*NEW* Chapter XXVIII

Lydia's POV

I didn't know what to expect from Derek, but I was jaw dropped by his firmness and wisdom. Yet, deep inside, I feared he wouldn't make it. The Alpha of the Snow Wolf Pack was too confident.

I reached out, resting a hand on his shoulder, feeling his tension ease under my touch. Derek turned toward me, something soft in his expression, and before I knew it, he leaned into my embrace—a rare moment of vulnerability.

I didn't have the heart to reject him. For the first time, he wasn't the untouchable Alpha, the hardened warrior. He was just a man burdened by expectations.

"I don't even want the throne," he murmured against me. "But I won't let him take it. Maybe it's the past, maybe it's trauma, but I just... can't."

I tightened my hold, engulfing him in my arms. "Then don't let him. But whatever happens, you won't face it alone."

Derek's POV

The ballroom was alive with chatter, a sea of alphas, betas, and diplomats moving fluidly between discussions. The air was thick with tension, alliances forming and dissolving in mere seconds. I was standing near the bar, listening to an elder discuss the restructuring of rogue containment policies when I heard a sharp intake of breath.

I turned just in time to see Lydia stiffen, her body frozen in place. A tall, broad-shouldered alpha stood beside her, a cocky smirk on his lips as his hand lingered on her waist.

"Arabella," he drawled, his fingers pressing into her side. "It's been too long. Didn't expect to see you here."

Lydia's eyes were wide with shock, her lips parted as she struggled to find words. She took a step back, but the alpha's grip tightened slightly.

I was moving before I could think. The crowd seemed to part instinctively as I reached them, my body thrumming with barely contained rage.

"Remove your hand," I said, my voice dangerously low.

The alpha turned, his smirk faltering slightly when he realized who I was. "Derek," he greeted, still not moving away from Lydia. "Didn't recognize your mate. She looks just like—"

I snatched his wrist before he could finish, my grip like iron. His smirk disappeared completely, replaced with a grimace of pain as I twisted slightly.

"If you ever touch her again," I growled, my voice carrying through the room, "I will break every bone in your hand before I rip it from your body."

The room had gone deathly silent. All eyes were on us now. The alpha hesitated, his gaze flickering between me and the others watching. He tried to keep his composure, but I could smell his fear now.

Slowly, he raised his free hand in surrender. "Relax, Derek. It was a mistake. I thought she was someone else."

"You don't make mistakes like that," I spat. With one final twist, I released his wrist, shoving him back a step. He stumbled but quickly regained his footing, anger flickering in his eyes. He wanted to retaliate—but he wouldn't. Not here. Not now.

Lydia pressed herself against my side, her breathing uneven. I exhaled slowly, forcing my wolf back down before I did something irreparable.

The tension remained thick in the air as I leaned down to Lydia. "Are you okay?"

She nodded quickly, but I could see the shaken look in her eyes. I turned back to the alpha, my gaze sharp. "Leave. Now."

He held my stare for a long moment before finally turning and disappearing into the crowd. Murmurs erupted around us, but I ignored them, focusing only on Lydia.

"Come on," I murmured, leading her away. "You shouldn't be out here alone."

As we moved toward the exit, I caught sight of Lars, the Snow Wolf Alpha watching with a knowing smirk—as if he had expected this. As if he was waiting for me to snap.

The game was only just beginning.