Derek, she's not going anywhere."

"Enough!" I snapped out loud, slamming my fist on the desk. The sound echoed through the room, startling me as much as it silenced David.

I rubbed my temples, breathing deeply to calm myself. This wasn't sustainable. I couldn't keep spiraling like this, torn between what was expected of me and what I truly wanted.

The knock on the door pulled me out of my thoughts.

"Come in," I said, straightening up.

Paul entered, his expression grim. "Alpha, there's a situation in the east quadrant. A rogue sighting."

I stiffened. "How many?"

"One, maybe two. Scouts are monitoring, but it's unusual. They're not attacking, just...hovering."

I nodded, already rising to my feet. "Prepare the patrol teams. I'll join them."

Paul hesitated. "Are you sure? With Adeline here—"

"She'll be fine," I interrupted. "This is more important. Let's go."

As we made our way out, I couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't just a random rogue sighting. Something felt off, a sense of unease creeping up my spine.

And for some reason, my thoughts drifted back to Deniz.

Meanwhile, Deniz's Story

I couldn't sleep. The events of the day kept replaying in my mind—the fight with Clara, the encounter with Derek. Every time I closed my eyes, his face appeared, and it infuriated me.