Chapter 25 Derrick Lancaster

(Derrick POV)

After the meeting with the Clan of Wolves, I went down to the local pub. Nothing else to do in this boring village. Anyway, after seeing Alexander and his new Luna, I felt the need to release some of this tension. A couple of brews and some shots should do the trick. Maybe find a nice she-wolf to spend the night with.

Alexander Ulrich. Ever since we were children, we were pitted against one another. Alexander had to be the best in almost everything. Everyone liked Alexander. What was not to like? He was a handsome bloke, smart, rich and was downright charming. I wager we would have been mates if we weren't at each other's throats. Alexander was even a favorite of my dad. "Why can't you be more like Alexander?" He would always say. Perish the thought. Who would want that much responsibility? No not I.

I did like to win though and seeing the defeat in Alexander's eyes was a drug I loved having. See Dad? Alexander wasn't the best at everything.

The problem with Alexander, he planned too much. He wanted everything to be according to what he wanted. Well, not everything goes according to plan. Alexander had a taste of that when we were at university.

Leia was the most beautiful she-wolf any of us had the pleasure to meet at our high school graduation. Luciana's youngest sister who went to school in one of those snobby rich private schools in New York City. It was love at first sight for all of us. Especially Alexander.

She was tall, had pale skin that glowed like a pearl and long blonde hair that bounced at every movement. Her eyes were a deep blue almost violet and were framed with long lashes that grazed her cheeks when she fluttered them. Her legs went on forever. And her body? Perky breasts and a tight arse.

Alexander did everything to woo her. He practically was her slave. "Alexander, I want this. Alexander, do that." Leia played him for a fool. I heaved a sigh. Looks can be deceiving. Under all that beauty was an evil, manipulative, snotty little bitch.

We were at university in London when Alexander caught us shagging at the fraternity party we were attending. I'll never forget the look of disgust on his face nor when Leia chased after him with my cum dripping down her long legs.

The next night after the fraternity party, I woke up to someone banging on the door of my flat.

"Who is it?" I howled while scratching my head, annoyed at being interrupted.

"Me." I heard Leia's voice through the door. I ran my fingers through my hair in frustration. I unlocked the door and let her in.

"What do you want, Leia? I'm busy."

"My parents called. They are really angry about what happened with Alexander. They're threatening to cut me off if I don't fix this."

"And pray tell, how are you going to fix this? Alexander is never going to take you back after he saw US shagging last night. I doubt if he hasn't heard of your affair with your professor." Her eyes widened in shock. "Walls have eyes, you know. And you my darling are never careful."

"I need YOU to make ME your MATE," she said, her mouth in a frown.

I start laughing. So loud in fact that I woke up the woman sleeping with me upstairs in my bedroom. "Derrick, darling, what's going on?" The woman emerged clutching the sheets around her naked body.

"Nothing, sweet. Go back into the bedroom. I just need to talk to my, uhm, friend." She goes back into the room and I face Leia who now had an evil twinkle in her eye.

"You know Derrick, you and I are the same. We can "mate" and you can go on with your indiscretions while I can go on with mine. I come from a wealthy family. Half of mine will be yours." Leia sits down on my sofa and puts one long leg of hers over the other. "It will be an arranged mating. I will only need to produce an heir. There are ways to go about that without actually having to fuck."

I look at her. Makes sense. I was about to agree with her when my wolf intervened.

"No, Derrick. Each wolf has a mate. The half to make us whole. She is not our mate. It sounds like a good deal now, but you will be miserable forever. I can't even stand her scent."

"Well, Derrick. I'm waiting," Leia said in a sing song voice.

I raise my hand to tell her I was thinking about it. I looked at Leia. My parents would be very happy, but I wouldn't. They wouldn't be living with Leia, I would. She would be the death of me.

"No."

"I'm sorry. I didn't quite hear that Derrick."

"I said, no." This time I made my answer loud enough for her to hear.

"Did you hear what I just said? Half of mine is yours."

"Leia, what do you actually have to offer me that I don't already have? I will be Alpha of my pack soon while you..."I swirl my finger in front of her, "will be someone's mistress."

"How dare you!" She screeched.

"Oh, I dare anyone. Even Ulrich. As much as I dislike Ulrich, I did him a favor for exposing you for the selfish little skank you really are. Like you were a virgin when I fucked you. How many boys from that snobby private school have had their go with you? Eh?"

"You sanctimonious bastard!" She stands up and tries to slap me in the face. I grab her arm.

"Mark my words Derrick Lancaster. I will make you pay. Now let go of me." I let go of her arm and walk towards the door of my flat and open it.

"Leia, you were a good romp. When you need a booty call, keep me in mind. Yeah? Now leave." She storms out the door and I silently prayed I'd never see or hear from her again.

Alexander and I finished University without seeing Leia again. Alexander took to his books and graduated with honors. I did more partying than studying, but still finished. As for Leia, I heard she dropped out of school and went back to New York to be a ramp model.

When I arrived back in the US, I bumped into her brother. Asked how Leia was doing. He looked down and said he was forbidden to talk about her. Obviously, Leia had become an outcast. How? I could never get a straight answer.

Well, everyone has moved on. I'm guessing Leia has too, wherever the hell she is. Alexander Ulrich, that lucky sonofabitch, found a mate more beautiful than Leia and she's an Alpha too. She smelled so good, so innocent. Moon Goddess, why couldn't it have been me?

Hope. While all other Alphas were in business attire or some form of it, she came wearing blue jeans, a white v-neck tee, with her hair in a messy bun on the top of her head. She just had a little lip gloss. A stunning natural beauty. Even in sneakers she was still tall. Her gold eyes reminded me of sweet honey. How in the world did Ulrich find her?

