CHAPTER 208: CHAPTER 208

Mona paced her room like a caged wolf, her fingers twitching and her eyes clouded with rage and confusion.

Her heart raced, not out of fear, but out of frustration.

*I need someone to talk to. I’m going mad in here,* she thought, gripping the edge of a nearby table.

Throwing a dark cloak over her shoulders, she stormed out of her room. The guards outside instantly moved behind her like shadows.

She paused, turned sharply. "Don’t follow me. I need to be alone. I’ll be fine."

They looked at one another, uncertain.

"I said I’ll be fine!" she snapped, this time with the full authority of an alpha. They quickly stepped back, bowing slightly, not daring to argue.

Mona walked through the dimly lit corridors, her boots making soft echoes on the floor. Her mind was flooded with too many thoughts at once.

*Why now? Why is everything spinning out of control?

I need answers and I need them fast* Mona thought to herself.

She reached the door of the old physician’s chamber and the guards there froze when they saw her.

Without waiting for their words, she addressed them.

"I need to speak with him. Alone. Step away from the door."

They obeyed without a word, quickly moving out of earshot.

Mona knocked firmly.

The door creaked open moments later. The old physician blinked in surprise at the sight of her.

"Alpha Mona... you honor me," he said, stepping aside to let her in.

She entered without a word. The air in the chamber was thick with herbs, smoke, and secrets.

"I need answers," Mona said sharply, her tone leaving no room for delay.

"And I want you to speak to me with nothing but truth. No riddles. No flattery. Just the truth."

The old man gave a slow nod. "I will speak as you’ve asked."

Mona stood there, staring into his eyes.

"I’ve been thinking about Derrick. His return. His power. And the enemies circling around me. Tell me honestly, am I out of my depth?"

The old man’s face was unreadable. He hesitated for a breath, then spoke.

"You are alpha now. You hold power many can only dream of. But..."

Mona raised an eyebrow. "But what?"

"But that does not make you invincible," he finished. "Especially not against Derrick."

Mona narrowed her eyes. "So, you think I’m not strong enough?"

"I didn’t say that," he replied carefully. "I said Derrick is dangerous. He’s unpredictable. A box of tricks.

And the only person I’ve seen match him step-for-step... is Alpha Theo."

Mona clenched her jaw. "I don’t need a comparison."

"I’m not comparing," he said calmly. "I’m warning. If Derrick returns as an enemy, it will not be a small fire. It will be war."

Mona looked away for a moment, lost in her own storm.

"I hate that he has this power over everything," she muttered. "He’s my husband, yet I barely understand him."

The old man nodded slowly. "Which is why I believe you need him beside you. Not against you.

Together, you two could be... unstoppable."

"But if he returns, that means giving up the alpha’s seat," she said bitterly. "I fought to be here. I bled to be respected."

He took a slow breath. "Then let me ask you something, Alpha Mona."

She nodded once, sharply.

"Would you not prefer to have a child of your own... who could inherit this legacy?

Who would be the future alpha, born from two of the most feared and respected leaders this pack has ever known?"

Mona froze.

The silence in the room grew thick.

Her eyes watered for the briefest second, but she blinked it away.

"I didn’t choose to be barren," she whispered, her voice cracking for the first time.

"If I could carry a child, I would... I would give everything for that."

The old physician leaned in gently. "I have something. An antidote. An ancient mixture.

It’s powerful. Rare. It has helped women like you before. But it only works under one condition."

Mona stared at him, desperate. "What condition?"

"You must bring Derrick back. You must reunite with him. The bond between you two must be... complete. Only then will it work."

Mona fell silent again, her eyes distant.

*So, I need Derrick back now? This life is so unpredictable* Mona thought.

"You mean... it’s possible?" she asked quietly.

"Yes," the old man confirmed. "Very possible. But it starts with a decision.

If you want him back, all it takes is a whisper. Word will spread, and I assure you, Derrick will hear it. He’s always listening."

Mona’s lips curled slowly into a cold, thoughtful smile.

"Then let’s do it," she said. "Starting tomorrow, we make it happen."

The old physician nodded in approval. "Together, you can rebuild a dynasty."

Mona stood, smoothing her cloak, strength returning to her eyes. "Thank you. For always being honest."

"You don’t need to thank me. My loyalty is to the pack and right now, that means you."

She turned and walked out, her steps lighter than when she came.

*Everything’s going to change now. No more games. No more doubts. I will have it all, my throne, my legacy, my child.*

As she walked through the moonlit path back to her quarters, the cool breeze kissed her skin, but it did nothing to cool the fire rising inside her.

She was halfway through the path when it happened.

"Mona."

The voice.

She froze.

Her heart skipped.

Every hair on her body stood.

Slowly, she turned.

And there he was.

Alpha Derrick.

Tall, broad, powerful and standing just a few steps away with that familiar cold smirk painted across his face.

That same smirk he wore the last time she saw him... before everything fell apart.

"Missed me?"

His voice was soft, but dangerous. A storm hidden behind charm.

Mona didn’t move.

She didn’t blink.

She just stared at him, like she was trying to see if he was real... or another nightmare.

But he was real... He was here And the game had just changed again.