The Hunt Begins
963 Words
Chapter TWO;
Derek stood at his office window, watching the sunrise paint the sky pink and gold. The sight should have been peaceful, but his mind was a storm of conflicting thoughts. His phone buzzed constantly with messages from Edward in Japan. The business deal with Hira Mashi was going perfectly, bringing millions into Legend's Conglomerates. Too bad Derek couldn't focus on anything except the white wolf sleeping in his dungeons.
"You're up early." Bianca's voice made him turn. She entered his office without knocking, as usual. Her silk evening dress was wrinkled and her lipstick smeared. She'd been with Lucien again, probably in one of the guest rooms.
"Couldn't sleep." Derek didn't bother to hide his irritation. "How's our guest doing?"
"Stubborn as always." Bianca poured herself coffee from Derek's private machine, adding three sugars like she lived here. "She passed out after the second hour of questioning. Lucien had to throw cold water on her twice."
Derek's wolf stirred uneasily. He pushed down the feeling. "Maybe we should try a different approach."
"Like what?" Bianca settled into the leather chair across from his desk, crossing her long legs.
"Her friend. The little redhead is still alive, right?"
Bianca's eyes lit up with excitement. "Oh, that's perfect. Nina cares more about others than herself. Classic hero complex. We could really hurt her by hurting someone she loves."
Derek's jaw tightened. He'd ordered his men to capture both girls after the car chase, but something about using Fey as leverage felt wrong. Even if Nina was a thief who'd betrayed his trust, torturing an innocent girl crossed a line. Some part of him know this was wrong, but the other part felt betrayed and hurt.
"Sir?" A guard knocked on the heavy oak door.
"Come in."
The young man entered nervously. Derek recognized him as Kamal, one of the newer pack members. He had kind eyes and a gentle manner that reminded Derek of his own father.
"The prisoner is awake, Alpha. She's asking for water."
Bianca laughed, the sound sharp and cruel. "Let her ask. Maybe she'll get thirsty enough to tell the truth."
Derek studied Kamal's face. The guard looked uncomfortable, shifting his weight from foot to foot. His scent carried notes of distress and sympathy. Good. At least some of his pack members still had consciences.
"Give her water," Derek decided. "And bread. I want her strong enough to have a real conversation."
"Derek!" Bianca's voice rose in protest. "You're being too soft. She'll think you're weak."
"I'm being practical." Derek's alpha voice carried authority that made both Kamal and Bianca lower their eyes automatically. "Dead prisoners can't confess. Weak prisoners can't handle proper interrogation."
After Kamal left with visible relief, Bianca moved closer to Derek's chair. Her perfume was too strong, making his sensitive wolf nose wrinkle.
"You're going soft on her," she accused. "I can see it in your eyes when you look at her."
"Don't be ridiculous."
But Derek knew Bianca was right. Something about Nina made his wolf restless in ways he didn't understand. He didn't know why he felt this way about her. Even now, knowing she'd stolen from him and lied to his face, part of him wanted to carry her away from all this pain.
His phone rang, interrupting the uncomfortable moment. Edward's name flashed on the screen along with his photo - both men grinning after closing a major deal last year.
"I have to take this."
"Derek?" Edward's voice came through clearly despite the distance. "How are things at home?"
"Fine. Everything's under control. How's the deal progressing?"
"Almost finished. Hira is impressed with our offer. We should have the contracts signed by tomorrow." Edward paused. "But Derek, about the girl you're holding..."
Derek's grip tightened on the phone. His knuckles went white. "What about her?"
"Maybe you should wait until I get back before doing anything permanent. Let me investigate the theft properly, with fresh eyes."
"She was caught red-handed with the seal, Edward."
"Was she really? Or was she just in the wrong place at the wrong time?"
The line went quiet except for the faint crackle of international connection. Derek stared out at the forest beyond his window, remembering the night he'd first met Nina. She'd been attacked by a rogue wolf near the refugee camp. Derek had shifted and torn the attacker's throat out, then held Nina while she shook with fear and adrenaline.
Later, walking her back to safety, they'd talked and laughed like old friends. She'd teased him about his serious expression, calling him her "danky man" because he wouldn't smile. He'd called her princess because of the way she held herself, proud despite having lost everything.
That night, he'd almost kissed her. If his phone hadn't interrupted them with pack business, he might have claimed her as his mate right there under the stars. Those moments was beautiful, when he stared at her at moment nothing seems to matter.
"Derek? You still there?"
"Yeah." Derek's voice was rough. "I'm here."
"Just think about it, okay? Something feels off about this whole situation."
The line went dead. Derek set down his phone and rubbed his temples where a headache was building.
Bianca was watching him with calculating eyes. "Edward always was too soft. That's why you're the Alpha and he's just the Beta."
"Edward's instincts are usually good."
"His instincts are clouded by his mate bond with the redhead. Of course he wants to believe they're innocent."
Derek had forgotten about that detail. Edward had claimed Fey as his mate the night of the refugee event. That would definitely affect his judgment about Nina's guilt, he would want to protect his mate’s best friend.
But it didn't explain the doubt growing in Derek's own mind.
- Writer