"That's what you call, fated mates. They were destined to find each other." My wolf, Hammer, said.

"She could have been mine."

"Ah, no Derrick. She's not fated to be yours. If you clean up your act, then maybe the Moon Goddess will take pity on us and help us find our mate."

"Well, I pray she's as pretty as Hope."

"Hi Alpha Derrick Lancaster!" A pretty she-wolf greets me, breaking my thoughts. She sits down beside me with her hand on my thigh. Not as stunning as Hope, but she will have to do.

I down my shot. I put my hand on her thigh. "Shot?"

___________________

I woke up beside the she-wolf I met at the bar, both of us naked. I yawn. I forgot her name. I shower, get dressed, leave some money for her and leave. I hope she's gone by the time I get back.

It's early. Might as well get some breakfast. I head to Angela's, order some coffee and pie, read some emails and watched the news. What can I do today? Hope said she's picking her father up at the hospital. I'll wait for her there.

I get into my car and drive towards the hospital. I'll see if I can get them to accept an invitation for lunch. If I play my cards right, I might be able to get some alone time with Hope.

It's 8AM. I ask the nurse if they have an Alarie. She says he's being discharged from the hospital as we speak. Good. It only means Hope will be here anytime soon.

I spot the Range Rover as it drives to the parking area and parks beside my car. And out from the driver's seat comes a pair of unblemished long legs in short shorts. She had a gray tee on, her hair in a pony tail with her sunglasses on the top of her head. Her face was clean of make-up. Just a little pink lip gloss on those smiling lips. I see a man look at her twice while walking away. Oh yes, America's Top Model is in town.

I see Alexander's Beta and Gamma get out of the car. Great. I have to deal with a couple of lap dogs.

I stand up, my face averted the other way so I won't be noticed. She was happily chatting away, her sing song voice entering the hospital like a song; the nurses at the station were looking at her dreamily.

I wait for the doctor to pass by and I purposely bump into her.

She bends down to pick her glasses up. Even the way she bends down is graceful. I stared at her legs...nice.

I think I stared a bit too long because here comes Alexander's guard dogs growling.

"Seems Alexander has sent his guard dogs to keep an eye on you."

"What do you mean Alpha Derrick? Oliver and David are my friends. Right boys?"

Oliver and David nod their heads not even blinking an eye.

"So what brings you here Alpha Derrick? Are you visiting someone?"

"I am not going to lie. I was waiting for you. I didn't want you to forget about the business dealing with your father."

"You could have just called the mansion. So you wouldn't have wasted your time."

"You will never be a waste of my time."

I don't think she heard what I said; she was off to give her parents a hug. Raised by humans. Such a fascinating she-wolf! The more and more I know of her, the more envious of Alexander I get.

According to Luciana, Alexander found her at an apple farm when he went to pick up an order he made for his sister. Everyone believed Adella's daughter to be dead. Dead one minute, alive the second. Evidently, Adella's daughter was being taken care of by a couple of humans who had no idea who she was or how special she was. The strangest thing though...no one knew, saw or even noticed a beautiful young woman with the Alarie's.

I remember Hope's father. I have seen him speak with my father while we were at Chelan. I have even seen Hope's Asian mother, but never Hope. Why didn't I see Hope?

"It's almost lunch. I would like to invite all of you to have lunch with me."

"Will there be steak? The hospital food is just awful," Jim asked.

"Whatever you want Sir." I look at Alexander's guard dogs. " You fellows know where Royal Crest is right? I'll see you there."

I follow Hope to the parking lot. She walks like a ramp model and wow, look at the arse!

I get into my car and drive off to Royal Crest. She may not be my mate, but I can enjoy her company for a few hours before I head home.

_________________

I arrive at Royal Crest. I tell the maitre d' to ready a long table at the patio. Alpha Hope Alarie-Ulrich is coming to dine here.

The maitre d' gave me a confused look. "Hope Ulrich? Luna Hope Ulrich?" He asked.

"Yes, Luna to Alexander and Alpha of Crescent Moon Pack."

"Alpha, I will prepare the best for her arrival." He bows.

"Thank you. Now hurry. She shall be here soon."

I sat at the bar and ask for some scotch. I saw the Range Rover drive into the parking lot. I was about to go to the entrance and welcome them when my phone rings. My mother.

"Hello, mum! I'm getting those apples you wanted."

I hear a high pitched laugh. "Hello Derrick! Miss me? Oh my dear, I have missed you oh so much."

"Who's this? Where is my mother?" I growled at the caller.

"Your mom is sleeping. She looks so peaceful in her sleep. I just borrowed her phone to give you a call." She paused. "Derrick Lancaster. Alpha Derrick Lancaster. That hurts to hear you don't remember me. You were more attentive when Alexander wanted me. You know Derrick, I know you're in Dark Moon Territory. I bet you are trying to grab the attention of the beautiful new Luna of Alexander."

"I don't know what you're talking about," I lied.

"You were always such a bad liar, Derrick. How about this? Let's play truth or dare. What do you choose Derrick? Truth or dare?"

I take out my other phone and start calling my Beta to check on my parents. It keeps ringing.

"Derrick, you cheater. Why are you calling your Beta? He won't answer you. He's asleep too."

I start to panic. A woman has taken my family hostage.

"I told you Derrick. I will make you pay." I hear her laugh again before she hangs up. The hairs on my neck stand up knowing who it was.

I run to the patio and apologize to Hope. I get in my car and start my journey back home. Leia, you bitch! You just had to come back!