Chapter Five: Mother's New Mate

Derek’s POV

I sat there on the cold ground for a long time after I realized I was alone, my heart beating too fast, my hands shaking as I pressed them to my chest like I could hold myself together that way, and even though I never saw his face and never heard his voice I could smell him everywhere on me, on my clothes, on my skin, in my hair, like he had wrapped himself around me and left pieces behind.

It made my chest ache in a way that confused me.

My wolf stirred suddenly, stronger than it had been since the bond broke, pushing up inside me with a sharp needy feeling, whining softly like it was waking from a long bad sleep, and the sound startled me because it had been so quiet for so long.

“What is wrong,” I whispered, scared, “please do not do this to me.”

But my body reacted before my mind could catch up, warmth spreading through me, my senses sharpening, my heart pulling in a strange direction like it was looking for something it had already touched.

My wolf whined again, louder this time, full of want and sadness, and one word echoed inside me even though I tried to push it away.

Mate.

“No,” I said out loud quickly, panic flooding me, “no that is not possible.”

I hugged myself tighter, shaking my head, because I had already lost one mate and that pain was still fresh and raw and burning and I could not survive it again.

But my body remembered.

It remembered the way I felt when I was carried, the way fear faded without effort, the way my breathing slowed even though I was hurt and bleeding, and it felt too close to how I used to feel with Theo before everything went wrong.

Safe.

I hated the word.

I did not know who the stranger was or where he came from or why he helped me and I did not even know which direction he went after leaving me there, and the forest felt big and quiet and empty again, so I forced myself to stand up slowly, wincing at the pain in my side, and told myself I had to think about getting home.

I pushed everything else away because if I did not I would fall apart.

The sky was just starting to change color, dark blue fading slowly, and the air was cold against my skin as I started walking, choosing a direction at random because I had no better plan.

I stumbled a lot.

I tripped over roots, got scratched by branches, lost my way more times than I could count, and every shadow made my heart jump because I kept thinking something would come out of the dark and finish what the rogues started.

But nothing did.

Hours passed like that and by the time I finally recognized the edge of our land my legs were shaking so badly I almost fell again, relief flooding me even though fear followed close behind.

Home did not feel safe anymore.

I slowed down as I approached the house, my heart pounding, already thinking of places to hide, of how to avoid my father, of how to make myself small and unseen like I always did.

Then I heard voices.

Not angry voices, not shouting, but calm talking, serious talking, and it made me stop completely.

I crept closer and pressed myself against the wall near the door, holding my breath as I listened.

“I have told you already,” a man said, his voice smooth and firm, “you have no case strong enough to win this.”

“That is impossible,” Drary snapped, “she cannot just leave.”

“She can,” the other man replied calmly, “and she will, unless you agree to settle out of court.”

There was silence for a moment and my chest tightened because I knew what this was about even before it was said.

“I want compensation,” Drary said finally.

“You will receive what was agreed upon,” the lawyer answered, “sign the papers and this ends now.”

My heart started racing as I peeked through the crack in the door.

My mother stood there, Selena, her shoulders straight, her face calm in a way I had not seen in years, and when Drary finally signed the papers with a hard angry motion she did not even flinch.

She smiled.

Not a small smile, not a scared one, but a real smile full of relief, and something in my chest loosened at the sight of it.

“It is done then,” the lawyer said, gathering the papers, “you are free.”

Free.

The word echoed in my head as Selena thanked him and turned to leave, her eyes bright, her posture light like a heavy weight had been lifted from her.

Drary stormed away without looking at her.

I moved back quickly before she opened the door, my heart pounding, and when she stepped outside and saw me standing there she froze.

“Derek,” she said softly, surprise flashing across her face, “what are you doing here.”

I rushed toward her without thinking, fear and hope tangling together so tight it hurt.

“Please,” I said quickly, my voice shaking, “please take me with you.”

She hesitated immediately and looked away.

“I do not know,” she said slowly, “this is sudden, I have things to think about.”

“I will do anything,” I said, desperation spilling out, “I will be quiet, I will help, I will not be a problem.”

She sighed and rubbed her temple.

“I do not know if it will be convenient,” she replied, “my mate may not want this.”

“Please,” I begged again, tears threatening, “do not leave me here.”

She looked at me for a long moment, really looked at me, at the bruises, the exhaustion, the fear I could not hide, and something softened in her eyes.

“Fine,” she said finally, “but only for now.”

Relief crashed over me so hard my knees almost gave out.

“Thank you,” I whispered, my voice breaking, “thank you.”

I packed my few things quickly, not daring to linger, and followed her to the car waiting outside, my body aching but my heart lighter than it had been in days.

As I slid into the back seat my eyes caught something on the back of the front seats, a symbol carved deep and proud, and my stomach dropped instantly.

I knew that insignia.

Cold spread through me like ice and my hands curled into fists.

“Mom,” I asked quietly, my voice barely steady, “who is your new mate.”

She smiled softly and said with clear pride,

“The Lycan King, Jonathan Claw.”

“Oh no.”