CHAPTER 210: CHAPTER 210

The breeze in the garden was soft, brushing against their skins like whispers from the trees.

Alpha Theo sat beside Kimberly, both of them quiet for a moment, enjoying the cool hush of evening.

That calm was broken when Elijah walked in with his usual serious stride.

"Alpha," Elijah said, bowing slightly, "Lucian and Steve are here."

Theo’s eyes lit up slightly. "Good. Bring them here to join us," he said, a pleased smile crossing his face.

Kimberly turned to him, her expression curious. "Were you expecting them before? And... why are they together?"

"Because we need men with power," Theo replied calmly.

"Men who are not afraid to face anything and anyone for the greater good . Both Lucian and Steve are hungry. They have something to prove."

Kimberly, seated across from him, leaned forward. "So what are we talking about with them?"

"They’ll give us updates. Things I can’t see yet," Theo answered.

"But more than that, I need your help, Kimberly. Watch them. Listen beyond their words. I need your instincts. I need to know their truth."

Kimberly gave a simple nod. "You’ll have it."

Moments later, Elijah returned, this time with Lucian and Steve walking behind him. They both looked sharp, their eyes alert.

They exchanged greetings respectfully and took their seats directly opposite Theo and Kimberly.

Theo didn’t waste time. "Let’s go straight to business. We don’t have time to waste."

Lucian and Steve both leaned forward slightly, listening intently.

"Steve," Theo began, "what have you found out about Mona lately?"

Steve’s eyes narrowed slightly as he answered. "She’s desperate. Hungry for support and any form of strength she can grab. It’s like her grip on the pack is slipping."

Kimberly’s voice cut in, curious and slightly challenging. "And what makes you think she’s losing control?"

"I’ve spoken to some of the pack elders," Steve replied.

"They’re not happy. They see her decisions as rash. Unstable. They don’t trust her leadership anymore."

Theo exchanged a glance with Kimberly. That was expected, but still unsettling to hear aloud.

He then turned to Lucian, his expression hardening. "Lucian, do you know why I asked you to be here?"

Lucian shook his head slightly. "No, Alpha. I was hoping you’d explain."

"I brought you here because if Mona truly is losing her grip," Theo said slowly, "then Derrick’s return is no longer just a rumor. It’s a matter of time."

At the sound of Derrick’s name, Lucian stiffened. His throat moved as he swallowed hard.

"Derrick won’t return as the man we once knew," Theo continued.

"He’ll come back darker. Smarter. More ruthless. If he sees a threat, he won’t wait to strike."

Lucian opened his mouth to respond, but Theo lifted a hand.

"That’s why I need you to stay under the radar. Don’t challenge him. Don’t stand out. Not yet."

"But... won’t acting weak ruin everything I’ve worked for?" Lucian asked, clearly torn.

"No," Theo replied calmly. "Acting weak is exactly what will keep you alive. Derrick kills threats.

But if you appear harmless, he’ll ignore you and that’s when you’ll strike."

Lucian leaned back, letting that sink in.

"I understand," he said softly. "I’ll wait. I’ll play along. And when the time is right, I’ll be ready."

Theo nodded, pleased.

He then turned his gaze to both men. "Now to the main question," he said, his voice turning cold and heavy.

"Are you both ready to work with me? To fight for a world where power is not used to enslave but to protect? There will be no turning back."

Lucian and Steve answered almost at the same time, without hesitation.

"I will rather die fighting for the greater cause than live like a coward watching everything crumble," Lucian said, his voice filled with fire.

"I’ve lived like a ghost for too long," Steve added. "You both brought me back to life. I will not waste this chance. Whatever you ask, I’ll do it."

Theo nodded slowly, his face unreadable.

Kimberly finally spoke, her voice calm but sharp.

"Good. You’ll both have our support. But remember this, power is never to be misused. If either of you abuse it, we’ll take it back ourselves."

"Understood," Lucian and Steve said together.

As Theo opened his mouth to continue, Kimberly’s phone buzzed.

She looked at the screen and frowned. "Theo, it’s Zack."

"Take the call," Theo said. "Tell him I’ll speak to him later. This meeting can’t be interrupted now."

Kimberly stood up quietly and walked toward the house to take the call.

As Theo turned back to speak, his own phone buzzed. He picked it up and read the message, his eyes narrowing.

"It’s from the supreme chief priest," Theo said aloud.

"He says there’s a matter of great urgency. We need to alert the moon goddess and set a meeting date."

He looked up slowly, eyes dark with curiosity.

*What could be so urgent that even the high priest is shaken?* Theo thought, rubbing his fingers across his jaw.

Meanwhile, Kimberly had stepped into the living room, answering Zack’s call.

"Zack," she said with a soft smile. "It’s been a while. How are you?"

"There’s no time for pleasantries, Kimberly," Zack’s voice came through, rushed and serious.

"The elders and the African sorcerers had a vision. Someone is getting close to you, someone dangerous.

You and Theo need to stay alert. If you let your guard down, it could be disastrous."

Kimberly froze. "What do you mean? Who is it?"

"We don’t know yet. But the danger is real. Be careful." Zack’s voice softened for a moment. "Please, Kim. Stay safe."

"Thank you, Zack. I’ll tell Theo. We’ll be careful," she said, ending the call.

She stood still for a moment, her heart racing.

*Who could it be? she thought. Lucian? Steve? Or... the woman who claimed to be my mother?*

Her brows furrowed, confusion clouding her thoughts. The quiet of the room seemed louder now.

She looked up toward the garden, where Theo was still talking to the others.

*Someone is getting close. But who?*

And just like that, the silence turned heavy with danger, with doubt, and with the slow-burning scent of something coming.

Something close.