CHAPTER FOUR

HOPE’S POV.

Derek’s voice was sharp and cruel as he sneered at Hunter.

“So, you’re a rogue wolf?” he mocked. “Not even a real pack member, and yet you think you can follow her around like you have any right? Even having the effrontery to walk into my territory without permission.”

Hunter didn’t flinch. He just stared at Derek calmly.

I felt a strange thrill as Derek’s nose twitched with anger. I hadn’t planned on pretending to be Hunter’s girlfriend, but seeing Derek’s jealousy writhe across his face—oh, it was satisfying. Unfortunately, I didn't come back here for this.

“You think she belongs to you?” Derek spat. “She’s mine! Always has been, and always will be!”

I laughed softly under my breath. “She’s yours?” I muttered, glancing around. “Who are you talking about? Because I know it isn't me, Alpha Derek.” I squared my shoulders and steadied my voice as I spoke. “Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to see my sister.”

Derek’s lips tightened. His eyes darkened as he turned around and started walking. I ignored him.

He led the way as we walked to the hospital. Silence stretched between us, thick and heavy. I felt Hunter’s presence behind me, quiet but strong, like a shield.

The hospital smelled faintly of antiseptic and flowers. We were led to the morgue, where Amber’s remains were being prepared for burial. I could feel the tension radiating off Derek, thick enough to choke on. Hunter stayed near the door, hands folded, calm but alert.

We walked into the room together.

And then I saw her.

Amber.

She lay on the table, her face pale, her breathing still. I felt my chest squeeze so tightly, I thought I might collapse. Every ounce of anger I had once carried toward her vanished instantly.

This was Amber. My sister.

Gone.

Tears blurred my vision.

I noticed Derek stiffen beside me. I knew he was processing the same grief, though his pride kept his expression tight.

Then he stepped forward quietly.

“She had the child,” he said, his voice filled with grief. “But it died hours after Amber did. The doctor said the complications were too much for him. He couldn't survive.”

The words hit me like a knife.

Derek’s face was pale. He looked at Amber, then at me. I could see the cracks in his Alpha composure. Losing his mate was devastating, but losing his child as well—it was almost too much for him.

Without another word, he pulled me into a tight embrace.

I froze.

He smelled of cedar and sweat, and his body shook slightly. He needed comfort, and in that moment, I understood.

I allowed him to hold me—but only because we were both mourning Amber. It didn’t change anything, not for me anyway.

He whispered, almost to himself, “I can’t believe this… I still can’t…”

I said nothing. My hands rested lightly on his back. I couldn’t find the words.

Then, suddenly, he shifted, his lips moving toward mine as he tried to kiss me.

I jerked back immediately, eyes flashing.

“What is the meaning of this?” I said firmly.

He reached for me. “Hope—”

“No,” I said firmly. “I don’t love you anymore, Derek. It’s over.”

He blinked, stunned. Then his jaw tightened.

“You can’t mean that,” he said, his voice low, almost pleading. “Not a single day since you left has gone by without me thinking of you. Hope… I want you back. I need you. Please… just… don’t do this. You can’t do this to me, not right now.”

I felt bile rise in my throat.

Disgust. Pure disgust.

My sister had just died. And he was already scheming, thinking about a new Luna. Or rather, the same old Luna he discarded. He hadn’t even mourned properly, not for Amber, not for his own child.

I stepped back, holding my ground.

“I don’t care about what you think or want,” I said coldly. “Amber is gone. The child is gone. I am not yours. Not now, not ever. Just… leave me alone, Derek. Please.”

His eyes narrowed. His teeth clenched. He leaned toward me again. I could feel him trying to take control, trying to force me into submission, to mark my neck as his.

I stiffened.

The instinct to fight surged through me, but before I could react further, the door slammed open.

Hunter burst in. His eyes were dark with fury, his hands glowing with sudden power as he closed the distance between us.

He grabbed Derek by the throat and slammed him hard against the wall. The sound of cracking paint echoed through the room.

“Get away from her!” Hunter shouted, his voice like a thunderclap.

Derek struggled, claws scratching against Hunter’s grip, but Hunter’s strength was incredible. He held Derek effortlessly against the wall.

I stepped back, heart pounding. My hands shook—not from fear, but from the adrenaline surging through me.

“Hunter…” I whispered.

Hunter’s eyes met mine briefly before returning to Derek. “Don’t move. Don’t even think about touching her.”

Derek spat blood onto the floor, his face red with rage. “You… you filthy rogue… you’ll pay for this!”

Hunter tightened his grip slightly, enough to make Derek grunt. “Until then,” he said. “Now back off.”

I watched Derek’s chest heave as he glared at both of us. His pride, his Alpha authority, all of it was crumbling under Hunter’s strength.

“You don’t get to touch her,” Hunter continued, his voice low and dangerous. “Ever.”

I felt a wave of relief and gratitude. Hunter wasn’t just a rogue—he cared. More than Derek ever had.

Derek finally pushed himself off the wall, staggering back, but his eyes never left mine.

“You…” he hissed. “You’ll regret this. You think you can humiliate me in front of everyone? You’ve changed, Hope. This isn’t you.”

I squared my shoulders. “I don’t care what you think. I came here for Amber, and that’s it. Do me a favor and stay out of my life.”

Derek’s hands curled into fists, and I could see the tension in his muscles. But Hunter stepped slightly in front of me, a silent warning.

“I mean it,” I added firmly. “Do not come near me again.”

Derek’s nostrils flared, his eyes burning. But for the first time, he seemed to realize I wouldn’t back down.

Hunter didn’t move. He just kept his eyes on Derek, ready to strike if needed.

I felt a strange warmth inside me. Not from Derek. Not from anger. From the fact that someone actually had my back.

“Let’s go,” I whispered to Hunter.

He nodded, his grip on me protective and gentle at the same time.

We barely took a step toward the door when a deep growl tore through the room, and before I could blink, Derek lunged at Hunter, the both of them crashing onto the floor of the morgue.