*NEW* Chapter XXIII

Lydia's POV

I paced outside Derek's office, chewing on my nails, trying to find a way to convince him to let me visit the woman who had saved me. I had asked too many times, and every time, the answer was a short, resounding "no."

Frustrated, I considered running away. He had made it clear that I shouldn't leave, but would anyone really dare to stop a Luna?

The door swung open, and Derek's sharp voice interrupted my thoughts. "Stop pacing, I'm trying to work."

I looked at him sideways before he sighed and gestured for me to enter. He rubbed his forehead, exhaling heavily. "I'll probably regret this... but we'll go before dawn."

I gasped. "Swear?"

He nodded, and before he could say anything else, I jumped in excitement. "I'll bake something to bring them!"

Without waiting for a response, I ran off, thrilled beyond belief.

I came out carrying a huge basket, refusing Derek's help to carry it. He sighed, shaking his head as he watched me, the ever-stubborn woman. I ran back inside, gathering small packages of cookies before handing them to the driver and Derek's assistant—since Fabian had already been dismissed. Derek stood waiting, expecting his share, but I deliberately ignored him.

"Why are you so mean?" he asked, crossing his arms.

I smirked. "We're in a hurry, get in the car."

His presence in the backseat was not as uncomfortable as I had imagined. In fact, I could feel his gaze on me from time to time as he worked on his tablet, sending shivers down my spine. I told myself it was nothing, but the tension between us was undeniable.

As soon as we arrived, I jumped out, jogging to the door and knocking while Derek's watchful eyes followed my every move. Within a minute, the door opened, and the woman on the other side was taken by surprise before breaking into a warm smile.

"Lydia!" she greeted happily, then froze when she spotted Derek behind me.

He stepped forward, carrying the basket I had refused his help with earlier and handed it over without a word.

"Come in," she offered.

Derek, ever stubborn, shook his head. "We should go."

I pretended not to hear him, flashing a bright smile. "Thank you!" I said and stepped inside before he could stop me.

Behind me, I could feel his frustration simmering. I knew I would hear about it later, but for now, I savored my small victory.

Esther invited me to sit while she prepared a coffee. As I settled in, I took a moment to observe the house—its decor was peculiar, filled with objects and symbols I didn't recognize. There was an undeniable aura of mystery about the place.

Soon, Esther returned with two cups of coffee and sat beside me, her warm smile never faltering. I thanked her, then asked how she had been.

"I've been well," she replied, her voice light with happiness. "I was really hoping you'd come back. I didn't know how to reach you, especially with you being under Derek's protection."

I frowned slightly. "Derek says you're witches and forbids me from coming here."

Esther took my hand in hers, squeezing it gently. "If you were with me," she said softly, "I would also do everything in my power to protect you from the world. You are special, Lydia. There is danger out there, and there is something inside you that everyone wants."

A shiver ran down my spine. My mind flickered back to Arabella's eerie reaction to my eyes. I hesitated before asking, "What do you mean by that?"

Before Esther could answer, another woman descended the stairs. She shot me an annoyed glance, clearly displeased by my presence. "You know a pack of wolves might come looking for her any minute," she said coldly.

Esther sighed and gave her a pointed look. "They brought her here. Be polite."

Then, with a discreet glance in my direction, she added, "She is the carrier."

The other witch's expression shifted from irritation to shock. She moved closer, staring intently into my eyes, as if searching for something hidden within them. I swallowed, overwhelmed with questions, wanting to know exactly what this all meant.

Before I could speak, the doorbell rang, followed by a knock.

Esther rose swiftly and went to answer it, tension thick in the air.

Derek's POV

I paced impatiently outside, frustration simmering as I waited. Lydia was taking too long. What could they possibly be talking about? Witches were sneaky and greedy—that was all I knew. The combination of both had nearly brought the world to its knees once before.

After a while, I'd had enough. I rang the bell, then knocked impatiently. The door swung open, revealing Esther. She sighed as she took me in, her expression unreadable.

"Alpha Derek," she greeted, waiting for me to respond.

"I want Lydia outside. Now."

She studied me for a moment before speaking. "Do you even know what you have in your hands?"

I tensed, confused and anxious. "She's my mate."

Esther tilted her head. "Do you really think your wolf returning and your legs working again is a coincidence?"

I clenched my jaw. "That's none of your business."

Her expression softened. "Just protect her. No matter what. We are not your enemies."

I scoffed. "I don't need you to remind me of that."

She sighed. "Do you still believe in fate, Alpha?"

I exhaled sharply. "Fate has let us down."

"It's not over yet," she murmured before disappearing inside. A few moments later, Lydia emerged, shooting me a dirty look before rolling her eyes. She hugged Esther tightly, then walked briskly toward the car.

The ride home was silent. But my mind wasn't.

Esther's words haunted me. I didn't know why, but I felt the same urge—to protect Lydia, no matter what. Even if she didn't want me as her mate.

I thought about the upcoming trip I had planned. With Vanessa and Caleb on their honeymoon, and Fabian MIA, I had no choice but to take Lydia with me.

Once inside the house, I suggested it. "Pack your things. You're coming with me."

Lydia frowned. "Why?"

I hesitated before saying, "It would be good for you to see more of the world."

I already knew better than to say it was for her protection.

She raised an eyebrow. "Where are we going? Paris?"

I chuckled. "No, but it will be cold."

For the first time, she didn't argue. Instead, she smiled—genuinely smiled—before skipping off to her room.

I walked into my office, ready to sink into my chair, but stopped short. A plate of cookies sat on my desk, a small card beside it.

"Thank you for taking me there."

I smirked, shaking my head before taking a bite.