The Alpha's forbidden omega mate - Chapter 242: Chapter 242

Derek POV:
“Let’s go!” Carson yelled, his golden eyes blazing with determination as he charged into the fight.
His claws extended, his wolf a powerful golden creature, snarling a challenge to the shadows.
He’s showing off for her, my wolf growled jealously, wanting to prove himself, to defend her, to claim what he couldn't have.
We fought our way through the shadow warriors, a whirlwind of fur and fangs, snarls and growls.
The air crackled with magic, and the smell of blood and ozone filled the air.
I stayed close to Isabelle, my wolf’s instincts guiding me, my body shielding hers, my claws and teeth a blur as I took down one shadow warrior after another.
The thrill of the fight, the adrenaline rush, was a temporary distraction from the fear and worry that gnawed at me.
“She’s watching you, Derek. She sees your strength. Your loyalty. Your… love, “my wolf purred, reminding me of the choice she’d made, a choice that was tearing me apart.
We burst through the palace doors. The grand hall, once beautiful and magnificent, was now a ruined shell.
Its marble floors were cracked and stained, its tapestries torn and faded, its chandeliers twisted and broken.
It was a testament to Damien’s power, the darkness that had consumed this place, a reminder of the battle that awaited us.
“Which way?”
I asked, my voice a growl, my eyes scanning the vast, echoing space, my wolf’s senses on high alert, listening for any sign that could lead us to Rowan and Catrina.
“This way,” Carson said, pointing to a grand staircase that spiraled upwards.
Its marble steps were cracked and broken, its once-ornate railing twisted and gnarled, a symbol of the chaos Damien had unleashed.
“I… I remember this place,” he said, his voice a hesitant whisper, his golden eyes clouded with fear and a longing I didn’t understand.
It was a reminder of the life he’d almost chosen, the path he’d almost taken, the betrayal that…
But I didn’t have time to think about his past, his secrets, his feelings for Isabelle.
Not now, not with Rowan and Catrina in danger, not with Damien’s shadow threatening everything we held dear.
“Then lead the way, Carson,” I growled, my voice filled with impatience and fear. “We’re wasting time.”
We followed him up the grand staircase.
The air grew colder and heavier, the smell of magic and decay and ancient power growing stronger with each step. It was a reminder of the darkness that awaited us, the battle we had to fight, the love we had to reclaim.
When we reached the top of the stairs, a massive oak door loomed before us.
Its surface was carved with ancient runes that pulsed with a green light – a symbol of Damien’s power, the gateway to his inner sanctum, the heart of his darkness.
I knew then that we were about to face a truth that would change everything, a love that defied all odds, a power that would either save us or destroy us all.
But as we stood there, our wolves, their scents mingling, their breaths echoing in the silence, their eyes reflecting our hopes and fears, a sudden wave of wrongness washed over me.
It made my wolf snarl, his hackles rising, his instincts screaming a warning.
The scent… it had changed.
The air, once thick with the musk of werewolves, of Damien’s dark magic, of Catrina’s lavender and vanilla, was now empty. Sterile.
Devoid of any trace of life.
“They’re… gone, Derek,” my wolf’s voice was a mournful howl in my chest. The realization made my heart clench with fear. “They’re… not here.”
“What is it, Derek?” Isabelle whispered, her hand reaching out. Her touch, a spark of warmth, reminded me of the forbidden love between us, a connection I couldn't allow, a destiny that was denied.
“What do you… sense?”
But before I could answer, before I could voice the fear that was growing inside me, a shadow fell over us, cold and menacing.
It made my wolf whimper and his claws dig into the marble floor. It was a primal instinct to flee, to hide, to escape the inevitable.
And as I turned, my gaze drawn to the figure who stood behind us, a figure cloaked in shadows, his crimson eyes burning into mine, his smile a cruel, triumphant smirk, the weight of his words, a chilling confirmation of my worst fears, echoed in the silence of the ruined palace.
It was a graveyard of broken dreams, a testament to a love that was lost.
“Looking for… something, Magnus?” Damien’s voice was a silken purr, mocking our hope, our love, our everything.
“I’m afraid… you’re… too late.”
I didn't hesitate. Rage roared through me, a primal fury fueled by the need to protect Isabelle, to avenge Rowan.
I lunged at Damien, my wolf a blur of golden fur and fangs.
But he was ready for me. He deflected my attack with a wave of his hand, a surge of dark magic sending me crashing into a wall.
Pain exploded in my chest, knocking the breath out of me.
He’s too strong, Derek. My wolf whimpered. We’re no match for him.
Damien laughed, a cold, cruel sound.
“You’re a fool, Derek Magnus,” he sneered, his crimson eyes blazing.
“Did you really think you could defeat me? You and your pathetic pack?”
He raised his hand, dark energy swirling around his fingertips, ready to strike.
“No, Derek!” Isabelle shouted, her voice full of fear.
But it was too late. Damien unleashed a blast of magic, a wave of pure darkness that slammed into me, sending me flying backwards.
I hit the floor hard, the air knocked out of my lungs, the taste of blood filling my mouth. I could feel my bones cracking, my wolf whimpering in pain.
He’s going to kill us, Derek. My wolf’s voice was a whimper of despair.
“Get away from him, you monster!”
Henri’s voice, a roar of fury, echoed through the palace. He lunged at Damien, his silver fur gleaming, his amber eyes blazing with a father’s rage.
“Henri, no!” Maggie screamed, her voice laced with fear.
But Henri didn’t hesitate. He slammed into Damien, knocking the sorcerer off his feet.
The impact reverberated through the chamber, a clash of magic and primal fury.
“You’ll pay for what you’ve done, Damien!” Henri roared, his claws slashing, his fangs bared.
“You’ll pay for hurting my daughter!”
Damien snarled, his crimson eyes burning with hatred.
“You’re a fool, Henri Blanc,” he hissed.
“Just like your pathetic daughter. You think you can defeat me? I am a master of magic! You are nothing but a weak, insignificant omega!”
He raised his hand again, and a bolt of dark energy shot towards Henri.
But Henri was ready. He dodged, his movements swift and agile, his wolf’s instincts guiding him.
“I may be an omega, Damien,” Henri growled, his voice a low rumble.
“But I’m not weak. And I’ll protect my family, even if it means dying for them.”
He lunged again, his claws raking Damien’s arm, drawing a hiss of pain. Damien staggered back, his magic faltering for a moment, his control over the shadows weakening.
“You… you dare defy me, you pathetic mutt?” Damien roared, his voice shaking with fury.
“This isn’t over, Damien,” Henri snarled, his amber eyes blazing. “You can’t hide from us forever. We’ll find Catrina. And we’ll make you pay for what you’ve done.”
He grabbed my arm, hauling me to my feet.
“Come on, Derek,” he said, his voice urgent. “We have to get out of here. He’s too strong for us now.”