BOUND TO THE RUTHLESS ALPHA

chapter 12

Darius's POV

I scrolled through article after article, video after video and all I kept seeing was: “The Patriarch strikes again.” Four more wolves ripped apart like they were nothing.

My jaw clenched so hard I thought my teeth might crack.

I could feel it deep within me, my wolf was fighting to take control, he was restless. If I stayed in here another second, I’d break something. Or someone.

I slammed my laptop shut, grabbed my car keys and phone. My breaths were ragged, uneven as I walked.

The moment I stepped out of my office, I pulled out my phone and dialed Sam's number.

Sam was my really close friend and personal advisor in the company. He was welcomed at home and was like a brother to me. He and Dante.

“Sam,” I barked the second the line connected, striding down the hall. “Meet me at the parking lot outside the office right now. I’m going to Adiba Street.”

There was a pause, before Sam's voice came through. “What? Darius—Adiba Street? The Patriarch was just there! Why the hell would you—”

“Don’t ask questions,” I growled, cutting him off. My reflection in the elevator doors showed how furious I was. “Meet me outside. Now.”

I didn’t wait for his reply. I cut the call and shoved the phone into my pocket, stepping into the lift. My hands itched with the need to tear something apart.

I strode through the lobby, some of the staff greeted me as I passed.

“Good morning, sir.”

“Good morning, Alpha.”

I didn’t return a single word, my patience was thinner than paper. Their voices sounded like background noise.

Adiba Street was the only thought that mattered. The Patriarch’s trail was there and if I didn’t move now, then what the hell was I even doing as Alpha?

The automatic doors opened as I got close and then I stepped out of the building. My sleek, black Porsche waited in the lot, gleaming under the pale sun.

I walked toward it, tossed my keys in my hand, and slid into the driver’s seat. But I didn’t start the engine. I was waiting for Sam.

Through the windshield, I spotted Sam, a tall, blonde haired man, rushing across the lot, his shirt half-untucked like he’d run straight from his desk.

He threw open the passenger side and dropped into the seat, slamming the door behind him.

“Get in,” I muttered.

“I’m already in,” he shot back, breathless, then turned to me. His brows were pinched, concern all over his face. “Dude, I don’t think this is a good idea. Adiba Street? The Patriarch was just there. He’s dangerous, Darius.”

“I don’t care.” My hands tightened on the wheel so much that my knuckles turned white. The wolf inside me snarled at the mention of that name. “I don’t care. That's the exact reason I'll go there.”

Sam let out a sigh. “I hate him too, Darius. We all do. He’s killing our kind, and no one is okay with that. But just charging into his trail? We’ve been tracking him for years. Even the police haven’t found him. What makes you think—”

I snapped my head toward him. “Do you think I’m weak?”

His face softened immediately. “No. You’re anything but weak, Darius. You know that. But you also know what I mean. This isn’t—”

“I’m going.” My voice left no room for argument.

I jammed the key into the ignition and the Porsche growled to life. I could feel my wolf surging within my body, all the way to my finger tips.

Sam looked at me. “Darius, you're losing it. Look at your hands—your claws. Are you even sure you can drive like this?”

I flexed my fingers around the wheel, forcing them back, barely. “I’m still in control.” I glared at him. “I’ll drive.”

But deep down, I didn't think I was in control anymore.

Sam shook his head under his breath, but he didn’t argue again.

And then, I began to drive. I drove out of the company's premises and into the streets. The streets blurred passed as I drove, and at the same time my wolf was struggling to go on a rampage.

It always happened when I was stressed, angry, or tense. And right now, I was all three.

Beside me, Sam stayed unusually quiet. I could feel his eyes on me every now and then, like he was checking to see if I was about to lose it.

I pressed harder on the accelerator, the Porsche roaring as we shot down the street.

“Darius..

” Sam finally muttered. “You good?”

I didn’t answer.

A few minutes later, the flashing lights ahead forced me to slow down. Police trucks lined the road, blocking Adiba Street completely. Boom barriers and warning triangles stretched across the asphalt with a bold NO ENTRY painted on a sign.

Officers moved around the scene.

I cursed under my breath and pulled the car to a stop. Shoving the door open, I climbed out. The air smelled of blood even from here.

I spotted a familiar officer standing near the barrier—Mr. Kenneth. He stiffened as soon as he saw me.

“I need to go through,” I told him immediately.

“Mr. Darius Dovenia… I’m sorry, but we can’t let anybody pass. The police are still investigating.”

I stepped closer, meeting his eyes. “Mr. Ken, you know how important this is to me. Any scrap of information could put me one step closer to the Patriarch. I need to pass.”

His expression flickered, but he held his ground. “I know, Alpha Darius. That’s why I’m speaking to you respectfully. You’re an Alpha and a reputable man. I know you hate the Patriarch as much as anyone. But you need to let us do our job. Once the police are finished, I’ll personally give you the information.”

My jaw clenched. “Mr. Officer Kenneth, I need to pass. Do not forget that the government authorized me to be able to take part in these investigations concerning the Patriarch.”

Mr. Kenneth finally stepped aside.

“Fine. But please be careful. We’ll give you a few minutes. Do whatever you have to do, then leave.”

I gave him a curt nod. “Thank you.”

Sam and I slipped past the barrier. The second my shoes touched the ground beyond it, the metallic smell of blood hit me. My wolf stirred violently, pressing against my ribs like it wanted to take over right there.

We followed the trail as thick, dark stains smeared across the cracked pavement, a grotesque path that led deeper into the street. My fists clenched. The Patriarch had been here. He killed innocent wolves and ripped out their hearts.

My chest heaved as I looked at the ground, then at the walls. There were scratches and blood stains on the walls. The wolves must have struggled or tried to fight.

A low growl rumbled in my throat. I didn’t even realize it until Sam touched my arm.

“Darius…” he muttered with widened eyes. “Look at your claws, dude. You can barely hold them in.”