MATED TO MY ALPHA MATE

New Threat

MATED TO MY ALPHA MATE

The sun’s rays peeked through the dense forest surrounding Derek’s mansion, casting dappled patterns on the ground. Inside, the tension was almost unbearable. The pack prepared for their mission to investigate the Blackwood Estate, but an unsettling energy lingered in the air.

Diva woke to the sound of hushed voices outside her door. Her sleep had been restless, plagued with fragmented dreams of the rogue leader’s sinister grin and Derek’s cryptic warnings about the curse. She rose and moved closer to the door, careful not to make a sound.

"We have to keep this from her," Derek’s deep voice said firmly.

"She’s part of this now," Mikael argued, his voice laced with frustration. "Keeping secrets will only put her in more danger."

"It’s not just about her!" Derek snapped. "If the rogues find out what she means to this curse, they’ll come for her with everything they’ve got."

Diva’s breath hitched. What I mean to the curse? Her mind raced, piecing together Derek’s words. She leaned against the door, her heart pounding.

---

The Breakfast Tension

The dining hall was unusually quiet. The pack members present exchanged uneasy glances, and Diva felt the weight of their stares as she entered. Derek sat at the head of the table, his expression unreadable. Mikael was by his side, his face tight with barely restrained anger.

"Good morning," Diva greeted, trying to sound casual as she took a seat.

"Morning," Mikael replied curtly, his gaze darting to Derek.

The silence stretched, suffocating. Diva decided to confront the issue head-on.

"What’s going on?" she asked, her voice firm. "I heard you two talking outside my room this morning."

Derek’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t look at her. Mikael, however, met her gaze.

"You deserve to know," Mikael began, but Derek cut him off.

"No, she doesn’t." His tone was icy, final.

Diva slammed her hand on the table, startling everyone. "Enough! If I’m part of this pack, I have a right to know what’s going on. What do I ‘mean’ to this curse, Derek?"

The room fell into stunned silence. Derek’s eyes burned into hers, a mix of anger and something else—fear? Finally, he spoke.

"The curse isn’t just about my family," he said slowly. "It’s about you too."

---

The Revelation

Diva’s heart raced as Derek explained.

"Years ago, before the curse was placed on the Blackwoods, there was a prophecy. It spoke of two souls—one bound to the curse, the other destined to break it. When the soothsayer announced you were my mate, I didn’t just see it as fate. I saw it as confirmation of the prophecy."

"Wait," Diva interrupted, her voice trembling. "You think I’m the one destined to break this curse?"

"I don’t think," Derek said grimly. "I know."

The weight of his words sank in, leaving Diva speechless.

Mikael cleared his throat. "There’s more," he said, his tone hesitant. "The prophecy also mentions a choice—one that could either save the pack or destroy it."

"What kind of choice?" Diva demanded, her voice rising.

"We don’t know," Derek admitted. "But the rogues believe you’re the key to finding the weapon. If they get their hands on you, they could use you to unleash something catastrophic."

Diva stood, her chair scraping against the floor. "So I’m not just your mate—I’m some kind of pawn in this twisted game?"

"You’re not a pawn," Derek said firmly, standing as well. "You’re more important than you realize. That’s why I’ve been trying to protect you."

"Protect me?" she scoffed, her eyes blazing. "You locked me in a room and kept me in the dark. That’s not protection—that’s control."

---

The Rogue’s Next Move

Meanwhile, in the rogue camp, the leader stood before his gathered warriors. The map of Derek’s territory lay spread out on a table, with the Blackwood Estate circled in bold red.

"The time has come," he announced, his voice cold and commanding. "Our spies have confirmed it—Diva is the one mentioned in the prophecy. We don’t need the weapon to destroy Derek’s pack. We just need her."

A ripple of excitement ran through the rogues.

"But capturing her won’t be easy," the leader continued. "Derek will protect her with everything he has. We’ll need to draw him out first. And when he’s vulnerable, we strike."

One of the younger rogues stepped forward. "How do we draw him out?"

The leader’s scarred lips twisted into a sinister smile. "We go after the one thing he values most—his family."

---

Family Tensions

Back at the mansion, Diva stormed out of the dining hall, needing space to process everything. Mikael followed her, his expression torn.

"Diva, wait," he called.

She turned, her arms crossed. "What now, Mikael? Are you going to tell me I should trust Derek?"

"I’m not saying that," Mikael said carefully. "But you need to understand that he’s under a lot of pressure. He’s trying to protect everyone, not just you."

"Well, maybe he should try trusting me for a change," she snapped.

Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Derek’s younger brother, Lucien.

"Ah, the infamous mate," Lucien said with a mocking grin as he approached. "I’ve heard so much about you."

"Lucien, not now," Mikael warned.

"Oh, but it’s the perfect time," Lucien said, his eyes gleaming. "Did Derek tell you about the deal he made with the council to secure his position as alpha?"

"What deal?" Diva asked, her stomach twisting with unease.

Lucien’s grin widened. "Let’s just say it involved a little...sacrifice."

"Enough, Lucien," Derek’s voice boomed as he entered the room.

Diva turned to him, her eyes blazing. "What is he talking about, Derek? What deal did you make?"

Derek’s expression darkened, but he didn’t answer.

Lucien smirked. "Looks like your perfect mate isn’t so perfect after all."

Before the argument could escalate, a scout burst into the room, panting heavily.

"Alpha," he said urgently. "The rogues are moving. They’ve set their sights on your family estate."

Derek’s face hardened. "Assemble the pack. We leave immediately."

He turned to Diva, his voice softening. "Stay here where it’s safe."

"No," she said firmly. "I’m coming with you."

"Diva, this isn’t up for discussion," he began, but she cut him off.

"I’m part of this pack, remember? And if I’m as important to this prophecy as you say, then I’m not staying behind while you fight my battles."

Derek stared at her for a long moment, then nodded reluctantly. "Fine. But stay close to me."

As the pack prepared for battle, Diva couldn’t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of something far worse.

To be continued.............